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14 best skincare devices for brighter, firmer skin – tried and tested

The techy upgrades your at-home beauty routine deserves.

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best skincare devices

Skincare devices and tools are trending, which means there are more options than ever to pick from. But with so many choices comes confusion, which is exactly where this guide, filled with the best skincare tools money can buy, comes in handy.

Cosmo's team of skin-obsessed editors have tried and tested everything – from viral facial massager tools to celeb-favourite microcurrent devices and high-tech LED masks. As a result, we've got some strong thoughts on exactly which skincare tools are worth the hype and deserve a spot in your routine.

So to save you from an unnecessary (and pricey) game of trial and error, we're dropping our 14 favourite skincare devices and tools to use at home below. Each of these editor-vetted picks can be used to treat a variety of skin concerns, from acne to dark spots and even fine lines, all from the comfort of your sofa.

Keep scrolling for the full list, plus key details on how each device works along with first-person beauty editor reviews.

The best at-home skincare devices to invest in...

1

Shark Beauty CryoGlow LED Face Mask

CryoGlow LED Face Mask

Pros

  • Pre-set timed sessions are targeted for treating specific skin issues
  • Remote control saves session info so you can keep track of treatment frequency

Cons

  • We wish the battery lasted longer
  • Can feel kinda bulky on your face

What it is: An LED mask with red, blue, and infrared light to help treat signs of aging and breakouts. Also has cooling eye inserts to relieve puffiness.

Cosmo editor review: "I’ve never stuck to a beauty tool as religiously as this mask. The remote makes it so easy to select and modify your settings (and check how much time you have left), and the cryo effect is truly next-level for a full self-care experience. I love that you can personalise your session and choose the skin treatment you want. It’s the highlight of my bed-rotting ritual. And the fact that it requires less than 10 minutes a day is pretty incredible and super convenient." — Jasmine Hyman, Assistant Beauty Editor.

Read Cosmo's full Shark CryoGlow mask here

Features at a Glance

BrandShark
Device TypeLED Mask
Best ForFirming, brightening, anti-acne
Cordless?Yes
2

Skin Gym High Frequency Wand

High Frequency Wand

Pros

  • Great for reducing redness and inflammation around a breakout
  • Easy to incorporate into your everyday routine
  • Device is kinda big, so not travel-friendly

Cons

  • Can feel a bit tingly on skin
  • Not all that effective on cystic acne in my experience

What it is: A high-frequency wand with four attachments to help target existing breakouts and prevent new ones from forming by killing acne-causing bacteria.

Cosmo editor review: "This is just as effective as when I get a high-frequency add-on during a facial with my aesthetician. I just hold the device over my zits for a few seconds, and it helps kill bacteria and heal my pimple faster. A huge bump will go down in a day or two when I remember to pair this with my topical spot treatments." — Beth Gillette, Beauty Editor.

Features at a Glance

BrandSkin Gym
Device TypeHigh frequency wand
Best forAnti-acne
Cordless?No
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3

Therabody TheraFace Depuffing Wand

 TheraFace Depuffing Wand

Pros

  • Great for travel, thanks to compact size and glow-boosting benefits

Cons

  • De-puffing effects are only temporary

What it is: A facial massage wand with heating and cooling features to help depuff, minimize the look of large pores, encourage lymphatic drainage, enhance skincare product absorption, boost circulation, and brighten dull skin to improve overall radiance.

Cosmo editor review: "I have the memory of a goldfish, so it's just not in the cards that I'm gonna consistently throw an ice roller in the fridge to have cold when I wanna use it. Which is why this device is legit perfect for me. With the press of a button, I can glide an ice-cold metal tool all over my skin to de-puff and wake me up in the mornings. The hot setting is also nice for sore muscles in the evenings, although I definitely rely most on the cooling option. A charge lasts forever too (helpful for people like me who forget to charge things)." — Beth Gillette, Beauty Editor.

Features at a Glance

BrandTherabody
Device TypeHeating/cooling wand
Best forDepuffing, soothing
Cordless?Yes
4

NIRA Pro Laser

Pro Laser

Pros

  • Requires weeks of consistent use before yielding visible results
  • Treatments are quick (only two minutes a day)

Cons

  • Some users say it can feel a little spicy on skin
  • It's expensive

What it is: A non-fractional, non-ablative laser that helps stimulate collagen production to smooth fine lines and boost firmness without downtime.

Cosmo editor review: "I've gotten many in-office laser treatments with a myriad of results. So when I first heard of the Nira – a laser you can do at home – I laughed and assumed it was too good to be true. Now, two years later, I'm obsessed with the device and fully consider it the reason my skin looks taut and smooth.

I can treat my entire face in just two minutes with the Pro device, so it's easy to remember to do daily in the mornings. Although it warms up quite a bit, it really doesn't hurt at all (nothing like an in-office laser, that's for sure). And there's legit zero downtime or redness. I can immediately go on with my day after a session. But best of all, it really works. I noticed smoother, brighter skin in just a few months of consistent use." — Beth Gillette, Beauty Editor.

Features at a Glance

BrandNIRA
Device typeLaser (wavelength of 1450 nm)
Best forWrinkles, sagging
Cordless?Yes
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5

Medicube Booster Pro

Booster Pro

Pros

  • With all the different functions and modes, it's easy to create your own specific skincare routine
  • The device actually speaks to you while you're using it to tell you how much time has passed, so you know how far along you are in your treatment.
  • Charge lasts around three full weeks

Cons

  • Button placements can make it easy to accidentally reset your treatment
  • Air-shot mode can feel a bit jarring to use at first

What it is: A multitasking tool with six functions: Electroporation to increase product efficacy and absorption, microcurrent to firm, EMS (electric muscle stimulation) to sculpt your face, LED light therapy to help increase collagen production, sonic vibration to relax and soothe, and electric needles to boost elasticity and even skin texture and tone.

Cosmo's editor review: "I’m so impressed by the striking results I experienced (literally from the first use, mind you) and feel like continued consistency will give me glass – scratch that – diamond skin. In fact, I adore this so much that I plan on retiring some of my other skin tools. It feels pretty damn close to a lot of the in-office professional treatments I've tried, right from the comfort of my tiny lil bathroom." – Mary Honkus, Contributing Beauty Editor.

Read Cosmo's full Medicube review here

Features at a Glance

BrandMedicube
Device typeMultitasking wand
Best forLarge pores, brightening, smoothing, lifting
Cordless?Yes
6

Dermaflash LUXE+ Sonic Dermaplaning Tool for Face Peach Fuzz Removal

LUXE+ Sonic Dermaplaning Tool for Face Peach Fuzz Removal
Now 25% Off

What it is: A sonic dermaplaning tool that gently removes peach fuzz, flakes, and dead skin cells while protecting your skin from nicks or cuts.

Cosmo editor review: “This tool is so chic, you’ll want to leave it on your countertop. I am blown away by the thoughtful design – the handle is slightly twisted to make for a natural and comfortable hold. It comes with a charging stand and cord, a small bottle of skin prep, and four razors. The motorised razor element is also really nice (versus something like a tinkle razor where you’re doing all the work) and makes the treatment go by pretty fast. My skin felt so soft afterward.” – Christen A Johnson, Senior Lifestyle Editor.

Features at a Glance

BrandDERMAFLASH
Device typeHair removal
Best forHair removal, skin smoothing
Cordless?Yes
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7

NuFACE FIX Microwand

FIX Microwand

Pros

  • Three minute treatments allow you to target specific areas (like eyes, brows, or lips) quickly
  • You get more than 50 uses with each charge

Cons

  • Too small to conveniently treat larger areas like the cheeks or jawline
  • Requires a lot of serum (whether you use your own or the NuFACE one) for the device to easily glide on skin

What it is: A compact microcurrent wand that focuses on line-smoothing, eye de-puffing, *and* lip-plumping with quick, three-minute treatments.

Cosmo editor review: "If you’re looking to target fine lines and are ready to commit to a daily device, I’m obsessed with the results from NuFACE’s Microwand. It completely de-puffed and smoothed my eyes, and other Cosmo editors noticed the diminishing of fine lines after literally one session. I even saw it sharpen my jawline – despite that “snatching” effect not even being what I was going for." – Jasmine Hyman, Assistant Beauty Editor.

Read Cosmo's full NuFACE review here

Features at a Glance

BrandNuFACE
Device typeMicrocurrent wand
Best forTemporary lifting
Cordless?Yes
8
Best sculpting facial tool

Déesse PRO Sculpta

Sculpta

Pros

  • It combines electrical muscle stimulation with LED therapy to sculpt and brighten
  • It helps facial definition, glow, fine lines and elasticity

Cons

  • It's a pricey option
  • The LED feature is small, so tricky to cover all areas of the face

What is it? A dual-ended handheld device that combines electrical muscle stimulation (EMS), radio frequency (RF) and red LED light therapy to sculpt, lift, brighten and boost collagen.

Cosmo editor review: “I know this is a hefty investment, but if you have the means to splurge, the Déesse PRO Sculpta is worth the investment if you want a plump, lifted complexion. On one side of the tool, it uses EMS technology which stimulates muscle contractions. You can literally see your muscles flinching and feel your face tingling as the tool tightens and sculpts your facial contours. Take a before and after picture, you’ll notice the difference. Then there’s the LED side which boosts collagen and plumps out fine lines. Stay loyal to it and your skin will look as snatched and youthful as ever,” – Clare Stephenson, Senior Beauty Ecommerce Writer.

Features at a Glance

BrandDéesse PRO
Device typeAn electrical muscle stimulation (EMS), radio frequency (RF) and red LED light therapy device
Best forSculpting, boosting collagen, tightening
Cordless?Yes
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9
Best LED device for acne

Face Gym Acne Light Shot Device

Acne Light Shot Device

Pros

  • It is a hands-free device, held on by adhesive strips
  • It reduces the size and appearance of acne, thanks to blue light

Cons

  • The adhesive strips aren't reusable

What is it? A hands-free LED light which uses blue lights to reduce the appearance of blemishes and acne scarring.

Cosmo editor review: “Three weeks out of the month I have relatively clear skin. But that one week, in line with my period, my chin becomes covered in little pimples as well as one big cyst that appears every time like clockwork. I struggled to know how to tackle it for ages, until I introduced this gizmo into my life. In the week leading up to my period, I attach this onto my chin for 20 minutes while I do the rest of my skincare to reduce the intensity of my breakouts. Then, when the acne comes out in full force, I use this to reduce the swelling and size. It doesn’t entirely clear them, but certainly knocks back redness and inflammation,” – Clare Stephenson, Senior Beauty Ecommerce Writer.

Features at a Glance

BrandFace Gym
Device typeLED light
Best forAcne-prone skin
Cordless?Yes
10
Best radiofrequency device

CurrentBody RF Radio Frequency Skin Tightening Device

RF Radio Frequency Skin Tightening Device

Pros

  • Proven to improve skin tone and texture when used once a week for 8 weeks

Cons

  • Even though they're only once a week, treatments can be time-consuming
  • Cannot be used if you'd had injectables (like Botox or filler) in the last three months

What it is: Inspired by more powerful in-office radiofrequency facial treatments (like Thermage and Everesse), this non-invasive device emits radiofrequency energy to heat the skin to 104°F for effective collagen remodelling, giving you visibly tighter, plumper skin.

Cosmo editor review: “I’m convinced at-home radiofrequency is the future, and this is the best device I’ve tested. It doesn’t hurt at all—just feels like hot stones rolling across my face—but over eight weeks, I definitely noticed a difference in the firmness of my face.” — Beth Gillette, Beauty Editor.

Features at a Glance

BrandCurrentBody Skin
Device typeRadiofrequency
Best forTightening, firming
Cordless?No
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11

Therabody TheraFace PRO

TheraFace PRO

What it is: This multitasking device has interchangeable snap-on attachments, including three LED rings, a microcurrent head, and different massagers, to

Cosmo editor review: "I can really tell by looking at my face when I have or haven’t used my TheraFace PRO for the day. Considering it is a facial device, I’m happy with how it made me look, but more than that, the massage element of it is a game-changer. I enjoy having all the different attachment heads for one device because it feels more useful, economical, and space-saving rather than having an LED gadget, a cleansing brush, a separate microcurrent device, etc." —LISA DESANTIS, CONTRIBUTING BEAUTY WRITER

Read Cosmo's full TheraFace PRO review here

Features at a Glance

BrandTherabody
Device typeMultitasking handheld
Best forDeep-cleaning, depuffing, lifting, brightening, and skin-clearing (depending on the attachments you use)
Cordless?Yes
12

CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Mask: Series 2

LED Light Therapy Mask: Series 2

What it is: A soft, flexible LED mask that uses red (633nm), near-infrared (830nm), and deep near-infrared (1072nm) light to kickstart collagen production for smoother, tighter, and firmer skin.

Cosmo editor review: "A lot of LED masks can feel heavy and clunky on my face, but this is surprisingly comfortable to wear—especially when you pop in the eye inserts. As for the cosmetic benefits, I really love how this helps to fade my post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from old breakouts and give my skin a smoother, plumper, all-around glowier look." —LB

Features at a Glance

BrandCurrentBody Skin
Device typeLED mask
Best forAnti-aging, skin brightening
Cordless?Yes
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13

Solawave Solawave 4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand

Solawave 4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand

What it is: A 4-in-1 wand that utilizes red LED light, galvanic current, therapeutic warmth, and gentle massage to help treat signs of aging, hyperpigmentation, puffiness, and reduce facial tension.

Cosmo editor review: "I've had mine for years and love it. I was surprised at how it actually made a difference in my skin with regular use (I was v skeptical at first), but even just a few minutes a day definitely brightened and tightened my complexion. I've recommended it to friends, too, because it's more of an accessible price point compared to traditional LED face masks." —MACKENZIE DUNN, SENIOR COMMERCE MANAGER

Read Cosmo's full Solawave review here

Features at a Glance

BrandSolawave
Device TypeMultitasking LED Wand
Best forBrightening, smoothing, depuffing
Cordless?Yes
14

Lyma Laser PRO Starter Kit

Laser PRO Starter Kit

What it is: A non-ablative and non-invasive device that uses low-level laser therapy to stimulate collagen production, enhance blood circulation, and facilitate skin healing.

Cosmo editor review: "Immediately after a LYMA treatment, my skin looks extremely glowy and lifted. TBH, ever since I started using it, I've been getting compliments on my skin constantly. Someone even asked what foundation I was wearing one day that I had nothing on, because my skin looked so damn radiant and even." —BG

Read Cosmo's full LYMA review here

Features at a Glance

BrandLYMA
Device typeNear-infrared laser light
Best forSmoothing, brightening, anti-aging
Cordless?Yes
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How we test:

To find the very best skincare devices, we enlisted a group of Cosmo editors to put these gadgets to the test. Because different tools will cater to different needs and concerns, it was important that we paired the right tool with the right tester, so the results would be as noticeable and personalised as possible. From firming to de-puffing tools, we asked our testers to analyse the device for a number of weeks to see which actually delivered visible results. Other factors like ease-of-use and price were taken into consideration.

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Why Trust Cosmo?

Lauren Balsamo is the beauty director at Cosmopolitan with more than a decade of experience researching, writing, and editing skincare stories. She regularly tests and analyses new skincare tools and devices while working with the industry’s top dermatologists and aestheticians to assess new technologies.

Headshot of Lauren Balsamo
Lauren Balsamo
Beauty Director

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

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