While a regular visit to an aesthetician or dermatologist for a treatment might not be in the cards, the best microcurrent devices offer a way to smooth, lift and firm skin — all without leaving your home. These tools work “by delivering low-level electric currents to the skin and muscles of the face,” says Dr. Geeta Yadav, a board-certified dermatologist in Toronto, Canada.
Emitted for minutes at a time, these currents can stimulate the muscles beneath the skin, which may give your complexion a lifted, toned appearance and even improve collagen production for an overall firmer, smoother look, says Yadav.
That said, microcurrent devices can be an investment, and they vary in terms of results. I spoke with three dermatologists to find out what you should keep in mind when shopping and how to use a microcurrent device to maximize its benefits.
SKIP AHEAD How I picked the best microcurrent devices | The best microcurrent devices in 2025 | How does microcurrent benefit skin? | How to shop for microcurrent devicesWhat is the difference between FDA-cleared and FDA-approved? | Why trust NBC Select?
How I picked the best microcurrent devices
The dermatologists I spoke to told me that while microcurrent tools do offer benefits from the microcurrent alone, there are other attributes to look out for to get the most from the technology.
- Suggested usage: Treatment time is worth factoring in since you’ll need to use microcurrent devices consistently to maintain results.
- FDA clearance: Clearance from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, which is different from FDA approval, means that the device is equivalent to technology already approved by the agency for safety and efficacy — but they’re not themselves approved. (More on this below.)
- Nodes: The shape of the applicator that dispenses the microcurrent can make it easier to reach certain areas of the face, like the eyes and lips.
- Additional functions: Some microcurrent devices come with other skin care functions like LED therapy.
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The best microcurrent devices in 2025
If used correctly and consistently, microcurrent devices can lend the appearance of more lifted, firmer and smoother skin. In addition to expert recommendations, our list also includes options that we’ve tried as well as other highly rated options.
Best overall: Theraface Pro
- Versatile
- Reduces uneven tone/texture
- Gently firms the skin
- May be confusing at first
This tool is a favorite for Dr. Deanne Mraz, a board-certified dermatologist in Westport, CT, since it has microcurrent technology in combination with customizable settings and attachments for cleansing, as well as percussive and LED therapy. (The percussive therapy uses massage to relieve tension and increase circulation, according to the brand.)
While it’s pricier and more complicated to use than other devices, you can get a lot done with this one versus cluttering your countertop with several other devices, says Mraz. It also comes with three massager attachments, an LED light therapy attachment, a facial cleansing attachment, conductive gel, a carrying case, storage stand and charging cable.
FDA-cleared: yes | Treatment time: 8 minutes | Number of levels: one
Best splurge: FaceGym Pure Lift Facial Skincare Tool
- It gives a lifted appearance
- Sculpting effect
- Reduces puffiness
- Higher price point
For a no-frills, microcurrent-only option, Mraz points to this tool. Not only does it have five levels of microcurrent — so you can start at a low intensity and work your way up as you get more comfortable with it — but it also has two small nodes for getting into smaller areas. Plus, “the sensors are easy to clean,” says Mraz. (You can just wipe them clean with a damp cloth after each use.) The device comes with a bottle of the brand’s Pure Lift Collagen Serum, although you can use it with any water-based serum, and a charging cable.
FDA-cleared: yes | Treatment time: 10 minutes | Number of levels: five
Editor's Pick: Ziip Halo
- Reduces uneven tone/texture
- Easy to clean
- It gives a lifted appearance
- Need to use brand’s gel
I’ve used a few microcurrent devices, but my favorite so far has been the Ziip Halo. It has a small shape (about the size of a computer mouse) that’s easy to move around my face, and it’s the only device to use both microcurrent and nanocurrent technology; nanocurrents (which are smaller than the former) work on a cellular level in skin, which make for longer lasting results, according to the brand. My skin looks less puffy and a bit smoother after a few months of intermittent use.
“It’s a lightweight design and has a silicone grip, so it doesn’t slip during use,” says Dr. Rachel Nazarian, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “It also has an app that connects to the device which makes it more fun and interactive for the user.” The Ziip Halo comes with a charging cable and the brand’s conductive serum.
FDA-cleared: yes | Treatment time: 4 minutes | Number of levels: one
Best for beginners: Solawave 4-in-1 Skincare Wand
- Reduces puffiness
- Versatile
- Reduces uneven tone/texture
- Conductive serum not included
Mraz calls this a good option for someone who wants a straightforward, easy-to-use device — or the person who’s not sure about how consistent they’ll be. Plus, she says, “I like that because of its shape, you can safely get pretty close to the eye area versus some of the bigger, bulkier devices.” Instead of microcurrent, however, it uses a galvanic current, which helps your serums and moisturizers better absorb into skin, according to the brand. (Unlike microcurrent, it’s not invasive — and therefore won’t activate muscles.) It also has red LED light therapy, facial massage and a warming sensation, which can help reduce puffiness, according to Solawave.
FDA-cleared: applied + pending | Treatment time: 3 minutes | Number of levels: one
Best for quick use: Foreo Bear Facial Toning Device
- Improves dull skin
- It gives a lifted appearance
- Combats loss of firmness
- Conductive serum not included
Foreo is a popular brand among our NBC Select editors. What sets Foreo Bear apart is that it can deliver results in as soon as little as two minutes a day, according to the brand. It has 10 microcurrent levels, giving you the most control over the intensity of any device on this list, and you can use it on both the face and neck. The Foreo Bear is made of 100% silicone (so it’s waterproof), comes with a charging cable, stand, and travel pouch and lasts up to 90 uses on a single charge, according to Foreo.
FDA-cleared: yes | Treatment time: 2 minutes | Number of levels: 10
Best kit: NuFace Trinity+ Starter Kit with Eye and Lip Attachment
- Sculpting effect
- Accesses hard-to-reach areas
- Reduces fine lines
- Nothing to note at this time
The NuFace device pairs with an app that will offer and guide you through various routines. “I love the design, which is super small and compact, and there’s no pain or discomfort with each treatment,” says Nazarian. While the device comes with the two knobs to conduct the microcurrent, this set also has a targeted lip and eye attachment to give you a more concentrated treatment, which makes it a favorite of Yadav. “The small tips are great at getting into the arch of the brow,” she says. It comes with a storage cradle, charging cable, conductive gel and moisturizer.
FDA-cleared: yes | Treatment time: 5 to 15 minutes | Number of levels: three, plus a boost button
Best for advanced users: 7E Wellness MyoLift Mini Microcurrent Device
- Plumps the skin
- Reduces fine lines
- Improves dull skin
- May be bulky to travel with
This compact microcurrent device, designed for advanced users, stimulates collagen production and blood flow, according to the brand. Using its soft touch keypad, you can adjust the mode, level and time. There are two modes: erase (combats fine lines) and educate (tones and lifts your face and neck areas) — each mode has two levels that adjust the intensity of the treatment. The MyoLife Mini includes the device (which has two probes to mimic professional technique and target specific areas), three masks (lip, eye and forehead) that connect to the device for a hands-free treatment, conductive gel and a charging cable. It has a 4.1-star average rating from over 190 reviews on Amazon.
FDA-cleared: yes | Treatment time: 5 to 10 minutes | Number of levels: two for erase, two for educate
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How do microcurrents benefit skin?
Microcurrent technology works on a few different levels to improve skin’s texture, tone and elasticity, according to Mraz. Here’s a breakdown of what it can do for the skin:
- Firms and tones skin: On a cellular level, “microcurrent stimulates the production of adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, which is essentially fuel for healthy cells,” says Mraz. ATP has a lot of roles in skin: It’s involved with muscle contractions, the production of proteins like collagen and elastin, and overall cell communication and function. As a result, it gives a lifted appearance to skin by stimulating production of new collagen fibers, says Nazarian.
- Reduces swelling: Microcurrent also moves fluid in the skin, which can help reduce and reverse swelling. This also improves blood flow to the skin, delivering oxygenated, nutrient-rich blood to the skin, says Mraz.
- Enhancing product absorption: Massaging the microcurrent nodes into your skin may also improve how well it absorbs skin care products, says Mraz.
- Skin healing: Microcurrent can also help heal wounds, according to Nazarian.
How to shop for microcurrent devices
The biggest factor in getting results from microcurrent devices is how often — and how consistently — you use them. In most cases, you’ll only maintain them if you use them regularly, so Mraz recommends factoring in your schedule and lifestyle when you’re shopping so that you go with a device that you actually have time to use regularly. That goes for both the treatment time, which can range from two minutes to more than 20, based on how you use it, as well as the frequency. “Most will recommend using it five times a week for the first two months or so, and then maintaining results with a schedule of three times a week,” she says.
Next, look to see whether it’s FDA-cleared, says Yadav. (More on that in a moment.) She also recommends looking for brands that have clinical studies to back up their claims. “A lot of at-home devices can be gimmicky,” she says. “Evidence of efficacy with clinical studies, as well as high-quality before and after photos, will help you to avoid spending a lot of money on something that doesn’t work.”
Finally, seek out additional attachments. Some come with interchangeable heads or attachments, while others can be paired with those sold separately. “Look for microcurrent that also combines LED light therapy for amplified skin benefits,” says Mraz. (LED light therapy has the potential to improve acne, inflammation, and healing.)
Also, Yadav recommends looking for a device with a head that features prong-style electrodes, since these “are better at delivering targeted energy than an applicator with a flat surface,” she says.
What is the difference between FDA-cleared and FDA-approved?
Although this won’t make or break it, FDA clearance means that the FDA has assessed the product and determined that its technology can be marketed as safe, effective and substantially equivalent to another legally marketed device. (FDA approval, meanwhile, requires a rigorous legal and testing process.)
However, since these devices are operating at a much weaker strength than those found in doctors’ offices or used for serious medical purposes, some experts say that even FDA clearance may be more of a marketing advantage rather than a true measure of the device’s efficacy. Still, “it is a sign of more rigorous testing and extensive research,” says Mraz.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Deanne Mraz, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and president of Modern Dermatology in Westport, CT and a clinical dermatology professor at Yale New Haven Hospital.
- Dr. Geeta Yadav is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Facet Dermatology in Toronto, Canada.
- Dr. Rachel Nazarian, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology in New York, NY.
Why trust NBC Select?
I am a freelance beauty writer and editor who has been covering beauty and health for more than a decade, including topics like ceramides and products for people with dermatitis. For this article, I spoke to three dermatologists to narrow down the best microcurrent devices to shop, and highlighted their recommendations about what to consider when shopping.
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