Editor’s tip: Although the wand comes with a hydrating gel, you can use any serum or moisturizer with this.
Product highlights: conductive gel, 120 minute-charging time, up to 90 minutes of battery life
Best for Boosting Existing Skin-Care Products: Medicube Age-R Booster Pro
Why it’s worth it: The Medicube Age-R Booster Pro is more than the sum of its parts. Created by a well-known (and Allure-loved) Korean skin-care brand, the little device offers six unique modes without the need for extra attachments: electroporation (which helps actives sink in), microcurrent (ideal for around the eyes and mouth), electric muscle stimulation, air shot (which helps refine pores), and several vibration patterns. Some of the modalities, like the Air Shot and electrical muscle stimulation, are based on other fan-fave Medicube skin-care devices—so you get a lot of mileage by having them in this single tool. But the common goal? Help you achieve glass skin.
Editor’s tip: Download the Age-R Medicube Digital Clinic app and create a personalized routine that helps you focus on specific skin-care concerns.
Product highlights: 6 modes, charging cable
Best for Lifting: PureLift Facial Skincare Tool
Why it’s worth it: The PureLift Facial Skincare Tool aims to do the same without you ever having to leave your home (or your bed, even). It uses what the brand calls triple-wave technology, which combines low, medium, and high frequencies; this helps make the skin more permeable and, as a result, allows the higher-frequency waves to reach more deeply into skin. The technology also helps any skin-care products you apply afterwards to better absorb, too.
Editor’s tip: Unlike microcurrent devices, the PureLift device actually uses EMS, or electrical muscle stimulation, to help muscles contract and therefore strengthen them. Meanwhile, microcurrent mimics the natural electrical currents found in skin to sculpt facial contours.
Product highlights: FDA-cleared, 10 intensity levels, conductive serum, automatic shut-off
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most effective microcurrent device?
Generally speaking, “Microcurrent devices emit low-voltage electrical currents that mimic the body’s natural bioelectric currents,” says Dr. Garshick. “These gentle currents stimulate the facial muscles, akin to a workout, and enhance cellular activity.”
While most microcurrent devices pretty much offer the same thing—these electrical currents—they can differ in their bells and whistles, versatility, and treatment times, which can all influence what’s the most effective microcurrent device for you. Ultimately, as with sunscreen, it’s whatever you’re most likely to use consistently.
Do at-home microcurrent devices really work?
If you’re game to use them consistently in your skin-care routine, “They can work to stimulate your muscles to boost collagen for an overall improved appearance of the skin,” says Dr. Garshick. However, it’s key to adjust your expectations accordingly. “While most individuals can find microcurrent treatments beneficial, it is important to note that at-home treatments may differ from an in-office device,” she says. And by “differ,” we mean they’re much less powerful—so the results are more subtle.