Comparison

Moxi Laser vs Fraxel

Both are non-ablative fractional lasers, and Fraxel is the predicate Sciton's 1927 nm laser was cleared against. Where they genuinely differ is depth, downtime and what each is cleared to treat.
Written & medically reviewed by the Dermapedia team
At a Glance

These two are closely related — closer than most comparisons on this site. When Sciton took its 1927 nm laser to the FDA, the device it was compared against to win clearance was Fraxel.

The practical difference is depth. Moxi runs at 1927 nm, absorbed by water very near the surface, so it works in and just under the epidermis. Fraxel Dual offers that same 1927 nm setting and a 1550 nm setting that reaches deeper into the skin.

So Fraxel can do more, and asks more of you. Moxi is the gentler, quicker-recovery option. Fraxel at its deeper setting does more for texture and scarring, with more downtime.

Moxi
Sciton, 1927 nm
Fraxel
Solta, 1550 nm and 1927 nm

What it is

Non-ablative fractional thulium laser

One wavelength: 1927 nm.

Non-ablative fractional laser, two wavelengths

1927 nm for surface pigment, 1550 nm for deeper work.

Both
Fraxel is the predicate device Sciton's 1927 nm laser was cleared against. They are the same family, not rival technologies.

How deep it works

Shallow — Sciton puts it at roughly 100 to 200 microns
Shallow or deep, depending on the setting chosen

What it is best at

Brown spots, dullness, early sun damage
The same, plus texture, fine lines and some scarring on the deeper setting

What it is cleared to treat

Soft tissue coagulation, actinic keratosis, benign pigmented spots
Those, plus melasma, periorbital wrinkles, acne scars and surgical scars on the 1550 nm setting
Both
This is the clearest regulatory difference between them. It does not mean Fraxel fixes melasma — only that the indication was reviewed.

Downtime

Redness day one, then a bronzed sandpapery texture for a few days
Similar on the 1927 setting; noticeably more on 1550 — swelling and several days of peeling
Both
A "Fraxel" appointment is not one fixed experience. Ask which wavelength is planned, because that determines your week.

Comfort

Generally described as tolerable with numbing
The deeper setting is the more uncomfortable of the two

Sessions

A series, commonly three or more
Fewer on the deeper setting; a series on the surface setting

Who tends to be happy with it

Best for
Surface colour, on a schedule that cannot absorb much downtime.
The mindset
Little and often.
Best for
People who also want texture addressed and can take a longer recovery.
The mindset
Fewer, bigger treatments.

What to actually ask

Because Fraxel has two settings, "Moxi or Fraxel?" is often the wrong question. The better one is: which wavelength, and why?

  • If the answer is 1927 nm, the two treatments are very similar, and the choice comes down to which device your provider owns and is best with.
  • If the answer is 1550 nm, you are choosing a deeper, more demanding treatment — and comparing it against Moxi is comparing two different intensities, not two brands.

What Moxi is not cleared for

Moxi's FDA clearance covers soft tissue coagulation, actinic keratosis and benign pigmented spots — lentigines, solar lentigines and freckles. Wrinkles, texture and melasma are not in it.

Fraxel is different here. Its 1550 nm clearance names melasma, actinic keratosis, periorbital wrinkles, acne scars and surgical scars.

Providers treat off-label all the time, which is legal and routine. But if a clinic cites FDA clearance for melasma, it is worth asking which device and which wavelength — because for one of these two the answer is real and for the other it is not.

Before you book

If you get cold sores, tell your provider. Either laser can reactivate the virus, and the standard precaution is antiviral medication started in advance.

Call your provider if

  • Skin blisters or crusts beyond what you were told to expect
  • Redness, swelling or pain increases after day three rather than settling
  • A cluster of small painful blisters appears — a cold sore flare needs prompt treatment
Questions people ask+
Is Moxi just a newer Fraxel?They are close relatives. Fraxel was the predicate device Sciton's 1927 nm laser was cleared against. The real difference is that Fraxel Dual also offers a deeper 1550 nm wavelength, and Moxi does not.
Which has less downtime?Moxi, or Fraxel used on its 1927 nm setting — those are comparable. Fraxel on 1550 nm involves more swelling and more peeling.
Which is better for melasma?Neither is a first-line answer, but the regulatory position differs: Moxi is not cleared for melasma, and Fraxel's 1550 nm wavelength is — melasma is named in its FDA clearance. That is a difference in what was reviewed, not proof of a lasting result. Studies of both wavelengths show the benefit fading within months.
Which is better for acne scars?Fraxel on the deeper 1550 nm setting. Moxi works too close to the surface to remodel scars.
How many sessions do I need?Moxi is usually a series of three or more. Fraxel depends entirely on the setting used.
Does Moxi hurt less?Generally yes, compared with Fraxel's deeper setting. Compared with Fraxel's surface setting, they are similar.
Which should I pick?If your concern is surface colour, either works and the operator matters more than the badge. If it is texture or scarring, the deeper Fraxel setting is the one with a real chance of changing it.