Best Microcurrent Tools of 2022

It seems like every few months, a new “must-have” item appears in the skincare space that promises to revolutionize your facial routine with unbeatable results. Lately, that item has been the microcurrent facial, which refers to any electric or battery-powered facial-care tool that uses gentle sonic massage to penetrate your skin and stimulate the muscles beneath it. Once limited to medical use, microcurrent tools are now exploding in popularity within the cosmetic space. 

The goal? Depending on the specific device you select, you can tighten sagging skin, minimize the appearance of wrinkles, or even boost cellular turnover to banish dull, dry skin. Additionally, incorporating one of these products into your at-home routine instead of booking routine facials at your favorite spa can be a significant money-saver. With that in mind, these are our top picks for the best microcurrent tools to add to your skincare routine. 

Best microcurrent tools overview:

• Best overall: ZIIP GX Series
• Best travel-friendly: Foreo Bear Mini Microcurrent Toning Device
• Best exfoliating: Repêchage Ultrasonic Skin Spatula
• Best makeup prep: Plum Beauty Sculpting Beauty Bar
• Best kit: NuFACE Trinity Complete Facial Toning Kit
• Best for instant results: Face Gym Pure Lift Face Facial Toning Device
• Best for beginners: Nurse Jamie Eyeonix Eye Massaging Beauty Tool
• Best alternative: Vanity Planet LEDA Blue Acne Fighting LED Sonic Facial Brush

How we chose the best microcurrent tools

To compile this list, we researched manufacturer specifications, including the number of modes, zones targeted, power source, and more, to create a short list of the top microcurrent tools. Then, we combed through detailed product descriptions, ratings, and reviews to find the best microcurrent tools for each category.

Our picks for the best microcurrent tools

Microcurrent technology is by no means new, but consumer adoption is just in the beginning stages. Research suggests that microcurrent devices can boost the effectiveness of cleansers, serums, and gels by increasing skin penetration. This is why brands often encourage consumers to use these tools along with their favorite products. 

If you’re just starting out with microcurrent tools or you’re revamping your beauty routine, a device that comes with a skincare product is ideal. ZIIP’s GX Series is an all-in-one microcurrent kit that comes with a companion bottle of Golden Gel, a proprietary treatment that incorporates peptides, 24-karat gold, and hematite to calm and firm the skin while simultaneously minimizing wrinkles. 

The GX device fits in the palm of your hand and is pre-loaded with multiple treatment presets. This microcurrent tool lifts and sculpts your facial contours, brightens your skin, defines the jawline, and more.

Since this product comes with a companion app that offers step-by-step instructions for each preset, it may have a learning curve. Budget beauties might experience sticker shock, as this is one of the pricier tools in our roundup.

Extras included: Golden Gel, USB cable, travel bag, cleaning cloth | Modes: 4 | Targeted zones: Full face | Power: USB, rechargeable

If you don’t have much space on your bathroom vanity or you’re trying to pack light to avoid checking a bag at the airport, this Bear Mini compact microcurrent tool from Foreo is a smart investment. Its petite size means you can even toss it in your pocket or purse when you’re on the go. This FDA-cleared device incorporates anti-shock system support, so if it slips out of your hands, your investment will be protected. You’ll also like that there are six intensities that you can toggle between depending on your sensitivity level. 

You’ll get a combination of microcurrent and T-Sonic massage to tone your facial muscles, smooth your skin, and minimize the appearance of wrinkles. Keep in mind, though, that you’ll need to download the proprietary smartphone app for it to work effectively. Without your phone nearby, the tool might not function properly. 

While “affordable” is relative, this cute Bear Mini falls under the more expensive category in our book, as we’re viewing anything over $150 as a splurge.

Extras included: USB charging cable, device stand, travel pouch, sample serum (2 ml), and more | Modes: 6 | Targeted zones: Full face | Power: USB, rechargeable

Not everyone needs a microcurrent tool with all the bells and whistles. If you’re in the market for a straightforward device with a relatively low learning curve at a modest price, Repêchage’s Ultrasonic Skin Spatula is a great entry option. This spatula offers three ultrasonic wave modes designed to cleanse/exfoliate, moisturize, and lift. 

The lift mode is specifically designed to help tone your facial muscles to give your face a lifted appearance and boost your overall glow. Note that if you’re looking for a complete package, we suggest looking elsewhere — this device doesn’t come with a companion app or any serums. Still, it features a slim design that’s easy to maneuver and comes with a USB charging cable.

Extras included: USB charging cable | Modes: 3 | Targeted zones: Full face | Power: USB, rechargeable

If you’re serious about wearing makeup, you know that fine lines are sometimes magnified by certain products like foundation and concealer. If this is a concern, you’ll like this Sculpting Beauty Bar from Plum Beauty. Along with being one of the most affordable items in our roundup, it comes with a straightforward design that offers a learning curve so low it’s nearly goof-proof. 

This simple bar design is intended to tone and firm your skin. It works to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, creating a smoother surface for makeup application. Although it only offers one preset mode, it’s an ideal entry-level option for anyone curious about microcurrent devices but isn’t ready to splurge just yet. This pick relies on traditional batteries rather than a USB charging cable.

Extras included: Battery | Modes: 1 | Targeted zones: Full face | Power: Battery

For those seeking an all-in-one solution that has everything they could possibly need to tackle common skincare concerns, the NuFACE Trinity Complete kit is designed with your needs in mind. This pick comes with multiple attachments, including a wrinkle reducer LED light and a lip and eye attachment), as well as complementing Gel Primer to use with the device. 

With the simple three-button interface, you can easily power up and toggle through two modes on this device. Note that the Gel Primer is meant to be a leave-on to help the microcurrent penetrate more deeply. You can tone, lift, and contour with this one device while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Another perk is that this is an FDA-cleared device. But even though NuFACE boasts an 85% efficacy rate for facial contour improvement through clinical trials, a link to the complete study and results isn’t provided.

Extras included: Starter kit and attachments | Modes: 2 | Targeted zones: Full face | Power: Electric

It’s only natural that in a world filled with instant gratification, some beauties want nothing less than a microcurrent device that offers quick results. If that sounds familiar, then the Face Gym Pure Lift Face is the tool you need for your vanity. Of all the items we reviewed, this one offers the most immediate results with a single use. Don’t believe us; just check out the videos on the brand’s product page.

Officially, this is a microcurrent tool, but the brand promotes it as “better than microcurrents.” Why? Because it relies on low, medium, and high frequencies to penetrate beneath the epidermis (your skin) and reach the muscles. This is a debatable claim, given that the brand fails to provide any clinical trials proving efficacy over “traditional” microcurrent devices. 

However, based on our anecdotal research creating this roundup, it’s probably one of the more potent non-medical devices since it offers instant results after a single five-minute treatment.

Extras included: 60 ml of serum and charging cable | Modes: 3 | Targeted zones: Full face | Power: USB, rechargeable

When you’re just beginning to dip your toes into the microcurrent tools space, it’s understandable that you might prefer something with a straightforward interface. This Eyeonix Eye Massaging Beauty Tool from Nurse Jamie is a perfect entry-level solution that won’t break the bank but can help you get your feet wet as you learn to use a microcurrent tool. 

While this is a pared-down solution, you’ll get a compact, travel-friendly microcurrent wand that’s specifically designed to target the under-eye and brow areas. Although you only get one mode, it delivers a current that’s gentle but still strong enough to produce results over time. This pick also requires batteries, which might be a deal breaker for some.

Extras included: None (device only) | Modes: 1 | Targeted zones: Under-eye and brow areas | Power: Battery

Understandably, some people might be hesitant to go all in on a microcurrent tool. Thankfully, this LED sonic facial brush from Vanity Planet is a good bridge option for testing the waters. It has a simple, palm-friendly design that mimics the silicone brushes we’ve all gotten used to over the years. 

The LEDA Blue facial brush can be used wet or dry and incorporates sonic massaging and LED therapy to help control acne breakouts. With three massage modes, you can adjust the intensity, and you can use the brush to boost penetration of serums, moisturizers, and even facial oils. And what’s more, you’ll get an unbelievably long battery life on a single charge and a travel-friendly case so you can take the device with you on the road.

Extras included: Cleansing brush, travel case, charging cable, and more | Modes: 3 | Targeted zones: Full face | Power: USB, rechargeable

Give your skin a fresh glow

When it comes to microcurrent technology, there are plenty of options to choose from, depending on your budget and overall goals. While some products focus solely on adjustable frequencies to target specific problem areas, other devices incorporate key features like LED therapy to boost efficacy. If you’re shopping for an all-in-one solution, consider our best overall recommendation, the ZIIP GX Series. But if all you need is a simple targeted device, opt for the Talika Time Control+. 

How to pick the right microcurrent tools for you

You should consider a few key factors, such as the target areas, power source, number of modes, and more, when shopping for a microcurrent tool. We’ve broken it all down for you. So, keep these tips in mind when shopping for the best microcurrent tool for you.

Facial concerns

• Anti-aging. Anti-aging is a general phrase that usually refers to minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles but can also include skin sagging.
• Dullness. Dry skin can manifest as dullness. Many microcurrent tools support exfoliation, which can boost cell turnover and result in a brighter complexion.
• Acne. Acne is usually treated with both LED and microcurrent technology. In particular, you’ll find that if LED technology is included, it typically relies on red light, which focuses on killing bacteria that can contribute to acne formation. 

Power Source

• USB rechargeable. This tends to be the most popular option, as it ensures that a device is also travel-friendly. More importantly, you can quickly recharge these devices, even by plugging them into your computer. 
• Battery. While not as ideal as a USB-based device, battery-operated microcurrent tools can still be travel-friendly.
• Electric. Of the three options, this is usually the least travel-friendly. However, you’ll often find that electric-powered devices tend to (but not exclusively) incorporate FDA-approved functionality or emit stronger frequencies than USB or battery-powered devices. 

Features

• FDA-approved technology. Microcurrent devices are a trending item, which means it’s not uncommon to find several inferior products on the market. When in doubt, concentrate your search on devices that the FDA has cleared.
• Modes. Higher price points often mean microcurrent tools offer more than one mode. This ensures that you can target multiple skin concerns rather than attempting to use a single mode or frequency to address all of your skin woes. 
• Attachments. Similar to modes, if you’re targeting a variety of skin concerns — or even focusing on delicate areas like your eyes or mouth — you’ll want a device that offers multiple attachments that are customized for these issues or zones.
• Serums/moisturizers. Most microcurrent devices shouldn’t be used on dry skin. So, while it’s not a requirement, finding a device that already comes with a serum or cream is helpful. 
• Instructions. Our roundup shows that learning curves can vary widely among microcurrent tools. If you’re concerned that a device might be too technologically complex for you, purchase one with detailed instructions or even a companion app with step-by-step tutorials. 

FAQs

Which microcurrent device is best? 

The best microcurrent device depends on your skincare concerns. But if you want an all-in-one solution, we recommend our Best Overall recommendation, the ZIIP GX Series.

Do microcurrent face tools work?

Microcurrent technology comes from the medical community. Originally used to support wound healing and boost circulation, the technology has also been cosmetically proven to stimulate cellular turnover, improve muscle tone, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. However, know that at-home tools won’t usually produce as immediate or dramatic results as those found with an aesthetician or when compared to invasive procedures like facelifts. 

Do dermatologists recommend microcurrent?

At-home microcurrent tools are not as strong as those found in a dermatologist or aesthetician’s office, nor are they intended to be used for the same length of time. For example, an in-office treatment may last from a half hour to an hour, whereas an at-home treatment lasts between five and 15 minutes. So, while dermatologists could agree that at-home microcurrent treatments are safe, consumers may not see dramatic results after just a handful of uses.