Aqualyx
Aqualyx Active Ingredient – About Deoxycholate
Jun 25, 2025
The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a common tool used to assess weight relative to height, helping categorize individuals as underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. However, BMI fails to account for crucial factors like fat distribution and muscle composition, which are key to understanding body shape and overall health. As a result, many individuals are seeking more targeted solutions to eliminate stubborn fat and achieve a contoured body that reflects their goals.
One such solution gaining popularity is Aqualyx, a non-surgical injectable treatment designed to reduce localized fat and reshape targeted areas of the body. At the heart of Aqualyx’s fat-dissolving power is deoxycholate, a synthetic version of a naturally occurring substance in the body that works to break down fat cells.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at deoxycholate, the active ingredient in Aqualyx, and explore the science behind its fat-dissolving action, as well as what you can expect during treatment.
Key Takeaways
- Deoxycholate is the active ingredient in Aqualyx, a fat-dissolving injectable that works by disrupting the membranes of fat cells through adipocytolysis.
- Aqualyx’s formulation is buffered with a galactose complex, making it gentler on surrounding tissues and ensuring more precise fat reduction compared to other deoxycholate-based products, such as Kybella.
- The treatment works through controlled release, minimizing the risk of tissue damage and leading to predictable results. The effect develops gradually over several sessions, with multiple injections typically required for noticeable results.
- Side effects are generally mild and temporary, such as swelling, bruising, and temporary nodules under the skin. Severe complications like necrosis are rare when the treatment is administered correctly by a professional.
- Proper injection technique is critical to minimize risks, with the focus on injecting into the correct fat layer and avoiding major blood vessels or nerves.
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Deoxycholate Mechanism: Adipocytolysis Explained
Deoxycholate, the key ingredient in Aqualyx, induces fat breakdown through a process known as adipocytolysis. This process targets fat cells by disrupting their membranes. Upon injection into the subcutaneous layer, deoxycholate breaks apart the lipid bilayer of fat cells, releasing triglycerides into the surrounding tissue. These triglycerides are then processed and eliminated via the lymphatic and hepatic systems.
While this action is selective for fat cells, proper injection depth is essential to ensure that surrounding tissues are not affected. If administered incorrectly, risks such as ulceration or nerve irritation can occur. However, when injected properly by a trained professional, the results develop gradually over multiple sessions, spaced several weeks apart. This method provides a controlled yet effective approach to targeted fat reduction.
Formulation Benefits: Buffering & Controlled Release in Aqualyx
One of Aqualyx’s key advantages lies in its formulation. Although deoxycholate can be harsh on surrounding tissue, Aqualyx includes buffering agents and a galactose complex (rather than a pure gel matrix) that stabilizes its pH. This makes the treatment gentler and more compatible with the body, significantly reducing the chances of irritation, swelling, or other unpleasant side effects.
Aqualyx’s formulation is designed for controlled release of deoxycholate. The galactose complex helps slow the spread of deoxycholate, allowing for a steady and even effect. This controlled diffusion reduces the risk of sudden tissue damage, which contributes to its safety and comfort. For procedures such as the Aqualyx abdomen treatment, this formulation results in more predictable and refined outcomes, making it an excellent choice for non-surgical body contouring.
Safety & Tolerability: Avoiding Necrosis & Nerve Injury
While deoxycholate is effective in lysing fat cells, improper administration can result in risks like tissue necrosis, inflammation, or nerve injury. Fortunately, Aqualyx’s buffered formulation and controlled concentration help mitigate these risks. However, proper technique is critical—injecting into the correct fat layer and avoiding major blood vessels or nerves is key to minimizing complications.
When administered correctly, side effects are generally mild and temporary. Common reactions include:
- Swelling and redness at the injection site
- Tenderness or bruising
- Temporary nodules under the skin
- A burning sensation that usually resolves within 24–48 hours
Severe complications like necrosis or motor nerve damage are rare but can occur with improper technique or incorrect dosing. That’s why it’s essential to have Aqualyx administered by a trained medical professional experienced in facial or body contouring injections.
Comparison: Aqualyx Deoxycholate vs Kybella
Both Aqualyx and Kybella use deoxycholate as their active ingredient. However, they differ in formulation, concentration, and regional approvals, which influence their application and results.
- Kybella: FDA-approved for submental fat and contains synthetic deoxycholic acid at a higher concentration of 10 mg/mL. It’s unbuffered, which increases its cytolytic effect but also potentially leads to more inflammation and downtime.
- Aqualyx: Has a lower concentration of deoxycholate (~5–7 mg/mL) and is buffered, making it gentler on surrounding tissues. Aqualyx is widely used across Europe and Asia. However, it is off-label in the U.S. Despite the lack of FDA approval, Aqualyx is often favored for its broader application and lower risk of severe side effects when administered correctly.
Conclusion
Deoxycholate is the key ingredient behind Aqualyx’s fat-dissolving action, but it’s the careful formulation that enhances its safety and comfort. By buffering the solution and embedding it in a galactose complex, Aqualyx minimizes irritation and protects surrounding tissues during treatment, making it an ideal choice for non-surgical body contouring.
Although deoxycholate is highly effective at breaking down fat cells, proper administration is essential to avoid unwanted side effects. When used by a trained professional, Aqualyx provides a low-risk alternative for individuals seeking sculpted silhouettes without surgery.
FAQs
1. What is deoxycholate, and how does it work in Aqualyx?
Deoxycholate is a bile salt that breaks down fat cells by disrupting their membranes, a process called adipocytolysis.
2. Is Aqualyx safe for all skin types and body areas?
It is generally safe when administered by a qualified professional, especially in areas with localized fat. It’s not for obese patients.
3. How many Aqualyx treatments will a patient typically need?
Most patients need 2 to 5 sessions spaced about 4–6 weeks apart for noticeable results.
4. What’s the difference between Aqualyx and Kybella?
Kybella is stronger and FDA-approved for chin fat; Aqualyx is milder and used more broadly in non-U.S. regions.
5. Can Aqualyx cause permanent damage?
Severe side effects are rare but can happen with incorrect injection technique. Always choose a trained medical provider.
6. How long does it take to see results?
Gradual results appear within a few weeks, with best outcomes after multiple sessions and proper post-care.
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References
Brazier Y. What are the limitations of BMI? Published July 26, 2023. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323543
Sruthi M. What are the drawbacks of BMI? 6 Limitations. MedicineNet. Published March 31, 2022. https://www.medicinenet.com/what_are_the_drawbacks_of_bmi/article.htm
AQUALYX fat Dissolving Injections Information. https://www.consultingroom.com/treatment/aqualyx-fat-dissolving-injections
Yagima Odo ME, Cucé LC, Odo LM, Natrielli A. Action of sodium deoxycholate on subcutaneous human tissue: local and systemic effects. Dermatol Surg. 2007;33(2):178-189. doi:10.1111/j.1524-4725.2006.33036.x
