When our skin needs a little pick-me-up, our editors turn to the best microcurrent devices. No, they’re not a permanent fix or on par with the results of a facelift, but with consistent use, you might just see visible lifting results.
These skin-care tools use tiny electrical currents to stimulate the facial muscles, therefore toning them—and, as a result, may lend skin a (temporarily) more lifted, sculpted, and all-around tighter appearance, according to Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. But here’s the deal: You need to be consistent with them to see any results, which is why we’re only recommending a very short list of ones that we as editors can get behind using daily. Ahead are the microcurrent devices we think are easy to use and give maximal results.
Our Top Microcurrent Devices
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Overall: NuFace Trinity Facial Toning Device
The gist: This repeat Allure Best of Beauty Award winner is our editors’ all-time favorite for its instant de-puffing benefits and smoothing, lifting effects, which show up over time with consistent and daily use.
Considering it’s a verified Allure Best of Beauty Award Hall of Famer, the NuFace Trinity Facial Toning Device is one of the best-known devices out there—for good reason. It “offers noticeable improvements in facial contour, tone, and wrinkle reduction,” says Dr. Garshick. Its two metal nodes snugly hug the contours of your face as they glide across, evenly distributing a wave of microcurrent technology to precisely stimulate muscles in the process. The conductive gel, which helps transfer the electrical currents to your skin, is infused with hyaluronic acid for immediate hydration. Plus, it allows the device’s prongs to roll smoothly and prevents shock-like sensations (which occur when the current bounces off skin instead of into your skin).
But the best part has to be how quickly it delivers results, even if they’re temporary. In just one five-minute session, you can see a difference in how smooth and toned your face looks. And it couldn’t be easier to get those effects—all you have to do is glide the device across your face and let it do the real work. When you’re getting ready for an event and want immediate results, this is the tool you should turn to.
No matter which attachment you pop on, you can choose between five microcurrent intensities. (Beginners, take a slow-and-steady approach and start at the lowest intensity—one tester was put off by the twitchy sensation she felt after turning up the intensity level too soon.) To ensure proper use, NuFace installed a beeping mechanism that goes off every five seconds so you know exactly how long to hold each stroke across your face. Our testers also love its ergonomic design that’s not only easy to hold but doesn’t take up much space on a vanity or in a bathroom cabinet.
“If I’m working out my body, I should be working out my face, right? I rely on the NuFace Trinity for a face-sculpting routine that helps temporarily lift and ease any inflammation. I deal with a lot of puffiness in the morning—especially around my cheeks and jaw—and the microcurrents really help de-puff and define my features. I also have acne-prone skin, and I’ve noticed that using the NuFace consistently helps calm some of that underlying inflammation, making my skin look and feel more even. It’s like a quick workout for my face that gives me an instant boost before I start my day,” she adds. Trakoshis started using the NuFace back in 2020 (pandemic times) and today whips it out before big events, like her upcoming wedding. “It’s not a tool that gives me long-lasting results but it’s a tool that gives instant results and for that, I love it.
Angela has acne-prone skin, and has been using the NuFace Trinity before big events to reduce puffiness.
Tester feedback from senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen
“I won’t lie, skin-care devices like these aren’t something I use very consistently—I’m 30! Just a baby!—but when there’s a special occasion or an important photo op approaching, I like to do a little extra skin prep with the NuFace Trinity+,” says senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen. “There might not be much skin on my face that needs tightening, but gliding this device across my skin a few nights per week does lend itself to noticeably smoother skin, a blessing for makeup-heavy moments. Once I’m done, it sits very pretty on its charging station in my bathroom and it’s not a total eyesore.”
Nicola has redness-prone skin, and has been using the NuFace Trinity+ approximately three times a week for two years.
FDA-cleared, 5 intensity levels, conductive gel, charging cradle, and power adapter, 12-hour charging time
How the brand tested this product’s efficacy
NuFace took part in an independent study evaluating the efficacy of the NuFace Trinity Facial Trainer. After using the device for five minutes a day for 60 consecutive days, 85% of users experienced improved facial contour, 80% of users reported their skin felt smoother, and 77% of users reported their face looked more toned.
Best for Travel: Ziip Halo
The gist: The Ziip Halo’s compact size makes it perfect for traveling (and it’s easy on your wrists), and the brand claims that the results last longer due to a different type of current. Its settings are more intense than other options, so beginners should start at the lowest or opt for another device.
If you travel frequently and want to maintain your skin-care routine on the road, consider the Ziip. Another Best of Beauty Award winner, the Ziip Halo looks like a computer mouse—but it’s actually a powerful tool to tighten and soften skin. Unlike other microcurrent devices, the Ziip Halo pairs microcurrents with nanocurrents, which target the skin cells at different levels of your skin’s surface to stimulate collagen production. That supposedly provides longer-lasting effects, since you get the bonus benefit of new collagen growth in addition to the immediate perks.
That being said, this tiny but mighty tool’s maximum strength can be intense, according to our testers. To keep from irritating your skin, start at the lowest setting and gradually increase the microcurrent intensity as needed. Also, make sure you apply a generous amount of conductive gel to ensure a zap-free glide.
Tester feedback from former commerce writer Jennifer Hussein
“This hand-held device is one of my favorites for a last-minute lift and contour definition,” says former commerce writer Jennifer Hussein. ”It doesn’t look threatening, and it’s quite easy on my wrists, but one glide will prove just how powerful Ziip’s device is. Be careful with this teensy device, because it is particularly zappy—I certainly see minimal results after a powerful, 10-minute session, but not without some sensitivity from the process. Clean-up is as easy as a quick rinse and wipe-down with a microfiber towel, and its slender build fits in my at-home toiletries caddy (or travel bag) without taking up too much space for my other essentials.”
Jennifer has sensitive, redness-prone skin, and has been using the Ziip Halo three times a week for six months.
Tester feedback from senior director of audience development Lexi Herrick
“I love the sleek design, and find it’s very easy to hold and use,” says senior director of audience development Lexi Herrick. “It’s INTENSE in terms of power, probably more than the Nuface, and I would warn that the power can cause twitching in my face around my eyes and mouth. But It shapes and tones my face instantly. It glides perfectly over my cheek bones and under my chin, bringing down my inflammation and tightening brilliantly.”
Lexi has combination skin, and has been using the Ziip Halo up to twice per week for three months.
FDA-cleared, automatic shut-off, conductive gel, charging cable
How the brand tested this product’s efficacy
In a clinical trial, participants aged 35 to 55 used the Ziip Halo device for 42 days to evaluate its effectiveness in addressing various skin concerns, including wrinkles, sagging, pigmentation, skin elasticity, and hydration. The results: 97% of people saw immediate lifting and firming, 100% subjects said skin felt more elastic, 97% subjects said skin felt smoother, 97% subjects saw improvement in sagging, and 97% subjects saw improvement in skin dullness.
Most Versatile Features: TheraFace Pro
The gist: Its two microcurrent settings aren’t as intensive as other options, but our editors love the Theraface Pro’s variation of attachments and ergonomic shape.
Looking to consolidate your skin-care devices? The TikTok-viral TheraFace Pro is your best bet: While it ostensibly uses percussive therapy to give you a facial massage—like a mini version of the TheraBody—it also comes with various attachments, including three percussive face massagers, a cleansing ring, an LED light therapy attachment, and, of course, the microcurrent attachment, which is even bigger than the NuFace device. “I did see some results, which included a slightly lifted and more sculpted face, although they were very faint and difficult to see in pictures,” said one tester. “I also felt like it helped get rid of some puffiness I was experiencing.”
Like the NuFace, this device also features a five-second timer that beeps when you should finish each stroke, ensuring you get the most out of your device without risk of irritation.
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
“I love a multitasking tool—mostly because I can’t keep track of all of my beauty products,” Allure commerce editor Sarah Han says. The microcurrent attachment magnetizes seamlessly to the base and is just as easy to swap out, she says, and the results were most impressive along her jawline. “My complexion is more rounded out towards the bottom and I instantly saw a lift in those areas, so I’ll definitely be pulling this out in the morning before important meetings and special occasions, but I don’t think I’m committed enough to pull this out regularly,” she notes.
Sarah has combination skin, and has been using the TheraFace Pro once a week for three months.
Tester feedback from Hussein
“I’m a huge fan of all the attachments I can use with the TheraFace Pro, especially the microcurrent attachment for days when my Ziip needs charging,“ says Hussein. “Its settings aren’t nearly as intense as the Ziip Halo’s, which at times feels like a much-needed break. It won’t instantly shock your muscles into place, but its gentler approach provides a light lift that doesn’t leave my sensitivity-prone face with irritation. When I’m not using its microcurrent head, I’m most likely massaging my temples with its percussive attachments—it’s a saving grace for migraines, especially when you pair it with the cryotherapy attachment (which can be used at the same time!).“
Jennifer has sensitive, redness-prone skin and has been using the TheraFace Pro three times a week for three months.
FDA-cleared, eight attachments (three percussive, three LED, one microcurrent, one cleansing), conductive gel, travel bag, stand, charging cable, 120-minute battery life
How the brand tested this product’s efficacy
In a 12-week clinical study performed by Media Lab Science in Los Angeles, 35 subjects aged 25 to 61 with various skin types used the TheraFace Pro as instructed in the product’s starter guide. Subjects were instructed to use the red, blue, and red+infrared light therapy in combination with percussive therapy treatments three times a week on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for six minutes, and use the microcurrent and cleanse attachements twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays for six minutes. Then, they also used the light, percussive therapy, microcurrent therapy, cleansing, heat, and cold therapy once a week on Sundays for 45 minutes.
After 12 weeks, 71.4% of participants reported notable improvements in imperfections and blemishes, 54.3% noticed a reduced number (or less severe) acne breakouts, and 68.6% reported that their skin was less oily or shiny, and 88.6% saw an improvement in wrinkles, liver spots, dark spots, age spots, sunspots, patchy or uneven color, rough and scaly patches, and yellowish or otherwise unhealthy-lookng skin. For overall skin appearance, 94.3% saw notable improvements after 12 weeks.
Easiest to Use: Medicube Age-R Booster Pro
The gist: This slim tool doesn’t have a ton of bells and whistles, but its impressively strong current whips our testers’ skin into shape every time.
As much as we love the devices above, we understand if they sound a little more complicated than what you’re after. The Medicube Age-R Booster Pro is very straightforward (read: it doesn’t have any attachments or a special conductive gel. All you need is the tool itself and your favorite serum.
The device has four modes: “Booster Mode: Electroporation” for better skin-care absorption, “MC Mode: Microcurrent” for targeting facial lines, “Derma Shot Mode: EMS” for firming and contouring, and “Air Shot Mode: Electric Needles” for improving pore elasticity. You can switch up which mode you’re using with the click of a button. For the purposes of this article, we’re focused on MC Mode, which our testers say is very powerful and delivers jaw-snatching results. (If you want to learn more about the other modes, Medicube offers a handy guide on its website.)
The Medicube may not be the smallest device on our list, but its less-bulky frame and lack of accessories makes it easier to take on the go. “It’s is a lot slimmer than some other devices I’ve tried, clocking in at about the same size as my electric toothbrush,” one of our testers says.
“I must say: This is the most powerful device I have ever used,” says editor in chief Jessica Cruel. She tends to only use the Derma Shot and MC Modes for her skin prep routine—and the latter is her favorite for getting lymphatic drainage before a big event or live TV taping. “Setting three out of five had my muscles twitching (in a good way). I also like that it has a screen that tracks the time so I don’t have to keep track of beeps. I find the user experience is better than many microcurrent devices I’ve used in the past.”
Jessica has normal skin and has been using the Medicube Age-R Booster Pro once a month for six months.
“I’ve been a fan of Medicube devices ever since they launched stateside in 2022 and I can confidently say the Age-R Booster Pro is the best iteration yet—because it combines skin-care modes that were previously relegated to their own singular devices. The microcurrent mode is the strongest I’ve ever tried so I’d start on level one (yep, one out of five) before leveling up. I can literally see the muscles in my jawline being stimulating as I glide the device across—and the lymphatic drainage-esque benefits help slim my face, even if it’s subtle and temporary. Perfect for a pre-party or date night routine!”
Sarah has combination skin and has been using the Medicube Age-R Booster Pro two times a week for two months.
four modes (Booster Mode: Electroporation, MC Mode: Microcurrent, Derma Shot Mode, and Air Shot Mode: Electric Needles) with five intensity levels each, Medicube AGE-R App compatability, USB-C charging cable
How the brand tested this product’s efficacy
Medicube conducted clinical studies for all four modes used in combination with skin-care products and list these statistics on its Singapore site:
- Forehead volume: improved by 35.9% after 2 weeks of use
- Smile lines: improved by 24.2% after 2 weeks of use
- Between the brows(11s): Improved by 16.1% after 2 weeks of use
- Crow’s feet: improved by 12.6% after 2 weeks of use
- Neck lines: improved by 11.8% after 2 weeks of use
- Skin density: improved by 5.46% after 2 weeks of use
Editor’s note: If/when we hear back from Medicube regarding more details about their clinical studies, we will update this section accordingly.
Other microcurrent devices to consider
- If you’re nervous about the idea of shocking your face, the Foreo Bear ($329) has made a microcurrent convert of many an Allure editor. What sets the Bear apart is its Anti-Shock System, which measures how your skin responds to the microcurrent and adjusts the intensity accordingly—perfect for newbies afraid of getting “zapped,” however gentle they may be. Plus, the waterproof, silicone-covered device is tinier than most (minus the Ziip) and can deliver 90 treatments on a single charge, so you can take it on vacation without having to worry about juicing it up. “I looked like I had just spent hours under the care of an esthetician,” Allure associate features director Dianna Mazzone Singh says. “My skin had a healthy, rosy glow, and my cheekbones and jawline, newly unearthed, looked remarkably sculpted.”
- If you’re shopping on a budget, consider Skin Gym’s device. What the Skin Gym Microcurrent Wand ($99) lacks in bells and whistles—it’s battery-operated and has the smallest applicator nodes of all the devices we’ve tried—it makes up for in both efficacy and affordability. The relative nodes make it easy to target smaller contours of the face, like around the eyes and lips, and the device beeps to alert you to move to a new area of the face. No frills, no problem. It’s the perfect pick for anyone who wants to precisely target crow’s feet and laugh lines, but keep in mind that its microcurrent technology isn’t as intensive as other devices, making results less significant.
- If you want a microcurrent-like effect, the Solawave Radiant Renewal Wand ($169) pairs galvanic current, an alternative that helps skin-care ingredients penetrate more deeply into sk
- in, with LED light therapy (which, when used in in-office treatments, can help activate signaling between cells, but isn’t as effective at-home). Galvanic currents use a direct, but very low-level electrical current to boost the skin’s permeability, making it more receptive to absorbing ingredients and encouraging lymphatic drainage. “While the sculpting results are minimal so far, I have been noticing a subtle lift to my jowls,” says Hussein. “However, the most noticeable and instant effect has been on my eyes—they look way less puffy than usual.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most effective microcurrent device?
Generally speaking, “Microcurrent devices emit low-voltage electrical currents that mimic the body’s natural bioelectric currents,” says Dr. Garshick. “These gentle currents stimulate the facial muscles, akin to a workout, and enhance cellular activity.”
While most microcurrent devices pretty much offer the same thing—muscle-stimulating electrical currents—they can differ in their bells and whistles, versatility, and treatment times, which can all influence what’s the most effective microcurrent device for you. Ultimately, as with sunscreen, it’s whatever you’re most likely to use consistently.
Do at-home microcurrent devices really work?
If you’re game to use them consistently in your skin-care routine, “They can work to stimulate your muscles to boost collagen for an overall improved appearance of the skin,” says Dr. Garshick. However, it’s key to adjust your expectations accordingly. “While most individuals can find microcurrent treatments beneficial, it is important to note that at-home treatments may differ from an in-office device,” she says. And by “differ,” we mean they’re much less powerful, so the results are more subtle, even if you are dedicated to daily use.
They can’t compete with professional skin-tightening procedures and definitely don’t replace skin-care products, which is why Dr. Garshick sees them as more of a supplement to enhance and maintain the results from your in-office treatments—and not as a swap. They’re ideal for “people who notice a slight laxity in their skin, especially along their cheeks, and want a temporary lift of their skin,” says Dr. Ibhrahim.
As for how they work, “It is thought that since microcurrent has been shown to help wound healing and reduce inflammation, it may also promote collagen and elastin production to help firm and tighten the skin,” says Dr. Garshick, who also notes that more research is needed to confirm these benefits.
Microcurrent facial devices can also help boost circulation, thereby reducing puffiness, which also lends a sculpting, albeit fleeting, effect. However, microcurrent is not the end-all, be-all it’s often made out to be. For one, “the results are temporary and require daily use to maintain,” says Omer Ibrahim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Chicago, IL. What’s more, these devices are not a substitute for in-office tightening procedures, which, he says, give you more bang for your buck in the long run. Ultimately, if you’re looking for low-lift tightening in the privacy of your own bathroom and are willing to invest five to 10 minutes a day for a snatched look, these tools are a great option.
Can you overdo microcurrent?
In this case, more is not better. Using your microcurrent device for too long (per session) can lead to some redness, swelling, and general inflammation, according to Dr. Ibrahim. However, “If you’re using the device daily according to directions, it should generally be safe,” he says.
Also, keep in mind that these skin-care devices aren’t recommended for use during pregnancy. And, Dr. Garshick says, you should chat with your doctor if you have any other medical conditions or devices like implanted medical devices, including pacemakers.
Is it okay to use microcurrent every day?
Yes—in fact, consistency is non-negotiable for getting results from facial toning devices, since their effects are temporary. However, stick to the usage guidance of the product you ultimately decide on, since, again, “Improper use of the device can lead to skin irritation or redness,” says Dr. Garshick.
Also, proceed with caution if you’ve just gotten an injectable treatment. (Some device manufacturers recommend waiting anywhere from 10 days to two weeks before using microcurrent.) “Overall, it’s likely safe, but there have been no robust long-term studies that explore the effects of microcurrent on the longevity of Botox or the placement of filler—for example, can the filler potentially move or migrate if the microcurrent is done too aggressively or too much?” says Dr. Ibrahim. The chances of this are low, but not necessarily zero, which is why it’s worth backing off right after a treatment.
Meet the experts
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We are particularly discerning when writing about skin-care devices. This is because of the increased risks and, in many cases, the high price points, that accompany at-home dermatological tools and devices.
Each device undergoes extensive testing and must be approved by a senior member of our beauty team prior to appearing in Allure. Additionally, our editorial team consults board-certified dermatologists and cosmetic chemists about the science behind product claims and independently reviews any studies cited by brands. Testers consider performance across four primary categories: efficacy, safety (including ease of use), research and the science behind specific claims, as well as product value. To learn more information on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
Skin-care devices cost a pretty penny. These are the ones we’ve (and our dermatologist friends) deemed are worth your hard-earned money:
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