7 Best Microcurrent Facial Devices, Tested and Reviewed for 2023

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You def don’t wanna buy a microcurrent device without reading this first.

My biggest issue with at-home skincare devices is consistency. I’m all about instant gratification, and while most facial tools and gadgets promise speedy results, they ultimately don’t deliver. Cue to me falling off the bandwagon and whatever tool I tested collecting dust in the bottom of a drawer. There is one exception though, and that's microcurrent devices. With regular use they can provide a long-term firming and plumping benefit, but after just one session you'll notice your face looks immediately more lifted and sculpted too. Truly the best of both worlds—and the reason I'm religious about using a microcurrent device in my skincare routine.

To create this list of the 7 best microcurrent devices, I tested and reviewed a ton of different devices and reached out to and board-certified dermatologist Heather D. Rogers, MD, and licensed medical aesthetician Innessa Mandelbaum for their thoughts on the best at-home microcurrent devices—plus all the key info to know before adding one to your own routine.

Keep scrolling for the entire list of best microcurrent facial devices for 2023 and the most important things to keep in mind when shopping for a microcurrent device.

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I'm absolutely hooked on my TheraFace. It comes with multiple attachments—including an LED light, a cleansing brush, various facial massagers, a hot and cold ring, and of course, a microcurrent head. When used with the conductive gel, the microcurrent setting (of which there are three), can help tone, lift, and depuff skin. The lifting and depuffing results are nearly instant, but the device needs to be used daily to maintain results and really see a boost in collagen.

THE REVIEW: "This easily replaces a couple of facial tools that would otherwise clutter my bathroom vanity," writes one tester. "I love that one gadget can easily do several things just by changing the attachment. I have been using this for two weeks and I am really loving it. It makes me feel I am have my own spa/skin clinic at home."

NuFace is the OG microcurrent device, and their Trinity+ Starter Kit is the ideal all-one-setup for anyone who is committed to microcurrent and ready to make it a regular part of their routine. It's pricey, yes, but you'll get a full-size NuFace device that's proven to lift and tone, a special attachment for eyes and lips, a conductive gel and applicator brush, and a face moisturizer.

THE REVIEW: "I am seeing noticeable upward movement in my skin, cheeks, jaw, neck, eyes, and forehead from using my NuFace," one tester writes. "My forehead 11s"still look like I've recently gotten Botox—it's honestly just jaw-dropping."

Pro aestheticians and DIY skincare fans alike are obsessed with this microcurrent device from MyoLift. It's more of a mini machine than a hand-held device or tool, but it's got a ton of power and is relatively simple to use once you get the hang of maneuvering both hand pieces at once. The device can be used at different intensities depending on the results you're trying to achieve, plus it comes with a rechargeable battery park and conductive gel.

THE REVIEW: "I have been using very expensive anti-aging cosmetics but I did not get any result, however, I got a visible firming and lifting result when I used Myolift from the first time," reads one tester's review. "This is amazing machine—I definitely recommend it."

This microcurrent wand is deserving of all the viral TikTok hype—and is excellent option for anyone who is new to using microcurrent at home. It's incredibly easy to use (just apply a conductive gel or hydrating serum to clean skin and glide the wand up and out) and the entire treatment takes only five minutes. The Solawave wand also combines microcurrent with red light, therapeutic warmth, and gentle facial massage for even more glow-boosting benefits.

THE REVIEW: "I LOVE this thing. It's versatile, compact, and lightweight," one tester writes. "I was unsure about it being so small, but it really is the perfect size for around your eyes and for the rest of your face."

While this mini microcurrent device may be too small to treat your entire face and neck, it's amazing for smoothing fine lines in more targeted areas, like under your eyes, around your mouth, and between your brows. It has three settings and is linked to an app that will help guide you through your treatment, so it's pretty much error-proof.

THE REVIEW: "So far I am loving what this is doing to my skin," writes a tester. "Consistency is key, but it's super easy to incorporate into my routine and looks super cute on my bathroom counter too."

If you're curious about microcurrent but aren't quite ready to spend a ton of money on a device, this affordable option from Skin Gym is a great choice. It's cute, compact, and at $119 it's by far the least expensive on the list. It also has five different intensity settings so you can start out low and slow and work your way up to level five once you're more comfortable using the device.

THE REVIEW: "This is this most effective, yet affordable, microcurrent wand I've tried," writes one tester. "I love using it to give my skin a quick lift—it's really great for depuffing around my eye area too."

The coolest thing about the ZIIP, IMO, are all the pre-programmed treatments on the compatible app. Following them during your DIY treatment basically makes the entire experience foolproof. The GX Kit comes preloaded with a skin energizing treatment (designed to contour and tighten your features) but, with the use of the app, you can use your ZIIP for lymphatic drainage, reducing acne, fading dark spots, and more.

THE REVIEW: "Because it is smaller than some other microcurrent tools, it is easier to use it, and doesn't take much space to store it in a bathroom," writes a tester. "It comes with an app which has many different treatments and walks you through each treatment step by step—plus it doesn't require you to buy additional attachments to perform different treatments which I love,"

Microcurrent devices emit a low-grade electrical current that promotes the production adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is basically food or energy for skin cells, explains Dr. Rogers. That ATP is used by your cells to build muscle, collagen, and elastin—all necessary things for plump, firm, and more lifted-looking skin. Microcurrent can also improve lymphatic drainage and circulation to help depuff your skin and give it a nice glow, says Dr. Rogers.

Yes, at-home microcurrent devices really do work and can visibly lift, firm, depuff, and smooth the skin. That said, they're not as powerful as professional microcurrent devices used in medspas and skincare clinics, says Mandelbaum, so you shouldn't expect the same results. I recommend my clients come in for professional microcurrent every few weeks (she uses the Tama device during treatments) and then maintain the results at home with own device, says Mandelbaum.

The contouring and depuffing results of a microcurrent can be seen immediately after a treatment, but the benefits are also cumulative so to really lift and tone your facial muscles you'll need to be consistent with your treatments, says Mandelbaum. "Think of it like going to the gym," says Mandelbaum. "To keep your facial muscles in shape, you'll need to exercise them with microcurrent frequently."

The current that's released from at-home microcurrent is very weak and only travels between the two electrodes on the device so it's generally very safe and can be used everyday, says Dr. Rogers. "However, most manufacturers say microcurrent should be avoided in people with pacemakers, electronic implanted devices, metal plates, or pins in the area being treated—and if you are pregnant or have epilepsy, they advise you to be cautious and talk to a medical professional before starting any treatment."

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates certain medical claims made by device manufacturers, so when you see the words "FDA-cleared" on your microcurrent device packaging, it basically means that it has been reviewed by the FDA for safety and efficacy—which should ultimately make you feel more confident with your purchase.

Most microcurrent devices require you to apply a conductive gel or serum to your skin before use—so it's to your advantage to buy a device that comes with one so you don't have to make a separate purchase. The conductive gel is often necessary help the current pass through your skin—plus the slip it provides will allow your device to better glide across your skin.

Skincare tool technology is super advanced these days, so it's totally possible to invest in a device that offers multiple features. If you're someone who is looking for an all-in-one tool or likes to test out different treatments, I highly recommend investing in a device like the TheraFace or Solawave, which combines microcurrent with other features like LED, facial massage, and heat therapy.

Lauren Balsamo is deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan with nearly a decade of experience researching, writing, and editing skin stories that range from the best retinol eye creams to the best lasers for acne scars. She’s an authority in all skincare categories but an expert when it comes to microcurrent devices. She regularly tests and analyzes new microcurrent devices, while working with the industry’s top dermatologists and aestheticians to assess new brands and technologies.

Lauren Balsamo is deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan, where she writes, edits, and produces all types of beauty content—from product reviews to personal essays and trend reports. She has covered beauty for nine years at Cosmopolitan and has contributed to Women’s Health and Seventeen magazines as well. Follow her on Instagram.

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