Moxi is not a Fraxel laser. They are two separate devices made by different companies that use fractional laser technology in distinct ways. Moxi is manufactured by Sciton, while Fraxel is made by Solta Medical. The confusion is understandable because they share some underlying technology, and one of Moxi’s wavelengths actually overlaps with a Fraxel wavelength. But the two lasers differ in intensity, treatment targets, and who they’re best suited for.
How Moxi and Fraxel Compare
Both Moxi and Fraxel are non-ablative fractional lasers, meaning they create tiny columns of treated tissue in the skin while leaving surrounding areas intact. This “fractional” approach speeds healing because healthy skin surrounds each micro-injury and helps repair it. Neither laser removes the outer layer of skin the way a fully ablative laser would.
The key technical difference comes down to wavelengths. Moxi uses a single wavelength of 1927nm, which targets water in the skin and is especially effective at treating pigmentation in the superficial layers. Fraxel Dual uses two wavelengths: 1550nm and 1927nm. That extra 1550nm wavelength penetrates deeper and targets the collagen-rich layers beneath the surface, giving Fraxel Dual more versatility for treating textural issues, fine lines, and deeper concerns alongside pigmentation.
Think of it this way: Moxi and Fraxel Dual share half their toolbox (the 1927nm wavelength), but Fraxel Dual carries an additional tool that lets it work at a deeper level.
Intensity and Downtime
Moxi operates at lower energy levels than Fraxel, which is a deliberate design choice. A Moxi session takes roughly 20 to 30 minutes and is often called a “lunchtime laser” because downtime is minimal. Your skin will look mildly sunburned afterward, and most people return to normal activities quickly. Topical numbing cream is typically applied beforehand, though some patients skip it entirely because the discomfort is manageable.
Fraxel Dual is a more aggressive treatment. It delivers higher energy to create a stronger healing response, which means more redness, swelling, and peeling afterward. Recovery from Fraxel Dual generally takes a few days of noticeable skin changes, though it’s still considered mild compared to ablative options.
For context, there’s also a device called Fraxel Repair, which is a fully ablative CO2 laser and a much more intense procedure altogether. Fraxel Repair removes the outer layers of skin and requires one to two weeks of healing. When people talk about “Fraxel” casually, they could mean either the Dual or the Repair, so it’s worth clarifying which version a provider is recommending.
Who Each Laser Is Designed For
Moxi is positioned as a “prejuvenation” treatment. It’s designed for people who want to maintain youthful skin and address early signs of aging, sun damage, or uneven tone before those issues become pronounced. It’s a gentler entry point into laser treatments, popular with younger patients or anyone who wants subtle, cumulative improvement without significant recovery time.
Fraxel Dual is better suited for people with more established concerns: moderate sun damage, visible fine lines, acne scarring, or pigmentation that hasn’t responded to lighter treatments. Because it works at two depths, it can address both surface-level discoloration and deeper structural changes in a single session.
That said, Moxi’s gentleness gives it one notable advantage. It is safe and effective across all skin types, including darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick types I through VI). This matters because more aggressive lasers carry a higher risk of triggering post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in darker skin. Moxi’s lower energy levels reduce that risk significantly, making it a particularly valuable option for treating conditions like melasma, where the wrong laser intensity can actually worsen pigmentation.
What Each Laser Treats Best
- Moxi: Early sun damage, mild pigmentation, uneven skin tone, melasma, general skin maintenance, and texture refinement. Works best with a series of treatments rather than a single session.
- Fraxel Dual: Moderate to significant sun damage, fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars, deeper pigmentation issues, and skin texture irregularities. Typically delivers more noticeable results per session.
- Fraxel Repair: Deep wrinkles, significant acne scarring, and major texture concerns. This is the most aggressive option in the Fraxel family and involves the longest recovery.
Why the Names Cause Confusion
Part of the confusion comes from the word “fractional” itself. Moxi, Fraxel, and several other devices all use fractional technology, which simply describes the pattern of how laser energy is delivered to the skin. “Fraxel” is a brand name, not a type of technology, even though it’s become so well-known that people sometimes use it as a generic term for any fractional laser. Moxi uses the same general principle but is a completely separate product line with its own engineering and energy parameters.
If a provider describes Moxi as a “fractional laser similar to Fraxel,” that’s technically accurate, the same way two different cars can both be sedans without being the same vehicle. The shared 1927nm wavelength adds to the overlap, but the treatment experience, intensity, recovery, and ideal patient profile are different enough that choosing between them is a meaningful decision based on your skin goals and how much downtime you’re willing to accept.