Testing and Reviewing 13 Top Microcurrent Devices

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Have you noticed how sculpted and firm your face appears after a professional facial? This is probably due to the use of a microcurrent device during the procedure. Shani Darden, a Los Angeles-based celebrity esthetician and founder of Shani Darden Skin Care, asserts that microcurrent is an incredible treatment for maintaining youthful and lifted skin. Starting it early on, before your skin begins to sag, can help train your facial muscles to maintain a lifted position.

Interestingly, achieving similar results doesn't require a spa visit. There are now many powerful home microcurrent devices available. These devices, Darden explains, stimulate the facial muscles underneath skin, and this can improve facial contour, tone skin, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

We carried out an in-depth analysis of the top 13 microcurrent devices with the help of a group of testers and top skincare experts. This research will help you lift, sculpt, firm, and tighten your face at home. We also answered all of your inquiries about microcurrent technology and its efficacy.

Microcurrent levels: 3 | Notable features: Compatible with app, separate eye and lip attachments included in kit

According to Geeta Yadav, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology, this kit is highly respected in the market for microcurrent devices. With just five minutes of daily usage, this facial sculpting tool can blur fine line appearances and provide a more sculpted look. It includes add-ons for eyes and lips, a hydrating gel activator, and a firming and brightening cream activator. To use effectively, they are applied on skin first before using the device.

The NuFace Trinity+ has an advantageous cradle charger for storage when not in use and an app for tracking progress and access tutorials. We love the in-app timer that indicates when it's time to move to the next facial sector. We noticed immediate lifting and a slight tightening a few hours post-treatment.

Microcurrent levels: 1 | Remarkable features: A conductive gel serum is designed specifically to maximize the microcurrent device's efficacy; USB charging cord included

Using a low-grade electrical current, this microcurrent device provides significant firming benefits. Within just five minutes a day, it can contour the face, lift crow's feet, enhance collagen production, and help minimize wrinkle appearance. It comes alongside a conductive gel serum that contains hydrating ingredients like aloe vera and hyaluronic acid. We loved the immediate tightening effect after using the device, although throughout the day the results gradually faded.

Microcurrent levels: 3 | Noteworthy features: A screen displays your current setting and session time left

This expensive microcurrent device, the Face Gym Pure Lift Facial Toning Device, is perfect for those willing to splurge a little. It uses patented triple-wave technology to activate and elevate facial muscles, which results in a firmer-looking face after every 10-minute session. The facial muscles need to work continuously because the device emits random electrical impulses, thus maintaining a consistently lifted look.

What users appreciate about this device is a smoother glide across the skin due to the diamond-shaped tip. It has settings for intensity that come in three options - low, medium and high - although working up to the highest level is advisable to become accustomed to the sensation.

Microcurrent levels: 10 | Key features: Compatible with app; USB rechargeable with up to 90 uses per charge; made of bacteria-resistant silicone

Despite its seemingly adorable appeal, this compact handheld microcurrent gadget stands out due to its impressive efficiency in invigorating and sculpting facial muscles in mere two minutes. The device incorporates groundbreaking microcurrent technology, providing a vast array of ten intensity levels for users to choose from based on their comfort (we found level 3 most beneficial, although you can certainly increase the intensity level gradually).

We were fascinated by the intricately defined appearance of our faces the very next morning after our first encounter with this potent little tool. It integrates an anti-shock system capable of analyzing and adjusting to skin’s resistance against electricity, thereby automatically altering the intensity for a safer skin treatment promise, besides ensuring firmness. Other notable benefits include the gadget's bacteria-resistant silicone construction, waterproof characteristic, and compatibility with an application for progress monitoring.

Microcurrent levels: 5 | Special features: Battery-operated

Desire a quick skin uplift even while travelling? With this battery-operated microcurrent device from Joey Healy, a famous eyebrow specialist, you no longer have to bother about carrying a charger. The tool stimulates collagen production and reduces fine lines. Not only is it handy and sleekly designed, but its lightweight frame also offers a comfortable grip. While it features several power settings, we found our skin even brighter and less swollen using just the lowest setting. However, note that the tool may not drastically alter sculpting, and the brand suggests a usage time of 10-15 minutes, which might feel a tad excessive. The device also includes a full-sized conductive gel.

Microcurrent levels: 2 | Special features: App compatible; Includes hands-free masks and disposable electrodes for targeted face treatments

We value how this microcurrent device includes several additional necessities. Along with the microcurrent instrument, you also get the requisite conductive gel, hands-free masks for lips, jowls, forehead, and the neck. These masks are to be used with the provided disposable electrodes for receiving face firming treatments at your convenience. The device has a slim design offering a comfortable grip and easy handling. We observed the expected short-term benefits after our 5 to 15 minute sessions such as a notably chiseled face post-treatment which unfortunately lasted only a few hours.

Another essential highlight to consider is the compatibility of MyoLift QT Plus Facial Toning Device with the brand’s application, offering options for personalized treatment plans, live webinars, tutorials, and even one-on-one access to an esthetician with the premium membership. A 30-day free trial of the application is included, and users can upgrade to a monthly, yearly, or lifetime membership after the trial period.

Microcurrent levels: 3 | Special features: App compatible

The NuFace Mini+ Starter Kit is an ideal route for those initially venturing into microcurrent therapies. NuFace offers an application with detailed guides on using the device and timing for each face area. Operating the tool is simple; you apply the included activating gel, power the device and choose an intensity level suitable for you. We tested the highest intensity for a 5 to 10 minute duration and observed minimal lifting effects that faded after a few hours.

Microcurrent levels: 1 | Special features: Solar-powered handle, platinum-coated anti-tarnish rollers

This solar-powered microcurrent roller helps achieve a well-defined look, tightens and tones skin for reduced puffiness. You can use it on various regions such as cheeks, jawline, smile line, under your eyes, sides of your head, and the decolletage. The handle incorporates a solar panel that transforms available light into microcurrent. Additionally, the platinum-coated rollers help minimize irritation and prevent tarnishing. No conductive gel is needed with this device. Thus, we noticed easy gliding after mere moisturizing. Although results were modest, we were content with the reduced puffiness, mildly enhanced jawline and subtle cheek lift.

Microcurrent levels: 5 | Special features: Battery-operated

Our favorite budget-friendly microcurrent device is a non-invasive, battery-operated tool that's under $150. It comes with a microcurrent wand and conductive activating gel. The wand's design fits comfortably in the hand and is remarkably lightweight. The gel might seem a bit thick, but it's soothing on the skin and allows for the device to glide effortlessly across the facial contours. It takes a mere one to two minutes per session, making it a practical choice for those with a busy schedule. A slight lifting effect on the jaw and chin area was observed right after use, although it did wane after a few hours.

Microcurrent levels: 1 | Notable features: red light therapy

In addition to microcurrent, red light therapy is enjoying its popularity moment in skincare treatments. It lessens the appearance of wrinkles and blemishes. This slender, handheld wan blends microcurrent technology with red light therapy. It also offers a gentle massaging feature to alleviate puffiness and enhance skin radiance. Each 12-minute session uses vibrations then pauses when it's time to move to the next region. Results include smoother, plumper-looking skin, particularly around the cheekbones and jawline. We were especially satisfied with its ability to reduce under-eye puffiness. It also temporary lessened some facial redness and uneven skin tone.

Microcurrent levels: 3 | Notable features: LED light extensions (red, blue, and infrared); cleaning ring accessory

Natalie Aguilar, Los Angeles-based beauty therapist, and dermatological nurse, and founder of N4 Skincare, reveals her favorite home-use microcurrent device - the TheraFace Pro. It comes with clinical trial backing, which is why she never hesitates to recommend it to her clients. She appreciates all its features, accessories, and visible results. These include three percussive therapy attachments for relieving tension in the face, jaw, neck, and head; a microcurrent ring for skin firming and tightening and an LED light therapy ring for treating wrinkles and mild acne, with the help of red and blue light respectively. Additionally, it comes with a conductive gel and a cleansing ring for eliminating dirt and oil from the skin.

This tool goes beyond microcurrent usage as we used the LED lights to treat acne and fine lines. A session lasts roughly five minutes and depends on the selected setting. We noticed our face was more toned after use, with the blue light playing a significant role in dealing with our acne. Aguilar also mentioned the TheraFace Pro can be paired with the brand's cold and hot therapy options sold separately.

Microcurrent levels: 1 | Notable features: Compatible with app

The ZIIP Halo device stood out because of the immediate results it delivered. It left our brows elevated and jawline more defined. Our face felt smoother and more lifted after just one usage. The device features a pre-set “The Lift” mode that takes four minutes to complete and combines nanocurrent and microcurrent facial therapies which work together to stimulate facial muscles (microcurrent) and improve cellular repair (nanocurrent). The gadget comes with a USB charger and conductive gel. Plus, there's an app that features guided tutorials and specific treatment plans, although it's not compulsory for using the device.

Microcurrent levels: 10 | Notable features: Two settings (lifting and toning) for personalized therapy

What makes this microcurrent device special is its dual settings (lifting and toning), giving users the freedom to personalize therapy for sculpted cheekbones, lifted crow’s feet, and a toned, tightened face. There are 10 intensity levels on both settings for customizability (we found levels 7-8 ideal). The device is easy to use and comes with a conductive gel, sitting comfortably in our hands, and sliding effortlessly throughout the face, resulting in slightly tightened skin and a gorgeous post-treatment glow.

Over the course of eight weeks, we tested the microcurrent devices on this roundup using a before and after photo approach to gauge our progress. Rankings were assigned according to user-friendliness, effectiveness, features, device look and feel.

To test the devices, we followed the following regimen: We started by cleansing our skin with an oil-free cleanser, then dried our skin completely. Next, we applied a conducting gel or cream to the areas we wanted to treat. With devices that had multiple microcurrent levels, we started with the lowest setting and worked our way up to a more intense setting over the testing period. To use the device, we gently glided it over our face in upward and outward motion for at least 20 to 30 sections per section. Post-treatment, we wiped down the device with a clean tissue to avoid bacteria buildup and then continued on with our regular skincare routine.

Christina Heiser is a health and beauty writer with more than 10 years of experience covering wellness trends and trying products and treatments for different publications. Over the course of her career, she’s had the opportunity to test out many high-tech skincare gadgets and receive professional facials from some of the world’s most sought-after estheticians. She’s been an avid user of the NuFace Mini+ for the past four years and currently gets regular facials featuring microcurrent every few months. For this microcurrent device guide, she interviewed a variety of skincare experts, including a dermatologist, nurse esthetician, and celebrity facialist, all of whom are familiar with microcurrent devices and use and recommend them to their patients and clients. These experts provided insights into how microcurrent devices work, how to properly use them, and what features to look for to ensure you get the best results for your skin.