Neurotoxins are the backbone of most med-spa revenue. But each product differs in speed of action, longevity, unit potency, and wholesale cost—factors that directly affect your patient experience, repeat-visit cadence, and margins. This guide compares the five FDA-approved neurotoxins currently available in the U.S. aesthetic market, so you can make informed stocking and pricing decisions.
Onset and Duration: Why Timing Matters
Onset (how fast results appear) and duration (how long results last) are the two variables patients ask about first—and they drive your scheduling and revenue predictability.
- Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA, Allergan): typically 3–7 days visible effect, full results by day 14; lasts ~3–4 months
- Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA, Galderma): often 2–3 days visible, full effect by day 7; lasts ~3–4 months
- Jeuveau (prabotulinumtoxinA, Evolus): 2–3 days visible, full effect by day 7; lasts ~3–4 months
- Xeomin (incobotulinumtoxinA, Merz): 3–7 days visible, full effect by day 14; lasts ~3–4 months
- Daxxify (daxibotulinumtoxinA, Revance): 2–3 days visible, full effect by day 7; lasts up to 6 months (unique advantage)
Interpretation: Dysport, Jeuveau, and Daxxify appeal to patients wanting faster results. Daxxify's extended duration reduces visit frequency—attractive for busy patients but potentially lower annual visit count. Botox and Xeomin's slower onset may suit patients who prefer gradual change.
Unit Potency and Dosing: The Math Behind Pricing
Not all units are equal. Unit potency varies by product, meaning the same anatomical area may require different unit counts.
- Botox: 1 unit = 1 unit (reference standard); typical glabellar dose ~20 units
- Dysport: ~2.5–3× less potent per unit than Botox; typical glabellar dose ~50 units (roughly equivalent effect)
- Jeuveau: similar potency to Botox; typical glabellar dose ~20 units
- Xeomin: similar potency to Botox; typical glabellar dose ~20 units
- Daxxify: similar potency to Botox; typical glabellar dose ~20 units
Interpretation: If you charge per unit, Dysport patients receive more units for similar results—you must adjust pricing accordingly or accept lower per-unit margins. Jeuveau, Xeomin, and Daxxify align with Botox dosing, simplifying cross-product comparisons. Always verify your specific wholesale cost per unit to ensure profitability.
Wholesale Cost and Margin Structure
Neurotoxin wholesale pricing varies by volume, contract terms, and distributor. Do not rely on list prices; negotiate with your supplier. Key factors:
- Volume discounts: larger orders typically yield 10–20% better per-unit cost
- Loyalty/exclusivity agreements: some manufacturers offer rebates or tiered pricing for higher market share
- Distributor markup: varies (typically 20–40% above manufacturer cost)
- Shelf life: Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, and Jeuveau require refrigeration; Daxxify is lyophilized (powder) and room-temperature stable, reducing waste and storage costs
Interpretation: Request current pricing from your distributor (e.g., Henry Schein, Medline, Galderma Direct) and calculate your cost per unit for each product. Room-temperature stability of Daxxify may reduce waste and improve cash flow. Compare net cost after volume discounts before committing to a product mix.
Market Position and Patient Preference
Each neurotoxin has carved a niche:
- Botox: market leader; highest brand recognition; most clinical data; preferred by conservative patients
- Dysport: faster onset appeals to patients wanting quick results; strong in competitive markets
- Jeuveau: newer entrant; marketed as "millennial Botox"; lower list price (historically); appeals to price-sensitive patients
- Xeomin: no additives ("naked" toxin); appeals to patients concerned about antibody formation; smaller market share
- Daxxify: longest duration; premium positioning; appeals to patients wanting fewer visits; growing adoption
Interpretation: Stock at least two products to offer choice and hedge supply risk. Botox remains the safest default. Daxxify's extended duration justifies premium pricing and may increase patient lifetime value. Jeuveau and Dysport compete on speed and price—useful for volume-driven practices. Xeomin serves a niche but smaller patient base.
Pricing Strategy: Per-Unit vs. Per-Area
Two common models:
Per-unit pricing: charge $X per unit (e.g., $12–$15/unit for Botox, $8–$12/unit for Dysport). Transparent, scalable, but requires patient education on unit counts.
Per-area pricing: charge a flat fee per anatomical region (e.g., $200–$300 for glabellar lines, $150–$250 for forehead). Simpler for patients, but requires you to absorb unit variance and product cost differences.
Interpretation: Per-unit pricing aligns cost with product potency and your wholesale cost. If using Dysport (more units needed), per-unit pricing protects your margin. Per-area pricing works if you standardize dosing and product mix. Most profitable practices use per-unit pricing and adjust the per-unit rate by product to maintain consistent margins (e.g., Botox $14/unit, Dysport $9/unit, Daxxify $16/unit).
Regulatory and Supply Considerations
All five neurotoxins are FDA-approved for glabellar lines (frown lines). Expanded indications vary:
- Botox: forehead, crow's feet, neck bands, hyperhidrosis, migraine
- Dysport: forehead, crow's feet
- Jeuveau: glabellar lines only (as of latest FDA approval)
- Xeomin: glabellar lines, forehead
- Daxxify: glabellar lines, forehead, crow's feet
Supply: All are manufactured by large pharmaceutical companies (Allergan/AbbVie, Galderma, Evolus, Merz, Revance). Check the FDA's official product database and your state's pharmacy/medical board for current approvals and any supply alerts. Verify your distributor's inventory and lead times before committing to a product mix.
Bottom line
Choose your neurotoxin mix based on onset speed, duration, unit potency, wholesale cost, and patient demand—then price per unit to maintain consistent margins across products.