Best Non-Ablative Fractional Lasers for Med Spas (2026): MOXI Laser, HALO Laser and 6 More Compared
MOXI laser, HALO laser, Fraxel FTX, Nordlys and 4 more non-ablative fractional lasers for med spas compared on wavelengths, FDA status and consumables.
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For med spa owners, dermatology and plastic surgery practices, and medical directors. Updated October 22, 2026 · Prepared by Prospyr. Prospyr makes practice software, not lasers, and none of the manufacturers below is a Prospyr product or partner. This list compares non-ablative fractional and hybrid fractional lasers, including the Sciton MOXI laser and HALO laser that patients often search for by name. Each summary reflects what the company publishes on its own website, checked October 2026, with 510(k) numbers taken from the FDA's database where we could match them. Specifications, indications, pricing and service terms change, so confirm every number in writing before you buy.
What is a non-ablative fractional laser?
A non-ablative fractional laser heats thousands of microscopic columns of skin while leaving the surface intact and untreated skin between the columns, so patients usually see redness for a few days rather than open wounds. Most use wavelengths absorbed by water: around 1927 or 1940 nm for shallow work on tone and pigment, and around 1440 to 1570 nm for deeper texture and scar work. A hybrid fractional laser pairs a non-ablative wavelength with a light ablative one (erbium or CO2) in one pass. If your patients accept real downtime for deeper resurfacing, see our list of CO2 laser machines instead. The systems below differ in wavelengths, the platform they run on, per-treatment consumables and what else the base unit can do.
MOXI laser vs HALO laser: what is the difference?
Both come from Sciton. Sciton describes MOXI as a 1927 nm fractionated non-ablative laser with "little to no" downtime, aimed at early sun damage, pigment and texture, and sells it on its lower-cost mJOULE platform. HALO TRIBRID is a hybrid handpiece on the JOULE X platform that combines 1470 nm and 1927 nm non-ablative wavelengths with a 2940 nm erbium wavelength for light ablation. In practice, MOXI is the lighter, more frequent treatment, and HALO is the stronger resurfacing session with more recovery. Sciton's pages do not publish an FDA clearance statement for either handpiece, so ask for the 510(k) number and indication in writing.
The 8 non-ablative and hybrid fractional lasers at a glance
| # | Company | Device and who it suits | Published pricing or terms | Worth a call if you want … |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sciton | MOXI and Super MOXI (1927 nm) on mJOULE; HALO TRIBRID (1470, 1927 and 2940 nm) on JOULE X | Not published | The MOXI and HALO names patients search for |
| 2 | Solta Medical (Bausch Health) | Fraxel FTX (1550 and 1927 nm) and Clear + Brilliant Touch (1440 and 1927 nm) | Not published | The Fraxel brand, plus a lighter maintenance laser from the same company |
| 3 | Candela | Nordlys and Nordlys Mini with Frax 1550 and Frax 1940 applicators | Not published | Fractional lasers on the same base as IPL and Nd:YAG |
| 4 | Cynosure Lutronic | Ultra (LaseMD Ultra), 1927 nm thulium | Not published; states "low consumable expense" | A stand-alone 1927 nm laser with a published US indication |
| 5 | Lumenis | ResurFX module on Stellar M22 | Not published | Non-ablative fractional added to an IPL and Nd:YAG workstation |
| 6 | Cutera | Secret DUO: 1540 nm erbium glass plus RF microneedling | Not published | A fractional laser and RF microneedling on one system |
| 7 | Alma Lasers | Alma Hybrid: 1570 nm plus CO2, with IMPACT ultrasound | Not published | Control over the ablative-to-non-ablative ratio |
| 8 | Cartessa Aesthetics (DEKA) | HELIX: 1570 nm plus CO2, seven mixed modes | Not published; states "No consumables" | Hybrid resurfacing with no stated per-treatment supply cost |
How we chose this list
We looked for manufacturers or exclusive US distributors whose own websites describe a non-ablative fractional or hybrid fractional laser sold to medical practices. We then compared four things a practice manager can confirm before a demo: the wavelengths and depths the company publishes, whether it states an FDA clearance or indication (and whether we could match it in the FDA's 510(k) database), what the device shares a base with, and what it says about consumables and support. We left out fully ablative CO2 and erbium systems (covered in our CO2 laser list), RF-only devices, used-equipment resellers and home-use lasers. Stand-alone fractional lasers come first and hybrid systems last. The order is our editorial view, not a measure of results.
1Sciton (MOXI, Super MOXI and HALO TRIBRID)#
Sciton, headquartered in Palo Alto, California, sells MOXI, which its spec sheet lists as a "Fractionated non-ablative 1927 nm" diode laser with a penetration depth up to 200 µm. Sciton says MOXI treats all skin types on the face and body, positions it for "prejuvenation," and lists treatments at 8 to 10 minutes excluding numbing, with two to four sessions recommended. MOXI runs on the mJOULE platform, alongside the BBL HEROic module. HALO TRIBRID, which Sciton calls "The World's First Triple-Wavelength Laser," combines 2940 nm erbium ablation (20 to 150 microns), 1927 nm for superficial pigment and 1470 nm reaching 300 to 700 microns, on the JOULE X platform.
What stands out:
- Two levels of treatment. A practice can offer MOXI as a lighter, repeatable treatment and HALO TRIBRID as a stronger resurfacing session from the same company.
- Super MOXI. Sciton also lists Super MOXI, a 1927 nm handpiece with HD Delivery for faster treatments, on mJOULE and JOULE X.
- HALO consumable. HALO TRIBRID uses a single-use Vortex Adapter, and the handpiece includes air cooling and smoke evacuation.
Right for: med spas that want the MOXI laser or HALO laser names patients already search for, and practices that already own a JOULE or mJOULE. Ask: the price of mJOULE with MOXI versus JOULE X with HALO TRIBRID, the cost of each Vortex Adapter, and the 510(k) number and cleared indication for each handpiece in writing. Sciton's MOXI, Super MOXI and HALO TRIBRID pages did not state an FDA clearance when we checked.
2Solta Medical (Fraxel FTX and Clear + Brilliant Touch)#
Solta Medical, a Bausch Health company based in Bothell, Washington, sells Fraxel FTX, a two-wavelength fractional laser. Fraxel's site states the 1550 nm wavelength "is indicated for skin resurfacing procedures, including the treatment of dyschromia," and lists age spots, actinic keratosis, melasma, eye wrinkles, and acne and surgical scars, while 1927 nm is indicated for skin resurfacing including actinic keratosis. The FDA's 510(k) database lists Fraxel FTX under K242142 (August 2024).
What stands out:
- Handpiece updates. Solta's provider page lists a 20% circumference and weight reduction, direct skin cooling and an Intelligent Optical Tracking System with AccuTRAC.
- Single-use tips. Fraxel FTX uses single-use tips in 15 mm and 7 mm sizes, which Solta says reduce cross-contamination risk and replace roller changes.
- A lighter second laser. Clear + Brilliant uses 1440 nm and 1927 nm handpieces and is "indicated for dermatological procedures requiring the coagulation of soft tissue and general skin resurfacing." The FDA database lists Clear + Brilliant Touch under K223647 (December 2022).
- Patient locator. Both brands run public find-a-provider pages.
Right for: practices that want the Fraxel name for deeper sessions and, optionally, a lower-intensity laser for maintenance. Ask: the price of each tip size and how many treatments each covers, whether listing on the Fraxel or Clear + Brilliant locator is included, and training for new providers.
Visit Solta Medical (Fraxel FTX and Clear + Brilliant Touch)
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3Candela (Nordlys and Nordlys Mini)#
Candela, headquartered in Marlborough, Massachusetts, sells Nordlys, a platform with SWT narrowband IPL, "two non-ablative fractional lasers (1550 nm and 1940 nm)" and an Nd:YAG 1064 nm laser. Nordlys Mini is a stand-alone device with the same two fractional lasers. Candela states the 1940 nm reaches up to 200 µm for shallow resurfacing and benign pigmented lesions, and the 1550 nm is for deeper non-ablative resurfacing, with listed indications including acne scars, surgical scars and striae. Candela cites 510(k) clearance K212492 (December 2021) for Nordlys.
What stands out:
- One base, several services. Candela says the Nordlys platform is FDA-cleared for 22 indications across pigment, vascular, acne, resurfacing and hair removal.
- Minimal consumables. Candela describes Nordlys Mini as offering "minimal consumables" and calls the fractional lasers "high-ROI."
- Downtime. Candela's FAQ describes typical downtime as one to three days of mild redness.
Right for: practices that want IPL and fractional resurfacing on one device, or a stand-alone fractional laser they can expand later. See our IPL machines list for the IPL side. Ask: the price of Nordlys versus Nordlys Mini, the cost of replacement applicator parts, and the cleared Fitzpatrick range for each applicator.
4Cynosure Lutronic (Ultra)#
Cynosure Lutronic, based in Westford, Massachusetts, sells Ultra (LaseMD Ultra), a 1927 nm thulium fractional laser with a 200 µm microbeam and a magnetic roller tracking system. Its US page quotes the indication: "The LaseMD Ultra laser system is indicated for use in dermatological procedures requiring the coagulation of soft tissue, treatment of actinic keratosis, and treatment of benign pigmented lesions," such as lentigos and freckles.
What stands out:
- Running cost. Cynosure lists "low consumable expense" as a key benefit, without figures.
- Session length. Its FAQ gives 10 to 20 minutes per treatment depending on area size, with skin healing typically in five to seven days.
- Distribution note. The page states it is "Intended for distribution in the US only."
Right for: practices that want a dedicated 1927 nm laser for tone and pigment, separate from a larger platform. Ask: the 510(k) number in writing (the product page did not state one when we checked), the per-treatment consumable cost, and what training is included.
5Lumenis (ResurFX on Stellar M22)#
Lumenis sells ResurFX as one of four technologies on its Stellar M22 workstation, which also carries XPL pulsed light, a multi-spot Nd:YAG and a Q-switched Nd:YAG. Lumenis describes ResurFX as "dermis-level fractional resurfacing" and says its CoolScan algorithm distributes micro-beams in a non-sequential pattern for faster recovery and less discomfort. It lists related treatments for skin rejuvenation, acne scars and stretch marks, and a PhotoFABULOUS combination of XPL and ResurFX.
What stands out:
- Platform breadth. Fractional resurfacing, IPL, vascular and tattoo modules share one base.
- Regional labeling. Lumenis tells practices to "Refer to user manual for region-specific approved applications."
Right for: practices that want non-ablative fractional resurfacing as part of a multi-module workstation. Ask: the ResurFX wavelength and US-cleared indications in writing (the page did not state them when we checked; the FDA database lists Stellar M22 under several entries, most recently K250809 in April 2025), and which modules come in the base price.
6Cutera (Secret DUO)#
Cutera sells Secret DUO, which pairs a 1540 nm erbium glass fractional laser with RF microneedling; the two can be used separately or together. Cutera states "Secret DUO 1540 nm is indicated for dermatologic procedures requiring the coagulation of soft tissue" and that the RF microneedling handpiece "is FDA cleared for dermatologic and general surgical procedures for electrocoagulation and hemostasis." The FDA database lists Secret Duo under K213250 (2022), submitted by its manufacturer, Ilooda.
Right for: practices that want to offer RF microneedling and non-ablative fractional laser treatments from one purchase. Ask: the 1540 nm spot size and depth (the page did not publish them when we checked), tip costs for each handpiece, and the price difference from Secret RF alone.
7Alma Lasers (Alma Hybrid)#
Alma Lasers, whose US office is in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, sells Alma Hybrid, which combines a 1570 nm fiber laser, ablative CO2 and IMPACT ultrasound delivery. Its HyGrid mode sets the ratio of ablative to non-ablative energy, and Alma lists seven applicators, including HyLight and Pixel 7x7 and 9x9, with a skin type range of I to VI. Treatments named on the page include Pixel Peel and Skin Rejuvenation.
Right for: practices that want a non-ablative laser and a CO2 laser on one system, with the option to blend them. Ask: the US-cleared indications for each wavelength in writing. Alma's FAQ says Hybrid is "CE marked and FDA approved," while lasers are usually cleared rather than approved, and the FDA database lists the Alma Hybrid Laser System under K203441 (2021) and K251230 (2025).
8Cartessa Aesthetics (DEKA HELIX)#
Cartessa Aesthetics, based in Melville, New York, sells HELIX, made by DEKA, which combines a 1570 nm fiber laser with 10,600 nm CO2 at 70 watts. Cartessa lists "seven unique sequential and alternative mixed modes" that blend ablative and non-ablative energy, says the system treats light to dark skin types on areas including the neck, décolletage and hands, and states "No consumables."
Right for: practices that want hybrid resurfacing without a per-treatment supply cost. Ask: the price of HELIX versus Tetra PRO, and the cleared indications in writing; the page did not state them when we checked, and the FDA database lists DEKA HELIX under K222221 (2023).
Questions to ask any fractional laser company
- What exactly is the FDA clearance? Ask for the 510(k) number and the cleared indication for each wavelength or handpiece, then look it up in the FDA's database. Keep your marketing claims inside it.
- What does each treatment cost you? Ask about tips, rollers, adapters and energy keys, how many treatments each covers, and whether "no consumables" is written into the contract.
- What is on the base unit? A fractional laser on an IPL or RF platform can earn more per room, or tie up money in modules you will not use.
- What training is included? Ask how many providers are trained, for how many days, and whether new hires can be trained later. For laser roles, see our lists of laser certification courses and laser safety officer training.
- What happens when it breaks? Get warranty length, loaner policy, response time and the price of a service contract after year one. Compare against extended warranty providers.
- Will it pay for itself? Run the purchase through our equipment ROI calculator, and compare a lease against a cash purchase with the lease vs. buy calculator. For lenders, see our list of aesthetic equipment financing companies.
- Who may operate it in your state? Delegation and supervision rules for lasers vary by state; confirm with your medical director before you book patients.
Where Prospyr fits
Non-ablative fractional lasers work in series, so the revenue depends on patients returning for every session. Prospyr lets a practice sell a MOXI, Fraxel or 1927 nm series through packages or memberships, track tips and adapters in inventory management, and chart wavelength, energy, density and passes per area in the aesthetic EMR so the next provider can repeat the settings. Progress photos sit in the same patient record through the media archive. To see how that works with your treatment menu, book a practice demo.
If you are pricing a laser purchase, compare new systems against used and refurbished aesthetic laser resellers.
Frequently asked questions
Which non-ablative fractional laser is best for a med spa?
There is no single best laser; the right one depends on whether your patients want light, repeatable treatments or deeper resurfacing, your skin type mix and what you already own. A med spa focused on tone and pigment often starts with a 1927 or 1940 nm laser, while a practice treating scars and texture may want a 1440 to 1570 nm wavelength or a hybrid system. Get at least three written quotes with consumables, service and training included.
Is the MOXI laser the same as the HALO laser?
No. Both are made by Sciton, but MOXI is a single-wavelength 1927 nm non-ablative laser on the mJOULE platform, while HALO TRIBRID combines 1470 nm and 1927 nm non-ablative wavelengths with 2940 nm erbium ablation on JOULE X. HALO is the stronger treatment with more recovery.
How much does a non-ablative fractional laser cost?
None of the eight companies on this list publishes a device price as of October 2026. Ask for the device price, consumable cost per treatment, service contract and training together, then test the numbers in our equipment ROI calculator.
Are fractional lasers FDA approved?
Lasers are generally FDA-cleared through a 510(k) rather than approved, and each clearance covers specific indications. Of the pages we checked, Solta (Fraxel and Clear + Brilliant), Candela, Cynosure Lutronic and Cutera publish an indication or clearance for their fractional lasers. Ask every manufacturer for its clearance number and indication, and keep your marketing claims within it.
What is the difference between non-ablative fractional and CO2 resurfacing?
A non-ablative fractional laser heats columns of skin under an intact surface, so recovery is usually a few days of redness and treatments come in a series. A fractional CO2 laser removes tissue in each column, which usually means more downtime and fewer sessions. See our list of CO2 laser machines for that category.
Want your company considered?
We review this list quarterly. Companies that make or distribute non-ablative or hybrid fractional lasers for aesthetic practices can send their website and what they offer practices to info@prospyrmed.com. Inclusion is editorial and not paid.
Editorial scope
This list is based on each company's public website and the FDA's 510(k) database, checked October 2026 with AI-assisted research. Companies did not review this article before publication. It is not a guarantee of results or a substitute for checking references, FDA clearances and your state's scope-of-practice rules. Read our methodology or report a correction.