Microcurrent treatments have become commonplace in in-clinic facial packages since the therapy was first developed in the ’70s.
Now, 50 years later, we’re still turning to the clinically-tested and dermatologist-approved treatment to non-invasively lift, sculpt and enhance our complexions, but now we no longer need to book an appointment at our local spa to enjoy its benefits.
Thanks to a handful of skincare tech brands, we’re able to administer microcurrent facials from the comfort of our own homes, with user-friendly, app-compatible devices that allow us to customise our skincare routine to best suit our needs, and (most importantly) to see best results.
Here, marie claire shares the best microcurrent devices to shop right here in Australia to use at-home.
2024’s top microcurrent devices
- FOREO BEAR™ 2 Facial Toning Device, $669, The Iconic
- NuFACE Mini+ Starter Kit, $423.54, Amazon Australia
- ZIIP HALO Facial Toning Device, $675, Current Body
The best microcurrent devices 2024
01
FOREO BEAR™ 2 Facial Toning Device
from $669 at The Iconic
Best for: The gadget lover
The FOREO BEAR 2 features the most proprietary technology on this list, combining four types of microcurrents, five patented T-Sonic™ massage patterns, an Anti-Shock System™, and app connectivity for customised daily treatments. Plus, it boasts a hoard of common sense features you can’t help but appreciate, like a silicon waterproof body, 300 minutes of battery life per charge, and treatments that can be completed in mere minutes.
Colours: Fuchsia / Lavender / Evergreen
Key features:
- Utilises four types of microcurrent (Advanced Microcurrent™, Lifting Microcurrent™, Tapping Microcurrent™, Sculpting Microcurrent™)
- Features Anti-Shock System™ technology
- Five patented T-Sonic™ massage patterns
- Three video-guided treatments and customised settings available on FOREO app
- Must be used with a conductive serum such as FOREO SUPERCHARGED™ Serum 2.0 ($72.18 from Amazon Australia)
Available at:
- $669 from The Iconic
- $669 from Amazon Australia
- $669 from FOREO
02
NuFACE Mini+ Starter Kit
from $423.54 at Amazon Australia
Best for: Beginners
New to this whole microcurrent thing? NuFace has got your bases covered with the brand’s Mini+ Starter Kit, which features everything you could possibly need to start your microcurrent facial journey. There’s the travel-friendly MINI+ Smart Petite Facial Toning Device, Aqua Gel Activator serum, Silk Crème Activator moisturiser, Clean Sweep Applicator Brush, Power Adapter, and User Manual and Quick Start Guide. Bonus: The device boasts app-connectivity and a series of easy-to-follow tutorials to guide you on your way.
Colours: Midnight Black / Sandy Rose / Violet Dusk
Key features:
- NuFACE Smart App offers customisable treatment tutorials
- Selfie Tracker and custom reminders track your progress and help with consistency
- Compact device can be used at home or on the road while travelling
- Comes with a conductive serum, moisturiser and applicator brush
- Built-in skin sensor automatically adjusts microcurrent intensity
- Water-resistant design
Available at:
- $423.54 from Amazon Australia
- $460 from Selfridges
03
ZIIP HALO Facial Toning Device
from $675 at Current Body
Best for: Anti-ageing
The HALO uses a combination of microcurrent and nanocurrent for instant and long lasting results. Immediately after using the device you may notice an improvement in definition, lift and the appearance of fine lines, but with consistent use you’ll start to see a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, an improvement in the texture, tone and radiance of skin, plus, you’ll be sporting a more toned and contoured visage.
Key features:
- Microcurrent provides instantly visible results
- Nanocurrent provides long lasting results that minimise the first signs of ageing
- Utilises precise waveform and intensity (900nA to 400µA) in 26 unique combinations for best results
- Access clinic-level facials available on the ZIIP App (available on IOS & Android)
- Developed by an electrical aesthetician with over 20 years of industry experience
Available at:
- $675 from Current Body
- $675 from ZIIP
04
TheraFace PRO Percussive Facial Therapy
from $399 at JB Hi-Fi
Best for: Multitasking
Therabody has leveraged the brand’s stake in the massage device category to create a skincare tool that boasts percussive facial massage, LED, microcurrent and thermal therapy, as well as doubling as a cleansing device.
Colours: Black / White
Key features:
- Microcurrent Ring attachment firms and tightens skin (must be used with a conductive gel)
- Red LED attachment minimises the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Blue LED attachment reduces the severity of breakouts
- Red+Infrared attachment addresses fine lines and provides a warming treatment to temporarily relive discomfort and tension
- Percussive Therapy Attachments relieve tension in the face, jaw and neck
Available at:
- $399 from JB Hi-Fi
- $399 from Shaver Shop
- $399 from David Jones
05
Medicube Age-R Booster-H
from $374.59 at StyleVana
Best for: Enhancing radiance
Hailing from Korea, the Medicube utilises microcurrent to enhance the benefits of a thoughtful skincare routine. The unique device uses electrical currents to create electro-passageways in the skin, which allow skincare to penetrate deeper and prove more efficacious. The device is not only popular among K-Beauty lovers; Hailey Bieber uses the tool (alongside a full face of Rhode Skin, of course) to get that bouncy, glazed donut complexion synonymous with her skincare brand.
Key features:
- Creates electro-passageways in the skin
- Promotes deeper product penetration
- Clinically proven to promote a glossy ‘glass-skin’ complexion
- Reduces the appearance of pores, redness and skin texture
- Improves the efficacy of skincare products
- Can be used with a conductive or non-conductive serum
Available at:
- $374.59 from StyleVana
- $393.05 from YesStyle
- $407.05 from Beauty Amora
06
Cloud Nine Redefine Beauty Device
from $237 at Shaver Shop
Best for: The Gua Sha loyalist
Love the contoured design and sculpting effect of a Gua Sha? This device from Cloud Nine cuts a similar shape, but it’s also equipped with LED light therapy and microcurrent technology to amplify the benefits of your daily facial massage.
Key features:
- Red light therapy enhances radiance
- Blue light therapy kills breakout-causing bacteria
- Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) technology uses micro-currents to lift, tone and tighten
- Pulsating vibration stimulates muscles and improve contouring
- Cleanse Mode unclogs pores
Comes with a conductive gel and dustbag
Available at:
- $237 from Shaver Shop
- $271.20 from Sephora
- $339 from Cloud Nine
What are the best microcurrent devices?
The best microcurrent devices in terms of popularity and efficacy are without a doubt the FOREO BEAR and the NuFace. Both offer great results, but the FOREO has just launched its latest iteration the FOREO BEAR 2, which is slightly more advanced than anything on offer at NuFace. However, the NuFace Mini+ Starter Kit is a great option for microcurrent newbies as it includes everything you need, including conductive skincare to reap optimal benefits from the technology. Plus, NuFace’s devices are a lot more affordable than the new FOREO BEAR 2.
Do microcurrent devices really work?
There have been many studies on the efficacy of microcurrent treatments and devices over the years, with many finding clinical evidence of skin rejuvenation with consistent use over time. These devices are designed to visibly improve the overall firmness of the skin and the quality of the complexion. Microcurrent treatments have been used in-clinic by qualified professionals since the ’70s, but at-home devices have revolutionised the way we use the treatment, allowing for an affordable way to reap the benefits of frequent microcurrent facials.
Looking to save money on a microcurrent device? Check out our coupon codes for MECCA, Amazon Australia and more.
Related article:
- These LED Light Masks Could Be The Answer To Your Skin Woes
- The Sheet Masks You Need For Gorgeous, Glowing Skin
- 11 Best Tried-And-Tested Luxury Skincare Products That Are Worth The Money
Main image credit: @haileybieber