Michael Todd Beauty offers skincare devices, which focus on bringing professional-style beauty care into at-home routines. Its lineup features sonic dermaplaning products, facial cleansing brushes, and microdermabrasion-style devices.
These offerings focus on supporting exfoliation, facial hair removal, cleansing, and skin texture refinement. The brand positions its offerings as a means to target common skincare concerns like dullness, uneven tone, and acne buildup.
In this review, we examine the brand’s range of devices, alongside their ease of use and technological integration. The review also discusses the associated advantages and potential limitations of the brand.
About Michael Todd Beauty
Co-founded in 2008 by Lewis Hendler and Michael Friend, Michael Todd Beauty is a U.S.-based beauty technology and skincare brand. The brand’s core product model centers on reusable electronic skincare devices supported by replaceable heads, tips, or accessories, alongside complementary topical products for pre- and post-treatment care.
One of the brand’s flagship product lines is the Sonicsmooth family of dermaplaning devices. The range includes offerings such as Sonicsmooth, Sonicsmooth Pro+, and Microsmooth microdermabrasion tips.
Cleansing devices represent another core category, featuring products like the Soniclear, Soniclear Elite, and Soniclear Petite. These sonic facial cleansing brushes use antimicrobial bristles and oscillation to assist in removing surface debris, excess oil, and residual cosmetics from the skin.
Hair removal and contouring devices expand the product portfolio beyond facial exfoliation. Lumos IPL is positioned as an at-home IPL hair removal device intended for full-body use, while Sonicsculpt provides a sonic facial contouring ice and heat roller designed to alternate thermal exposure.
The brand also offers a line of topical skincare products formulated to integrate with device-based routines. Such offerings include options such as Dermaplaning Glow Facial Oil, Knú Serum, Knú Cream, and Lip Plumping + Hydrating Serum.
Michael Todd Beauty Bestsellers
Sonicsmooth Pro+
Sonicsmooth Pro+ is an at-home facial exfoliation and peach-fuzz removal device. As per its official website, the package includes one Sonicsmooth Pro+ Dermaplaning device, 16 single-use safety blades, two microsmooth microdermabrasion tips, a wireless charging cradle, a charging cable, and a user manual. The device’s core design centers on controlled vibration and integrated LED lighting to improve visibility during facial hair and dead-skin removal. It is rechargeable, cordless, and built for repeat use with replaceable tips rather than disposable razors.
The Sonicsmooth Pro+ device works by mechanically removing the outermost layer of the stratum corneum along with vellus hair. It administers high-frequency sonic motion (approximately 250 movements per second) that reduces drag and pressure compared to static blades, which may help lower the risk of micro-tears. Exfoliating the stratum corneum temporarily increases skin permeability, which could also reduce light scattering on the skin, leading to a smoother appearance and more even makeup application.
Sonicskim
According to the official website, Sonicskim is a 4-in-1 ultrasonic skin spatula intended to address pore congestion, product absorption, and facial toning through a combination of ultrasonic vibration, ion technology, and EMS. Sonicskim’s core mechanism is ultrasonic cavitation. Operating at approximately 27,000 Hz, the device transmits rapid vibrations through a thin film of water on the skin. These vibrations generate micro-pressure waves that loosen compacted sebum, keratin plugs, and environmental debris within the follicular opening.
The device offers Ion+ and Ion- modes that are based on basic electrostatic principles rather than chemical penetration. Ion+ mode uses positive polarity to attract negatively charged particles such as oxidized sebum, dirt, and some cosmetic residues, assisting in surface-level and pore-level cleansing. Ion- mode reverses polarity during serum or moisturizer application, which could help reduce surface tension and encourage deeper diffusion of water-soluble actives into the upper epidermis to support skin health from within.
Sonicskim also employs EMS (Electronic Muscle Stimulation), which delivers low-level electrical impulses that trigger brief contractions of superficial facial muscles. These contractions temporarily increase muscle tone and localized blood flow, which may help maintain a short-term lifting and firming effect.
Hair Identifier Spray
Hair Identifier Spray is a dermaplaning prep product, which is intended to help improve the visibility of fine facial hair before using products such as Sonicsmooth. When sprayed onto clean skin, the lightweight aerosol disperses rice starch and light-reflective polymers across the surface, creating contrast between vellus hair (peach fuzz) and the skin. Such a contrast makes even translucent or very fine hairs easier to see under normal lighting, reducing missed areas and uneven dermaplaning passes.
Rice starch in the formulation absorbs excess sebum and surface moisture, creating a dry, matte surface that allows the blade to glide more evenly without skipping. Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) acts as a potent humectant and barrier-support compound, which may help reduce transepidermal water loss that typically occurs after superficial exfoliation. The makers added hydrolyzed collagen to the formula, which could improve skin smoothness and elasticity.
Hair Identifier Spray also contains menthol, which works by activating TRPM8 receptors in the skin. The activation helps signal a cooling response without lowering actual skin temperature. Such effects could help reduce discomfort and perceived irritation during hair removal, particularly for sensitive skin types.
Lumos IPL
Lumos IPL uses Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology to reduce unwanted hair growth over time. IPL works below the skin by targeting the hair follicle during its active growth (anagen) phase.
The device emits controlled pulses of broad-spectrum light that are absorbed by melanin in the hair shaft. This light energy converts to heat and travels down to the follicle, where it helps disrupt the follicle’s ability to regenerate new hair without damaging surrounding skin.
As per the official website, the Lumos device integrates UV-filtered light, a skin-contact sensor, and CoolMax cooling technology. The UV filter removes harmful wavelengths, ensuring only therapeutic light reaches the skin.
A contact sensor may help avoid accidental flashes unless the device is fully flush with the skin, reducing misuse risk. CoolMax cooling maintains a low contact temperature, helping limit epidermal heat buildup, which reduces discomfort and lowers the risk of surface irritation.
Knú Serum
Knú Serum is formulated to support skin firming, elasticity, and visible wrinkle reduction through a combination of peptides, humectants, and botanical extracts.
The serum uses a multi-pathway approach that targets hydration, collagen signaling, cellular repair, and surface texture refinement.
Peptides such as SYN-COLL and Matrixyl-type in the serum function as signaling peptides that help bind to fibroblast receptors in the dermis, encouraging increased production of collagen and extracellular matrix proteins. Such effects may help delay age-related thinning of the dermal layer, which otherwise contributes to sagging and fine lines.
Knú Serum contains hyaluronic acid and aloe vera to enhance water binding in the stratum corneum, which might contribute to visible plumping and reduced appearance of crepiness. Complementary ingredients such as bakuchiol, glycolic acid, and botanical antioxidants could promote gentle cell turnover and protect against oxidative stress.
Soniclear
As per its official website, Soniclear is a facial cleansing device that may support daily cleansing efficiency while remaining compatible for use on sensitive and acne-prone skin.
The device uses high-frequency sonic motion, with bristles oscillating up to 18,000 times per minute, to dislodge makeup residue, excess sebum, sunscreen, and environmental debris from the skin surface and pore openings.
Soniclear’s benefits come from controlled mechanical exfoliation and improved microcirculation. The oscillating bristles gently loosen corneocyte bonds in the outer stratum corneum, accelerating the removal of dead skin cells that may otherwise contribute to dullness, clogged pores, and uneven texture. Increased local blood flow during sonic cleansing supports oxygen and nutrient delivery to the epidermis, contributing to a healthier skin appearance.
The Soniclear device also features a patented antimicrobial brush technology, which suppresses bacterial growth on the bristles themselves. It is important as contaminated cleansing devices may reintroduce acne-causing bacteria to the skin.
Sonic Refresher
Sonic Refresher is an at-home wet/dry sonic microdermabrasion and pore extraction system developed by Michael Todd Beauty.
The device combines mechanical exfoliation, controlled suction, and post-treatment hydration into a structured two-step process designed to address surface dullness and deeper pore congestion without aggressive manual pressure. Its design mirrors professional microdermabrasion workflows but adapts them for safe, intermittent home use across different skin types.
Sonic Refresher may function by targeting both the stratum corneum and follicular openings. The diamond microdermabrasion tips create uniform micro-abrasion across the skin surface, loosening corneocyte bonds and accelerating the natural shedding of dead skin cells. This controlled exfoliation stimulates epidermal turnover, which can improve texture irregularities and enhance light reflection for a smoother-looking complexion.
The suction-based pore extraction heads then apply negative pressure to lift sebum, oxidized debris, and trapped impurities from pores without squeezing, reducing the mechanical trauma often associated with manual extractions. The nano-mist step delivers a fine, evenly dispersed hydration layer that helps restore surface moisture and calm the skin barrier after exfoliation, supporting transepidermal water balance.
Michael Todd Beauty Advantages
Industry Recognition Noted
Industry recognition has been part of Michael Todd Beauty’s public profile across different stages of its growth. In 2025, the brand received Hair Tool Product of the Year at the Beauty Innovation Awards, a program that evaluates entries against defined criteria such as functional design quality, technical execution, and relevance within the professional beauty devices space.
Earlier recognition includes the 2018 Allure Readers’ Choice Award for Sonicsmooth, selected through consumer voting in the Best Breakthrough Product in Skincare category.
As a reader-driven award, this acknowledgment points to broad approval of Sonicsmooth’s dermaplaning-based exfoliation and facial hair removal performance based on real-world use rather than editorial assessment alone.
Additional industry visibility has come through participation in Cosmoprof North America, a major global beauty trade exhibition. Products such as Sonic Refresher were named finalists in the Tools and Devices category, where evaluation typically considered innovation, technical differentiation, and market readiness.
While Shape Beauty Awards badges appear on certain product pages, publicly available listings do not consistently confirm recent wins, suggesting selective or historical usage rather than ongoing annual recognition.
Long-standing Brand Presence
Michael Todd Beauty has maintained a continuous presence in the U.S. beauty market since its founding in 2008 by Lewis Hendler, Michael Friend, and Lilia Friend.
The company is headquartered in Port St. Lucie, Florida, with operations, leadership, and strategic oversight based in the United States. Entering the market before at-home beauty devices became widely commercialized allowed experience to develop early within this product category.
Brand focus has remained consistent over time, centered on beauty products and device-led skincare rather than expanding into unrelated product segments.
While technologies and messaging have evolved alongside changes in consumer expectations and device capabilities, the core emphasis on tools-based skincare has stayed intact.
Such a pattern reflects adaptation within a defined niche rather than broad diversification, supporting continuity without significant shifts in brand identity.
Michael Todd Beauty Limitation
Lack of Clinical Validation for Hair Reduction Claims
Michael Todd Beauty’s Sonicsmooth Dermaplaning System and Sonicsmooth Pro are positioned for surface level exfoliation and removal of fine facial hair.
Official product descriptions emphasize immediate skin smoothing and painless peach fuzz removal while clearly stating that the devices do not affect hair roots, follicles, or regrowth patterns. The brand notes that hair grows back at the same rate, thickness, and texture.
There are no peer-reviewed clinical studies showing that these devices reduce hair growth, slow regrowth, or change hair density over time. Available references relate to general dermaplaning or unrelated hair removal technologies such as laser or IPL, not to Michael Todd Beauty’s specific devices. As dermaplaning only shears hair at the skin surface, the results are temporary and require regular maintenance. You should not expect clinically validated hair reduction outcomes beyond short-term cosmetic smoothness.
No Dermatologist Recommendations
The brand’s own blog mentions a quote from an expert dermatologist and medical aesthetician praising the Sonicsmooth Pro+ device, but this is a single instance without detailed profiles or broader confirmation for the full product range. Third-party retailer descriptions sometimes include dermatologist-approved language for devices like the Sonicsmooth, yet these seem promotional and lack named physicians or ties to clinical organizations.
Consumer feedback on platforms like Trustpilot, with hundreds of reviews averaging high satisfaction, focuses on personal results rather than professional medical input. Discussions on Reddit and similar sites highlight user experiences but rarely reference dermatologist guidance, and no major seals from dermatology groups are evident.
This absence shifts reliance toward anecdotal testimonials over expert-backed evidence, which can reduce confidence for users with conditions like acne, eczema, or sensitive skin, where dermatologist advice is typically expected. Brands with strong recommendations often provide links to physician-conducted trials or certifications, a step missing here that underscores the limitation.
Pros
- The brand’s topical offerings remain free from harmful ingredients like parabens, sulfates, phthalates, mineral oil, and artificial dyes.
- Devices feature user-friendly designs with replaceable blades, easy charging, and gentle exfoliation, making them compatible for consistent use.
- Provides versatile attachments like dermaplaning tips, microdermabrasion heads, and IPL devices for hair removal, supporting comprehensive skincare routines.
- Offers a 30-day refund policy on purchases.
Cons
- A few users cited complaints around defective devices that failed to charge, cut off quickly, or underperformed as advertised.
- Some users noted service-related concerns such as a lack of phone support, email glitches, and delayed resolution of complaints.
Michael Todd Beauty Alternatives
Dermaflash
Dermaflash is structured around a highly focused approach to at-home skin exfoliation and peach fuzz removal, with its identity closely tied to professional dermaplaning concepts. Founded by Dara Levy, a licensed esthetician, the brand narrative consistently reflects her background in spa-based dermaplaning.
Dermaflash places most of its emphasis on sonic dermaplaning and pore-focused devices, supported by a smaller skincare range designed to prepare skin before device use and help extend visible results afterward.
The brand organizes its portfolio across clearly defined categories such as Luxe+ sonic dermaplaning devices, Dermapore+ ultrasonic pore extractors, skincare products, replenishment edge kits, and bundled gift sets.
Some signature offerings from the brand include the Dermaflash Luxe+, Limited Edition Rose Gold Luxe+, Botanical Ketoacid Toner, HydraFlash Cocooning Serum, and Dermapore+ Prep Mist.
As part of its curated sets, the brand offers products like the Ultimate Sonic Skincare Set, Luxe+ and Serum Set, Toner + Serum Set, and Dermapore+ Sonic Skincare Set Rose Gold. The product range reflects a depth-focused model where accessories, refills, and skincare primarily exist to support ongoing use of the brand’s devices.
In terms of technology and quality positioning, Dermaflash emphasizes patented sonic engineering, citing more than 23 patents tied to motion control, edge design, and device safety. The brand frames its devices as alternatives to manual dermaplaning tools, with attention placed on controlled vibration, directional movement, and consistency of use.
Manufacturing and safety narratives are reinforced through industry awards, professional recommendations, and a 60-day money-back guarantee. Accessibility further supports this positioning, as Dermaflash products are sold through its official site as well as select professional channels such as Sephora, Ulta Beauty, and Spavia.
Michael Todd Beauty follows a broader brand structure that extends beyond dermaplaning into multiple devices and skincare categories.
Co-founded by Lewis Hendler alongside Michael and Lilia Friend, the brand positions itself around the integration of sonic technology with ingredient-conscious formulations.
The brand’s product ecosystem is diverse, covering sonic dermaplaning products, antimicrobial facial cleansing brushes, microdermabrasion and pore extraction devices, IPL hair removal devices, anti-aging creams and serums, facial oils, and grooming accessories.
Some featured offerings from the brand include the Sonicsmooth, Sonicsmooth Pro+, Soniclear, Sonic Refresher, Lumos IPL, Knú Cream, Knú Serum, and Dermaplaning Glow Facial Oil.
The brand also provides other offerings in its catalog, including options such as the Sonicskim, Hydrojet, Lip Plumping + Hydrating Serum, Microsmooth, and Sonicsculpt.
Such a diverse portfolio intends to address multiple steps of a beauty routine rather than centering on a single device category. This breadth creates flexibility but also results in a less singular functional focus when compared to Dermaflash.
From a quality and safety standpoint, Michael Todd Beauty places strong emphasis on formulation standards, highlighting the absence of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, and artificial dyes in its topical offerings.
Select devices from the brand, such as Lumos IPL, hold FDA-cleared status as a Class II medical device, which is equipped with safety features like proprietary cooling technology and skin sensors.
Spa Sciences
When comparing the brands, both Spa Sciences and Michael Todd Beauty operate in the at-home beauty device space. However, the brands approach accessibility, product architecture, and convenience from slightly different angles.
Spa Sciences frames its identity around translating spa-style concepts into simple, affordable products intended for routine home use.
The brand structures its catalog around beauty devices, skincare products, and massage, with its device lineup consisting of options such as the Lexi IPL Permanent Hair Removal System, Nova Sonic Facial Cleansing Brush, and the Mio Diamond Microdermabrasion System.
Many Spa Sciences devices focus on mechanical exfoliation, suction-based pore care, or simple thermal and vibration functions, as seen in products like the BELLA (3-in-1 Microdermabrasion and Pore Extractor), LELA (Ultrasonic Skin Spatula), and ISLA (Ice and Heat Roller).
Michael Todd Beauty positions itself closer to a device-led beauty technology brand that emphasizes sonic motion, controlled exfoliation, and longer-term device ecosystems modeled after professional skincare programs.
The brand’s device lineup features options such as the Sonicsmooth Pro+ and Sonicsmooth, combining dermaplaning-style exfoliation with sonic motion and Clear Glow Technology. Other devices from the brand include options such as the Soniclear, Lumos IPL, Soniclear, and Sonic Refresher.
These brands rely on consumable ecosystems, but the scale and emphasis differ. Spa Sciences supports ongoing use through replacement tips, filters, caps, and microdermabrasion heads tied to systems like SIMA, BELLA, and MIO, reinforcing maintenance without locking you into subscriptions.
Michael Todd Beauty also integrates refills and replacement components, particularly through Sonicsmooth Clear Refill Tips and Microsmooth Microdermabrasion Tips. However, these offerings are more tightly coupled to specific devices rather than spread across many products.
Skincare integration further differentiates the two brands. Spa Sciences maintains a relatively diverse topical skincare line, including cleansers, scrubs, moisturizers, overnight creams, and targeted serums.
Products under the skincare lineup include options such as the Retinol Serum, Enzymatic Scrub, Daily Cleanser, Lifting Eye Serum, Vitamin C Serum, Lip Plump Serum, and Hydrating Detox Mask.
On the other hand, Michael Todd Beauty’s skincare range is narrower and more adjunctive, with products like the Dermaplaning Glow Facial Oil, Knú Serum, Hair Identifier Spray, and Lip Plumping + Hydrating Serum. These offerings are framed as supportive steps before or after device use rather than standalone skincare options.
From an operational perspective, both brands emphasize accessibility and low-risk purchasing. Each brand offers a 30-day return window and highlights dermatologist references, reviews, and clinical language, but neither requires prescriptions, consultations, or subscriptions.
Spa Sciences leans more heavily on affordability, mass appeal, and ease of adoption, while Michael Todd Beauty emphasizes longevity, sonic technology heritage, and more specialized device performance backed by its longer operating history since 2008.
How Did We Evaluate?
Real User Feedback
Our evaluation of Michael Todd Beauty is based on Amazon review data for two core offerings from the brand. The Sonicsmooth Pro+ holds a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 1,100+ Amazon reviews. Many consumers noted effective removal of peach fuzz and surface dead skin with the product, often noting immediate improvements in skin smoothness, softness, and glow. Ease of use is a recurring strength, with some users highlighting the controlled glide, multiple speed settings, and built-in light features of the product. However, some users experienced mild redness after use sessions, although skin irritation complaints appear limited.
Knú Serum carries a rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on 30+ Amazon reviews. Customer feedback centered on hydration, glow, and skin softness, with many describing the serum as lightweight, fast-absorbing, and comfortable for daily use. Some users noted a firmer feel to the skin and improved texture over time, which they attributed to the presence of aloe vera and botanical extracts in the product. However, some users noted slower visible results, suggesting variability in experiences depending on skin type and usage duration.
Brand Reputation
In evaluating Michael Todd Beauty, we looked at the brand’s operational history and ratings across independent review forums.
On Trustpilot, the brand holds a 4.6 out of 5 rating based on more than 680 reviews, reflecting generally strong customer satisfaction. Many users highlighted effective product performance, particularly for dermaplaning and cleansing devices, as well as responsive and resolution-oriented customer support care.
However, some users expressed concerns tied to shipping disputes, return window enforcement, subscription misunderstandings, and communication limitations. Some customers reported difficulty canceling orders once placed, frustration with return shipping fees, or dissatisfaction when products caused irritation or did not meet personal expectations.
On the Better Business Bureau, the brand has an A- rating. The reviews and complaints across BBB reflect criticisms around returns, defective products, and communication flow. However, most cases are marked as answered or resolved, often with direct follow-up.
The brand’s operational history and ratings present a polarized view. While many users shared positive results with the brand’s products and commended customer care services, negative experiences tend to concentrate around process friction, particularly for returns, cancellations, and delivery issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The brand claims that its products are formulated without synthetic fragrances or colors. Instead, scent is derived from natural botanical extracts and essential oils such as sweet orange, lavender, chamomile, and citrus in topical products like Knú Serum. However, naturally derived oils may still irritate sensitive skin, so patch testing is recommended.
Layering guidelines are limited. The brand does not provide a formal, step-by-step layering framework (such as cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer) for its full skincare range. Available guidance is limited to device-specific usage, including cleansing before using products like SonicSmooth and applying serums or moisturizers afterward to support hydration.
Only select devices from the brand have undergone regulatory evaluation. For example, the Lumos IPL is positioned as an FDA-cleared Class II medical device, which is equipped with safety features like skin sensors and cooling technology. Other devices reference clinical validation or safety testing, but not all products hold FDA clearance.
Conclusion
Michael Todd Beauty positions itself around functional skincare products and gentle topical formulations intended to support everyday skin maintenance.
The brand’s emphasis on paraben-free formulas, antimicrobial brush components, and rechargeable designs reflects a practical approach to hygiene and convenience rather than trend-driven innovation.
However, the brand’s claims are mostly supported by internal descriptions and user testimonials available on the official site. Its offerings lack independent clinical validation and peer-reviewed trials to back their safety and efficacy claims across varied skin types.
It is also helpful to consider how the brand’s sonic tools fit within seasonal skin changes, as increased sensitivity during colder months or post-sun exposure periods may alter tolerance to physical exfoliation. Before opting for Michael Todd Beauty, it is advisable to consider the limited transparency around third-party testing standards, external ingredient certifications, and post-purchase support responsiveness.
- About the Author
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Alisha Matthew has been a practicing nutritionist since 2016. She holds a master’s degree in nutrition from the University of IOWA. She is a staunch believer in improving the human health index by educating people about nutrition and the importance of nutrition in leading a healthy and happy life. Her long-term goal is to keep educating people on general health and keep herself updated with the latest trends in the field of health.