Dermaplaning lifts away dead skin cells and "peach fuzz" (fine facial hair) for a smoother, brighter complexion.¹ Sonic devices use high-frequency vibration to do this with less pressure and fewer passes than a traditional straight blade, which reduces the risk of nicks and irritation.² But with multiple tools on the market, it's hard to know which one is actually worth buying.

We put the two leading sonic dermaplaning devices head-to-head: Michael Todd Beauty Sonicsmooth Pro+ and Dermaflash Luxe+. We tested how they compare on performance, technology and safety, convenience, and price. Read on to find out our clear winner.

What to Look For in a Sonic Dermaplaning Device

Sonic dermaplaners improve the appearance of skin and create a smoother makeup application, but not all devices are created equal. Look for: 

• Performance and results: The device should reliably remove hair and leave skin smooth, without excess redness or irritation immediately afterward.
• Safety design: Look for a blade guard that limits direct skin contact,³ plus multiple speed settings so you can dial down intensity on sensitive areas like around the nose and jawline.
• Convenience: Favor a device that works with a cleanser you already own and is easy to use without extra steps.
• Price and value: Weigh the device's upfront cost alongside what it costs to keep it stocked with fresh blades over a year of regular use.

Our Test Results: Hair Removal & Skin Feel

To determine our top performer, our editor, Maddie (38), tested Dermaflash Luxe+ and Michael Todd Beauty SonicSmooth Pro+ over 4 weeks.

Maddie first tried the Dermaflash Luxe+, which took just under 10 minutes. While it removed the fine hair on her face, she found that coarser hair was left behind. She also experienced some temporary redness post-use, but it faded within an hour. Overall, she found that her skin was somewhat smoother and brighter, but it was not noticeable enough for her to feel like the tool or the upkeep was worth it.

Maddie let her hair grow back for two weeks then tried Michael Todd Beauty SonicSmooth Pro+. After 5 minutes of sonic dermaplaning with the SonicSmooth Pro+, the results were very noticeable. “I feel a boost of confidence seeing my skin look so much smoother, brighter, and even a few years younger.” Adding that it was “very satisfying” to watch the tool scrape away dead skin and remove even the coarser hair on her face that the Dermaflash Luxe+ missed. 

The SonicSmooth Pro+ delivered everything she was looking for in a sonic dermaplaning tool and she continues to use it seeing further benefits like “smoother makeup application, visibly smaller pores and consistently glowy skin”. 

Design & Safety Features: Michael Todd Beauty Wins

Michael Todd Beauty Sonicsmooth Pro+ offers 3 sonic speed settings for adjustable intensity, built-in LED lighting so you can actually see the fine hair you're removing rather than guessing, and a safety guard to protect skin from direct blade contact.⁴

Dermaflash Luxe+ offers 2 sonic speed settings, no built-in LED lighting, and a safety cage.⁵

Both devices are well-built with effective safety engineering behind them. However, Michael Todd Beauty's extra speed setting gives you finer control across different areas of the face, and the built-in LED is a stand-out feature Dermaflash doesn't offer: it's hard to remove hair you can't see, especially fine, light-colored peach fuzz.

Ease of Use: Michael Todd Beauty Wins

Michael Todd Beauty Sonicsmooth Pro+ works with any regular facial cleanser, includes 8 single-use safety tips in the box, and charges via a wireless cradle.

Dermaflash Luxe+ requires its proprietary PREFLASH Cleanser before every use and includes 4 single-use Microfine Edges, plus a 0.33 fl oz starter size of PREFLASH; it also charges via a wireless cradle.

There’s no need to factor in battery costs or the hassle of replacing them as both tools use a charging cable instead of batteries. However, Dermaflash's PREFLASH cleanser adds a step (and an ongoing cost) that Michael Todd Beauty doesn't. The Sonicsmooth Pro+ works with whatever cleanser is already in your shower, and it ships with twice as many starter blades. For anyone who wants to add this into an existing routine without extra products to track, Michael Todd Beauty is the easier device to live with.

Price & Value: Michael Todd Beauty Wins

Michael Todd Beauty Sonicsmooth Pro+ has a $121 list price, a 3-year warranty, and costs $25 for an 8-week supply of replacement tips.

Dermaflash Luxe+ has a $199 list price, a 60-day money-back guarantee, and costs $58 for an 8-week supply of replacement blades and PREFLASH cleanser.

Our Overall Winner: Michael Todd Beauty

Which sonic dermaplaning device is best? After testing Michael Todd Beauty and Dermaflash, only one delivers smooth, glowing results, features three speeds and LED lighting, and costs meaningfully less upfront and over time. And that’s Michael Todd Beauty. 

Ready to try it?

References:

1. What is dermaplaning
2. Sonic dermaplaning features
3. Dermaplaning safety
4. Michael Todd Beauty
5. Dermaflash