The best microcurrent and facial toning devices for a needle-free facelift

Score: 88/100

More than simply an instant toning device, the Déesse Pro harnesses the power of a trio of clinically proven facial firming methods – electrical muscle stimulation (EMS), radiofrequency and red-light therapy – to deliver long-term results. Everybody who tried it said they saw improvements in their fine lines and agreed the skin on their face felt noticeably firmer after the two-week trial. They’re some top tier stats.

“In the lab, we were impressed with the multiple levels of motion to help target specific areas of the face and neck,” said our expert. “Although there was no gel provided, consumers are guided to use any water-based serum they have, which saves them from an added cost when purchasing the device.” Some panellists said there weren’t enough instructions provided, but a quick search online led them to a full how-to guide and explanatory video.

Score: 74/100

This one wowed our panellists by providing instant lifting and firming results, with testers telling us it was light and easy to grip in one hand, making it simple to manoeuvre around the face.

Most said their cheekbones looked more defined (no need for tricky contouring makeup routines here) and their jawlines looked sharper by the end of the trial period. What’s not to love?

Some were disappointed there wasn’t a built-in timer on the device, however, and said they could have done with better instructions. Not everyone was a fan of the gel it came with, either, but every single person who tried it said their face felt toned and lifted and their skin looked tighter after use.

Score: 74/100

Cosmeceutical brand Dr. Levy was founded by Switzerland’s top aesthetics Botox doctor, who has made it his mission to help patients delay cosmetic surgery by combining tech with dermatology. Our panel told us their skin felt firmer and tighter after a session with this device, while the gentle buzz and warming effect made for an ultra-relaxing experience. Self-administered spa session, anyone?

The compact size and long-lasting battery life make this ideal for travel. It’s effective and more affordable than many other models on the market. Some said it was less intimidating than the competition, too.

Score: 72/100

Where others fell short when it came to detailed, comprehensive instructions, this device got full marks. The two-button interface and light display make it simple to use and it beeps during treatment to help keep you on track. It has ‘firm’, ‘tone’ and ‘cool’ settings, and our expert testers told us you could see an improvement in fine lines on our VISIA facial scanning device after just one use. Panellists said they could really feel it working too, as their facial muscles contracted on the microcurrent mode.

The reason this one lost marks, however, was because the head used to transmit the radiofrequency, microcurrent, red and green light therapy, plus the cryotherapy and sonic massage, was flat and therefore tricky to manoeuvre around bends and crevices under the eyes or around the jawline – both target areas for smoothing lines and facial toning.

Score: 72/100

If it’s good enough for prepping celebs for the Oscars red carpet, then it’s good enough for testing at the Good Housekeeping Institute. Some found the higher setting on this one a bit intense, but others loved that it felt like a real hardcore at-home facial, so it depends on what you’re after.

It was a top scorer for smoothing skin (the VISIA showed more even complexions after just 10 minutes) and everyone found it easy to use. It may be more of an investment, but if it’s smoother skin you’re after, then look no further.

Score: 71/100

This nifty little number scored almost full marks in our lab for reducing fine lines and wrinkles around the eye area and forehead immediately after use. And almost all our panellists agreed with the lab results – creases and fine lines were far less noticeable after the treatment time. This may be down to its dual tech, which uses both nanocurrent (more surface level, but with longer-term benefits) and microcurrent therapy.

People loved the slightly different design of this device – it was comfortable to hold and worked intuitively. The bespoke app was also a hit, helping our panel incorporate the treatment into their daily skincare routines, but the gel that comes with it was a bit claggy according to some. Some also said they would have preferred a larger range of more intense settings, but others liked the accessible intensity levels, so it really depends on personal preference.

Score: 71/100

This brand is really causing a stir on the beauty scene, solidifying itself as an affordable beauty tech go-to with its extensive range of tools. Our panellists were impressed with how cooling the metal balls were, making this an effective device for de-puffing each morning, as well as firming and tightening.

According to our experts, who got hands-on with it in the lab, it’s comparatively compact and easy to travel with because of its impressive battery life (the charge lasted for the whole two-week trial when used every day). The ergonomic two-pronged design was also a hit, with the silicone cover making it easy to grip and glide across the face – it scored 5/5 for comfort, which is crucial for a device you’re told to use every day.

There were a few grumbles about the fact the specific gel you’re told use with the device doesn’t come included – although, at this price point, we don’t think it’s a dealbreaker. People also didn’t love that the set-up instructions were linked to a QR code rather than printed in the box, but appreciated the helpful ‘how-tos’ once they did get to them.

Score: 70/100

Foreo’s first foray into beauty tools was with its iconic facial cleansing brush (which is one of our best cleansing brush tools), and now the Foreo Bear is making waves in the microcurrent space. Claiming to visibly improve premature signs of ageing by gently energising and firming the (69!) muscles in your face and neck, this gadget had a lot to prove.

Our panel were fans of the app and the handy facial workout routines provided for users to follow, and enjoyed using the serum that comes with it. It’s a good option for beginners as everyone told us it was easy to use, and most said they experienced face-firming effects and fewer fine lines by the end of the trial – a decent all-rounder.

Score: 70/100

Offering six different light therapy colours and settings, each with a slightly different purpose, this claims to activate and elevate facial muscles, boost collagen production and rejuvenate skin in the 10-minute treatment time. “The pulsing sensation against the skin was pleasant and comfortable – having used other similar products in the past which have felt like an electric shock, this was a huge improvement,” one panellist told us.

Skin generally felt plump and lifted after use for most of those who trialled it, but long-term line-firming results were minimal. It fell down on its use-ability – it had two separate sets of instructions that gave different advice, and many noted that the lightweight, water-based gel you use with the device dried up quickly and required reapplication.