These Are the Best Lifting and Sculpting Microcurrent Tools on the Market — Here's Why (2024)

If you’ve ever had a professional facial and marveled at howsculpted and firmyour face looked afterward, chances are good that 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 skincare results without heading to a spa, as there are plenty of powerful at-home microcurrent devices. 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 11 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.

The Rundown

Our Top Picks

Best Microcurrent Device for Contouring:

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Foreo Bear at Amazon$329$203
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Best Microcurrent Device for Firming:

NuFace Mini+ Starter Kit at Amazon$250

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Best Microcurrent Device for Instant Gratification:

Ziip Halo at Amazon$399

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Best Advanced Microcurrent Device :

NuFace Trinity+ Starter Kit at Amazon$395

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Best Battery-Operated Microcurrent Device:

Joey Healy Face Renovation Device at Amazon$299

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Best Solar-Powered Microcurrent Device:

ReFa Carat Ray Face at Refausa.com

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Best Microcurrent Device with Attachments and Settings:

Therabody TheraFace Pro at Nordstrom$399

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Why We Like It

  • Beeps when it's time to move to the next part of your face

  • Includes travel pouch

It's Worth Noting

  • Must use a conductive gel serum with the device

Microcurrent levels: 1 | Special features: Conductive gel serum 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.

Best Microcurrent Device for Contouring

Foreo Bear

These Are the Best Lifting and Sculpting Microcurrent Tools on the Market — Here's Why (3)

Why We Like It

  • Works in just two minutes

  • 10 microcurrent levels

  • Made of bacteria-resistant silicone

It's Worth Noting

  • Activating gel sold 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.

These Are the Best Lifting and Sculpting Microcurrent Tools on the Market — Here's Why (4)

Why We Like It

  • App helps teach you how to use the device properly for intended results

  • Three microcurrent levels

It's Worth Noting

  • Doesn't include a charging dock

Microcurrent levels: 3 | Special features: App compatible

Shape loves the NuFace Mini+ Starter Kit because it's perfect for any microcurrent newbie. 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.

  • These Are the Best Lifting and Sculpting Microcurrent Tools on the Market — Here's Why (6)

  • These Are the Best Lifting and Sculpting Microcurrent Tools on the Market — Here's Why (7)

  • These Are the Best Lifting and Sculpting Microcurrent Tools on the Market — Here's Why (8)

  • These Are the Best Lifting and Sculpting Microcurrent Tools on the Market — Here's Why (9)

Best Microcurrent Device for Instant Gratification

Ziip Halo

These Are the Best Lifting and Sculpting Microcurrent Tools on the Market — Here's Why (10)

Why We Like It

  • Uses microcurrent and nanocurrent to deliver instant lifting results

  • Curved design allows for easy treatment of awkward-to-reach areas

  • Includes conductive gel

It's Worth Noting

  • Only one microcurrent level

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 dare 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 that offers guided tutorials and targeted treatment plans.

Why We Like It

  • Attachments are easy to use

  • Compatible with an app

  • Includes separate eye and lip attachments

It's Worth Noting

  • Uncomfortable without the gel activator

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, M.D., 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 gives 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.

The NuFace Trinity+ also has a convenient cradle charger that you can store the tool in. Plus, you can download the NuFace Smart App to access tutorials and track your progress. We 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.

Why We Like It

  • Battery-operated

  • Five microcurrent levels

  • Travel-friendly

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 to 15 minutes, which did feel like quite a long time. Bonus: This device comes with a full-size tube of conductive gel.

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Why We Like It

  • Includes microcurrent device, conductive gel, and hands-free masks for the lips, jowls, forehead, and neck

  • Slim and fits nicely in your hands

It's Worth Noting

  • Membership fee required to use the brand's app

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. 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.

These Are the Best Lifting and Sculpting Microcurrent Tools on the Market — Here's Why (15)

Best Solar-Powered Microcurrent Device

ReFa Carat Ray Face

These Are the Best Lifting and Sculpting Microcurrent Tools on the Market — Here's Why (16)

Why We Like It

  • Solar-powered

  • Conductive gel not required for use

It's Worth Noting

  • Results aren't drastic

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.

These Are the Best Lifting and Sculpting Microcurrent Tools on the Market — Here's Why (17)

Why We Like It

  • Also a red light therapy tool

  • Provides gentle massage to help combat puffiness

It's Worth Noting

  • Conductive gel sold separately

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.

These Are the Best Lifting and Sculpting Microcurrent Tools on the Market — Here's Why (19)

Best Microcurrent Device with Attachments and Settings

Therabody TheraFace Pro

These Are the Best Lifting and Sculpting Microcurrent Tools on the Market — Here's Why (20)

Why We Like It

  • LED light attachments offer additional skincare benefits

  • Includes storage dock

  • Three microcurrent levels

It's Worth Noting

  • Doesn't retain charge for very long

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; a microcurrent ring to firm skin; and an LED light therapy ring 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. We used the LED lights to help target acne and lines. Each session takes about five minutes, depending on the setting. 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.

These Are the Best Lifting and Sculpting Microcurrent Tools on the Market — Here's Why (21)

For Best Results

You might also need these products when shopping for the best microcurrent device.

  • A conductive gel, like YMEFAN Radio Frequency Cooling Gel: Your microcurrent device needs a conductive gel to carry the electrical signal from the device to your skin. While many skincare brands offer pricey serums and gels, this budget-friendly option from Amazon will also do the trick.
  • A leave-on face mask, like Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Gel Mask: If you use your microcurrent device before bed, certain leave-on masks (especially thick gel ones with a little slip) can pull double-duty to conduct the electrical signals and treat your skin.
  • A spa headband, like this one from CONAIR: A spa headband keeps your hair out of your face (and prevents your hair from sticking to the conductive gel).

What to Know About Microcurrent Devices

  • How microcurrent devices work: “The tiny currents of electricity stimulate facial muscles, causing contractions,” explains Dr. Yadav. “This tightens the muscles, which can create a more sculpted, lifted, and firmer look.” Dr. 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 Dr. Yadav. “Sessions are typically about ten to twenty minutes.”
  • How to use: “It's essential to follow the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer as different devices may have unique features and usage guidelines,” says Aguilar. In general, you’ll want to cleanse your face first, 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, so you’ll want to apply this gel according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once you power on the device, you can adjust the settings, 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: Dr. Yadav prefers microcurrent devices that have two prongs rather than a single 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: Dr. 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.

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.

These Are the Best Lifting and Sculpting Microcurrent Tools on the Market — Here's Why (2024)
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