I was recently reading Dina’s post about Clarisonic on the excellent beauty blog Are You a Beauty? We’ve been asked about the product a few times on the Beauty Brains and have even gotten a sample from the
company to review. All of the Brains tried it but we never posted a review for a few reasons.
Clarisonic evaluation
First, it cleans your face well. Your skin almost tingles when you’re done and that’s fun. However, it is a bit of pain to use. It’s just much easier to use an exfoliating product like St. Ives Apricot scrub and a daily facial wash. You pretty much get the same effect.
Second, it doesn’t really look good in my bathroom. You have to leave it on the charger when you’re not using it which means it’s on the counter top clashing with the fabulous decor.
Third, it’s not worth the money. $195 for this? Then another $25 for replacement brushes. I don’t know. If it gave results much better than regular products maybe, but it doesn’t. That money would be better spent on a cute pair of shoes.
Of course if you are curious feel free to click on this Clarisonic Brush
Clarisonic recall
But this isn’t the reason for writing this post. The real reason is that Dina’s post reminded me of a letter the Beauty Brains recently received from the company that makes Clarisonic. According to them, they are recalling any unit that was made prior to July 2007 is being recalled. It turns out there is some kind of electronic problem in the handle that makes it get really hot. So hot that it might actually catch fire. If you purchased one before July 2007, be sure to contact the company to get a replacement.
Loading ...
Pam Says:
Thanks for your reasonable review of this product. I personally have found the Clarisonic to be very useful. My skin reacts to fragrance and numerous common cosmetic ingredients. Instead of looking for an exfoliating scrub that doesn’t irritate, I use the Clarisonic with Cetaphil. This combination even removes makeup.
Cara Says:
I also have to disagree with this review. I am a huge fan of this product. I am 50 years old and have suffered for most of my adult life from a combination of rosacea and acne. I have also used Ives apricot scrub for years. It doesn’t compare to the exfoliation from this product. The Clarisonic exfoliates without irritation. It has transformed my skin. I use it with a mild salacitic cleanser from Neutrogena followed by a moisturizer.
Charging is a non-issue. I charge it up once a week overnight and leave it in the shower the rest of the time. It holds a charge over an extended period very well.
The company did have a recall and I thought they handled it very professionally. The entire machine was replaced promptly, with a note of apology, and I was offered a new series of heads. Frankly, I was impressed. Clarisonic has won a loyal customer in me.
ChristineR Says:
How does Clarisonic compare to the Neutrogenea Wave? My skin tingles when I use it, and it feels extremely clean. I’m still looking at the Clarisonic, but also comparing to other items.
Joy Says:
I’m desperate to try the clarisonic skin brush for a review for my blog but it isn’t available in the UK yet. I know Babyliss do something similar though. It is interesting that there have been such mixed reviews for this product!
Sophie Says:
This seems very similar to the Neutrogena at-home microdermabrasion kit. I use the Neutrogena one, and it’s amazing…and also a fraction of the cost of this!
sara Says:
First, I have to clarify that this is NOT used as an exfoliating brush. The brush heads oscillate with the skin’s natural elasticity to open the pore allowing the cleanser the penetrate more deeply to fully cleanse inside the pore. Your skin will be softer and smoother simply because there’s no more “gunk” (make up, pollution, excess sebum, coagulated dead skin cells) left over to cause inflamation and uneven texture. This stretching of the pore is very safe (it’s how estheticians do extractions). There is no product like this on the market and unlike your St. Ives Apricot scrub, this won’t cause epidermal microlacerations leading to a breakdown of collagen and potential bacterial or acneic infections. In fact it prevents it.
Erica Says:
I must also disagree with the review…as someone mentioned, this is NOT an exfoliating product. Its designed to CLEAN your skin much more than St Ives Apricot scrub or anything like that. It also is great for those with sensitive skin, prone to redness. I was wary of the products claims and the high price. I waffled for about a year and finally broke down when my dermatologist told me that she uses it and highly recommended it for my senstive skin. I’ve used the st ives in the past and its great for my feet, but on my face, its just too rough and it doesn’t really clean my skin.
Charlotte Says:
My esthetician recommended the product to me, and I was lucky enough to use a “trial” for the week (providing I bought the brush-head). As everyone stated above, the product works exceedingly well, as long as you are careful to follow instructions and use a LIGHT pressure, much like their toothbrush. I willingly bought the thing for the MSRP of $195.00, plus shipping and handling. Imagine my surprise when two weeks later I saw the SAME EXACT MODEL at Costco but for the retail price of $99.00 !!! My hope is that as many people as possible will read this submission and buy the product there. Don’t get duped by The Man, like I did !