Last winter, I reviewed Soniclear from Michael Todd USA, a sonic skin cleansing device. I liked it a lot, so when I was offered the opportunity to try out the new Soniclear Elite I jumped at the chance.
Soniclear Elite
Like the first Soniclear, the Soniclear Elite comes with a cradle to charge the battery.
The brush head should be facing away from the front of the cradle. (When I got my first Soniclear, I tried to charge it backwards, lol, and needless to say, it didn’t work!). There are three little lights on the handle and when all three are lit up, it is fully charged. So far, I have only needed to charge my Soniclear Elite once, and it keeps going and going. Also, it seems to charge even more quickly than the original.
Soniclear Elite is a sonic powered skin cleansing system like the original. It is clinically proven to:
- reduce 99.9% of bacteria after 24 hours compared to an untreated control
- be up to 6 times more effective than cleansing with hands alone.
Importantly, using Soniclear Elite improves the absorption of skincare products because it cleans and exfoliates the skin so well.
It comes with two brush heads, one for face and a larger one for the body.
The brush heads vibrate but do not spin. Place the Soniclear Elite against your skin with a light hand and move the brush on your skin. I have a tendency to press too hard which is totally unnecessary, and I do the same thing with my electric toothbrush. Stop it, Allison! I divide my face into zones, and there is a buzzer that goes off to let me know when to move on to the next zone.
Unlike some other brands, Soniclear has a built-in antimicrobial system so that the brush heads stay cleaner and safer to use for longer. Just clean the brush heads with soap and water after every use, and you’re good to go for a full 6 months instead of 3 for other brands. To me, that’s a very big deal! I feel better about it and it saves me money.
Also like the original Soniclear, the Elite has 3 speeds that are controlled by the middle button on the front of the handle so you can control the speed that’s right for your skin. The unit comes with a detailed instruction manual if you need help with operating it, but it is a cinch to use.
C-Boost Collagen Technology
What makes the Soniclear Elite different from the original is the new C- Boost CollagenTechnology. C-Boost™ Collagen Technology has been shown in clinical trials over 8 weeks to improve:
- the appearance of fine lines by 84%
- skin firmness by 70%
- skin texture by 91%.
The top button on the handle with the C activates the collagen boost, and like the cleansing button, it can be regulated with the button in the middle to the speed that’s comfortable for you. I love the C-Boost because in addition to hopefully boosting my collagen formation (that I definitely need at this stage of the game), I find it very relaxing to use. It feels like a massage on my face, and it helps me relax and fall asleep more easily. That alone would be worth it for me!
My Thoughts
I love the Soniclear Elite. I liked the original, but the C-Boost Technology takes this device to another realm for me!
Although Soniclear Elite is recommended for all skin types including sensitive skin, my only wish is that Michael Todd USA would come out with a “gentle” brush head with softer bristles for the face because I have such a heavy hand! Because I gouge the device into my face and that’s totally my fault, I can only use it a couple of times a week versus a couple of times a day! I’m working on lightening up my touch, but I seem incapable of it. 😯
Colors and Patterns and Purchase Info
Soniclear Elite comes in a variety of colors and patterns: Mint Dream, Cotton Candy, Island Girl, Hippie Chic. I have the traditional Michael Todd USA lavender and purple called Lavender Lust. The Soniclear Elite is priced at $149. Although it’s not inexpensive, it’s priced competitively with other brands, and I think it offers benefits that they don’t offer. It comes with a 5 year warranty. It’s available on the Michael Todd website, at Ulta and on Amazon. You can buy replacement heads and other accessories like a shower caddy that I truly need to pick up, each for $25.
Check out the Michael Todd USA website and take a look at the Soniclear Elite for yourself.
Have you tried the original Soniclear or the Elite? Do you use a sonic skin cleanser?
I love their original Soniclear, but this one looks and sounds like something I have to try!
Leelo R recently posted…OOTD: Lets add some color to Fall with SheIn
The addition of the C-Boost technology brings this new one to a whole new level! I love it 🙂
This C-Boost Technology sounds very effective and intriguing! I really want to try this!
Lola’s Secret Beauty Blog recently posted…Bellatorra Cellular Renewal Complex and Uplifting Mist | The Antioxidant Rich Anti-Aging Dynamic Duo
I’m enjoying it, Helen! I had the regular Soniclear and I liked it, but the C-boost takes it to the next level, though I’m not sure if I can truly attest to whether it has increased my collagen production. The relaxation alone that I get from the C-Boost is worth it for me because it helps me fall asleep more easily if I use the Soniclear before bed!
First off, the duck made me giggle. Too cute! I love cleaning brushes but my skin doesn’t. I can only use the a few days per week.
Tiki recently posted…My Accidental Sephora and Ulta Makeup Haul
Same with me, Tiki. I have an iron hand and my sensitive skin can’t take it more than a couple of times a week. I’m hoping they will eventually add a brush head with ultra-soft bristles!
This definitely sounds like a must try!
Jamie recently posted…#ManiMonday: Allure & butter LONDON Disco Nap from the Fall 2015 Arm Candy Collection
Great beauty tool for real cleansing and the C-Boost technology is everything!
I agree about the brush heads, I’ve also wished they made a sensitive version! Great review.
Kristina Vieweg recently posted…Indulge in Pure Luxury with YSL Rouge Pur Couture Lipstick
Maybe they’ll hear us, Kristina, and introduce a sensitive skin brush head! Fingers crossed
I like some of the Micheal Todd skin care that I have tried. Never knew he made a sonic skin cleansing device. And I use way too much pressure with stuff like this too. Toothbrush included so this has DANGER signs plastered all over it for me. lol Looks super nice though.
Exactly, Laura! My dentist tells me that I’m gouging my gums with my Sonicare electric toothbrush, and I do the same thing with my Soniclear Elite cleansing brush! I’ve gotta stop it because I really enjoy the relaxation benefits from the C-Boost technology. It actually does help me relax and go to sleep! I’m glad I’m not the only one with a heavy hand. I hope you’re doing OK on your own today and you’re making some progress day by day
I am a huge fan of sonic cleansing brushes, but I end up pressing too hard, too! I’ve had to limit using my Clarisonic Mia 2 to once a week because of this.
Renu recently posted…Cellnique Acne Banisher Pack Review, Results
Do you use the sensitive head for the Clarisonic, Renu? I thought they had one
Yes, I have back-ups of that, but now prefer their cashmere brush (which you can use on the eye area as well). It is the softest brush ever.
Renu recently posted…Cellnique Acne Banisher Pack Review, Results
A cashmere brush sounds divine! I’d love something that I could use on my eyes. That’s a big deal!
I have never tried a cleansing brush, I always fear for my sensitive skin. But, this one sounds really nice – especially the c-booster! Maybe one day I’ll venture into a facial brush!
Julie recently posted…Pixi by Petra: Natural Contour Powder & Correction/Concealing Concentrate!
I’m hoping they’ll introduce a sensitive skin brush head. But I know I’m supposed to hold the unit lightly against my skin rather than hard against it which is what I do and know is wrong, lol. It leaves my skin feeling clean and the C-Boost is great.
I love this sonic cleansing brush! That C-Boost is a lovely massage. I don’t know if it’s making me look any younger but I like it
Erika recently posted…Keranique For the Hair You Deserve
Same here, Erika! But I’ll take it
Never heard of this brand before! Wonder if we have it in Canada. I have the Clarisonic which I love but the fact that you can wait 6 months to replace the brush heads on this one is very appealing!
Elaine recently posted…Get Your Pink On: Beauty for Breast Cancer Awareness
For me, Elaine, the fact that I can wait 6 months rather than 3 months to replace the brush head is a big deal! Michael Todd products can be purchased on Amazon and I think the MT website ships internationally. If you do replace your Clarisonic some day, definitely look into the Soniclear Elite ‘coz the C-Boost feature is great!
I have the original size and love it. This one sounds great for travel or for people who don’t have a lot of space to store things.
Aleya Bamdad recently posted…How To Decorate With Pumpkins
The Soniclear Elite is the same size as the original, Aleya. The difference between the Elite and the original is the C-Boost technology feature. There is, however, a new “petite” size of the original, Soniclear Petite, that comes in new colors that’s adorable and is priced at $99.
I do like the elite, I still need to review mine ;(
Heather recently posted…Guerlain Holiday 2015-Preview
I was taking my time in writing my review as well. I love the C-Boost aspect of the Elite. Wish they’d introduce a gentle brush head however
I love my Soniclear!
Cindy (Prime Beauty) recently posted…Fashion Flash!
I love how clearly you described how to use this. It’s a great machine and I’m glad I have this.
MarciaF recently posted…Your hand washing regime should include Natural HomeLogics
Thank you so much, Marcia! I’m so glad I have mine, too
This looks great! I’ve always wanted to try Michael Todd products but my Clarisonic is still going strong so haven’t really needed to replace it just yet. The collagen boosting technology is definitely making it more appealing though, since I’m in my 30s I’m trying to do anything I can to make sure I age nice & gracefully lol.
Kara recently posted…StriVectin Advanced Retinol Pore Refiner | Review
I’m like you, Kara, I wouldn’t be replacing something that still working well. I lucked out in getting the new Soniclear Elite to try out and I like it even more than the original because of the C-Boost. By the time you need a new sonic cleanser, there’ll be even newer gizmos to try out, I’m sure!
I love that it’s purple!
Phyrra recently posted…Halloween and Fall Round Up
Yes, it is lovely lavender and purple, but I think the designs and other colors are even cuter (because my original Sonclear is the same color combo)!
I’ve been wanting to grab one! And it’s purple?! SOLD!
Lisa Heath recently posted…Pretty Serious Cosmetics Post Apocalyptic Princess Collection & Ninja-Lish-ious Swatches & Review
Definitely worth checking out, Lisa. The C-Boost is everything!
You know my ordeals with brush cleaners, I wish I could use them but my skin is so sensitive
This one sounds great!
Norah recently posted…Sulwhasoo Perfecting Cushion Brightening
I hope MT will consider coming out with a gentle brush head. I’d love to be able to use this more often
This remains in my must-try list. I know once my Clarisonic breaks, this is next in line
Kath TheFabZilla recently posted…LET’S CHIT-CHAT | Coffee Withdrawal, First Mammogram, Skin Issues
The C-Boost feature feels so darn good! The Soniclear Elite is definitely worth trying
I had the same problem with my Soniclear, it was too abrasive for my skin to use daily and the fact that I subconsciously push it into my skin when I use it didn’t help haha. I wish they’d come out with a more gentle brush too!
Chelsea recently posted…Do You Read Reviews Before Every Beauty Purchase?
Maybe with a few of us mentioning it, they’ll consider coming out with a “gentle brush head”, at least I hope they will coz I love using it and wish I could use it more often.
I am so happy that they redesigned the cradle on the Elite! I also tried to charge mine backwards, and couldn’t understand why it wasn’t working! I like that the MT comes with a body brush, too. I’m exfoliating more regularly, now!
Nidia – Lit From Within recently posted…Makeup and Nails in Browns and Greens
Nidia, I didn’t even notice that! I must be losing it. What’s different about the cradle? I think that the brush head still faces away from me when it’s in the charger, like in my photo, no?
I’ve totally been wanting to try this!
Justina recently posted…Mont Blanc Legend
The C-Boost feature is awesome!
A nice looking stand too!
StephanieLouise recently posted…Butter London Shadow Clutch Palette + Interchangeable Duos Swatches & Review
Hmmm, I guess I don’t have the stand. Have to look into that!
I love that this does so much (and that they body brush isn’t a separate purchase!)
Bailey recently posted…Hello Waffle Waffleween Collection
Yes. I didn’t realize that with other sonic cleansers you had to buy the body brush separately. That would be a deal breaker for sure!
You and me, soul sister. I always press my face and toothbrushes too hard. Woopsies!
Kristin Bassett recently posted…Beauty Blogazons Halloween Giveaway
Ouch!
Hi Allison,
Every time I tell myself that I have it all, there comes a new soniclear, or a new beauty stuff that I can’t resist, LooL
How does it feel when you switch on the C-mode, does it vibrate like the cleansing mode, or what?
Dima Al Mahsiri recently posted…What Causes Dry Winter Skin? And How You Can deal With it?
It’s a much slower, deeper pulse, Dima. If you already own a sonic cleansing brush, it may not make sense to get another one just for that feature, but I find it very relaxing and I hope it’s doing something to stimulate collagen production, lol. Hope you are doing well!
Yes, you are absolutely right, Allison!
Actually, I am not planning to buy a new one, I am totally happy with my Soniclear 🙂
Anyway, I am fine, thanks 🙂 what about you?
Dima Al Mahsiri recently posted…What Causes Dry Winter Skin? And How You Can deal With it?
I cant believe that I still havent tried any Michael Todd products, its such a shame that they’re not more easily available in the UK. Still, I thoroughly enjoyed your review. In depth as always and if this does become available over here, I shall be giving it a go myself as I like something thats quite abrasive! xxx
whatlauraloves recently posted…Top Looks for the Autumn Season
Then you would really like it, Laura! It’s partially my fault because I hold it too close to my skin. Yes, I’m surprised that Michael Todd isn’t more readily available in the UK and Europe. The C-Boost feature really is so relaxing. I may give it a go tonight!
I’ve never used a face brush like Soniclear, but they always seem like a great add to your skincare routine. It’s nice to have something to gently exfoliate your face a couple times a week 🙂
Katie Garvin recently posted…GrandeLASH MD Lash, Primer, and Mascara Review (with Before/After Pictures!)
I just wish they had a ‘sensitive skin’ brush head so it would “gently exfoliate” my skin and I could use it more often. But if you have normal skin, this brush is da bomb
That is on my Wishlist!! I enjoy your review on it!
Ursula
I love my Soniclear Elite!