If you’re tired of the same old BotoxⓇ appointments or wondering if there’s something more effective or faster acting on the market, you’re not alone. With the rise of innovative neurotoxins, many are asking: What’s better than Botox? In this article, we’ll compare two cutting-edge alternatives, LetyboⓇ and TrenibotEⓇ, to help you understand how they stack up and whether one might be the better option for your skincare goals.
Meet the Contenders: BotoxⓇ vs. What’s Next
Neurotoxins are a go-to ingredient in so many people’s anti-aging toolbox. Before we dive into the next generation of neurotoxins, here’s a quick overview of the tried and true ones.
BotoxⓇ is the gold standard for smoothing wrinkles for over 20 years. FDA-approved for multiple uses and widely trusted. Several other types of neurotoxins have been released since BotoxⓇ (see the table below). They all have slight modifications to improve the results and decrease the unwanted side effects. However, they are all Type A botulinum toxin, and BotoxⓇ remains the gold standard.
| Brand Name | Active Ingredient | Type | FDA Approval | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Botox® | OnabotulinumtoxinA | Type A | 2002 | Gold standard; most studied; 3–4 month duration |
| Dysport® | AbobotulinumtoxinA | Type A | 2009 | Spreads more than Botox; may kick in faster |
| Xeomin® | IncobotulinumtoxinA | Type A | 2011 | “Naked” toxin (no accessory proteins); lower antibody risk |
| Jeuveau® | PrabotulinumtoxinA-xvfs | Type A | 2019 | Marketed as “Newtox”; popular among younger patients |
| Daxxify® | DaxxibotulinumtoxinA-lanm | Type A | 2022 | Longest-lasting (6–9 months); peptide-stabilized formulation |
| Letybo® | LetibotulinumtoxinA | Type A | 2024 | Newest FDA-approved alternative; fast onset, similar duration |
So what Is the Next Generation of Neurotoxin That is Supposed to be Better Than Botox?
TrenibotEⓇ (trenibotulinumtoxinE) is a next-gen, fast-acting neuromodulator in late-stage review by the FDA. Allergan submitted its application for a biologics license with the FDA in April of 2025. The next generation neurotoxin is a Type E botulinum toxin. It targets the same wrinkles as BotoxⓇ, but the creators claim it starts working same-day. So you can walk out of the treatment room and, hours later, see tightening results. However, there is a tradeoff. Allergan’s data shows TrenibotEⓇ is not as long-lasting as BotoxⓇ and its other Type A neurotoxin cousins.
So What Is the Difference Between Type A and Type E?
Botulinum toxin Type A and Type E both work by stopping nerves from telling muscles to move, which helps smooth out wrinkles. They do this by blocking a special protein called SNAP-25, which nerves need to release a chemical called acetylcholine. Without that chemical, muscles can’t contract. That’s why these toxins are used to make faces look relaxed and younger.
But there’s a big difference in how long they last and how fast they work. Type A takes a few days to start working, but the effects can last 3 to 4 months. Type E works much faster, sometimes in just one day, but it wears off in just a few weeks. This is because Type E cuts SNAP-25 in a different spot than Type A, and the body can fix that faster. So, Type A is better for long-term results, while Type E might be good when you want quick, short-term changes.
💡 If you’re looking for staying power, BotoxⓇ is your go-to. But for ultra-fast effects, TrenibotEⓇ leads the pack.
Safety and Side Effects
Both neuromodulators are generally well tolerated.
- BotoxⓇ: Common side effects include mild pain, swelling, or temporary eyelid droop.
- TrenibotEⓇ: In Phase 3 trials (2,100+ patients), side effects were mild and comparable to placebo, even with repeat dosing.
✅ Bottom line: both are considered safe when administered by qualified professionals.
Speed: How Fast Do You See Results?
This is where TrenibotEⓇ shines.
| Product | Onset Time |
|---|---|
| BotoxⓇ | 3–5 days |
| TrenibotEⓇ | 8 hours |
If you’re prepping for a wedding, photoshoot, or big event, TrenibotEⓇ gives you smoother skin the same day.
Duration: How Long Does It Last?
This is where BotoxⓇ is still undefeated.
| Product | Duration |
|---|---|
| BotoxⓇ | 3–4 months |
| TrenibotEⓇ | 2–3 weeks |
This makes TrenibotEⓇ better for commitment-phobes—those new to wrinkle relaxers or wary of long-term effects. On the other hand, Botox remains the go-to for maintenance users wanting sustained smoothness.
Use Cases: Who Is It Best For?
| Product | Best For… |
|---|---|
| BotoxⓇ | Classic, proven results for wrinkle care |
| TrenibotEⓇ | Big events, first-timers, or “test drive” users |
TrenibotEⓇ isn’t a full replacement for BotoxⓇ. It’s more like a “weekend toxin,” great for fast fixes with minimal commitment.
So… Is Anything Really Better Than Botox?
The answer depends on your needs. TrenibotEⓇ could be for you want instant smoothing for a one-time event, or you’re nervous about committing to months of muscle freezing. But is it better than Botox? Scientifically speaking, no. TrenibotE is a niche disruptor, not a replacement, but a bold alternative.
References
Kim, J. J. et al. (2023). Structural basis for botulinum neurotoxin E recognition of synaptic vesicle protein 2. Nature Communications. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10125960
