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Exercise is one of the most important things you can do for your health, but did you know you can also do face workouts to leave your skin lifted, sculpted, and toned? Thanks to microcurrent machines, you can reverse signs of aging without having to result to injecting Botox or Juvederm into your face.
These machines were once a closely guarded secret among industry insiders like my fellow beauty editors, celebrity facialists, and dermatologists, but now they've become an increasingly possible and accessible way to achieve your skincare goals.
To help you get more familiar with the anti-aging power of at-home microcurrent machines, I hit up two of my favorite skincare experts for their guidance on shopping for and using these travel-friendly devices. I also spent hours researching every single microcurrent machine on Sephora, Amazon, Ulta, and other reader-favorite online stores and narrowed it down to eight standout options I'd be willing to spend my money on.
The Best Microcurrent Machines
- Best Overall: NuFACE Trinity Starter Kit
- Best Budget Buy: SolaWave 4-in-1 Advanced Skincare Wand
- The Palm-Sized Powerhouse: FOREO BEAR Microcurrent Facial Device
- For a Travel-Friendly Duo: Joey Healy Face Renovation Device
- For Spot Treatments: NuFACE FIX Starter Kit
What Is Microcurrent Technology?
- Quick History: In the ’80s, microcurrent technology was initially used to help treat facial paralysis caused by Bell’s palsy. In the decades since, experts realized that it would offer non-invasive cosmetic benefits to pretty much anyone, and a beauty trend was born.
- How It Works: According to double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Jaimie DeRosa, M.D., microcurrent machines use weak electrical current only on the treatment area of the skin and are unlikely to interfere with other parts of the face and body. “Microcurrent machines use microdoses of electricity, specifically an electric current delivered at 1 microampere. The current helps smooth the skin by activating the collagen system within the skin to help smooth, lift, and fill wrinkles,” she says.
- Benefits: “Microcurrent delivers precise dosages of energy to the skin and works simultaneously to increase collagen production in the dermis (the deepest layer of the skin), tighten the muscle, and depuff the treatment areas,” says celebrity esthetician Joanna Vargas.
- What It Feels Like: Microcurrent machines are painless. You'll feel a nice tingling sensation on the skin during the treatment, and afterward, your face will feel tight and refreshed.
How to Shop for a Microcurrent Machine
When shopping for microcurrent machines, their size, price point, and ease of use all come into play. Look for something compact and easy enough to wield, such as the NuFACE toning device. According to DeRosa, they’re some of the best and most well-supported machines on the market, saying, “What’s great is that you can use these at-home devices multiple times a week and target exactly the areas that are of concern to you. It may take a bit of practice and research to be sure you’re doing it correctly, but almost anyone can do this treatment at home for a quick pick-me-up.”
Size
In-office microcurrent machines can be pretty bulky, but thankfully, at-home microcurrent machines are slim and typically no bigger than a large smartphone. If you're on a tight budget and want something smaller, microcurrent machines, like the viral Solawave 4-in-1 Facial Wand, are a slim option that is about the size of a writing utensil, so it'll tuck neatly into your cosmetics bag.
Price
With entry-level prices just under $150, at-home microcurrent machines are not cheap. However, you will save money over time compared to hitting up your local spa for microcurrent facials and Botox treatments. Luckily, I researched and found two microcurrent machines that cost half the price of one microcurrent facial at the Rihanna-approved Tracie Martyn Spa.
Priming Gel
DeRosa says using conductive gel is super important regardless of which microcurrent machine you use. “Priming gels are conductive and allow electrical currents to be transmitted from the device to the skin. They’re also soothing and prevent your skin from feeling irritated during and after treatment,” she explains.
Although it is recommended to use the manufacturer's supplies, DeRosa says there are two affordable alternatives that don't sacrifice quality. She says, “Absonic I Conductive and Transmission Gel works well to keep skin hydrated during the session. Tensive Conductive Adhesive Gel on Amazon is another reasonable option.”
How We Chose
Ready for a non-invasive anti-aging treatment that snatches your contours to reveal a sculpted and youthful appearance? Same! As our beauty editor, I test many professional and at-home treatments. For this story, I spent several months rotating between these microcurrent machines and am confident in their capabilities.
These final selections are aligned with expert guidance, boast glowing online reviews, and vary in price and functionality, so you can find an option or two that suits your unique skin care needs and budget. Some were also tested by our staff, while others are must-haves for DeRosa.
While testing, I also considered the following factors to garner the most accurate and honest feedback possible.
- Ease of Use: Is the microcurrent intuitive to use? Are there cumbersome features that make it feel like a chore or just another extra step rather than a self-care moment? Does it have a super-short charging cord or an extra-long one that gets tangled?
- Comfort: Since some treatment sessions can last up to 15 minutes, I considered how much each product weighed and how they felt in my hand. Does my wrist get tired after just 5-minutes? Or is this microcurrent machine lightweight enough to glide around my face? Speaking of comfort, does it zap my face too intensely? And would newbies with sensitive skin feel okay using this device?
- Short- and Long-Term Results: Have I noticed an improved appearance after the first treatment? What about the fifth treatment? What about after two months of regular use? How do the results improve over time?
- Aesthetics: Functionality always comes first — but I'd be lying if I didn't admit that appearance was also a minor factor in my decision. After all, if someone is paying upward of $149 for a new skincare device, I want it to look beautiful and make for a great #shelfie or Instagram Story, Reel, or TikTok moment. Plus, who doesn't like looking at pretty things in their home?
- Overall Value: With these various factors in mind, the final and most important question I considered to determine if a microcurrent machine deserved a spot on this list is simple: At the end of the day, is this a product I'd be 100% willing to spend my money on? If the answer isn't “yes, absolutely,” then I evaluate who the machine is most beneficial for, who should stay away from it, and why.
Thankfully, all of these microcurrent machines are on point! Your final decision should come down to your budget and where on your face you'd like to target. I've got you if you're looking for spot treatments or need something travel-friendly, and for those who want head-to-toe body contouring and lift, there are options on this list for you as well.
Pros
A full charge lasts 2 weeks- 5-minute commitment
- FDA-cleared
- Created by an aesthetician
Cons
- It's a pretty steep initial investment
Tone, lift, and contour facial muscles in as little as 5 minutes per area daily when using this microcurrent machine from NuFace. It reduces fine lines and wrinkles, plumps up the skin, and sculpts your jawline and cheekbones, similar to a contour palette.
The award-winning microcurrent machine is my best overall pick for a few great reasons: It has a compact and smooth design that's perfect for travel, and reviewers say it's easy and intuitive to use. Plus, it comes with accessories that, well, snatch your face.
Most importantly, it’s DeRosa’s go-to at-home microcurrent machine, so you know it’s legit! She says, “What’s great is that you can use it multiple times a week and target exactly the areas that are of concern to you.” One 64-year-old Amazon reviewer adds: “After a few weeks, I started seeing subtle improvements, and my skin seems to look better (firmer and brighter) each day.”
Notably, this kit includes a clear priming gel with a velvety texture and lightweight feel. “I've tried a dozen microcurrent gels, expensive and affordable, including aloe vera and homemade. This is the only one that I don't have to keep spraying my face with water. It stayed moist for the entire treatment time,” says one 5-star Amazon review. “I was worried about breaking out if I left it on, but no breakouts at all.”
The various attachments are a major selling point, too: You get the Facial Trainer, your main attachment that's equipped with dual orbs to perk up your skin.
If you're willing to splurge a bit, I highly suggest purchasing the Trinity ELE to target smaller areas of your face, like around the eyes and the nasolabial folds, aka smile lines. There's also the Wrinkle Reducer, which uses LED light technology to help fight signs of aging.
More: Self-Care Gifts for Your Favorite Sister
Key Specs
| Rating | 4.1-star average from over1,900 Amazon reviews |
|---|
Pros
- About 2 hours of use per charge
- Doesn't have to be used exclusively with Renew Complex Serum
Cons
- No button indicating it needs to be charged
If you have less than $150 to spend on a microcurrent machine, I suggest the Solawave device. It combines the muscle-toning power of microcurrent with vibration and red-light therapy, and it warms up to help increase blood flow and soothe your face.
Bridget Clegg, our art production manager, previously reviewed the SolaWave and used it a total of 16 times in a month. She noticed a healthy flush and glow on her face directly after she paired the serum with the SolaWave.
One Amazon reviewer has used their Solawave a bit longer — nearly 3 months — and loves using the microcurrent and warmth features while watching films. "I use it in the a.m. when I feel like I need some de-puffing and truly feel like it wakes my face up. I feel like it's making a difference, overall my skin feels firmer and extra glowy," says their 5-star review.
With this affordable device, you're getting four luxurious modalities with one slim, award-winning device, and it's one of the cheapest microcurrent machines on the market that legit works. Best yet? It's on sale right now for 30% off — just enter the code POOLSIDE at checkout.
Key Specs
| Rating | 4.9-star average from over 1,200 Solawave reviews |
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The Palm-Sized Powerhouse
FOREO BEAR Microcurrent Facial Device
Pros
- T-Sonic technology
- FDA-cleared
Cons
- Some reviewers say the smartphone app isn't the most user-friendly
FOREO makes my favorite smart face cleansing brush, so it's no surprise their microcurrent machine earned a spot on this new list.
BEAR's most unique attribute is that it combines five microcurrent intensities with the brand's signature T-Sonic tech for a spa-like massage that stimulates blood flow and loosens impurities trapped within pores.
Reviewers say you only need to use it for 2 to 3 minutes per day to help plump up your skin. “I mean, who doesn’t have 2 minutes? The treatments are so short that after using the app, I do another treatment on specific areas of concern,” says one Amazon reviewer. “Does it work? You betcha... you can instantly see a lift in the eye area, and my cheekbones are well defined.”
Key Specs
| Rating | 4.1-star average from over 390 Amazon reviews |
|---|
Pros
- Includes conductive gel
- Equally wonderful to use
Cons
- I think the price reflects its quality, but $300 might be a turnoff for some
This year, several brands have launched their respective microcurrent machines. However, the Joey Healy Face Renovation Device is the top new standout as of publication. I also recently named it one of the best new beauty products for summer.
Wait, so why am I so keen on his latest drop and believe it's the only noteworthy new addition to my updated list? One, low commitment, and two, natural results.
Even as a beauty editor, I have days where I want to keep my routine minimal. All it takes is a short 10-minute process, making it super easy to fit into my routine. I like to use this microcurrent machine while watching something lighthearted like Family Guy or Friends, and once the show hits a commercial break, I know my mini self-care treatment is complete.
Once your skin gets used to microcurrent, you can amp up treatment to five 15-minute sessions a week. This device also automatically shuts down after 15 minutes, so I don't need to run back to my apartment in a panic to double-check that I turned it off.
Also, given its Goldilocks size, I named this the best travel-friendly duo. It takes up minimal space in my carry-on bag so I can do my full skincare routine during a long-haul flight or on the train.
Key Specs
| Rating | 4.4-star average from 3 Amazon reviews |
|---|
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For Spot Treatments
NuFACE FIX Starter Kit
Pros
- Relatively affordable
- Award-winning
Cons
- Not as powerful as larger models
Looking to dip your toes into the world of microcurrent machines? Give the NuFace FIX Starter Kit a shot. The device is about the size of a highlighter and it's designed to target hard-to-reach spots, such as crow's feet and your mouth area.
You'll need only 3 minutes per treatment area to gain the most from this tool. Simply swipe on the included serum that contains hydrating glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and lactic and glycolic acids. Power on the device and use light-to-medium pressure to feather your lips or wherever you apply the conductive gel.
One Amazon reviewer called this their favorite NuFace microcurrent machine due to its portable size and lightweight feel. “Although small, it does have enough microcurrent to be effective for me. I can tell because if I don’t use enough serum (FIX or another non-oil serum), I can feel it [microcurrent sensation],” says their 5-star Amazon review. “I highly recommend it for those who want ease and convenience and, as a result, will end up using it more often.”
Key Specs
| Rating | 4-star average from over 640 Amazon reviews |
|---|
Pros
- Attachments help reduce facial muscle pain
- Provides red- and blue-light therapy
Cons
- Hot and cold attachments cost extra
I enjoy using my Theragun body massager, so I was immediately drawn to the TheraFace Pro, which launched in the summer. The Pro is a more powerful (and expensive) version of the SolaWave and takes things further by combining eight modalities into one splurge-worthy microcurrent machine.
Its secret is the various attachments that do everything from replacing a facial cleansing brush to a blue and red LED light therapy device. The Pro also offers a pulsating face massage and hot and cold skin therapy, so you can skip buying an ice roller.
And don’t worry: The microcurrent capabilities weren’t neglected. Although it only has one orb versus two like the NuFace and Foreo microcurrent machines, online reviewers say the Pro is on point. “Bought TheraFace after a friend recommended it. I’ve been using it for a few weeks now and I love how versatile it is. My favorite is the microcurrent mode, which has made my skin feel significantly firmer and tighter,” says one 5-star Amazon review.
Key Specs
| Rating | 4.3-star average from 73 Amazon reviews |
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Pros
- Includes serum
- Award-winning
Cons
- Pricey
My most expensive suggestion is from Face Gym. So what makes this device worthy of a $520 price tag? Well, the brand swears it's like a non-invasive facelift that tones. The wand has a unique diamond shape and uses a triple wave technology that combines low, medium, and high frequencies to zap multiple skin layers. (Microcurrent machines typically target the top layer of the skin.)
Online reviewers describe Pure Lift Face as “magic” and their “new best friend” because they’ve experienced a visible anti-aging improvement in their skin. Some say their skin is firmer, glowing, and lifted, while others have noticed their fine lines are smoother and their face is more sculpted.
Another reviewer says they saw instant results after trying this microcurrent machine for the first time, while others say it took them about a week to see any real difference.
TBH, your immediate results can vary greatly depending on your age, skin type, and how committed you are to using this device. So if you ever needed motivation to be loyal to a beauty treatment, let this microcurrent machine be your new go-to product.
Key Specs
| Rating | 3.9 stars from 17 reviews |
|---|
Pros
- Targets body dimples
- 5-minute daily use
Cons
- Too big to use on your face
I promise you this story isn't sponsored by NuFace — they just make a really great variety of microcurrent machines, including one for your body, and honestly, they're worth knowing about. Here's why: The FDA-cleared microcurrent machine device has four treatment spheres that tone, visibly firm, and smooth dimpled skin.
The included bottle of gel primer is also a winner. Reviewers say you only need a couple of pumps per area, so the bottle should last at least several months. Notably, it contains hyaluronic acid to soften dehydrated skin and phytomoist complex to tackle fine lines and wrinkles.
To see the best results, you’ll need to commit at least five minutes to roll the NuBody across your skin daily over two months. “I started seeing a difference after a couple of weeks. It’s not going to remove all your cellulite, but it does tighten, and every little bit helps,” says one Sephora reviewer.
Key Specs
| Rating | 3.9-star average from 103 Amazon reviews |
|---|
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For an All-Encompassing Treatment
ZIIP GX Series and Golden Conductive Gel
Pros
- Targets skin discoloration and a puffy undereye area
- Includes a full-sized 24k gold-infused gel ($129 value)
Cons
- Expensive
OK, deep breath: Yes, I know spending just under $500 on a microcurrent machine is a big ask, but after careful research, it's understandable why ZIIP is charging a premium, so hear me out.
First things first, the white and gold GX Series ZIIP is pre-programmed with their “Energize” mode, but you can switch up to other modes via the iPhone app (Sorry, Android friends!). The four other modes included in the app are Total Clearing, Vital Eyes, Pigment, and Instant Gratification.
It also combines microcurrent and nanocurrent technologies to elevate your skincare game. Wait, WTF is nanocurrent tech? Nanocurrents help stimulate collagen and elastin in your skin to help boost the overall anti-aging effect.
“After 2 months of using ZIIP 4 to 5 days a week, my skin definitely seems to be brighter. It is much easier to put on makeup, [the] colors show on my skin better and prettier,” says one 39-year-old Amazon reviewer. “What I love about the device is that I feel so refreshed after the treatment. It feels so good, especially when I treat my forehead.”
Plus, it's like really pretty to look at — and while I know buying something for aesthetics is so gimmicky, given the various functionalities it provides, the looks are just a nice little bonus.
FAQ
At-Home Versus Professional Microcurrent Facial Results
As magical as at-home microcurrent machines are, they're not designed to be as strong as pro-level machines — and that's OK. With a few extra weeks of dedication, you'll see similar results at home, and you'll save plenty of dough so you can splurge on other beauty swag, like acne-zapping high-frequency wands, depuffing ice globes, hyaluronic acid hair products, and weird beauty products like TikTok-famous stamp eyeliners.
Microcurrent for the Body
Thought microcurrent machines were strictly for the face? Think again. If you want to firm up your body, then DeRosa says it's 100% worth purchasing a microcurrent machine for your face and another for your body.
“Although body microcurrent devices are excellent choices for non-facial areas, using them on the face and vice versa may lead to undesirable results. Since the skin on the face, neck, and décolleté is more sensitive and thinner than the rest of the body, [microcurrent] body machines need to higher current to be effective,” explains DeRosa. “Using a microcurrent device designed for the body on the face may be uncomfortable due to the higher than required energy and even could cause burns in some cases. Conversely, using a facial microcurrent device on the body may not deliver enough current to achieve the desired result.”
Nicole Saunders
Beauty Editor
Nicole Saunders is the beauty editor at Best Products with over eight years of experience researching, writing, and editing lifestyle content. She specializes in breaking down complicated topics, like high-frequency wands and microcurrent devices, into easy-to-understand guides. Saunders takes great pride in heavily researching and testing featured beauty products, — such as hairdryers and foundations — on our site, and spotlights her all-time seasonal favorites in her quarterly column Best New Beauty. And she tests quite literally thousands of launches for our Best New Beauty Awards package. You can follow her on Instagram to stay in the loop on her product testing adventues.
