I have been looking at the various cleansing tools for face and body for a couple of years now trying to decide whether to make the investment. My skin is sensitive and dry. I was concerned that a cleansing tool might be too much for my skin.
A few weeks ago, I was fortunate to receive the Michael Todd Soniclear Antimicrobial Cleansing System to try out and review.
How to Use the Soniclear
The system comes with the handle, a charging stand and power cord, and two soft brush heads: a smaller one for the face and a larger one for the body.
Before using the Soniclear for the first time, it is necessary to charge the handle for 24 hours. When I received the Soniclear, I was so excited. I quickly paged through the instruction manual, plugged in the charger, put the handle in the charger the same way I charge my electric toothbrush – with the brush facing front, and I went away for a day. I came back and I couldn’t understand why the Soniclear wasn’t working. I finally ended up emailing the PR folks and one of the women emailed me back that I had placed the handle in the charger BACKWARDS! The correct way to charge the Soniclear is with the 3 vertical lights facing outwards toward the front of the charger and the brush facing away. When the 3 vertical lights all light up, it’s fully charged. A full charge gives 35 minutes of use which I think is great. I can put the charger away for at least a couple of weeks before I need a new charge. The charge indicator flashes 10 times when it’s time to recharge the handle. And recharging takes less time than the original charge: only 8-12 hours.
The device arrived with the face brush head already attached. Changing, removing or adding the brush heads is a cinch. Basically, just twist the plastic cover and it goes on or comes off quite easily.
Never having used a sonic facial cleansing tool before, I didn’t realize that the brush head doesn’t spin. Sheesh, what a novice I was! Again, my sonic toothbrush wiggles back and forth and another toothbrush brand does have a spinning brush head. When you turn on the Soniclear, it vibrates slightly as you move it slowly around your skin.
To use it to cleanse my face, I wet my face, apply one of my regular cleansers, turn the Soniclear on via the lower purple button on the front of the handle underneath the brush head. The upper purple button with the two arrows controls the speed.
There are 3 speeds and with my sensitive skin, I use the lowest speed in which the bottom light only lights up. The Soniclear has a built-in timer that beeps every 20 seconds letting you know when it’s time to move to a different area of your face. I do left side, right side and forehead. After 60 seconds, it shuts off. If you like, you can turn it back on and go through the process as many times as you like. For me, a minute seems to be long enough. Similarly, there are 3 speeds that are synched to the body brush head, and the device knows which head you’re using. Instead of one minute for the face, the device stays on for 3 minutes for the body. I definitely reset it after that since 3 minutes wasn’t enough time. Also, you can shut it off before the 3 minutes is up which I did so I could apply cleanser to a different body part.
What makes the Michael Todd Soniclear different from other sonic cleansers is that the brush heads have antimicrobial protection that lasts for about 3 months. Nevertheless, the directions say that it is important to clean the brush head with soapy water after each use. Still, I feel better knowing that there’s less of a chance for things to be growing on my brush with the Soniclear device.
My Thoughts
So far, so great! I am really enjoying using the Soniclear. Because my skin is so dry, I use it on my face usually once a day or once every other day if my skin is extra sensitive. I use the Hydrating Cream Cleanser from Hada Labo Tokyo when I use the Soniclear. Michael Todd also has some cleansers that I’m eager to try: Charcoal Detox Cleanser, Cleanse and Tone Facial Cleanser and the Honey and Oats Cleanser. There are body wash products as well.
As I mentioned earlier, I use the gentlest setting. It feels good to use it, meaning it’s actually relaxing to use it. It’s like a mini-facial. Plus it’s great to get a deeper cleaning and exfoliation when I cleanse. Importantly, because it takes off the dead skin cells, it promotes better absorption of my skincare products.
I’ve only used the Soniclear in the shower once, but I’ll try it again. My issue is that I need to devise a place to put it when I’m not holding it. I need to get one of those wire baskets that I can stick onto the shower wall. I have a patch of dry skin under my right shoulder blade and I’d love to try it there. Reaching it with the device, however, is a problem. I may have to buy the Bodybrush Extension Handle for $25. I am hoping that the Soniclear will help exfoliate my bone dry skin, so I definitely will keep using it.
At $149, the Michael Todd Soniclear is an investment. The replacement brush heads are $25 each. There is also a travel case for those who wish to bring it along when traveling. When I think that a salon facial is about $200 a pop, the very sturdy and well-made Soniclear is a worthwhile tool to add to one’s personal care treasure trove of goodies.
The Soniclear is sold on the Michael Todd website where you can get 20% off your first purchase by signing up for emails. It’s also sold on Amazon.
Such an excellent and thorough review, Allison! This sounds like a really good product, and from your description it sounds equivalent to my Clarisonic (that I have been happily using for years).
Lola’s Secret Beauty Blog recently posted…Tom Ford Ultra Shine Lip Gloss in Love Bruise 05 | Review and Swatches
Thank you! I’ve been curious about the Clarisonic too! Glad you love yours 🙂
I have a brush but haven’t used it yet. I should probably do so!
Krystal E recently posted…Morgan Taylor If The Slipper Fits
Is it the Soniclear, Krystal? You really should try it out! It’s so relaxing to use it on my face at night. Love it
Glad to see a lil competition for the Clarisonic! I have the Clairisonic and it’s good, but I think it all depends on the brush head.
Monica.
MonicaP recently posted…Jennifer Lopez Bootcut Jeans at Kohl’s
I was so curious about the Clarisonic, but I’m very happy with the Soniclear and I love that it has the antimicrobial protection.
It’s not – it was a brand on Amazon that another blogger raved about.
Krystal E recently posted…Morgan Taylor If The Slipper Fits
I bet you’ll love it regardless of brand!
I need to try this and see how it compares to my clarisonic!
Jess Scull recently posted…DIFFERENT dimension | Valentine’s 2015 Collection Swatches & Review
I’ll bet they’re both terrific!
This sounds like a great brush! I have the Mia 2 but haven’t been using it lately – I need to find a good cleanser to go with it.
Deborah recently posted…Double stamping over China Glaze I Brake For Colour
If your skin is normal to dry, I recommend Hada Labo Tokyo Cream Cleanser & if it’s normal, combination or oily, I recommend Ageless Derma Oil-free Clarifying Facial Cleanser Gel. I love ’em both!
I’ve always been a Clarisonic fan, but it’s nice to know there’s another solid option out there!
Jamie recently posted…The Beauty of Life Turned 8! Happy Blogiversary to Me!
I was dying to try the Clarisonic, but I am so happy that the Soniclear came my way!
I love mine. I am planning to put up a review on it in another week or so.
Carleen recently posted…New Year Beauty Essentials Part 2
Hope you’re enjoying it. I’ll be on the lookout for your review 🙂
This sounds very comparable to the Clarisonic Mia!! I would prob love it!
Eugenia recently posted…RevelationsRX Face and Eye Masks Review
I have tried any of the Clarisonics, but I assume they are quite similar. The only difference I think may be the antibacterial protective coating on the Soniclear
I’ve been looking for a great Soniclear to use and I’m so happy to hear that you like it!! It’s definitely something I want to start including in my skin care regimen so I definitely will be asking for this for my birthday!! Thank you!!!!
I think it’s a very worthwhile gift!
Great review. I love this gadget and will be writing up my assessment, soon. 😀
Erika recently posted…IT Cosmetics Limited Edition Holiday Naturally Pretty Celebration Matte Eye Shadow Palette
Looking forward to reading it 🙂
I have wanted to get one of these units for a long time now. Thanks for your helpful review!
Kimberly recently posted…Reviva Labs: 3-Step Layering System Using Nasolabial Fold Multi-Peptide Cream
You’re welcome, Kimberly!
This sounds excellent, and you did such a great, thorough review, as well! <3
Shipra recently posted…January 2015 Beauty Box 5 Reveal with Photos
Thank you, Shipra!
Allison, we are very much alike, my skin is also very sensitive and my experience with these devices has not been good, I usually feel more dry after the brushing. But this Soniclear does sound extra gentle though ! To deep cleanse I am doing mud masks and currently testing a kojak sponge which I will blog about soon.
NORAH recently posted…Besame Cosmetics Vintage Reds Pro Palette
Norah, that’s so interesting! I use Soniclear once every evening or every other evening if my skin is feeling extra dry or sore. I use Hada Labo Tokyo Cream Cleanser with it because it is so creamy and hydrating. Also, I only use the Soniclear for the 1 minute cycle: 20 seconds on each cheek & 20 seconds on my forehead. I think that may be why it’s working out so well for me. I am curious about the konjac that you’re testing. Wondering if it’s the red clay sponge?!
The bristles look so soft!
I just went back to feel them, and yes, they are soft!
This brush is all kinds of awesome!
Laura MyNewestAddiction recently posted…RevelationsRX | My New Favorite Sheet Masks
Truly!
I think it’s great that you provided your perspective as a novice – many people (myself included) are novices at products like these!
Jessica recently posted…NOTD: Elevation Polish Cuernos del Paine + CrowsToes Candied Brains Anyone?
I didn’t want anyone else to make the mistakes that I did, Jessica!
I love this brush! plus, it’s purple 🙂
Phyrra recently posted…Urban Decay Scorpio Look
Right! Purple 🙂
I will try this once my trusted Clarisonic breaks
Kath TheFabZilla recently posted…My New Hair BFF :: VOLOOM Hair Volumizing Iron (Review + Tutorial)
Hopefully, your Clarisonic will keep going for years to come 🙂
Absolutely love my Soniclear!!
Cindy (Prime Beauty) recently posted…Charlotte Tilbury Fallen Angel Eye Shadow Palette: Review, Pics, Swatches!
A game changer!
Great review, Allison! For now I’m gonna stick to my Clarisonic. I can’t make another investment like this.
Kiss & Make-up recently posted…Pretty polished nails in two minutes with the BE Creative Make Up Nail Brightener
Makes sense to me, Melissa!
This sounds amazing! I use the Clarisonic for my face and brushes like this are totally worth the investment!!
Brooke @ Blushing Noir recently posted…January 2015 Birchbox Swatches, Review & Photos
I was so happy to get this to try out. I love it!
Love this stuff, it’s so effective!
Anastasia recently posted…Bad Beauty Habits To Break in 2015
I’m glad you’re having good luck with it too
Oh, thank goodness, I’m not the only one who put it in the charging station backwards. Maybe with the next version, they’ll redesign the station so that it only fits in the way it should charge… I love that I can take this into my shower and use it to clean both my face and body with just a quick change of the brush head, and get two different experiences! That’s a great design.
Nidia – Lit From Within recently posted…Neocell – The Tastiest Biotin Ever!
Such a great suggestion, Nidia! I hope they take you up on it for their next version 😉
I totally would have done it backwards too! Sounds like an amazing little gadget though.
Bailey recently posted…This, That, & Other Stuff | Hair Edition
I felt so stupid because I didn’t read the manual carefully enough. I guess you can’t always generalize from one tool to another.
I love love this system. It works well on my sensitive skin.
Honeygirlk recently posted…Honey’s 2015 Beauty Resolutions
Same here, and I’m so happy about it!
Such a nice gadget
Betzy recently posted…Regalitos De LOreal Paris Y Evento
I love it!
I want to try this!
Stephanie Louise (@StephLouiseATB) recently posted…My Beauty Goals for 2014 with the Beauty Council Gals!
You should. It’s a good serum and definitely affordable!
Great to hear that you really like it! I love my Clarisonic!
Justina recently posted…Beauty Resolutions
I do, and I’m so happy I know own it!