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If you're thinking of treating your skin to something really good, take this as your sign that it's time. You may think that a massage or a facial at a spa is worth the splurge, but we're here to introduce you to face massagers. They can help you maintain that same level of sculpted glow without the trip or expense.
The Best Face Massagers
Face massagers come in all different types. There are tools built for sculpting and cleansing, while other ones vibrate and use microcurrents to help stimulate the skin. Some are rooted in ancient Eastern medicine, like gua sha and jade rollers, while others are high-tech. But no matter your skin concerns, there's a face massager out there for you. The skincare experts we consulted agree these handheld gadgets can help stimulate blood flow and drain your lymph nodes, leaving your face depuffed, sculpted, and way more radiant.
What to Consider
When shopping for a face massager, you should think about two main components: the materials and technologies available. You should also evaluate your skincare goals, and decide if you want surface-level or skin-deep improvements, based on the severity of your skin issues.
Materials
A face massager should be made of smooth materials with no rough edges because “those tend to be easiest to clean and travel with, as they don't carry bacteria,” says esthetician Tova Palomino of Skincare By Tova and God-ish Skin.
Gua Sha, a traditional Chinese medicine practice of self-care, and jade rollers both utilize face massager made of jade, a green stone, or rose quartz, a pink crystal. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hadley King, M.D., points out that both “smooth and poreless” materials are naturally cooling. They help soothe your skin, and offer a mild anti-inflammatory effect. They’re also good at treating puffiness, adds Palomino.
King is also a fan of two other common and easy to sanitize materials: stainless steel, found in the BeautyBio Cryo Dual Roller, and silicone, such as the Foreo Luna 3. They're both smooth, and silicone has the bonus of being non-porous and antibacterial.
High-Tech Versus Manual
Not all face massagers are built the same, and that’s okay. Palomino advises evaluating your skincare goals before shopping. Here, we summarize the main differences between high-tech and manual face massager, and what that means for reaching your skincare goals.
High-Tech
- These face massagers are best when you want to go skin-deep by “activating your facial muscles” and targeting specific skin concerns like wrinkles, explains Palomino, who “loves” her NuFace massager.
- In general, these battery-powered tools are made from stainless steel, silicone, or sometimes both.
- You can easily spend a few hundred dollars on these luxe face massagers—the TriPollar Stop Vx is the most expensive option on this list and will cost you a casual $630.
Manual Devices
- These face rollers and gua sha stones, including Herbivore Jade De-Puffing Face Roller and Esarora Ice Roller Face Massager, are helpful for your surface-level beauty needs like depuffing, says Palomino.
- They are made from jade, rose quartz, stainless steel, or silicone, and require you to do the leg work by incorporating an upward rolling motion to sculpt your face.
- Starting at around $20, these affordable face massagers are enticing for budget-conscious shoppers or beginners looking to experiment with new beauty treatments.
Types of Technology
Looking for a higher-end face massagers to help turn back the clock, or right before a big event? Consider utilizing a device boasting one of these impressive technologies.
- Vibration is a gentle trembling sensation that both feels good and offers functional benefits like “getting your blood flow going,” notes Palomino. “There is some limited data that supports the idea that vibrations may help stimulate collagen production,” explains King. “Vibration can also enhance circulation to the skin and improve product penetration. It may also improve lymphatic drainage.”
- Microcurrent causes muscle contraction, which helps tone your face and jawline, according to King. Notably, she cautions against using one if you have acardiac pacemaker or a metal implant where you’re using the microcurrent device. The tech was once a red carpet secret among the Hollywood set, but now you can also enjoy the A-List beauty experience with help from at-home microcurrent devices like NuFace.
- Radio frequency utilizes thermal energy (aka heat) to penetrate your skin. This helps to contour your face and minimize the appearance of wrinkles, according to studies from 2017 and 2018. It can also help improve absorption of active ingredients and stimulate collagen production, says King. Notably, you stop producing collagen in your late-20s, making a radio frequency face massager an especially worthwhile investment for your preventative anti-aging routine.
Now that you have the 411 on all things facial massagers, here are our reviews of the best models to help you maintain all the hard work your esthetician put in.
Pros
Instant cooling effect- Reduces puffiness and fluid buildup
- Woman- and AAPI-owned business
Cons
- Firms and lifts skin overtime, but it can be months before long-term results are evident
Not all face rollers are built the same. We knew this was our best overall recommendation because it is made from 100% jade and has a double-sided design. One larger end depuffs your cheeks and soothes your forehead, while the smaller end targets harder-to-reach sports, including around the eyes, chin, and mouth. It also boasts glowing online reviews and is incredibly well-priced.
This jade roller slides and glides easily, without fear of getting stuck. It helps stimulate blood circulation and boosts lymphatic drainage, as well as helps your face products penetrate far more deeply. Plus, this pick from Herbivore is pretty, making it a handy tool you'll want to show off on your beauty shelf.
More: Why You'll Love These Pro-Grade Red Light Therapy Devices
Key Specs
| Rating | 5-star average from 81 reviews on Mount Lai |
|---|---|
| Technology | Manual |
Pros
- Costs less than a single face massager
- Affordable, but luxe-looking beauty gift set
Cons
- AA battery not included
This four-in-one kit gives you all the vibrators, a rose quartz face massager, and a unique, drip-shaped piece that is unlike anything else in your collection. It is a great entry point for those who aren't quite ready to spend a ton on a face massager, but still want to treat themselves to something luxe.
Key Specs
| Rating | 4.5-star average 252 Amazon reviews |
|---|---|
| Technology | Vibration |
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Pros
- Compact design is great for traveling
- No batteries required
Cons
- Some reviewers say the stones are too rough on their ultra-sensitive skin
This is a unique tool that looks straight out of a wizarding world. It’s hexagon-shaped and covered in 24 “massaging” stones made out of black tourmaline. You can expect lifted, brighter skin with this magical wand.
The stones and the motion were designed to replicate celebrity skin expert and registered nurse Jamie Sherrill's signature facial massage techniques, and you'll wind up with tighter, more radiant skin. This wand can help uplift your spirits in the same way it uplifts your face.
And don't take our word for it: Stars like Jessica Alba and Hilary Duff incorporate Sherrill's vibrant purple face massager into their beauty routines, too.
Key Specs
| Rating | 4.4-star average from 558 Amazon reviews |
|---|---|
| Technology | Manual |
Pros
- Promotes blood circulation
- Becomes icy cold within 10-15 minutes
Cons
- You have to remove the roller and place it in a plastic bag whenever it's in the freezer
If you're the type of person who loves rolling a can of soda across your face for cool relief, Rebel Wilson's favorite ice roller is exactly what you need. Not only does this ice roller do the job of promoting lymphatic drainage and settling inflammation, but it's also great for battling a headache or sunburn.
Key Specs
| Rating | 4.6-star average from 19,600 Amazon reviews |
|---|---|
| Technology | Manual |
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Pros
- Non-abrasive on skin
- Tailored to every skin type
Cons
- Some reviewers find the app difficult to use
Running low on time? In as little as 60 seconds, one-half of this double-sided facial massager brushes away pore-clogging debris—sweat, oil, and dirt—while the other half offers 16 pulsating intensities to customize your massage.
The Luna 3 is also practical for traveling, thanks to its compact size and long battery life. A single charge offers up to 650 uses.
Key Specs
| Rating | 4.4-star average from 3,077 Amazon reviews |
|---|---|
| Technology | T-Sonic massage pulsations |
Pros
- A full charge lasts 2 weeks
- Created by an aesthetician
Cons
- 5-minute commitment per section
This palm-sized powerhouse is the closest you’ll get to a facelift without getting invasive. It uses electrical microcurrent technology to stimulate the surface of the skin, working to tone face muscles and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It’s a 5-minute facial, all in the comfort of your own home.
Key Specs
| Rating | 4.2-star average from 2,882 Amazon reviews |
|---|---|
| Technology | Microcurrent |
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Easiest to Use
Skin Gym Face Sculptor Beauty Roller
Pros
- Fits in the natural contours of the face
- Reviewers with TMJ love it
Cons
- Too big for the under-eye area
This user-friendly and effective face massager will have you looking light and refreshed after just 5 minutes of use. Plus, the dual orbs will really massage your face—meaning they can also help with facial tension, and allow you to stop holding onto whatever it is that's making you tense up.
Key Specs
| Rating | 4.6-star average from 20 Ulta reviews |
|---|---|
| Technology | Manual |
Most Luxurious Face Massager
Jillian Dempsey Gold Sculpting Bar
Pros
- 24-karat gold plated
- Created by a celebrity makeup artist
Cons
- Pricey
Celebrities love it, estheticians love it, and it's perpetually sold out at Sephora. On top of it all, this vibrating sculpting T-bar is made of 24k gold, making it luxurious and beneficial, with results that you can see immediately.
It's safe for all skin types, and recommended for concerns of loss of firmness and elasticity.
Key Specs
| Rating | 4.4-star average from 67 Sephora reivews |
|---|---|
| Technology | Vibration (6,000 rotations per minute) |
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Pros
- Ice cold temp instantly depuffs
- Targets small and large areas
Cons
- Some reviewers say it warms up relatively quick
Cryotherapy—aka that thing they do on the Real Housewives while they subject their bodies to subzero temperatures — has become increasingly popular in recent years, and it's no surprise it's found a way to pop into skincare, too.
Cryo tools, like this dual-ended face roller, use professional-grade stainless steel to bring the skin down to 45 degrees—the temperature BeautyBio says is “known to help increase micro-circulation and collagen production, as well as flush out toxins.”
If you want an ice roller but don't have space or won't remember to keep it in the freezer, you'll love the fact that this dual roller chills in 2 minutes.
Pros
- Reduces inflamation
- Can be used on the neck and décolletage
Cons
- Some reviewers say it's relatively heavy
Gua sha is an ancient Eastern practice—“gua” means scrape and “sha” means sand in Chinese. It has multiple benefits, such as promoting blood flow, lifting and contouring the face, and relieving facial tension — all while promoting brighter, tighter skin. Sculpting out your face never seemed so easy.
Key Specs
| Rating | 4.1-star average from 21 Sephora reviews |
|---|---|
| Material | Rose quartz |
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Pros
- 1-minute treatment
- Targets fine lines and puffiness
Cons
- Won't turn off before treatment session ends
Your undereyes will never love you more than after a session with this eye massager. It's designed to reduce visible signs of crow's feet and dark circles, while also protecting the sensitive skin under the eyes. Apply your favorite eye serum or cream, and get to massaging.
Key Specs
| Rating | 4.3-star average from 132 Foreo reviews |
|---|---|
| Material | Silicone |
This pretty pink face roller is made of rose quartz, and has earned a recommendation from King, who highlighted the fact that it stays cool in the fridge. When you use a cool face massager, it helps "constrict blood vessels to decrease puffiness," she says.
The New York-based dermatologist also appreciates its small size, which she considers “perfect” for using around the eye area. “Gentle rolling under the eyes from the midline toward the sides can help decrease fluid accumulation,” adds King.
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Pros
- FDA-cleared
- Reshape and tone facial features
Cons
- Can't be used without conductor gel
Spending more than $600 on a face massager is certainly an investment, but King argues that this option's high-end tech is worth considering.
“The TriPollar Stop Vx is a particularly multitasking facial massager that uses radio frequency to stimulate collagen production and electric vibration to help tone and lift,” she says. “When used properly, the face is divided into three areas, and each is slowly massaged for four to five minutes.”
This kit also includes a conductor gel to add some necessary slippage while you massage your face.
Key Specs
| Rating | 5-star average from 1 Dermstore review |
|---|---|
| Technology | Radio frequency |
FAQ
How to Use a Face Massageer
Whether your beauty rituals take a few minutes or upward of half an hour, facial massagers are the perfect low-key addition to upgrade your daily skincare routine. Research even shows you'll gain the most from using a face massagerfor just 5 to 10 minutes a day.
But, how do you use them correctly? Well, it all just depends on the type of face massager you own:
- Battery-powered options like the Dangshan 4-in-1 Beauty Bar 24k Golden Pulse Face Massager are simple to use: Press a button, and the device's vibrations will help massage your visage.
- On the other hand, manual tools like the Skin Gym Face Sculptor Beauty Roller and Mount Lai The De-Puffing Jade Facial Roller create a lifting effect when you're using a gentle upward rolling motion.
Speaking of a gentle technique, you can pamper your skin while you massage by incorporating a slip agent like a lightweight serum, oil, or moisturizer, advises Dr. Alain Michon, M.D., the medical director of Ottawa Skin Clinic. He notes that utilizing a slip agent helps prevent any surface-level bruising.
“The skin on the face is much more sensitive and delicate than the rest of the body, so it’s important to be gentle when using the devices,” he says. Just remember that if you use a facial cleansing massager like a Foreo Luna, it's best to use your favorite face wash in place of a slip agent.
Overall, “more pressure doesn’t equate to faster or more noticeable results,” adds Palomino.
How to Clean a Face Massager
If you skimp on cleanliness, you risk breakouts and skin irritations, such as red, scaly, or raw patches popping up on your face, cautions King.
She suggests washing your face massagers with antibacterial dish soap at least once a week. Just add a drop on your fingers or on a toothbrush, and be sure to scrub the crevices. After, rinse with warm water, and then allow it to air-dry overnight. If it's a face massager that can't get wet, it should be wiped clean after each use.
Nicole Saunders
Beauty Editor
Nicole Saunders is the beauty editor at Best Products with over eight years of experience researching, writing, and editing lifestyle content. She specializes in breaking down complicated topics, like high-frequency wands and microcurrent devices, into easy-to-understand guides. Saunders takes great pride in heavily researching and testing featured beauty products, — such as hairdryers and foundations — on our site, and spotlights her all-time seasonal favorites in her quarterly column Best New Beauty. And she tests quite literally thousands of launches for our Best New Beauty Awards package. You can follow her on Instagram to stay in the loop on her product testing adventues.
Amanda Mitchell
Amanda Mitchell is a writer and podcaster with bylines at Marie Claire, OprahMag, Allure, Byrdie, Stylecaster, Bon Appetit, and more. Her work exists at the apex of beauty, pop culture, and absurdity. A human Funfetti cake, she watches too much television, and her favorite season is awards season. You can read more of her work at amandaelizabethmitchell.com or follow her on Instagram and Twitter @lochnessmanda.
