Spa Sonic vs. Clarisonic

The Spa Sonic Skin Care System is a Clarisonic look alike that is priced much lower and available in stores like Target and Walmart. It's the same concept as the Clarisonic, but when you really look at the details, it's quite different. (read review of the Clarisonic)

Mary-Ellen Kramer and I worked together on this review as she has the Clarisonic Classic (compare prices) and was able to easily point out the similarities and differences. (Note that the Clarisonic has 4 models that range in price from $119 to $225.)

Spa Sonic Skin Care System - Description and Directions

Here is the description of the Spa Sonic Skin Care System Face & Body Polisher from the company. Spa Sonic Skin Care System Face & Body Polisher is a waterproof device ideal for use in the shower, bath and sink. It operates with four attachments: a big brush for the body, a small brush for the face, a pumice for rough areas and a facial sponge for microdermabrasion.

At the time of this review, the price for the Spa Sonic Skin Care System is right around $65 and includes the device, 2 small face brushes, 1 large body brush, 1 facial buffer, 1 pumice stone and 1 battery 4-pack

How and When to Use:

The Spa Sonic can be used daily with your facial cleanser or body cleanser. It's waterproof, so you simply take it into the shower with you and switch heads when you need to. Apply the cleanser either to your skin or to the head of the Spa Sonic and turn it on. It rotates in circles, giving your skin an exfoliation treatment with each use.

The bristles are soft, so there really isn't concern over using it too often. Daily use is fine.

Spa Sonic Vs. Clarisonic

While the Spa Sonic and Clarisonic look similar, there are actually quite a few differences. Here are some things to note.

Differences:

• Price: The Spa Sonic is currently $65 and the Clarisonic Classic is currently $195.
• Speed Settings: The Spa Sonic simply has on and off where the Clarisonic Classic has two speed settings.
• Different Head Options: The Clarisonic uses one head for the entire body while the Spa Sonic has a head for the face, body and a pumice stone that you can use on your feet.
• Battery Powered: The Spa Sonic is battery powered and comes with batteries. The Clarisonic is rechargeable.
• Head Movements: The whole Spa Sonic head simply rotates in a circle, where the Clarisonic is much more advanced with three separate rings, the outer stays still, the two inner circles rotate in opposite directions and speeds. Here is a short video that shows how the Clarisonic head works.
• Safety Settings: Mary-Ellen noted that the Clarisonic has a safety setting called the "T-Timer" that can be set to beep at the recommended time for each area of your face so that you don't use the brush for too long in one area. The Spa Sonic does not have these settings.

Spa Sonic Skin Care System - Things We Like and Things We Don't

Here are some positives about the Skin Sonic

• Price: Obviously much cheaper than the Clarisonic Classic, though not as high-tech. A great price point for those who would like to get a skin brush tool but don't want to shell out the money for a Clarisonic.
• Pumice Stone: It's great to pop on the pumice stone attachment in the shower and work on your feet.
• Exfoliating Ability: This is a great way to keep on top of your skin exfoliation without adding an extra step. The brush feels great on your skin and its very easy to use.
• Replacement Head Price: The Spa Sonic replacement heads are only $15, where the Clarisonic replacement heads are $25 each or 2 for $40.

As well as some negatives.

• Spinning in Circles: Because this brush simply spins in one direction, I get the feeling that the Clarisonic, with the two direction spin, might be easier and more thorough. When I put the brush on my skin and slightly press down, the spinning slows down and the tool wants to spin along with the brush. Mary-Ellen did not say the same about the Clarisonic.
• So Many Tools: Obviously it's a positive to get more tools with your brush, but it is a bit of a hassle to have to pop one on for your face, another one for your body, one more for your feet (though we do like the one for our feet.) And to add in that you need to find a place for those little heads in the shower, as well. Though note that the Facial brush and the Body brush differ only in size, not in the softness of the bristles.
• Facial Buffer: There is a head on the Spa Sonic that is suggested to help your moisturizer sink in deeper. It's about the consistency of a makeup sponge. We say skip it and just apply your moisturizer. You don't need a tool for that.

Spa Sonic Skin Care System - Final Thoughts

If you are looking for a skin care brush, by all means, this is a fine option. It is a rather good-size kit that will help your skin stay exfoliated. It is priced at a price much more reasonable that the Clarisonic and is readily available at a store near you. Our only concern is that you might think you're getting the Clarisonic because it is shaped like a Clarisonic. In fact, some websites that we visited that sell this site actually say, "Compares to Clarisonic".

Judged alone, not comparing it to the Clarisonic, it works just as it says it should. It helps exfoliate the skin in a thorough way, it is a sleek tool that is fun to use. And it's availability is great!

Disclosure: Review samples were provided by the manufacturer. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.

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