Inside Mormon Wives’ Pre-Botox Laughing Gas Ritual and What Our Derm Says About It

The latest episode of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives has stirred up serious buzz among fans. In this episode, the Utah-based mom influencers, who include both practicing and former Mormons, revealed yet another surprising detail—this time about their cosmetic procedures rather than a “soft-swinging” scandal.

During the third episode, several women aged between 24 and 32 chose to use nitrous oxide before their Botox sessions. Whitney Leavitt, 31, cheerfully described the scene as “a party” when asked whether she was there for the Botox or the laughing gas, responding, “For both.”

Mayci Neeley, 29, admitted to her reservations: “I normally wouldn’t get laughing gas with Botox, but I’m going for it today just for fun. I mean, why not get high for free? It’s not against the rules.”

According to the Cleveland Clinic, nitrous oxide is a short-acting sedative that induces calm and euphoria while easing anxiety. It can be administered via a mask or nosepiece and is typically used for minor medical and dental procedures.

To determine its safety for cosmetic procedures like Botox, we consulted Dr. Jacqueline G. Berliner, a double board-certified dermatologist and Mohs Micrographic Surgery expert at Greenwich Point Dermatology in Greenwich, CT. She confirmed that nitrous oxide is generally safe for non-invasive procedures when used in low doses, though it is not suitable for pregnant patients.

Dr. Berliner employs Pro-Nox, which combines 50% nitrous oxide with pure oxygen, unlike traditional laughing gas that consists of 70% nitrous oxide and 30% oxygen. “It’s not standard for Botox, but some patients prefer it,” she tells PEOPLE.

Pro-Nox doesn’t numb pain but helps those with a fear of needles feel more at ease. The effects dissipate within 5-10 minutes after inhalation, making it safe for patients to drive afterward. While Pro-Nox is rarely used for Botox, it can also be applied in procedures such as microneedling, laser treatments, and Platelet-Rich Plasma injections.

In Dr. Berliner’s office, Pro-Nox is available for an additional $75, while other pain-management methods like numbing cream or vibration tools are typically provided at no extra cost.

The use of laughing gas is just one way these moms are redefining traditional Mormon expectations. Mikayla Matthews, 24, reflects in the first episode, “Following strict Mormon rules is challenging for many of us.”

Jessi Ngatikaura, 32, describes herself as the “grandma” of the group and adds, “There’s a broad spectrum of adherence to Mormon practices among us. In MomTok, we shouldn’t judge whether someone attends church every Sunday or follows all traditional customs.” MomTok serves as a platform for these women to explore modern living while passing their Mormon backgrounds.

Taylor Frankie Paul, 30, explains, “We were raised to fulfill traditional housewife roles, but I wanted to break free and created MomTok. It started as a space for Mormon moms to make TikToks, and it was incredibly liberating.”

Jennifer Affleck, 25, remarks, “We represent a new generation of Mormon women with opportunities that previous generations didn’t have.” Neely highlights, “We’re strong women working to change the perception of gender roles within Mormon culture.”