Aqualyx Active Ingredient – About Deoxycholate

Last Updated On: April 30, 2025

Sodium deoxycholate, a naturally occurring bile salt in the human body, plays a key role in breaking down dietary fats. Its clinical potential goes beyond digestion—studies show that injectable deoxycholic acid can effectively disrupt fat cell membranes, particularly in reducing submental fat.

Aqualyx, a widely used injectable fat-dissolving solution, builds on this science. It features a modified form of deoxycholate as its active ingredient, offering a non-surgical option for targeting stubborn fat in areas like the chin, hips, thighs, and flanks. Its growing popularity among practitioners underscores its balance of efficacy and biocompatibility.

In this article, we explore how deoxycholate works in Aqualyx, the science behind its fat-dissolving properties, its clinical benefits, and what patients can expect during treatment.

Key Takeaways

• Aqualyx uses deoxycholic acid—a bile salt naturally found in the body—to break down fat cell membranes and enable fat elimination through natural metabolic processes.
• The mechanism of adipocytolysis involves targeted cell lysis, macrophage response, and liver metabolism, resulting in effective and gradual fat reduction without surgery.
• Aqualyx has a strong safety profile. Side effects like mild swelling and tenderness typically resolve within days.
• Compared to other agents like Kybella or Lemon Bottle, Aqualyx stands out for its CE-marked status, well-documented clinical support, and widespread use in European clinics.
• Patient and practitioner reviews frequently praise Aqualyx for producing natural-looking outcomes, with consistent protocols and lower inflammation risk than some newer alternatives.

About: Operating since 2016, Med Supply Solutions is known for being one of the industry’s top and trusted suppliers of cosmetic and viscosupplementation products. Contact our sales department for more information about buying Aqualyx online.

Chemical Properties and Pharmacodynamics

Deoxycholic acid is a secondary bile acid naturally produced in the liver and stored in the gallbladder. It plays a vital role in emulsifying and absorbing dietary fats in the intestine. In Aqualyx, this compound disrupts the membranes of adipocytes (fat cells), initiating a controlled breakdown process. 

Once disrupted, these cells release their lipid content, which the body then metabolizes and removes through natural pathways. This controlled pharmacological effect makes Aqualyx a precisely targeted fat-dissolving agent in non-surgical contouring procedures.

Role in Adipocytolysis

Adipocytolysis refers to the intentional destruction of fat cells. Deoxycholic acid, the active component in Aqualyx, specifically targets the phospholipid bilayer of adipocyte membranes, inducing cell lysis. Once destroyed, the fat cell contents—primarily triglycerides—are processed by macrophages and transported through the lymphatic system for natural excretion.

This step-by-step biological process includes:

• Disruption of the adipocyte membrane
• Release and metabolism of stored fats
• Involvement of the immune system to clear debris
• Gradual reduction of localized fat pockets

Because this mechanism works without damaging surrounding tissue when proper Aqualyx dosage and technique are correctly applied, it’s seen as a safer alternative to liposuction.

Safety Profile and Metabolism

Aqualyx has earned a well-established safety record, supported by years of use in European aesthetic clinics. Common side effects include temporary swelling, redness, and mild tenderness, typically resolving within 48–72 hours. Deoxycholic acid is metabolized in the liver and eliminated via bile, following the body’s natural fat processing systems.

Administering Aqualyx through trained professionals, following established clinical protocols, minimizes the risk of complications and ensures predictable results. This safety record contributes to the positive sentiment found in many Aqualyx reviews, which often emphasize comfort, consistency, and visible results over time.

Comparative Analysis with Other Agents

Aqualyx distinguishes itself from other fat-dissolving agents by its single-compound formulation based on deoxycholic acid. In contrast, some products—such as older PC/DC blends—combine phosphatidylcholine with deoxycholate, which may lead to variable results and increased inflammation.

Here’s a breakdown of how Aqualyx compares with other leading products:

Due to its controlled formulation, strong safety data, and positive clinical outcomes, Aqualyx remains a preferred option for patients and providers prioritizing efficacy and predictability.

Conclusion

Aqualyx’s active ingredient, deoxycholic acid, makes it a standout non-surgical treatment for targeted fat reduction. By triggering natural metabolic processes that break down and eliminate fat cells, Aqualyx delivers controlled, gradual body contouring results with minimal invasiveness.

Positive reviews further reinforce its reputation, highlighting consistent outcomes, minimal recovery time, and satisfaction with long-term results. As always, treatment should be performed by a qualified practitioner who can evaluate individual needs, determine suitability, and ensure safe application aligned with best clinical practices.

FAQs

1. What is the active ingredient in Aqualyx?

Aqualyx contains deoxycholic acid, a bile acid that aids in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fats.​

2. How does deoxycholic acid work in fat reduction?

Deoxycholic acid disrupts the membranes of fat cells, leading to their breakdown and removal by the body’s natural processes.​

3. Are there any side effects associated with Aqualyx?

Common side effects include swelling, redness, and tenderness at the injection site, which usually subside within a few days.​

4. How does Aqualyx compare to other fat-dissolving treatments?

Aqualyx’s unique formulation of deoxycholic acid offers a targeted approach to fat reduction with a favorable safety and efficacy profile compared to other treatments.

References

Salti G, Ghersetich I, Tantussi F, Bovani B, Lotti T. Phosphatidylcholine and sodium deoxycholate in the treatment of localized fat: a Double-Blind, randomized study. Dermatologic Surgery. 2007;34(1):60-66. doi:10.1111/j.1524-4725.2007.34009.x

Deeks ED. Deoxycholic acid: A review in Submental fat Contouring. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. 2016;17(6):701-707. doi:10.1007/s40257-016-0231-3