The Best 8 Microcurrent Devices, Tested & Reviewed

We zapped our way to tighter, more toned skin to find what really works.

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InStyle / Elena Garcia

From cleansing brushes to face rollers, there are a ton of beauty tools and gadgets out there — but few can do the work of microcurrent devices, which are so sophisticated that they’re often wielded by estheticians, who use them during treatments to tighten, tone, and depuff the skin. The payoff? A firmer-looking jawline, more sculpted cheekbones, and all-around more defined face.

Now, these devices are available to the rest of us, and an at-home microcurrent facial may be the key to a more youthful appearance with just a few minutes a day. They use tiny electrical currents, a.k.a. the microcurrents in question, to trigger changes in skin. “Microcurrent devices deliver an electrical current to the muscles and skin cells, which upregulates intracellular ATP – the energy driver of the skin,” says Dr. Melanie Palm, a board-certified dermatologist in San Diego, CA. “This is what results in a temporary toning and lifting effect.”

To figure out what really worked, we recruited 14 InStyle editors to test 14 microcurrent devices, integrating them into their regular wellness routines for eight weeks. We spent a collective 448 hours testing, assessing how easy they were to use, along with the amount of handy high-tech features each design offered, and, most importantly, the visible results we saw on our faces at the end of eight weeks — did our jawlines look more chiseled? Were our cheekbones lifted to the high heavens? Out of the 14 microcurrent devices, you'll only find the creme de la creme on this list.

Our Top Picks
Best Overall Microcurrent Facial Device:
NuFace Trinity+ Starter Kit at Amazon ($395)
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Best Microcurrent Device for Wrinkles:
Ziip Halo at Amazon ($399)
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Best Face Lifting Device:
Therabody TheraFace Pro at Amazon ($399)
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Best Affordable Microcurrent Device:
Solawave 4-in-1 Skincare Wand with Red Light Therapy at Amazon ($56)
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Best Microcurrent Device for Double Chin:
Foreo Bear at Amazon ($329)
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Best Microcurrent Device for Eyes:
NuFace Mini+ Starter Kit at Amazon ($250)
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Best Microcurrent Device for Hooded Eyes:
Joey Healy Face Renovation Device at Amazon ($299)
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Best Microcurrent Device for Jowls:
ReFa Carat Ray Face at Amazon ($250)
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Best Overall Microcurrent Facial Device

NuFace Trinity+ Starter Kit

NuFace Trinity+ Starter Kit with Eye and Lip Attachment

NuFace

View On Amazon $395 View On Nordstrom $495 View On Ulta $495

What We Love: It offers instant gratification, and couldn’t be easier to use.

What We Don't Love: The results don’t last more than a few hours.

If you're new to microcurrent devices, no sweat: We found the NuFace Trinity+ to be so self-explanatory that you could probably use it without reading the directions (although we still did). After a quick charge in the dock — which, we should add, was small enough to fit on our limited bathroom-counter space — we used the device for about five to 10 minutes, allowing the built-in timer beeps to guide the treatment.

We didn't feel any discomfort even on the strongest setting — unless the conductive gel dried up, which is why the directions say to apply as you go (oops). It gave our skin a slightly lifted look and tighter feel right after the treatment, and while the effect lasted through dinner, it didn't last for days. We'd use it again for a night out. And it was so comfortable that we actually enjoyed it as a moment to zone out. We also liked that it came with attachments to treat the lip and eye areas.

But again, the results are incredibly subtle. So as long as you set your expectations accordingly and see it for what it is — a self-care moment with a temporary payoff — then you might love it, too.

FDA Cleared: Yes | Usage: Apply the activator gel to clean, dry skin. Then, working in sections, move the NuFace device across skin, following the contours of the face. | Microcurrent Levels:| Additional Features: Two attachments, built-in timer, app pairing, pre-set treatments

Best Microcurrent Device for Wrinkles

Ziip Halo

Ziip Halo

Ziip

View On Amazon $399 View On Ziipbeauty.com

What We Love: The results actually lasted a few days, which is rare among these devices.

What We Don't Love: The instructions were confusing and not always aligned.

While most microcurrent devices deploy microcurrents — no surprise there — what sets the Ziip Halo apart is its use of nanocurrents, which are even smaller wavelengths designed to work on a deeper level in skin, delivering longer-lasting results. Intrigued? We were. 

We were hoping to reduce our forehead and smile lines, so we used it across our entire face. We loved the included conductive gel, which wasn't sticky, didn't evaporate, and allowed for a smooth glide. We also found the shape of the device ideal for getting into all the nooks and crannies of our face, like under the brow bone and beneath the eyes, without any extra attachments. After downloading the Ziip app, we set out to do the 30-day challenge, for which the treatments lasted anywhere between four to 10 minutes. Not only did our skin look smooth and lifted right after one use (think "snatched") but the effect actually lasted a few days, and we noticed that our jawline looked significantly more sculpted.

The only hiccup we encountered was that the usage info was confusing and overwhelming; it came with multiple inserts and a huge user guide, and we found that the instructions in the manual were different than those on an insert card. And we didn't even realize until midway through our first treatment that we were only supposed to treat one side of our face at a time. But the fact that it actually gave us long-lasting results made it a winner in our books.

FDA Cleared: Yes | Usage: Apply the activator gel to clean, dry skin. Then, working in sections, move the Ziip device across skin, following the contours of the face. | Microcurrent Levels:| Additional Features: Built-in timer, app pairing, pre-set treatments, auto shut-off

Best Face Lifting Device

Therabody TheraFace Pro

Therabody TheraFace Pro

Therabody

View On Amazon $399 View On Nordstrom $399 View On Therabody.com

What We Love: You get much more than a microcurrent device, with LED, cleansing, and even facial-massage attachments

What We Don't Love: The amount of options can get time-consuming.

Microcurrent devices might not be miracle workers, but for the price, we wanted to ask a lot of them — and were hoping to tone our skin, tighten our jawline, and even clear breakouts with the TheraFace Pro. It comes with several attachments, a microcurrent cream, and an app that walked us through the different areas to target and how to treat them.

We liked that it's similar to the Theragun (the brand's best-selling massage tool) in that it fits nicely in the hand and comes with a storage case. And we really, really loved its versatility: We used the microcurrent setting as well as the cleansing attachment to cleanse at night and the LED lights to target our acne spots. By the time we finished testing, our skin looked tighter, toned, and all-around more sculpted, and we saw a big improvement in our acne.

Each session takes about five minutes (although it can vary slightly) so depending on how many things you want to do with it, the time can add up fast — leading to a longer-than-usual morning skincare routine. But we found it worthwhile for the results.

FDA Cleared: Yes | Usage: Working in sections, move the tool across skin, following the contours of the face. | Microcurrent Levels:| Additional Features: Multiple attachments, including LED lights, a cleansing ring, and percussive therapy

Best Affordable Microcurrent Device

Solawave 4-in-1 Skincare Wand with Red Light Therapy

Ulta Solawave 4-in-1 Skincare Wand with Red Light Therapy

Ulta

View On Amazon $56 View On Nordstrom $189 View On Ulta $189

What We Love: The warmth from the device was really soothing on skin.

What We Don't Love: Each session takes 12 minutes and can get tiresome.

Rather than using microcurrent, this little wand uses LED light therapy, which can is known to help even out skin tone, smooth fine lines, and even tackle blemishes. On top of that, the Solawave also has a galvanic current, which is a low form of energy that helps skin better absorb skincare products. Since we were dealing with blemishes, dullness, and wrinkles, we could hoping this could tackle all of the above. 

We loved how easy the Solawave was to use — just turn it on and glide it along your skin. The head is also on a swivel, which makes it easy to reach smaller areas. Immediately after using it, our skin looked plumper and smoother. We saw the biggest difference in our under-eye area; our under-eye bags were less pronounced, and it seemed to tone down the puffiness. It also helped reduce the discoloration and redness around our nose, and the warmth from the wand felt amazing when our skin was inflamed from allergies.

However, it didn't do much for our acne, and we got bored during the 12 minute-long sessions. The results also never lasted longer than a few hours, and we were most vexed by the fact that there's no indicator light to show whether the device is fully charged or not. It seems like a small gripe, but we could never tell whether we were working with a fully-charged wand or not.

FDA Cleared: No | Usage: Working in sections, move the tool across skin, following the contours of the face. | Microcurrent Levels:| Additional Features: None

Best Microcurrent Device for Double Chin

Foreo Bear

Ulta Foreo Bear

Ulta

View On Amazon $329 View On Ulta View On Foreo.com

What We Love: With 10 microcurrent levels, the intensity is customizable, and we liked how quick and easy it was to use.

What We Don't Love: We could only tolerate a relatively low microcurrent level, and the results were fleeting.

We started using the Foreo Bear with prevention in mind — we were looking for more definition around our jawline and depuffing...our entire face, ideally. We started by using the device on most of our face three times a week, and were immediately impressed by how easy the set-up was once paired with the Foreo app. (That said, the device wasn't charged, so we had to charge it up overnight to use it the following day.)

The app allowed us to choose between pre-set treatments that lasted between two and three minutes, which we loved for the convenience. We did have to dial down the intensity, though; it comes with strength and intensity levels between 1 and 10, and found that the level 4 gave us a strong, not painful but not comfortable, zap that made us tear up. But the morning after using it, our face looked so much more defined and sculpted, especially in our cheeks. We also think that this is the best microcurrent device for puffiness, because we can see a reduction in how much swelling we have in the morning after using this.

That said, we do wish that the device had some charged, and we weren't big fans of the serum, which felt watery. We also found that the device didn't always power down when we tried it, and it took a long time for it to charge. 

FDA Cleared: Yes | Usage: Apply the activator gel to clean, dry skin. Then, working in sections, move the NuFace device across skin, following the contours of the face. | Microcurrent Levels: 10 | Additional Features: Auto shut-off, pre-set treatments, app pairing

Best Microcurrent Device for Eyes

NuFace Mini+ Starter Kit

NuFace Mini+ Starter Kit

Dermstore

View On Amazon $250 View On Nordstrom $250 View On Dermstore $250

What We Love: It’s very easy and straightforward to use.

What We Don't Love: The results were very subtle. Plus, we didn’t see a long-lasting change after testing it for weeks.

For those of us born without Jennifer Lopez-level bone structure, there are microcurrent devices like the NuFace Mini+. We were hoping to get a similar chiseled effect from this — while, of course, being realistic about the limitations of at-home devices. Off the bat, the device is pretty foolproof; set-up was easy and quick, and we were able to use this on our cheeks, jawline, and neck in about five to 10 minutes every day. We used it on the highest setting, on which we'd occasionally feel a slight shock (think a rubber band snap), but found it otherwise pretty comfortable.

We saw an immediate difference in our skin, which looked more lifted and less puffy. With continued use, there was some improvement in our nasolabial folds, although it didn't deliver the J.Lo definition that we'd hoped for.

Although we saw some results, they were both subtle and temporary — meaning you might notice a huge difference even after a few days of use. And consistency is important, so in order to maintain results, you have to keep using it.

FDA Cleared: Yes | Usage: Apply the activator gel to clean, dry skin. Then, working in sections, move the NuFace device across skin, following the contours of the face. | Microcurrent Levels:| Additional Features: App pairing, built-in skin sensor

Best Microcurrent Device for Hooded Eyes

Joey Healy Face Renovation Device

Joey Healy Face Renovation Device

Joey Healy

View On Amazon $299 View On Joeyhealy.com

What We Love: It’s lightweight and user-friendly, and delivered tighter, more radiant skin.

What We Don't Love: We had to track down AAA batteries to use it. Treatment sessions take a long time.

Don't let looks fool you: Although this device is small and lightweight, it packs a powerful punch. It was our first time using a microcurrent device, so it took us awhile to get used to the sensations, which felt strong even on the lowest setting. (That said, it was more discomfort than pain.)

After using it with the included gel on our cheeks, forehead, and jawline, our face was visibly brighter and less puffyevery single time we used it. Although our skin did look a little bit red after each treatment, it calmed down within a few minutes. Overall, our complexion was noticeably tighter and more radiant with each use.

What might be a dealbreaker is that the brand recommends using it for 10 to 15 minutes (at which point it automatically turns off). We started to get antsy around the 10-minute mark. On top of that, we were surprised that it wasn't rechargeable, but required AAA batteries, which weren't included (and which we didn't have on hand). Even so, we plan to keep it in our rotation to use in the days leading up to a big event.

FDA Cleared: No | Usage: Apply the activator serum to clean, dry skin. Then, working in sections, move the device across skin, following the contours of the face. | Microcurrent Levels:| Additional Features: Automatic shut-off

Best Microcurrent Device for Jowls

ReFa Carat Ray Face

Amazon ReFa Carat Ray Face

Amazon

View On Amazon $250 View On Refausa.com

What We Love: It feels like a face massage and helped relieve tension, and it works better than other face rollers.

What We Don't Love: The actual level of microcurrent you get from it is unclear.

While you'll often find metal globes on microcurrent devices, since they emit the microcurrents in question, the tool takes to the next level, using them in a face roller-like format to massage the face. We wanted to see if it could help tone our skin and help with our tired-looking and often plump, puffy faces.

Off the bat, it was really ergonomic and lightweight, which made it easy to wield. Using a face roller feels like a little massage, which helped relieve tension, and no conductive gel or cream is needed. (We did apply moisturizer first, which seemed to help it glide across. Plus, the rollers move with skin, making it pretty seamless.) As a face roller, we loved the results: It smoothed our puffiness and slimmed down our face, giving us not just a puff-free appearance, but also a newly sculpted jawline and higher, lifted cheekbones.

But we're not totally sure how the microcurrent played in here: The device supposedly is charged via a tiny solar panel on the top of the device. The upside is that you don't need to recharge it or swap batteries, but we were also unclear on just how much energy the device had in store when we used it. We also didn't feel any electrical tingles or shocks, so we're not entirely sure whether we got much microcurrent at all.

FDA Cleared: No | Usage: Working in sections, move the tool across skin, following the contours of the face. | Microcurrent Levels:| Additional Features: None

What to Keep in Mind

  • FDA Clearance: A microcurrent device gets bonus points if it’s been FDA cleared, since it means that the device is "substantially equivalent" to a previous device that has received FDA clearance or approval, says Dr. Carmen Castilla, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “It means the company has to show that their device is just as safe and effective as another FDA approved or cleared device that is already on the market.” In other words, FDA clearance means that the device has underwent — and passed — some scrutiny before it could be sold to the public.

  • Your Commitment Level: If you already have a graveyard of facial devices beneath your sink, think twice before investing in a microcurrent device, because they require daily use to see results. “To achieve results, microcurrent devices should be used daily,” says Dr. Palm. “Consistency is critical for maintenance, so it requires some commitment.”

  • Your Goals: Consider what you’re targeting: If you want to lift your brows, for instance, you might want an attachment or a device small enough to target the eye area. “Over time, microcurrent treatment can encourage collagen and elastin production, improve muscle tone, and promote circulation,” says Dr. Palm. “It can also offer a temporary contouring effect, making it ideal to use ahead of a big event, like a wedding.” However, it’s worth setting expectations with at-home devices – even with daily treatment, the results are typically subtle and often not as dramatic as people would like them to be.

  • Conductive Gel: Some devices require a conductive gel that you apply before or during your treatment. “Typically made from a water-based formula, chemically-neutral conductive gels or serums improve the conductivity of the electrodes of the microcurrent device and allow the current to pass effectively from the device to the skin,” says Dr. Palm. If you don’t want to spring for one from the brand, a water-based gel without many filler ingredients, like an aloe vera gel, can be a good option.

Your Questions, Answered

Do microcurrent devices work?

They do, if you use them right. “At-home microcurrent devices are not as effective or impactful as in-office microcurrent treatments, but with consistency and time, they can offer a temporary toning and lifting effect,” says Dr. Palm. But again, it’s important to temper your expectations accordingly. They’re not going to give you the same results as, say, a procedure at your doctor’s office.

Do dermatologists recommend micorcurrent?

They do, although it depends on the patient. “I recommend them to patients who are willing to commit to the time and consistency required to see an improvement,” says Dr. Palm. “They’re generally safe and well-tolerated by most skin types.”

Can you overdo microcurrent?

The at-home microcurrent devices are generally really safe and hard to overuse, according to Dr. Castilla. If you do manage to overuse it, you might get skin irritation, pain, or tingling — but if you follow the directions, this shouldn't happen. If anything, "you're more likely to get these negative side effects if you forget to use the conductive gel," says Dr. Castilla.

Who is not a good candidate for microcurrent?

If you have an open wound — like, say, an active breakout, Dr. Palm recommends avoiding microcurrent devices. Otherwise, there’s not much harm in trying it. “If someone is motivated and wants to incorporate this into their routine, there is very little potential for harm,” says Dr. Castilla.

Why Shop With Us

Deanna Pai is a freelance writer and editor who has been covering beauty, health, and wellness for more than a decade. She’s used a few microcurrent devices herself over the years, including a few on this list, and interviewed two dermatologists, Dr. Melanie Palm and Dr. Carmen Castilla, for their insight.

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