Michael Todd Beauty is a U.S-based skincare brand that focuses on technology-driven beauty tools paired with complementary skincare products for at-home use.
The brand claims that its products may help you enhance everyday routines by improving cleansing efficiency, smoothing the skin surface, and supporting better absorption of topical skincare.
In this review, we will analyze Michael Todd Beauty’s product offerings and how the brand compares with similar options in the skincare tools category. We will also evaluate the brand’s advantages and what existing customers share through their reviews and experiences.
As per the official website, Michael Todd Beauty develops tools centered on sonic dermaplaning, sonic cleansing, microdermabrasion, facial contouring, and IPL hair removal, along with post-procedure and maintenance formulas. Its lineup covers concerns such as anti-aging, exfoliation, acne and blemishes, dark spots, peach fuzz removal, and long-term hair reduction.
The brand is particularly known for its Sonicsmooth dermaplaning systems, including Sonicsmooth and Sonicsmooth Pro+, which are designed for facial exfoliation and peach fuzz removal using sonic technology and Clear Glow Technology. These devices are supported with dedicated refill dermaplaning tips and accessories.
Michael Todd Beauty also offers resurfacing and exfoliation tools such as Microsmooth microdermabrasion tips and the Sonic Refresher wet/dry microdermabrasion and pore extraction system for at-home skin renewal.
In cleansing and daily maintenance, the brand features the Soniclear and Soniclear Elite sonic cleansing brushes with antimicrobial bristles, designed for exfoliation and support for blemish- and dark-spot-prone skin.
Devices such as Sonicskim, a 4-in-1 ultrasonic skin spatula, and Hydrojet, a sonic cleansing shower system, extend the cleansing and procedure-ready preparation category.
The portfolio also includes Sonicsculpt, a facial contouring roller with ice and heat modes, and Lumos IPL, an at-home IPL device positioned for full-body hair removal.
To complement its devices, Michael Todd Beauty offers formulas including Dermaplaning Glow Facial Oil, Hair Identifier Spray, Lip Plumping + Hydrating Serum, and the Knú anti-aging products, such as Knú Serum and Knú Cream. These products are designed to pair with device-based routines for hydration, calming, and ongoing skin care support, alongside refill heads, replacement tips, and accessories for continued use.
Sonicsmooth Pro+ is an at-home sonic dermaplaning device that combines a stainless-steel safety blade system with interchangeable microdermabrasion tips. The tool uses medical-grade stainless steel in its single-use blade cartridges.
Stainless steel resists corrosion and minimizes microbial buildup. The device also combines a rechargeable NiMH battery and built-in LED lighting, which supports visibility during procedure and helps you better see fine facial hair and surface debris while working across the contours of the skin.
As per the official website, the system functions through dermaplaning and mechanical exfoliation, where the blade and micro-vibrations remove the superficial layer of dead skin cells along with fine vellus hair.
The outer layer being targeted is the stratum corneum, which is made up of flattened keratinized cells. When this layer thickens due to buildup, it can make the skin surface appear rough and can create a barrier that slows the penetration of topical products.
The makers state that the device operates at high-frequency sonic movements, which contribute to the exfoliation effect by increasing shear force across the skin surface without requiring strong downward pressure. This form of mechanical stimulation may briefly increase microcirculation in the outer skin layers.
Microdermabrasion tips included with the system provide an additional layer of physical exfoliation. These tips interact with the epidermis by abrading compacted corneocytes. Exfoliation signals the skin to initiate repair responses, which are part of the natural wound-healing cycle.
Sonicskim is designed for surface cleansing and exfoliation using sonic vibration technology. The stainless-steel spatula serves as the primary contact material with the skin.
As per the official website, the device operates using ultrasonic vibration at approximately 27,000 Hz, creating rapid oscillations along the edge of the spatula while water or a hydrating medium sits on the skin’s surface.
During use, the oscillations generate small mechanical waves through the moisture layer on the skin. These waves might loosen compacted debris within the superficial openings of pores, such as oxidized sebum in blackheads or mixtures of oil and dead skin in whiteheads.
The device also includes Positive Ion Mode, which may help attract charged particles on the skin surface. When ionic modes are used in combination with moisture, they may support the removal of these deposits by encouraging the movement of charged particles toward the spatula edge. This process does not pull material from deep tissue layers, but instead assists with loosening film-like debris that sits across the outer epidermal barrier.
The device also includes EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) mode, which produces low-level electrical impulses across facial muscles beneath the skin surface. These impulses cause brief, mild contractions in superficial facial muscles. The effect does not change bone structure or create new collagen directly, but the temporary contraction can increase local circulation and cause muscles to tighten slightly.
As per the official website, Hair Identifier Spray helps make fine facial hair more visible during dermaplaning by coating the surface of peach fuzz and vellus hair so it stands out against the skin.
When sprayed onto the face, the product creates a light film that settles along the length of the hair shafts. This visual contrast can make it easier to identify areas where hair remains before using a dermaplaning tool.
The spray contains hydrolyzed collagen, which forms a thin, water-binding layer along the outer epidermis. This helps reduce transepidermal water loss by supporting moisture retention in the stratum corneum.
When the outer layer remains hydrated, it becomes more flexible and less prone to surface roughness, which may contribute to a smoother feel during dermaplaning and makeup application.
The makers also added panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) in Hair Identifier Spray, which converts to pantothenic acid in the skin that might help maintain barrier function within keratinocyte cells. Increased hydration in this layer can help reduce dryness-related tightness and may lessen the likelihood of post-exfoliation discomfort, as hydrated corneocytes are less fragile and more resilient when exposed to friction.
The formula also includes menthol, which interacts with cold-sensing nerve receptors (TRPM8 receptors) in the skin. This does not lower the actual temperature of the tissue but produces a perceived cooling sensation. The sensory response can create a feeling of comfort or relief during topical application, particularly when exfoliation or hair removal causes temporary warmth or mild sensitivity at the skin surface.
Lumos IPL uses Intense Pulsed Light technology to target hair growth at the follicle level. IPL devices emit broad-spectrum light pulses that are absorbed primarily by melanin. When this light energy converts into heat, it could disrupt the growth cycle of the hair by affecting cells in the follicle that are responsible for producing new hair fibers.
According to the official website, the device includes a UV-filtering shield that is designed to block wavelengths outside the intended procedure spectrum. This filtering might limit unnecessary ultraviolet exposure to the epidermis, allowing the light energy to focus on pigment-rich follicular structures rather than affecting superficial skin tissue.
Lumos also combines a contact sensor that allows light pulses to release only when the procedure window is positioned against the skin. This reduces the chance of light scattering into the surrounding environment and helps maintain consistent contact with the surface of the treated area.
COOLMAX cooling technology in Lumos IPL is included to regulate temperature at the skin surface during use. It can help dissipate surface heat, which may reduce thermal discomfort and limit rapid temperature rise in superficial tissue. The cooling effect does not change how light interacts with the hair follicle but can moderate the sensation experienced on the skin during sessions.
As per the official website, Knú Serum addresses surface concerns such as dryness, dullness, fine lines, and uneven skin tone. The serum uses peptides, snail secretion filtrate, and botanical aloe components that primarily interact with the outer and superficial layers of the skin rather than altering the deeper structure of underlying tissue.
The formula includes peptides, which may support the skin’s natural renewal cycle over time. This can contribute to a smoother or firmer appearance as the outer layers undergo regular cell turnover.
The makers also added organic aloe vera in Knú Serum, which contains polysaccharides, including acemannan, that form a lightweight film across the skin surface. This film helps reduce transepidermal water loss by holding moisture within the outer epidermal layers.
The serum also contains snail secretion filtrate, a complex mixture of glycoproteins, hyaluronic acid, glycolic components, and trace minerals naturally produced by snails. The glycoproteins and mucopolysaccharides bind water within the stratum corneum, contributing to a plumper and more elastic feel at the surface.
Soniclear may help remove surface impurities and dead skin buildup through the mechanical movement of soft bristles across the outer layer of the skin.
The device uses sonic technology that moves the brush head at high frequency, creating repeated micro-motions across the stratum corneum. This action helps dislodge residual makeup, excess sebum, and compacted corneocytes from the skin surface.
As per the official website, the brush heads include an antimicrobial support intended to reduce bacterial growth on the bristle surface between uses. This protection does not sterilize the skin and does not replace standard hygiene practices, but it can help limit the buildup of microorganisms on the tool itself, especially in humid environments where moisture remains on brush fibers. Reducing microbial presence on the brush surface may be beneficial if you experience irritation or breakouts when tools accumulate residue over repeated use.
Soniclear is designed with interchangeable heads and multiple power levels, allowing different textures and movement intensities depending on skin tolerance and cleansing needs. Lower intensities apply gentler surface friction for sensitive areas, while higher levels increase mechanical action for thicker or oilier skin regions.
A built-in timer helps pace cleansing so that each face section receives similar exposure, which may help prevent over-exfoliation in localized spots where prolonged friction could disrupt the skin barrier.
According to the makers, Sonic Refresher is designed for at-home microdermabrasion, pore extraction, and post-procedure hydration.
The system uses a diamond-tip exfoliating head in combination with sonic vibration to mechanically abrade the outermost layer of the skin.
When the buildup thickens in the stratum corneum, it can make the skin surface feel rough and interfere with natural light reflection. Microdermabrasion works by gradually polishing away these compacted cells through controlled friction, supporting the skin’s natural process of desquamation and encouraging new epidermal cells to move upward as part of the normal renewal cycle.
Following exfoliation, the device uses suction-based extraction tips intended to help lift oil, sebum plugs, and loosened debris from the superficial openings of pores. The suction action does not remove material from deep within the follicle but assists in clearing the upper pore opening, where mixtures of sebum and dead cells can accumulate.
The device also includes a hydrating nano-mist function that disperses a fine spray of water-based moisture over the skin after exfoliation or extraction. The mist helps rehydrate the stratum corneum, which may become temporarily drier after mechanical resurfacing. When water binds to corneocytes in the outer epidermis, the cells swell slightly and become more flexible, supporting barrier function and reducing the likelihood of tightness or post-procedure discomfort.
Michael Todd Beauty supports its award-winning positioning through documented third-party recognition for its skincare tools, most notably the Sonicsmooth device. Sonicsmooth received the 2018 Allure Readers’ Choice Award in the Best Breakthrough Product in Skincare category, a consumer-voted recognition highlighting its sonic dermaplaning for exfoliation and facial hair removal.
The brand has also earned the 2018 Yahoo Lifestyle Diversity in Beauty Award, reflecting editorial acknowledgment of its contributions. Its products appeared in Cosmoprof North America’s 2018 Trendscouts program for innovation, with the Sonic Refresher recognized as a 2019 finalist in related contexts focused on emerging beauty technologies and design. These recognitions collectively support the brand’s claims of third-party validation in competitive skincare tool categories.
Michael Todd Beauty defines its cruelty-free positioning through formal third-party certification and clearly articulated operational standards, rather than through broad ethical messaging. The brand holds PETA cruelty-free certification, which verifies that no animal testing is conducted on finished products or individual ingredients. This certification also requires documented supplier compliance, extending the cruelty-free commitment beyond internal development to upstream sourcing practices.
This status is communicated consistently across the brand’s ecosystem. Michael Todd Beauty’s FAQ content and individual product pages, including offerings such as the Knú Ageless Duo and Serum, explicitly reference PETA certification, indicating that the policy applies across product lines rather than selectively. The brand’s cruelty-free status is further supported by independent third-party databases, which list Michael Todd Beauty as meeting recognized criteria.
Michael Todd Beauty promotes clean formulation principles based on internal criteria, such as using a base of 100% certified organic aloe vera juice and avoiding parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances. These claims are presented across product pages and brand materials as self-defined clean attributes rather than as part of a formal certification framework.
There are no visible mentions of recognized third-party certifications such as EWG Verified, COSMOS, or USDA Organic on the brand’s homepage, product listings, or supporting pages. Searches for these certifications do not show evidence of current audits or seals tied to the brand.
While the company highlights organic ingredients and natural extracts, these claims rely on brand disclosure rather than standardized third-party validation, requiring consumers to assess clean positioning without external benchmarks.
Dermaflash presents itself as a focused skincare technology brand centered on at-home sonic exfoliation and pore-care procedures. Its catalog is built primarily around signature devices such as the DERMAFLASH LUXE+ Sonic Dermaplaning and Peach Fuzz Removal Set and the DERMAPORE+ Ultrasonic Pore Extractor and Skincare Infuser, along with curated bundles and refill programs.
The brand highlights clinically supported results, 14K sonic vibrations per minute, and spa-inspired exfoliation and pore-clearing benefits, backed by products including BOTANICAL KETOACID TONER and HYDRAFLASH COCOONING SERUM™. The offering also includes limited-edition device sets, subscription refill kits, and seasonal skincare bundles, strengthening its positioning around performance-driven sonic devices.
Meanwhile, Michael Todd Beauty takes a broader approach by covering a wider range of at-home beauty devices and procedure categories. While dermaplaning remains a key area through products such as Sonicsmooth Pro+ and Sonicsmooth, the lineup extends into permanent hair removal with Lumos IPL, sonic cleansing systems like Soniclear and Soniclear Elite, and thermal contour tools like Sonicsculpt.
The brand also integrates post-procedure and anti-aging skincare through options such as Dermaplaning Glow Facial Oil, Knú Serum, Knú Cream, and Lip Plumping + Hydrating Serum, making the range suitable for people seeking multiple device categories and supporting skincare within one brand.
A key difference between the two brands lies in scope and specialization. Dermaflash concentrates mainly on sonic dermaplaning, peach fuzz removal, pore extraction, and skincare infusion, with procedure-focused kits such as the ULTIMATE SONIC SKINCARE SET, LUXE+ Sonic Skincare Set, and DERMAPORE+ Sonic Skincare Set designed to enhance texture refinement and radiance.
Michael Todd Beauty, in comparison, positions itself as a multi-category beauty technology brand that addresses concerns, including acne and blemishes, dark spots, exfoliation, hair removal, cleansing, and anti-aging, supported by accessories such as Sonicsmooth Clear Refill Tips and Hair Identifier Spray.
Pricing and positioning also differ. Dermaflash maintains a premium device-led structure through products such as LUXE+ at around $199 and DERMAPORE+ at $109, often paired with refills and upgrade bundles.
Michael Todd Beauty covers a wider pricing range, offering entry to mid-range devices such as Sonicskim at around $47.40-$80.00 and Sonic Refresher at $121, which may appeal to people looking for variety and promotional value across categories.
Dermaflash offers a specialized sonic exfoliation and pore-refining system with a procedure-driven focus, while Michael Todd Beauty provides a broader mix of beauty devices and companion skincare across multiple skin concerns.
StackedSkincare focuses on at-home tools paired with targeted formulas for concerns such as dryness, pore congestion, fine lines, dark spots, and uneven texture. Its catalog is built around spa-style exfoliation and resurfacing formulas, including the Dermaplaning Kit, Professional Dermaplaning Tool, Microneedling Face Tool, TCA Multi-Acid Face Peel, and TCA Body Peel. These tools are supported by formulas like the Hydrating HA Serum, EGF Serum, Shiunko Face Oil, Microbiome Moisturizer, and Prebiotic Gel Cleanser.
The brand also integrates refill systems such as Dermaplaning Refills, Precision Dermaplaning Refills, and Microneedling Refills to support continued use. Through the StackedMethod quiz, you are guided toward personalized routines that combine exfoliation, resurfacing, and hydration across tools and skincare formulas.
On the other hand, Michael Todd Beauty follows a more technology-led direction, with a catalog primarily built around beauty devices and sonic procedure systems for exfoliation, cleansing, hair removal, acne care, and anti-aging needs. Its key offerings include the Sonicsmooth Pro+ and Sonicsmooth dermaplaning systems for peach fuzz removal and exfoliation, the Lumos IPL device for permanent at-home hair removal, and cleansing tools such as Soniclear, Soniclear Elite, and Hydrojet with antimicrobial bristles. The lineup also features device-based exfoliation tools like Sonic Refresher, Sonicskim, and Microsmooth, along with accessories such as Sonicsmooth Clear Refill Tips and Microsmooth tips.
The key difference between the two brands appears in how routines are structured. StackedSkincare combines manual tools with a broader range of serums, moisturizers, peels, and body products, creating routines that merge resurfacing with topical repair and hydration.
Michael Todd Beauty is more device-driven, with a stronger focus on sonic cleansing systems, dermaplaning devices, microdermabrasion tools, and IPL hair removal, supported by a smaller set of complementary skincare options.
In terms of format and usage style, StackedSkincare leans toward procedure-grade skincare paired with refillable manual tools, while Michael Todd Beauty extends further into electronic and multi-function devices across face, body, and hair removal categories. StackedSkincare emphasizes layered procedure protocols, and Michael Todd Beauty features technology-enabled home procedures.
To evaluate Michael Todd Beauty, we reviewed Trustpilot feedback, which includes reviews from 2025, where the brand currently holds a 4.6 rating based on over 600 reviews.
Some users highlighted experiencing benefits such as smoother skin, improved makeup application, and better absorption of skincare products. Its devices like the Sonicsmooth Pro+ and Soniclear are frequently referenced for their at-home convenience and effectiveness, particularly for managing peach fuzz, skin texture, and deeper facial cleansing needs.
The users also share favorable experiences with the brand’s customer service. Many describe the support team as responsive and solution-oriented, sharing experiences where non-charging or defective devices were replaced, issues were resolved through guidance, and warranty support was handled efficiently. These experiences contribute to the perception that the brand stands behind its offerings and is willing to assist customers when concerns arise.
At the same time, some users report durability concerns, inconsistent results with certain hair-removal devices, or charging and performance issues. Others mention shipping delays, damaged packages, subscription misunderstandings, and dissatisfaction with return or refund policies. A few customers express concerns about value for money and fulfillment or communication experiences, indicating variability in outcomes across different buyers.
The evaluation suggests that Michael Todd Beauty offers support for many users who prefer at-home beauty devices. However, the feedback also indicates opportunities to improve consistency in product reliability, fulfillment processes, and policy clarity to create a more satisfactory customer experience.
Michael Todd Beauty focuses on at-home skincare technology, particularly tools designed for exfoliation, cleansing, dermaplaning, and hair-removal support. Its portfolio commonly includes devices such as the Sonicsmooth Pro+ dermaplaning system, Soniclear cleansing brushes, and other sonic-powered skincare tools that aim to help you manage peach fuzz, improve skin texture, and support exfoliation routines at home.
On BBB, the brand is not BBB-accredited. However, it currently holds an A- rating, which suggests that, despite recurring complaints, it generally responds to BBB cases and works toward resolution. At the same time, the complaint history highlights recurring themes related to product performance issues, customer-service delays, refund processing, and communication gaps, particularly around returns, troubleshooting, and shipping concerns.
Over the past years, several complaints were recorded, with a few closed in the past 12 months, indicating that issues do occur with some frequency for a brand in this category. However, many complaints also show the company issuing refunds and replacing defective devices, which reflects a willingness to address problems once they are escalated.
Our assessment suggests that Michael Todd Beauty prioritizes responsiveness and resolution efforts, while the pattern of complaints indicates that some customers may experience inconsistent support or product reliability before matters are fully resolved. It may be helpful to review the brand’s return policies carefully, retain purchase records, and be prepared for potential follow-up communication if post-purchase assistance is required.
Michael Todd Beauty takes a technology-led approach to at-home skincare through sonic cleansing, dermaplaning, microdermabrasion, and IPL hair-removal devices.
The brand claims to support smoother texture, surface exfoliation, and maintenance-oriented results by using mechanisms that align with established skincare principles, such as mechanical resurfacing for superficial cell turnover and sonic vibration to help loosen surface buildup when used as directed.
At the same time, many performance claims rely on internal descriptions and user feedback rather than independent clinical validation across diverse skin types. The brand’s clean-beauty messaging is also grounded in its own standards rather than third-party ingredient certification, which may matter if you prioritize externally verified safety benchmarks.
When considering the brand and its offerings, make sure to avoid device use over irritated or breakout-prone areas. Spacing exfoliation tools from retinoids or chemical exfoliants, disinfecting attachments between sessions, and starting with lower-intensity settings might be helpful to minimize irritation or pigmentation changes, especially if you have sensitive or reactive skin.
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