Image source Braelyn Wood / mbg creative
ZIIP vs NuFACE is a hot topic in the beauty world, but how do these two Microcurrent devices actually compare?
If you’ve ever admired Margot Robbie’s sculpted jawline or Hailey Bieber’s sharp cheekbones, chances are you’ve looked into facial toning devices to get that snatched look yourself.
When it comes to the most recommended devices for facial toning, Microcurrent devices always top the list. And two of the biggest names? ZIIP and NuFACE.
Both majorly hyped for their dramatic lifting effects (not to mention their celeb fans), the NuFACE vs ZIIP debate has been long-standing, so the ZIIP Beauty Product Engineers put both devices to the test to find out how the two actually compare.
This blog features the ZIIP Beauty product team comparing the ZIIP HALO device and the NuFACE Trinity+ Facial Toning Device. There are other Microcurrent devices available on the market.
Intensity
Different levels of electrical current create different effects on the skin. Some devices focus on higher intensities for lifting and sculpting, while others offer a wider range to target various skin concerns. Knowing the intensity options of each device can make a big difference when choosing the device that’s right for you.
Conductive gels
Microcurrent devices always need a conductive gel to help the electrical currents reach beneath the skin’s surface and work their magic on your facial muscles and skin cells. Most brands have their own version, and some have conductive gels with added active ingredients that nourish your skin in different ways, which Microcurrent helps drive into the skin deeper. Understanding your skin type and which active ingredients will benefit you most is key when choosing your conductive gel.
Ease of use
Even with the best intentions, if a skincare routine is too complicated or time-consuming, it’s easy to skip a day… or just give up altogether. That’s why finding a device that’s simple and convenient is so important. Some microcurrent devices even connect to an app, making it easier to use and ensuring you’re getting the best results.
| ZIIP HALO facial toning device | NuFACE Trinity+ facial toning device | |
|---|---|---|
|
Currents
|
2 intensities (Microcurrent and Nanocurrent) with up to 26 different waveform combinations | 1 intensity (Microcurrent) |
|
Intensity range
|
900nA - 400μA |
70 uA 200 uA 335 uA |
|
Treats skin concerns
|
|
|
|
Conductive gel active ingredients and benefits
|
Golden Gel
Crystal Gel
Silver Gel
Electric Complex Gel
|
Silk Creme Activator
Aqua Gel Activator
|
|
App connected?
|
Yes | Yes |
|
Wireless?
|
Yes | Yes |
|
No. of treatments available
|
13 | 7 |
|
No. of treatment plans available
|
4 | 0 |
|
Charging cable provided?
|
Yes | Yes |
|
Maximum uses per week
|
6 | 7 |
|
FDA cleared?
|
Yes | Yes |
Breaking Down the Key Features in the ZIIP or NuFACE Debate
NuFACE Trinity+ Device offers Microcurrent only, with 3 levels of microamp intensity levels, ranging from low to high:
Low: 70 uA
Medium: 200
High: 335 uA
You can increase NuFACE Trinity+ intensity via the NuFACE app.
ZIIP HALO offers both Microcurrent and Nanocurrent, with 6 levels of microamp and nanoamp intensity levels, to achieve a broad range of results. Each ZIIP HALO treatment has a unique combination of Microcurrent and/or Nanocurrent intensities, tailored to the skin concern/area of the face you are treating.
Both brands sell water-based gels to offer optimal conduction of the electrical currents from the devices.
Aqua Gel - a conductive gel containing added actives that help to hydrate skin.
Silk Creme Activator - a conductive gel containing added actives that help to reduce wrinkles, hydrate skin and brighten tone.
Electric Complex Gel - a simple conductive gel with no added actives.
Silver Gel - a conductive gel containing added actives that help to hydrate and soothe skin.
Crystal Gel - a conductive gel containing added actives that help to even skin tone, repair skin cells and boost glow.
Golden Gel - a conductive gel containing added actives that help to boost collagen, reduce wrinkles, firm and calm skin.
Both ZIIP and NuFACE offer downloadable apps for iOS and Android that allow users to follow along with treatments. Both apps can be synced with the device and come with a narrated video talking users through the treatment and showing the suggested movements. ZIIP offers guidance from ZIIP founder herself, Melanie Simon, whilst NuFACE uses a model and separate narrator.
The NuFACE app allows users to sync any NuFACE device, and offers treatments for each device. The ZIIP App also allows users to follow their own treatment plans ranging between seven days and one-month. NuFACE does not offer a similar feature.
The ZIIP App treatment videos sync to your device, loading the specific treatment onto your ZIIP HALO via Bluetooth, whereas the NuFace app treatment videos are simply for users to follow along the movements - the treatments don’t have unique waveform combinations and therefore don’t require a specific intensity.
NuFACE offers an array of treatments available through their app that complement the wide range of devices they offer. For the Trinity+, there are 7 treatments available. ZIIP currently only offers the ZIIP HALO device, meaning all treatments through the app are designed to work with the HALO. ZIIP offers 13 treatments in total; 6 full facial treatments and 7 targeted treatments aimed at specific concerns.
With ZIIP, you only need to invest in the ZIIP HALO to access the full range of treatments. Whereas, with NuFace, you would need to purchase multiple devices to access all treatments.
Finally, one of the bigger differences between ZIIP vs NuFACE is that NuFACE advises it is perfectly fine to use their device 7 days a week. ZIIP is recommended for use at a maximum of 6 days a week, to allow time for your muscles to rest, as you would when working out the rest of the body.
Both devices are FDA approved so users can rest assured that whatever device they choose, it has been verified to meet FDA standards ensuring safe and effective Microcurrent treatments.
To maximize your results from Microcurrent treatments, choose a device that has a wide range of intensities to achieve a wider range of results, a good range of treatments for you to choose from and conductive gels that contain pharmaceutical grade active ingredients tailored to your skin type.
