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6 Best High-Frequency Wands Used By Editors and Aestheticians, Tested and Reviewed for 2025
If you’re dealing with breakouts, you need to try one of these.
There are a few beauty devices with instant gratification. Microcurrent devices, for example, can help make you look immediately lifted. Gua sha, similarly, can help with lymphatic drainage. But when it comes to acne, not much out of the derm's office can make a pimple look smaller. Insert: A high-frequency wand. All the aestheticians I've seen think they're one of the best devices out there for quickly mimimizing and fighting off a zit.
How does it work, you ask? “High frequency wands produce a small electrical current, which creates oxygen on the skin,” explains licensed aesthetician and skincare formulator Jordan Samuel Pacitti. “Acne-causing bacteria on the skin cannot survive in the presence of oxygen, so this process helps to reduce breakouts with time,” says Pacitti. But high-frequency wands can also bring down inflammation too, helping to make the red pimple on your face look a bit flatter and more even. And depending on the high-frequency wand you choose, it can even have anti-aging properties and help encourage healthy hair growth.
Our top picks for best high frequency facial wands of 2025:
I tapped Pacitti and licensed aesthetician Victoria Russo for their top high-frequency wand picks, plus tested them alongside my fellow acne-prone Cosmo beauty editors. You'll see all the pros and cons, tester reviews, and a little bit about each one to help you choose the right wand for your needs. And don’t forget to check out our expert’s tips for choosing a high frequency wand and properly using one in your at-home skincare routine.
Pros
- Comes with a variety of attachments suited for treating the face, body, and scalp
- Glass tubes emit a combo of Argon (for acne) and Neon (for anti-aging) gases at once
- Cosmo Holy Grail Beauty Award winner
Cons
- Have to switch between the two wands to get both the anti-aging and acne benefits
The Professional NuDerma wand is easily our top pick and a favorite of Russo's too. It has a mix of attachments that target acne on your face and body (using argon), as well as anti-aging and hair growth (using neon), making it the most versatile choice. And the price point is fairly affordable for a device that could easily be used at home but also in-office, says Russo. It's no wonder it won a Cosmo Holy Grail Beauty Award.
One Cosmo editor says: "This wand has been a godsend for calming down my hormonal acne and the chronic redness around my nose and chin area. I love all the different-shaped wands too. I like to use the biggest circle wand on my chin and jawline, the smaller tipped wand along the crevices of my nose, the tongue-shaped wand on the hollows of my cheeks, and the rod-shaped wand on my chest and back."—LAUREN BALSAMO, BEAUTY DIRECTOR
Features at a Glance
| For | Hair, body, and skin |
| Gas types | Neon and argon |
| Number of attachments | 6 |
Pros
- Easier to store than some others on this list since there are fewer attachments
- Extremely simple to use
- Comes with three heads that are perfect for spot-treating acne
Cons
- The small tip can be kind of delicate, according to a few reviews
This was likely one of the first high-frequency wands you came across, coming from a well-known brand that makes lots of skincare tools and devices. And it happens to stil be one of our faves, even though it's been around a while. It doesn't have a ton of fancy bells and whistles, but it is a simple and easy-to-use option.
All you have to do is plug in the device, stick your attachment on (it's super easy), and twist the dial at the base up or down for your desired level of intensity. Then, just hover the wand over your zit for 15 seconds. It's a tiny zap but doesn't hurt and takes no time at all, whether you opt for one of the spot-treating attachments or the large dome-shaped one for all-over coverage.
One Cosmo editor says: "I've owned this for three years—and it still works as well as it did then. It's my go-to tool whenever I have a rogue pimple that needs to be eradicated from my face. It quickly helps flatten a zit but doesn't hurt at all."—BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR
Features at a Glance
| For | Face and body |
| Gas types | Argon, neon |
| Number of attachments | 4 |
Pros
- Cosmo Acne Award winner in 2024
- Has a customizable dial so you can adjust the intensity as needed
Cons
- One of the most expensive options on the list (but often goes on sale)
Created by licensed aesthetician Kerry Benjamin, the StackedSkincare High Frequency wand is a must-try if you’re dealing with stubborn breakouts. It kills acne-bacteria on the skin and minimizes inflammation (two main precursors to breakouts) and even reduces the likelihood of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (aka acne marks and scars from old pimples) once your zits have healed too. Pacitti is a fan of this one too, noting that “it’s easy to use and contains a few different sized electrodes, as well as a comb, which can also help with scalp concerns.”
One Cosmo editor says: “A high-tech skincare device like this can seem intimidating to use at home, yet this one from Stacked Skincare is anything but. I had an angry breakout that was brewing on my chin right before a big event. The night before, I zapped it using this device and I woke up to a pimple that was nearly gone!”—SIENA GAGLIANO, FORMER ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Features at a Glance
| For | Face, body, and hair |
| Gas types | Argon |
| Number of attachments | 4 |
Pros
- Has both neon and argon gas, so it helps with inflammation and anti-aging all in one
- We love the varying attachments for treating an array of areas on the face, body, and scalp
Cons
- One of the most expensive options on this list (but goes on sale frequently)
This device is fantastic for anyone who wants to achieve both benefits of high-frequency in one, giving you way more bang for your buck. It’s also one of Cosmo’s 2023 Acne Award winners, so you know it’s legit. The tubes emit a combo of argon (for acne) and neon (for anti-aging and anti-inflammation) gases. If you want a more simplistic version from NuDerma (which is basically become the holy grail of all at-home high-frequency devices), this is our pick. Keep in mind: This one is on the pricey side, but it often goes on sale (like right now for Black Friday).
One Cosmo editor says: “Whenever I feel a cystic zit coming on, I zap it with this high frequency wand for a few seconds and I swear it cuts the healing time in half. The combo of argon and neon gases emitted from the tip are excellent at killing acne-causing bacteria on the skin and minimizing inflammation.” —LB
Features at a Glance
| For | Face, body, and scalp |
| Gas type | Argon and neon |
| Number of attachments | Six |
Pros
- Cordless, so it's very easy to travel with and store
- Compact size is easy to maneuver around the skin and scalp
Cons
- Doesn't come with a USB-C cable to charge
This is the only high-frequency wand on our list that’s cordless. It’s conveniently powered by a rechargeable battery, so you don’t need to be plugged into an outlet to use it. The combo of 90 percent neon and 10 percent argon gas make this better suited toward reducing inflammation, but it’s still a decent pick for acne-prone skin as well.
One shopper says: “I had the corded version and was waiting for this cordless one to go on sale and finally got it. Really love that i can use this without being stuck to a wall. I got a travel case separately on Amazon as well. Like the others said, the only gripe is the poor connection of the cord to the device…small magnets aren’t very strong so any movement can stop the charging. Anyway i love this product! The technology really helps with my skin and hair (if i am diligent).”
Features at a Glance
| For | Face, body, and scalp |
| Gas type | Argon and neon |
| Number of attachments | 3 |
Pros
- Most affordable option on this list (and frequently goes on sale)
- Great for anti-aging and scalp benefits
Cons
- Not the best for treating pimples
Tumakou’s high-frequency wand emits Neon gas, which is great if increasing circulation, plumping your skin, and reducing inflammation and redness is your goal. And it just happens to be at a mega affordable price (even more so right now for Black Friday). It comes with four different glass tube attachments so you can easily treat different areas of your face and body (there’s even a comb attachment for your scalp), and because the wand base and glass tubes are fairly compact, this bb is great for travel and using on-the-go as well.
One shopper says: "This was cheaper than any other similar products selling for hundreds of $. I use it about 5 min a day on my scalp, combined with my hair vitamins and my hair health is better than it ever was. You need to be consistent."
Features at a Glance
| For | Face, body, and scalp |
| Gas type | Neon |
| Number of attachments | 4 |
How we chose the best high-frequency wands:
We've been testing high-frequency wands for two years, bringing you the best ones with all of our firsthand experience and updating whenever we try new launches or underrated gems. To compile this full list, we:
- Tested on a handful of Cosmopolitan beauty editors with a range of skin types and concerns and grabbed their first-person reviews, pros, and cons
- Researched each device to determine which offered the most number of attachments, were budget-conscious, and offered anti-aging and acne benefits
- Took into account our experts takes on which devices work best at-home and in-office
What does a high frequency wand do?
High frequency wands utilize low electrical currents to oxygenate the skin, says Russo. These devices all comes with different shaped glass tubes that are either filled with argon and/or neon gas. “Neon gas emits an orange glow and used to stimulate collagen production and provide anti-aging benefits,” says Russo, while “argon gas is purple and is helpful for reducing breakouts since it kills P. Acne bacteria on the skin.”
In my experience, high-frequency wands work best for managing acne—especially when combined with other acne-fighting topicals (like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid) and treatments (such as spironolactone or Rx tretinoin). When I’ve used my high frequency wand on a cyst, papule, or whitehead—especially before it has the chance to fully form—it can help cut healing time in as much as half.
As for anti-aging, I haven’t experienced any dramatic skin smoothing or plumping from using a high frequency wand with neon tubes, but I definitely think it helps increase circulation in the skin, giving me a nice healthy-looking glow.
What happens if I use a high frequency wand every day?
Using your high frequency wand every day is fine, provided you follow all the specific instructions for your chosen device, says Pacitti. “In general, you should use high frequency wands on clean skin, starting on the tool’s lowest setting, moving around the breakout for about one minute. Slowly dial up the setting until you feel a slight tingle or zap, but be sure not to overdo any one area,” explains Pacitti.
Russo also recommends starting with clean, dry skin and then “grounding” the device before holding it to skin. “Take a finger and hold it at the base of the glass wand, turn the device on, then apply the tip of the wand to areas you want to treat while simultaneously removing your grounding finger,” says Russo. “Grounding your device helps to prevent a sudden feeling of electricity and gives you more control of the specific area you are treating."”
You may see some aestheticians use a high frequency wand over gauze, but this is optional, says Russo. The gauze may help the tip of the wand more easily glide over skin, but it’s not necessary for device function or results.
What are the cons of using a high frequency wand?
The potential cons or negative side effects when using a high frequency wand are minimal. That said, it’s possible to dry out your skin if you overdo it with your device, so stick to using it for just a few seconds in each each per day.
I will say the feeling of using a high frequency wand, especially on a higher setting, does take a bit of getting used to. It’s not painful, but it can feel like a little sharp and prickly. The best way I can describe it is like a bug zapper.
It’s also worth noting that when your high frequency wand is working, you may smell a very distinct metallic scent, says Russo, who adds that this is totally normal.
How to choose a high frequency wand:
Think about the type of acne you have.
If you have a face full of a breakouts an LED mask that covers more skin may be a better choice for treating your acne. But if you have more localized breakouts, a high frequency will likely become your preferred option, says Pacitti. And no matter what, Pacitti always recommends nailing down a great skincare routine before looking for the latest and greatest devices.
Consider the attachments.
Most wands come with a variety of glass tube attachments in different shapes and sizes. Be sure to choose a device that comes with attachments that will complement where and how you’re using your device. Smaller-tipped tubes are generally better for spot treating acne, while larger flat ones are generally better for covering larger areas like your cheeks, chest, and forehead.
Look at the gas type.
Remember, some devices emit argon gas (best for acne), some emit neon gas (best for anti-aging), and some emit a combo of both. Make sure that whatever high frequency wand you choose emits the right gas for your skin type and concerns.
Meet the experts:
- Jordan Samuel Pacitti is a licensed aesthetician and the founder and CEO of Jordan Samuel Skin. He regularly works with cosmetic chemists to innovate and develop new product ideas based on the latest ingredient science.
- Victoria Russo is a licensed aesthetician based in New Jersey and New York. Russo has a over a decade of industry experience and has trained with some of NYC's top dermatologists. She specializes in anti-aging and acne treatments for all skin types at GlowDoll Skin and Aesthetics in Middletown, New Jersey.
Why trust Cosmopolitan?
Lauren Balsamo is deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan with a decade of experience researching, writing, and editing skincare stories that range from the best retinol eye creams to the best lasers for acne scars. She regularly works with the industry’s top dermatologists and aestheticians to assess new skincare treatments, products, and trends.
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with seven years of experience researching, writing, and editing skincare stories.
Lauren Balsamo is the beauty director at Cosmopolitan where she writes, edits, and produces all types of beauty content—from product reviews to personal essays and trend reports. She has covered beauty for more than a decade at Cosmopolitan. Follow her on Instagram.
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months.
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