ToxBoosters 101: What They Are and Whether You Need Them

You may have seen the term “ToxBooster” popping up on social media and medspa menus lately and wondered, wtf is that? If you’re curious whether this trending combo is worth the hype or just clever marketing, you’re not alone. In the following guide, we break down everything you need to know about ToxBoosters from what they are and how they work to any potential side effects and considerations. So, are you ready to get the most out of your neurotoxin treatment and see if a ToxBooster is right for you? Read on.

What Are ToxBoosters?

A ToxBooster is a combination therapy designed to enhance and prolong the results of injectable neurotoxins (e.g., Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, or DAXXIFY); it pairs a VI Peel with a neurotoxin / neuromodulator injection in the same appointment. Not familiar with a VI peel? It’s a branded medium-depth corrective chemical peel that utilizes powerful acids, like Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA), Salicylic Acid, and Retinoic Acid, to improve tone, texture, and pigmentation. By resurfacing the skin and stimulating renewal, the VI peel allows the neurotoxin to produce smoother, more uniform results. Together, the treatments work to reduce visible signs of aging, refine overall skin quality, and help outcomes look fresher for longer.

What Does The ToxBooster Treatment Entail?

ToxBoosters are performed by pairing a VI Peel with a neurotoxin treatment in the same appointment. The process typically begins with the VI Peel, which helps exfoliate the skin, stimulate cell turnover, and address concerns like discoloration or uneven texture. Once the peel application is complete, the provider administers the neurotoxin injections. Combining the two treatments allows the peel to create a smoother, more receptive skin surface while the neurotoxin works to relax targeted muscles. Used together, they can produce more even, refreshed results and help skin appear clearer for a longer time.

Does A ToxBooster Treatment Last Longer Than Botox or Other Neurotoxins?

Yes, it does! When paired with a VI Peel, a neurotoxin treatment can have extended and enhanced results. While neurotoxins work by relaxing targeted muscles to soften lines, the VI Peel boosts cell turnover, brightens discoloration, and smooths texture. Together, they create both deeper and longer-lasting improvement.

Botox alone typically lasts about three to four months, but a ToxBooster treatment can last around four to six months; this means you may need only two to three appointments per year instead of the usual three to four.

Is There Clinical Evidence Supporting ToxBoosters?

Yes. The Vitality Institute, founders of the VI Peel, sponsored a clinical study that evaluated the effects of combining a VI Peel with same-day neurotoxin injections. The study found participants reported noticeably enhanced results compared to neurotoxins alone. After just seven days, 100 percent saw smoother, more radiant skin and an overall improvement in look and feel, while 93 percent noticed fewer fine lines and a more youthful appearance. By day 30, all participants reported even greater improvement versus neurotoxin treatment alone, supporting the synergistic benefits of the ToxBooster approach.

Which Patients Might Benefit Most from a ToxBooster?

While the ToxBooster is suitable for all skin types and tones (in fact, nearly 70% of the clinical study participants were people of color), Dr. Kennedy says that, “patients who tend to metabolize neuromodulators quickly or want to extend the longevity of their toxin results would benefit the most from a ToxBooster—and may even save time and money by needing fewer appointments and fewer treatments over the course of the year.”

Are There Risks or Side Effects?

Most side effects from a ToxBooster treatment are related to the individual components — the VI Peel or the neurotoxin — rather than the combination itself. After the VI Peel, it is common to experience redness, tightness, tingling, and several days of peeling or flaking as the skin exfoliates. Temporary darkening of pigmentation or mild swelling can also occur as part of the normal renewal process. Neurotoxin injections may cause slight redness, tenderness, or small bruises at the injection sites. These effects are typically mild and short-lived, resolving within a few days, while peeling usually lasts about a week.

How Much Do ToxBoosters Cost?

It’s difficult to pinpoint an exact price for a ToxBooster because costs vary based on the provider, location, and the size of the area being treated. Botox on its own typically ranges from $400 to $900 per session, depending on how many units are needed for your specific concerns. Adding a VI Peel as part of the ToxBooster protocol typically costs an additional $300 or more. Altogether, most patients can expect a ToxBooster treatment to fall somewhere between $700 and $1,200.

Are ToxBoosters Safe to Combine With Other Injectables or Skincare?

Yes, it’s generally considered safe to combine a ToxBooster with other injectables or skincare treatments, but you’ll want to discuss with your provider because timing and sequencing matter. Since a ToxBooster already pairs a VI Peel with neurotoxin injections, additional treatments like fillers, microneedling, or lasers may need to be scheduled on different days to avoid irritation or overlapping downtime. Dr. Kennedy explains, “depending on a person’s individual aesthetic goals—whether that’s improving skin texture, boosting collagen, or addressing laxity—you may be able to layer additional treatments on top of the ToxBooster to further enhance results and create a more comprehensive, customized treatment plan.”

Are ToxBoosters Different From Pre-Tox or Post-Tox Treatment Plans?

Pre-tox and post-tox treatments refer to the skincare steps taken before or after a neurotoxin appointment to support healing and maintain results. Pre-tox plans may include avoiding certain medications, alcohol, or intense workouts and following a gentle skincare routine to minimize inflammation. Post-tox care often focuses on protecting the skin, avoiding pressure on treated areas, and pausing active ingredients until any redness or swelling subsides. Regardless of whether you’re getting a ToxBooster or not, you should always provider-recommended pre- and post-care is essential for optimal outcomes.

How Do Providers Determine Who Is a Good Candidate for a ToxBooster?

Providers determine whether someone is a good candidate for a ToxBooster by evaluating their skin type, treatment goals, and overall health. Ideal candidates are typically seeking both muscle-relaxing benefits from neurotoxins and improvements in tone, texture, or pigmentation that a VI Peel can address.

“I typically recommend a ToxBooster for patients who notice that their Botox wears off more quickly than expected or who want to get more longevity and consistency from their results,” says Dr. Kennedy. “By pairing neurotoxin with a VI Peel, we’re not only addressing muscle movement but also improving overall skin quality, which helps enhance and extend the effects of the toxin.”

What Should Patients Ask Their Provider Before Getting a ToxBooster?

As with any skincare treatment, it’s essential patients do their due diligence. Ask your provider whether your skin type and concerns make you a good candidate for combining a VI Peel with neurotoxin injections and what results you can realistically expect. You should also discuss timing, including when to resume your skincare routine and how to plan other procedures around the peeling and healing process. Questions about potential side effects, downtime, and how many ToxBooster treatments are recommended per year can help set expectations.