Best Microneedling Pen Of 2024

We asked a few local beauty spas and frequent microneedling customers to give us their reviews on the leading brands of microneedling pens. Although we don’t recommend users administer the devices themselves, if you are experienced and knowledgeable on how to use these tools, there are several factors to consider before purchasing. The overall best microneedling pen we discovered is the Ultima 8 Professional.

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Table of Contents

• Best Microneedling Pen
• What to Look For In A Microneedling Pen
• Microneedling Pen Benefits
• How To Use A Microneedling Pen At Home
• Things To Consider
• FAQ 

Best Microneedling Pen

#1 Dr. Pen Ultima M8 Professional – Editors Choice

Dr. Pen Ultima M8 Professional is a derma pen for microneedling on the face and neck. It comes with two 16-pin needle cartridges, three 36-pin cartridges, an adapter, and a charging cable. There’s also a digital LED screen that displays the speed. This dermapen has a 360-day money-back guarantee.

Pros

• Dual Mode: Dr. Pen Ultima M8 Professional has a built-in chargeable battery and can be used both with a cord and cordless. 
• Six-Speed Settings: It allows you to choose from six different levels of speed during the process. 

Cons

• Built-in Battery: Dr. Pen Ultima M8 comes with a built-in battery and does not include separate, rechargeable batteries. 

Our Review of the Dr. Pen Ultima M8 Professional

Dr. Pen Ultima M8 Professional comes with a multitude of impressive features. Though we classify it as a professional micro needling pen, first-timers generally find it easy and safe to use. However, users must set the needle length between 0.25 and 0.5 initially and then gradually increase it to 1 mm for deeper skin concerns. It has two 16-pin needle cartridges that smoothly move on the skin without slipping.  It showed amazing results for touching up fine lines and wrinkles. The device functions well with a battery that lasts for around 4 hours.

#2 Dr. Pen Ultima A6 Professional

Dr. Pen Ultima A6 is a high-quality microneedling pen that can be used by both beginners and professionals. It is a cost-effective alternative to other advanced microneedling devices. The device comes with two 12-pin cartridges, two lithium-ion batteries, a wall charger, a USB charger cable, an instructions manual, and a travel case. 

Pros

• Reasonable Price: Dr. Pen Ultima A6 is a cost-effective option for those who want an all-around tool for microneedling without spending too much money. 
• Ease of Use: This microneedling pen is beginner-friendly and comes with an instructions manual which makes it extremely easy to use. It can be used both with and without a cord.
• Five-Speed Levels: The device works at five-speed levels which makes it ideal for treating different types of skin concerns. You can start small and slowly work your way up to faster speeds. 

Cons

• Additional Costs: Dr. Pen Ultima A6 comes with only 2 12-pin cartridges.
• No LED Display: There is no digital LED display on the device that indicates the speed. 

Our Experience With Dr. Pen Ultima A6

Dr. Pen Ultima A6 is a well-designed microneedling device that can address a range of skin issues, including acne scars, wrinkles, and stretch marks. Users have claimed that it worked well for atrophic scars caused by acne. However, you’ll have to use the device a few times before any noticeable results emerge. After three to four sessions, most reported their skin as smoother and brighter. Overall simple to use and the adjustable speeds make the process more comfortable for beginners.

#3 Dr. Pen Ultima A7 Microneedling Pen

Dr. Pen Ultima A7 is an at-home microneedling device with a lightweight design and a bi-directional speed regulator. It includes three 12-pin and three 36-pin cartridges, all of which are meant to be used only once. The kit also contains a charger, a user manual, and a storage box. The durable, ergonomic body of Dr. Pen Ultima A7 makes it suitable for long-term use. 

Pros

• Fast & Efficient: Dr. Pen Ultima A7 has a powerful motor that makes the process faster and helps achieve more effective results. 
• Five Speed Settings: The microneedling pen features an adjustable dial that allows you to choose from five different speed levels throughout the process, helping treat a broader range of skin issues. 
• Stable Design: The stable design of Dr. Pen Ultima A7 helps you target problem areas with precision. 

Cons

• Cord-Only Model: The powerful motor of Dr. Pen Ultima A7 needs a stable source and therefore has to be plugged in while being used.
• Additional Charges: Dr. Pen Ultima A7 comes with only 12-pin and 36-pin cartridges. You’ll have to pay extra to get nano-needle cartridges. 

Our Review of the Dr. Pen Ultima A7

Dr. Pen Ultima A7 is one of the most effective microneedling pens on the market. This upgrade to Dr. Pen Ultima A6 has a wired-only model, which can be annoying when trying to use it. It is more powerful than most at-home microneedling devices available. 

Aestheticians reported this pen as being effective for acne scars, forehead lines, age spots, discoloration, and many other skin concerns. Many patient reviews claim considerable improvement in deep acne scars, coarse wrinkles, loose skin, stretch marks, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. We consider these results to be attributable to Dr. Pen Ultima A7’s powerful motor that can make 18,000 per minute. We do not recommend this device for first-timer or non-professional home users as it requires careful handling. 

#4 Hydra Pen H2 Professional

Hydra Pen H2 Professional is an innovative microneedling device with a built-in battery that can be operated wirelessly. The kit includes a hydra pen and generally comes with five cartridges, two retaining rings, a user manual, an adapter, and a storage box.

Pros

• Efficient Serum Delivery: The cartridge of Hydra Pen H2 can be filled with 3mL of the serum of your liking. When you use the device on your skin, it will dispense the serum to the skin while prickling it, allowing for better absorption of the product in deeper skin layers. 
• Four Speed Levels: Hydra Pen H2 offers four levels of speed which makes it suitable for a range of skin concerns. 
• LED Light Fixture: The LED light attached to the microneedling pen facilitates better vision during the process. 

Cons

• Difficult To Assemble: Hydra Pen H2 consists of several additional features that make it difficult to assemble, compared to average microneedling pens on the market. 

Our Review of the Hydra Pen H2

The Hydra Pen H2 lets the user add a serum or any product of their liking to the cartridge, allowing them to absorb deeper into skin layers. After using Hydra Pen H2 on the face and neck once, we experienced a noticeable reduction in open pores and dark spots. Most reported considerable improvement in skin texture after three sessions. 

We filled the cartridge with niacinamide while using the device for shallow acne scars. It not only helped minimize the appearance of acne scars but also reduced skin discoloration. Though Hydra Pen H2’s ‘fillable’ cartridges make it stand out from the rest of the pens on the list, we did not observe any major difference between the results delivered by this device and the others on the list. 

#5 Angel Kiss A9 Microneedling Pen

Angel Kiss A9 is a professional device with a dual model: wired and wireless. It works for all skin types, from oily to normal to dry. The easy-to-use device comes with a charger, rechargeable batteries, 5 x 12-pin replacement cartridges of 0.25 mm, a storage box, and a user manual. It has a one-year warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Pros

• Multifunctional: Due to the Angel Kiss A9 microneedling pen’s professional design, it can be used to address multiple skin concerns, including acne scars, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and stretch marks. 
• Dual Model: It does not have to be plugged in during the microneedling process. You can simply insert any of the two rechargeable lithium batteries inside it and start microneedling. It’s easy to handle in both wired and wireless modes. 
• Five Speed Levels: The microneedling pen can work at five different speed levels throughout the process. The speed ranges from 7,000 to 18,000 per minute. You can change the speed according to your pain tolerance and the skin problem being treated. 

Cons

• Not Beginner-friendly: Angel Kiss A9 Microneedling Pen is not beginner-friendly with a maximum needle length of 3 mm. It may not be an ideal choice for you if you are microneedling at home for the first time. 
• 12-Pins Needle: The device only contains 12-pin needles. If you want to use the 36-pin needle cartridge, you will have to make an additional purchase.

Our Review of the Angel Kiss A9

A9 Microneedling Pen by Angel Kiss is as handy as other devices on the list. However, you may want to go for a less advanced model if you have never performed microneedling before. We found that the device worked well to microneedle on both the face and body. We also find it safer and more hygienic than most micro needling pens on the market. This is because it has single-use needles with their tips hidden inside the device. But, you’ll still need to sanitize the device and clean application areas before and after microneedling. It also has an amazing length control function that allows you to adjust needles’ depth while microneedling. 

What to Look For In A Microneedling Pen

Simply looking at the list won’t help you decide which pen will work best for you. You want to choose a pen based on its performance power and the quality of its needles and cartridges. Not all microneedling pens will be made with quality and care. You must consider the following factors when choosing a microneedling pen: 

Purpose For Purchase

Are you doing slight touch-ups to brighten your skin tone or are there specific skin conditions that you are targeting? Do you plan on microneedling on your face or on the body? The purpose of your microneedling treatment will determine if you need a pen or roller, or if you should seek to have the treatment done in the office by a professional. Always consult a professional first.

Power and Speed

Most microneedling pens require additional or rechargeable batteries, or the devices can be connected by a cord. Using a wireless device is a popular option for the freedom to move around during microneedling treatments. Microneedling pens offer different levels of speed to address different skin concerns. It’s always better to use a device that offers greater speed levels. The device you use should have a minimum of three-speed levels. 

You should choose a pen that can hold a consistent charge as these devices work best at maximum speed. A fully powered pen allows for accurate penetration and avoids the risk of the needles getting caught on the skin. The motor should work at speeds of at least 6000 rpm and power between 4-5 watts.

Needle Length

The required needle depth or length should not be chosen from a microneedling depth chart, as they stand as just general guidelines. Needle length should be chosen based on the skin condition being targeted and the depth of the issue. This can be different for each individual. This is the reason why it is so important to have your skin assessed by a professional dermatologist.

Microneedling pens offer a variety of needle lengths, ranging from 0.2 mm to 1.5 mm. Smaller needles target skin problems on the epidermis or superficial layer, while longer needles target skin concerns that emerge from the dermis or deeper layers. 

When microneedling at home, users should avoid needling deeper than 1mm as it increases the risk of nerve damage. A needle length of 0.25 mm to 1.0 mm works safely for a range of skin concerns and stimulates the body’s natural healing process.

Type of Needles

Microneedling pens generally come with stainless steel needles as they are the most durable. Titanium, stainless steel, gold, and polycarbonate are all acceptable types of needles. Titanium needles do not wear down as easily and are lighter in weight. Stainless steel, on the other hand, is cheaper and more sterile than titanium. These types of needles can be used to stimulate collagen and elastin production and regenerate dead skin cells.

Quality of Needle Cartridges

There are two types of cartridges that are primarily used in microneedling pens; 12-pin cartridges and 36-pin cartridges. The greater the needle count generally results in less penetration. Make sure to buy needles and cartridges from reputable sellers or brands, and not from random buyers on eBay. Although not common on the market, avoid spring-loaded cartridges as using these can cause a greater risk of cross-contamination.

Reviews

Checking customer reviews on Amazon and other websites will help you get a better idea of how different microneedling pens work and which one you should buy. You can also see detailed review videos uploaded by people on Youtube. This will help you determine if the product is easy to use. 

Consult Your Dermatologist

There are many things about microneedling pens that you may not understand well and online reviews don’t always cover every detail. Therefore, you should consult with your dermatologist about microneedling at home. They will not only help you choose the right product but also guide you through the process. 

Microneedling Pen Benefits

• Generally less discomfort than rollers
• Less risk of cross-contamination
• More effective as you can adjust the depth and speed
• Works best to treat smaller areas

How To Use A Microneedling Pen At Home

While microneedling pens seem easy to use, they require careful handling. Here’s a step-by-step guide to using a microneedling pen at home: 

Schedule A Consultation With a Dermatologist

Picking up a microneedling pen and starting the process on your own is not always the best move. Making in an appointment with a dermatologist first to have your skin assessed, will give you a better idea of the correct treatment for your skin concerns. A dermatologist will also help you choose the best products to apply after and to go along with your treatment.

Determine Needle Size

Consult with your dermatologist or use the guide given above to determine the needle size. If you are targeting a surface-level skin problem, you may not need a needle longer than 0.5 mm. You should start with a 0.25 mm needle and then gradually work your way up for deeper skin penetration. 

Sanitize Device

Disinfect or sanitize your microneedling pen and needle cartridges by soaking them in 70% isopropyl alcohol for about 5 to 10 minutes before you start the process.

Prep Your Skin

Use a gentle cleanser to thoroughly cleanse your face before the process. You may also need to apply a numbing cream to your face if you have a low pain tolerance and are using longer needles.

Microneedling Process

Dividing your face into sections makes the process so much easier. Before you start the process, mentally split the face into four sections, namely upper left, upper right, lower left, and lower right. Avoid the eye area completely. 

Gently and firmly move the pen over one area, both clockwise and counterclockwise. Move it in each direction at least two to three times. Repeat the process until you have covered all areas. There is no correct amount of times to pass over an area. A general good sign to stop is once the skin starts to turn pink and show signs of an inflammatory response.

Disinfect Tool and Put In Storage

Soak the pen in 70% isopropyl alcohol for no more than 15 minutes before putting it back in storage. This will make sure to wash off the blood or skin tissue left behind after the treatment. Be careful when storing and cleaning as it can be easy to damage the tiny needles.

Things To Consider

As tempting as it is to perform a cosmetic procedure like microneedling at home, you should consider the risks of doing it. Microneedling tools such as at-home microneedling pens work best for the efficient absorption and deeper penetration of topical products and to the stimulate the body’s natural collagen production.

If you have serious skin concerns like acne scarring, wrinkles, or fine lines, you should go for an office-based microneedling session. Mismanagement of the microneedling pen can further aggravate these issues and even cause infection. Therefore, if you want to target such heavy-duty skin concerns, you are better off under the supervision of a professional. 

These skin concerns are targeted with needles longer than 1.0 mm. Microneedling performed with needles longer than that causes bleeding which should be handled in a clinical setting, instead of at home. Dermatologists and other licensed professionals who perform the procedure in clinical settings can detect damage that’s not immediately apparent and take steps to prevent infection. 

At-home microneedling also has hygiene issues. Dermatologists and estheticians use professional cleaning tools to disinfect the devices and sterilize everything before they start. Even if you disinfect your at home microneedling pen and follow all the steps outlined in the user manual, the risk of infection is always greater when you perform the procedure at home. 

FAQ