We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Beauty Skin Care The 13 Best Microcurrent Devices for a More Lifted and Sculpted Look These high-tech at-home gadgets can help temporarily tighten and firm your face in just a few minutes a day. By Christina Heiser Christina Heiser Christina Heiser is a seasoned health and beauty writer. She's been writing, editing, and testing products for top online publications and brands, including Everyday Health, Women's Health, and Vitamin Shoppe, for over a decade. She's also a dedicated advocate for celiac awareness and holds a role as an ambassador for Beyond Celiac. Shape's editorial guidelines Published on February 16, 2024 In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews How We Tested What to Know FAQ Why Trust Shape Shape / David Hattan If you’ve ever had a professional facial, then you’ve probably marveled at how sculpted and firm your face looks afterward. Chances are, the esthetician used a microcurrent device during your treatment. “Microcurrent is an incredible treatment for keeping the skin youthful and lifted,” says Shani Darden, Los Angeles-based celebrity esthetician and founder of Shani Darden Skin Care. “If you start it early on before your skin starts to sag, it can help train the muscles to stay in a more lifted position.” Luckily, you can achieve similar results without heading to the spa as there are plenty of powerful at-home microcurrent devices on the market these days. Darden explains that these at-home gadgets stimulate the facial muscles underneath the skin, which can help improve facial contour, tone the skin, and reduce wrinkles. With the help of top skincare experts and a group of testers, we thoroughly analyzed the top 13 microcurrent devices to help you lift, sculpt, firm, and tighten your face from the comfort of your home. Plus, we also answer all of your burning questions about how microcurrent technology works and how to use microcurrent devices for best results. Our Top Picks Best Microcurrent Device Overall: NuFace Trinity+ Starter Kit at Nordstrom ($495) Jump to Review Best Microcurrent Device for Firming: evertone Everlift Microcurrent Device + Free Activating Serum at Evertoneskin.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Microcurrent Device to Splurge On: Face Gym Facial Toning Device at Facegym.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Microcurrent Device for Contouring: Foreo Bear at Amazon ($214) Jump to Review Best Battery Operated Microcurrent Device: Joey Healy Face Renovation Device at Amazon ($299) Jump to Review Best Microcurrent Device Kit: MyoLift QT Plus Facial Toning Device at 7ewellness.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Microcurrent Device for Beginners: NuFace Mini+ Starter Kit at Nordstrom ($213) Jump to Review Best Solar Powered Microcurrent Device: ReFa Carat Ray Face at Amazon ($250) Jump to Review Best Budget Microcurrent Device: Skin Gym Sculpt Bundle at Skingymco.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Microcurrent Device with Red Light: Solawave 4-in-1 Skincare Wand with Red Light Therapy at Amazon ($56) Jump to Review Best Microcurrent Device Overall NuFace Trinity+ Starter Kit NuFace View On Nordstrom $495 View On Ulta $495 View On Sephora $495 Why We Like It: The attachments are easy to pop onto the device, the app is intuitive to follow, and the charging dock is petite and discreet, so it easily fits on small bathroom counters.It’s Worth Noting: You really do have to use the gel activator with this tool, otherwise you’ll feel discomfort. Microcurrent levels: 3 | Special features: App compatible; separate eye and lip attachments included with kit “This is one of the most respected microcurrent devices on the market,” says Geeta Yadav, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology. “The before and after images are remarkable.” This facial sculpting tool helps blur the appearance of fine lines and give the treated areas a more sculpted look in five minutes a day. In addition to the main attachment for the face, this kit comes with an eye and lip attachment too, which you can use to tighten the area around your eyes and mouth as well as lift your brows. It also includes a hydrating gel activator and a firming and brightening cream activator, which are meant to be applied to skin first so the device glides over your face easily. Yadav adds that the NuFace Trinity+ also has a convenient cradle charger that you can store the tool in, so it’s always ready to go the next time you want to use it. Plus, you can download the NuFace Smart App to access tutorials and track your progress. We especially like that there’s a timer feature on the app that tells you when to move on to the next section of your face. We saw slight lifting results immediately and noticed our skin looked somewhat tighter a few hours post-treatment. Shape / Elena Garcia Shape / Elena Garcia Best Microcurrent Device for Firming evertone Everlift Microcurrent Device + Free Activating Serum evertone View On Evertoneskin.com Why We Like It: This microcurrent device beeps when it’s time to move on to the next part of your face, which takes the guesswork out of the process.It’s Worth Noting: Although it doesn’t come with a charging dock, this microcurrent device does include a USB charging cord as well as a travel pouch so you can bring it with you anywhere. Microcurrent levels: 1 | Special features: Conductive gel serum is formulated specifically to enhance the effectiveness of the microcurrent device; comes with a USB charging cord This microcurrent device uses a low-grade electrical current to offer major firming benefits. It contours the face, lifts crow’s feet, promotes collagen production, tones and tightens, and helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles in five minutes a day. With regular use over time, you may even start to notice a tightening and lifting effect in the jowls, chin, and cheeks. The tool comes with a conductive gel serum that’s formulated with a combination of hydrating ingredients, including aloe vera and hyaluronic acid. We noticed an immediate tightening effect after using the device, with results fading as the day went on. Shape / Katrina Cossey Shape / Katrina Cossey Best Microcurrent Device to Splurge On Face Gym Facial Toning Device Face Gym View On Facegym.com Why We Like It: The diamond-shaped tip allows for a smooth glide across the skin, and the three microcurrent modes give you control over the intensity of your treatment.It’s Worth Noting: The gel dries pretty fast, so you may find yourself having to reapply a few times during a 10-minute session. That means you may run out of gel quickly and need to repurchase sooner. Microcurrent levels: 3 | Special features: The screen shows you what setting you’re on and tells you how much time you have left in a session If you’re in the mood to splurge on a fancy microcurrent device, then look no further than the Face Gym Pure Lift Facial Toning Device. This pricey skincare gadget is powered by patented triple-wave technology to activate and elevate facial muscles, resulting in a firmer-looking face in every 10-minute session. It emits randomized electrical impulses, which keep the facial muscles from being able to adapt. That means facial muscles constantly have to work, resulting in a lifted look after every session. What’s more, the device is designed with a diamond-shaped tip, which allows for a smoother glide across the skin when paired with the included activator serum, and can be used on the jawline, forehead, cheeks, brows, and under the eyes. We like that you can choose your intensity from three options (low, medium, and high), although you may want to work your way up to the strongest level since it can be a bit uncomfortable at first as you get used to the sensation. Shape / Dana Fouchia Shape / Dana Fouchia Shape / Dana Fouchia Shape / Dana Fouchia Best Microcurrent Device for Contouring Foreo Bear Ulta View On Amazon $214 View On Ulta $329 View On Foreo.com Why We Like It: The Foreo Bear works in just two minutes, saving you time on your skincare routine.It’s Worth Noting: This microcurrent device doesn’t come with an activating gel, so you’ll have to purchase one (either from Foreo or elsewhere) separately. Microcurrent levels: 10 | Special features: App compatible; USB rechargeable with up to 90 uses per charge; made of bacteria-resistant silicone Don’t be deceived by its cute looks: This tiny handheld microcurrent device does an excellent job of stimulating and toning facial muscles in just two minutes. The innovative microcurrent technology features a whopping 10 intensity levels so you can find the perfect match for you (we found 3 to be our sweet spot, but you can certainly work your way up to a higher intensity). We were impressed by how defined our faces looked the morning after our first time using this powerful little tool. It has an anti-shock system that scans and measures skin’s resistance to electricity and automatically adjusts the intensity so you can safely treat your skin and reap the firming benefits. Other big perks? It’s made of bacteria-resistant silicone, is waterproof, and connects to an app so you can track your progress. Shape / Danielle Ransom Shape / Danielle Ransom Shape / Danielle Ransom Best Battery Operated Microcurrent Device Joey Healy Face Renovation Device Joey Healy View On Amazon $299 View On Joeyhealy.com Why We Like It: The compact design and the fact that it doesn’t need to charge make this microcurrent device ideal for traveling.It’s Worth Noting: Batteries aren’t included. Microcurrent levels: 5 | Special features: Battery-operated Want to lift your skin on the go? You don’t have to worry about lugging a charger with you when you use this microcurrent device from Joey Healy, celebrity eyebrow specialist, which stimulates collagen production and reduces the appearance of fine lines. That’s right: This tool is battery-operated and has a sleek, compact design that makes it travel-friendly. We like the shape of the device (it fits in our hands comfortably) and how lightweight it is. Although this tool has multiple power settings, we were satisfied with using the lowest one and noticed brighter, less puffy skin (although we didn’t notice a ton of changes when it came to sculpting). Keep in mind that the brand recommends using it for 10-15 minutes, which did feel like quite a long time. Bonus: This device comes with a full-size conductive gel. Shape / Kate Donovan Shape / Kate Donovan Shape / Kate Donovan Best Microcurrent Device Kit MyoLift QT Plus Facial Toning Device MyoLift View On 7ewellness.com Why We Like It: This kit gives you everything you need to sculpt your face, including a microcurrent device, conductive gel, and hands-free masks for the lips, jowls, forehead, and neck.It’s Worth Noting: The device is compatible with the brand’s app, but you’ll need to pay an additional fee for membership after the 30-day free trial is over. Microcurrent levels: 2 | Special features: App compatible; comes with hands-free masks and disposable electrodes that you can use for targeted treatment on different areas of your face We appreciate that this microcurrent device comes with so much extra stuff. In addition to the microcurrent tool, you also receive the conductive gel needed to use it and hands-free masks for the lips, jowls, forehead, and neck. These masks are meant to be applied with the included disposable electrodes so you can receive targeted firming treatment while you go about your day. The device is slim, so it fits nicely in our hands and is very easy to use. We saw the short-term effects we were expecting during our five- to 15-minute sessions (namely, our face looked more chiseled than usual post-treatment). However, the effects did wear off after a couple of hours. Something else worth noting? The MyoLift QT Plus Facial Toning Device is compatible with the brand’s app, which features personalized treatment options, live webinars, tutorials, and 1-on-1 access to an esthetician with premium membership. You get a 30-day free trial to the app, and if you want to keep your access, you can upgrade to a monthly, yearly, or lifetime membership once your trial is over. Shape / Fatima Aslam Shape / Fatima Aslam Best Microcurrent Device for Beginners NuFace Mini+ Starter Kit Dermstore View On Nordstrom $213 View On Dermstore $250 View On Ulta $250 Why We Like It: This kit is the perfect entry into the microcurrent space, with an app that helps teach you how to use the device properly for intended results.It’s Worth Noting: Unlike the NuFace Trinity+, this one doesn’t come with a charging dock. Instead, it has a wall plug-in cord to charge. Microcurrent levels: 3 | Special features: App compatible If you’re a microcurrent newbie, then the NuFace Mini+ Starter Kit is a great place to begin your journey. For starters, NuFace has an app you can download to help show you where to glide the device over your face and tell you how long you should use the device on each area of your face. The tool itself is also so simple to use. All you have to do is apply the included activating gel, then push the power button to turn it on and select your preferred intensity level (there are three to choose from, and the lights on the device will let you know what level you’re on). We used it for five to 10 minutes at a time on the highest intensity level and noticed slight lifting effects, which disappeared after a few hours. Shape / Sophia DeVito Shape / Sophia DeVito Shape / Sophia DeVito Best Solar Powered Microcurrent Device ReFa Carat Ray Face Amazon View On Amazon $250 View On Refausa.com Why We Like It: This microcurrent device is solar-powered, so you don’t have to plug it in or replace the batteries.It’s Worth Noting: You don’t need to use a conductive gel with this roller — simply roll it over your skin and you’re good to go. Microcurrent levels: 1 | Special features: Solar-powered handle; platinum-coated, anti-tarnish rollers This solar-powered microcurrent roller helps create a contoured look and tighten and tone skin for less visible puffiness. You can use it on your cheeks, jawline, smile line, under your eyes, the sides of your head, and your decolletage. Here’s where things get really cool: There’s a solar panel built into the handle that converts available light into microcurrent. Plus, the rollers are platinum-coated, which can help decrease irritation and also prevent tarnishing. You don’t need to use a conductive gel with it, so we used it after we moisturized our face, which was enough to help the device glide easily. The rollers also move, which helps it glide even better. The results weren’t drastic, but we were satisfied with what we did see, including less puffiness, a slightly more sculpted jawline, and slightly lifted cheeks. Shape / Alena Kharlamenko Best Budget Microcurrent Device Skin Gym Sculpt Bundle Skin Gym View On Skingymco.com Why We Like It: You get a microcurrent wand and conductive gel set for under $150.It’s Worth Noting: This microcurrent device is battery-operated. Microcurrent levels: 5 | Special features: Battery-operated This non-invasive, battery-operated microcurrent device is our top budget pick. It’s under $150 and includes both a microcurrent wand and conductive activating gel. The wand fits comfortably in our hand and is very lightweight. The gel was a bit thick, but it was comfortable on the skin and it helped the device easily glide over our face’s curves. Each session only takes one to two minutes, so it’s quite a quick option if you don’t have that much time to dedicate to your beauty routine. We noticed slight lifting around our jaw and chin immediately after, which faded after a few hours. Shape / Sarah Felbin Shape / Sarah Felbin Shape / Sarah Felbin Shape / Sarah Felbin Shape / Sarah Felbin Best Microcurrent Device with Red Light Solawave 4-in-1 Skincare Wand with Red Light Therapy Ulta View On Amazon $56 View On Solawave.co Why We Like It: This handy-dandy wand features more than just microcurrent benefits — it’s also a red light therapy tool.It’s Worth Noting: It doesn’t come with any conductive gel, so you’ll have to purchase one separately or apply your moisturizer beforehand. Microcurrent levels: 1 | Special features: Red light therapy Besides microcurrent, red light therapy is one of the most popular skincare treatments right now. Red light therapy is having a moment because it can help minimize the look of wrinkles and blemishes. This slim, handheld wand combines the power of microcurrent technology and red light therapy. It also provides a gentle massage to help combat puffiness and boost your glow. Each session lasts 12 minutes, and the wand vibrates while in use, then briefly stops when it’s time to move on to the next area of your face. Our skin looked plumper and smoother immediately after use, especially around our cheekbones and jawline. We were particularly pleased with how it de-puffed our under-eye bags. It also helped temporarily minimize some redness and discoloration on our faces. Shape / Brit Haines Best Microcurrent Device with Attachments and Settings Therabody TheraFace Pro Therabody View On Amazon $319 View On Nordstrom $319 View On Therabody.com Why We Like It: The LED light attachments (red, blue, and infrared) offer additional skincare benefits. This is truly an all-purpose skincare device.It’s Worth Noting: This microcurrent device has a storage dock that holds it standing straight up, and it charges using a normal USB charger. Microcurrent levels: 3 | Special features: LED light attachments (red, blue, and infrared); cleansing ring attachment “My favorite at-home microcurrent device is currently the TheraFace Pro,” says Natalie Aguilar, esthetician and dermatological nurse in Los Angeles, and founder of N4 Skincare. “I love that this device is backed by clinical trials and is one device I feel confident about recommending to my clients,” she says. Aguilar is a fan of all of its features, attachments, and visible effectiveness. The attachments include three for percussive therapy to relieve tension in the face, jaw, neck, and head; a microcurrent ring to firm and tighten skin; and an LED light therapy ring that offers red light to diminish wrinkles around the eyes, blue light therapy to help with mild acne, and infrared light to help ease wrinkles around the eyes. It also comes with a conductive gel and a cleansing ring to remove dirt and oil buildup from the skin. We liked that there was so much you could do with this tool beyond using it for microcurrent. We used the LED lights to help target acne and lines. Each session takes about five minutes, depending on what setting you use. We noticed that our face was much more toned after using the microcurrent ring, and the blue light helped with our acne. Additionally, Aguilar says the TheraFace Pro can be combined with the brand’s cold and hot therapy when purchased separately. Shape / Brian Sanford Best Microcurrent Device for Instant Gratification Ziip Halo Ziip View On Amazon $399 View On Ziipbeauty.com Why We Like It: The device comes pre-programmed with a four-minute treatment that marries the power of microcurrent and nanocurrent to deliver instant lifting results.It’s Worth Noting: The curved design of the device allows for easy treatment of awkward-to-reach areas, like the brow bone and under-eye area. Microcurrent levels: 1 | Special features: App compatible We were seriously impressed with the immediate results we experienced after using the ZIIP Halo. This nifty little gadget left us with lifted brows and a more sculpted jawline. Our face felt smooth and lifted (or day we say “snatched”) after only one use. This microcurrent device is pre-programmed with something called “The Lift,” a four-minute nanocurrent and microcurrent facial. These two wavelengths work together to stimulate the muscles in your face for lifting and sculpting (microcurrent) and to stimulate the production of adenosine triphosphate, a chemical that gives energy to your cells so they can repair themselves (nanocurrent). The device comes with a USB charger and a conductive gel, which we liked because it wasn’t sticky and didn’t dry too quickly. There’s also an app (which you don’t need to use the device) that offers guided tutorials and targeted treatment plans. We Also Tested Trophy Skin RejuvatoneMD The Facial Toning System Trophy Skin View On Trophyskin.com Why We Like It: This device has two modes, lifting and toning, with 10 intensity levels in each mode, so you can customize your microcurrent treatment to suit your needs.It’s Worth Noting: You may need to use different intensity levels on different parts of your face to achieve best results. Microcurrent levels: 10 | Special features: Two settings (lifting and toning) for customized treatment The feature that sets this microcurrent device apart is that it comes with two settings, lifting and toning, so you can customize your treatment and experience contoured cheekbones, lifted crow’s feet, and a toned and tightened face. Each setting has 10 intensity levels, so you can play around to see what works best for you. (We found 7-8 to be ideal for us.) The device comes with a conductive gel and is very easy to use. It fits in our hands comfortably and seamlessly glides across our skin. We noticed slight tightness in our face and a major glow post-treatment. Shape / Prairie Rose Free Shape / Prairie Rose Free Shape / Prairie Rose Free Shape / Prairie Rose Free Shape / Prairie Rose Free How We Tested Microcurrent Devices We tested the microcurrent devices on this list for eight weeks, making sure to take before and after photos to track our progress. We ranked the devices based on ease of use, effectiveness, features, and look and feel of the device. 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. What to Know About Microcurrent Devices How microcurrent devices work: “The tiny currents of electricity stimulate facial muscles, causing contractions,” explains Yadav. “This tightens the muscles, which can create a more sculpted, lifted, and firmer look.” Yadav adds that this stimulation also promotes blood circulation, which can give the skin a healthy glow.Frequency of use: “At-home devices are designed to be weaker than those used in professional settings, so they may need to be used daily for best results,” says Yadav. “Sessions are typically about 10-20 minutes.”How to use: “Using an at-home microcurrent device typically involves several steps,” notes Aguilar. “It's essential to follow the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer of your device as different devices may have unique features and usage guidelines.” In general, you’ll want to cleanse your face first to get rid of any makeup, dirt, or oils from your skin, she says. Most devices require the application of a specific conductive gel to facilitate the smooth glide of the device on your skin and improve conductivity, adds Aguilar, so you’ll want to apply this gel according to the manufacturer’s instructions, she explains. Once you power on the device, you can adjust the settings as necessary, such as choosing a specific intensity level or treatment mode. The ideal way to use a microcurrent device is by dividing your face into treatment zones and working on one area at a time. “Hold the microcurrent device against your skin and move it in slow, upward motions,” says Aguilar. “Follow the contours of your face and target areas where you want to improve tone and firmness.” Once done, apply your regular moisturizer or other skincare products. “The microcurrent may enhance product absorption,” notes Aguilar. Device design: Yadav prefers microcurrent devices that have two prongs rather than a general “head” because they deliver more targeted, concentrated treatment. Additionally, Aguilar says to look for ease of use. “If the device is complicated and difficult to use, chances are we won’t be using the device as often as recommended,” she says. That might mean choosing a device that is lightweight and has an ergonomic grip so it fits comfortably in your hand, as well as a device that simply allows you to press the power button and get to work (rather than making you toggle through a lot of settings).Safety and efficacy: Yadav says you should choose a device that’s been FDA-cleared. “I’d recommend looking for a product from a brand that has had the device clinically studied and provides data on the tool’s efficacy,” she says. Aguilar adds that FDA clearance means the device has met safety and efficacy standards. Frequently Asked Questions Can microcurrent devices replace a spa facial? “No, microcurrent devices cannot replace a spa facial,” says Darden. “Microcurrent is a great treatment that I use as part of my facials to tone, tighten, and lift the skin — however, I prefer microcurrent as part of a facial that includes other therapies as well to produce the best results.” For example, as part of Darden’s Signature Facial, she customizes treatment for each client’s needs and includes things like vibration therapy, microcurrent, a light chemical peel, oxygen therapy, cryotherapy, LED light therapy, and extractions if needed. All of these professional treatments together can produce much more dramatic results. Are microcurrent devices safe? “Microcurrent devices are generally safe,” says Darden. “However, individuals who have recently had any Botox or fillers should avoid it.” Aguilar adds that there are a few other precautions and contraindications that should be taken into consideration as well. “It's essential to consult with a healthcare or skincare professional before using a microcurrent device, especially for individuals who are pregnant, have metal or electrical implants, open wounds, or any epilepsy or seizure disorders as the electrical currents may trigger an episode,” she says. Why Trust Shape 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. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit