Our Official Review of the SolaWave Skincare Wand

Welcome to Skimm Tested, where we put products to the test and then give 'em a report card. (Check out all of our tried and tested faves here.)

The assignment…

To see if the buzzy SolaWave Advanced Skincare Wand ($149+) creates a noticeable improvement of our skin. The device uses red light therapy (aka low-level wavelengths of visible red LEDs), along with microcurrent technology, facial massage, and therapeutic warmth.

Straight A’s in…

• Effectiveness. After several weeks of regular use, we did observe a difference in our skin tone and texture. Overall, we felt the use of the Solwave wand left our skin looking dewier and smoother, particularly the mornings after using it along with the SolaWave Renew Complex serum. While the results weren’t necessarily drastic enough to notice in before-and-after photos, we did see slight improvements in the appearance of fine lines, as well as a reduction in redness and blemishes in breakout-prone areas on our face. 

• Temperature. The wand does heat up when in use, but we didn’t find it to be too hot on our faces. Instead it felt like a soothing, warm face massage.

• Portability. At 6 inches long and weighing just 1 ounce, the SolaWave Wand is so narrow and lightweight that it’s a breeze to travel with.

• Power. A single charge lasted for over two weeks’ worth of five-minute sessions using the wand. (The brand notes that charging the wand for two hours will last for one hour of continuous use.)

Room for growth…

• Battery indication. There’s no alert when the battery is low, so if you’re taking it on the go or don’t want the battery to die while in use, make sure to charge accordingly.

• The SolaWave serum. The serum isn’t for everyone. While one of our testers loved how thick the product was and how moisturizing it felt, another thought it was a bit too heavy for her skin. Note that the wand must be used on wet skin, but that doesn’t mean you have to go with the brand’s serum — you can opt for your own serum, mist or moisturizer. However, SolaWave does recommend using products with conductive ingredients (e.g., aloe vera) “to fully benefit from the microcurrent technology.”

Plays well with…

• An array of skin types, from dry to acne-prone. 

• Anyone with dull skin looking to brighten their complexion.

• Those who travel often and want to stick to a regular skincare routine.

Gets extra credit for…

• Having an angled head that makes use more convenient; you can turn it to use either vertically or horizontally.

• A vegan and cruelty-free serum, made with blue tansy, hyaluronic acid (psst…read more on that ingredient and skin hydration here), and all-natural aloe vera that works well with the wand.

How we did our homework…

• We enlisted three Skimm HQ’rs to use the SolaWave consistently for about a month. Each person had a different skin type and concern: sensitive, dry skin prone to redness and rosacea; semi-oily skin with hyperpigmentation; and normal to dry skin with fine lines. They used the device along with the SolaWave Renew Complex serum for at least five minutes per session — on their cheeks, forehead, nose, under-eye area, and neck, using upward and outward motions as recommended here. They observed how the wand felt while in use, as well as any noticeable differences in their skin after continued use. They made sure to use the wand only with a serum or moisturizer applied to their skin first, as it only works when used on wet skin.

Footnotes:

• $149+

• Available in three colors (rose gold, ombre, matte black)

• Not waterproof — cannot be submerged or used in the shower

• Use for five minutes per day to start; can gradually increase duration used

• 30-day return period if not satisfied with product

• One-year warranty