ZIIP HALO vs NuFACE Trinity+ - What Are The Differences?

Image source Braelyn Wood / mbg creative

ZIIP vs NuFACE is a hot topic in the beauty world, but how do these two Microcurrent devices actually compare?

If you’ve ever admired Margot Robbie’s sculpted jawline or Hailey Bieber’s sharp cheekbones, chances are you’ve looked into facial toning devices to get that snatched look yourself.

When it comes to the most recommended devices for facial toning, Microcurrent devices always top the list. And two of the biggest names? ZIIP and NuFACE.

Both majorly hyped for their dramatic lifting effects (not to mention their celeb fans), the NuFACE vs ZIIP debate has been long-standing, so the ZIIP Beauty Product Engineers put both devices to the test to find out how the two actually compare.

This blog features the ZIIP Beauty product team comparing the ZIIP HALO device and the NuFACE Trinity+ Facial Toning Device. There are other Microcurrent devices available on the market.

Things to consider when comparing ZIIP vs NuFACE:

  1. Intensity

Different levels of electrical current create different effects on the skin. Some devices focus on higher intensities for lifting and sculpting, while others offer a wider range to target various skin concerns. Knowing the intensity options of each device can make a big difference when choosing the device that’s right for you.

  1. Conductive gels

Microcurrent devices always need a conductive gel to help the electrical currents reach beneath the skin’s surface and work their magic on your facial muscles and skin cells. Most brands have their own version, and some have conductive gels with added active ingredients that nourish your skin in different ways, which Microcurrent helps drive into the skin deeper. Understanding your skin type and which active ingredients will benefit you most is key when choosing your conductive gel.

  1. Ease of use

Even with the best intentions, if a skincare routine is too complicated or time-consuming, it’s easy to skip a day… or just give up altogether. That’s why finding a device that’s simple and convenient is so important. Some microcurrent devices even connect to an app, making it easier to use and ensuring you’re getting the best results.

ZIIP vs NuFACE - at a glance


ZIIP HALO facial toning device

NuFACE Trinity+ facial toning device

Currents

2 intensities (Microcurrent and Nanocurrent) with up to 26 different waveform combinations

1 intensity (Microcurrent)

Intensity range

nA = nanoamperes

μA = microamperes

900nA - 400μA

70 uA

200 uA

335 uA

Treats skin concerns

  • checked

    Wrinkles

  • checked

    Fine lines

  • checked

    Sagging skin

  • checked

    Uneven skin tone

  • checked

    Puffiness

  • checked

    Acne and blemishes

  • checked

    Scarring

  • checked

    Pigmentation

  • checked

    Uneven skin texture

  • checked

    Dull skin tone

  • checked

    Wrinkles

  • checked

    Fine lines

  • checked

    Sagging skin

  • checked

    Puffiness

Conductive gel active ingredients and benefits

Golden Gel

  • Bio-placenta with five growth factors to boost collagen and cell growth

  • Hematite to reduce wrinkles and kick-start collagen synthesis

  • Niacinamide to smooth skin

  • 24-karat gold to calm skin

  • A synthetic incarnation of a peptide found in snail mucin, to stimulate healing, combat bacteria and support lymphatic drainage


Crystal Gel

  • Glutathione to even skin tone and clear pigmentation

  • Veronica flower extract to glow

  • Cedar bark extract to repair and restore


Silver Gel

  • Hyaluronic acid from Japan to hydrate (chosen for its small molecular size and ability to draw moisture into skin for 24 hours following application)

  • Cucumber & aloe vera to soothe and reduce redness

  • Finely crushed pearl to boost your glow


Electric Complex Gel

  • No added actives

Silk Creme Activator

  • Snowflake bulb extract for anti-aging

  • Daisy flower extract to brighten

  • Summer snowflake extract to reduce wrinkles

  • Hyaluronic acid to hydrate

  • Sea silt to detoxify

  • Snow mushroom to moisturise



Aqua Gel Activator

  • Hyaluronic acid to hydrate

  • Sea silt to detoxify

  • Snow mushroom to moisturise

App connected?

Yes

Yes

Wireless?

Yes

Yes

No. of treatments available

13

7

No. of treatment plans available

4

0

Charging cable provided?

Yes

Yes

Maximum uses per week

6

7

FDA cleared?

Yes

Yes


Breaking Down the Key Features in the ZIIP or NuFACE Debate

Intensity

NuFACE Trinity+ Device offers Microcurrent only, with 3 levels of microamp intensity levels, ranging from low to high:

  • Low: 70 uA

  • Medium: 200

  • High: 335 uA

You can increase NuFACE Trinity+ intensity via the NuFACE app.

ZIIP HALO offers both Microcurrent and Nanocurrent, with 6 levels of microamp and nanoamp intensity levels, to achieve a broad range of results. Each ZIIP HALO treatment has a unique combination of Microcurrent and/or Nanocurrent intensities, tailored to the skin concern/area of the face you are treating.

Conductive gels

Both brands sell water-based gels to offer optimal conduction of the electrical currents from the devices.

NuFACE offers 2 gels:

  • Aqua Gel - a conductive gel containing added actives that help to hydrate skin.

  • Silk Creme Activator - a conductive gel containing added actives that help to reduce wrinkles, hydrate skin and brighten tone.

ZIIP Beauty offers 4 gels designed to treat all different skin concerns:

  • Electric Complex Gel - a simple conductive gel with no added actives.

  • Silver Gel - a conductive gel containing added actives that help to hydrate and soothe skin.

  • Crystal Gel - a conductive gel containing added actives that help to even skin tone, repair skin cells and boost glow.

  • Golden Gel - a conductive gel containing added actives that help to boost collagen, reduce wrinkles, firm and calm skin.

App

Both ZIIP and NuFACE offer downloadable apps for iOS and Android that allow users to follow along with treatments. Both apps can be synced with the device and come with a narrated video talking users through the treatment and showing the suggested movements. ZIIP offers guidance from ZIIP founder herself, Melanie Simon, whilst NuFACE uses a model and separate narrator.

The NuFACE app allows users to sync any NuFACE device, and offers treatments for each device. The ZIIP App also allows users to follow their own treatment plans ranging between seven days and one-month. NuFACE does not offer a similar feature.

The ZIIP App treatment videos sync to your device, loading the specific treatment onto your ZIIP HALO via Bluetooth, whereas the NuFace app treatment videos are simply for users to follow along the movements - the treatments don’t have unique waveform combinations and therefore don’t require a specific intensity.

Treatments

NuFACE offers an array of treatments available through their app that complement the wide range of devices they offer. For the Trinity+, there are 7 treatments available. ZIIP currently only offers the ZIIP HALO device, meaning all treatments through the app are designed to work with the HALO. ZIIP offers 13 treatments in total; 6 full facial treatments and 7 targeted treatments aimed at specific concerns.

With ZIIP, you only need to invest in the ZIIP HALO to access the full range of treatments. Whereas, with NuFace, you would need to purchase multiple devices to access all treatments.

Using throughout the week

Finally, one of the bigger differences between ZIIP vs NuFACE is that NuFACE advises it is perfectly fine to use their device 7 days a week. ZIIP is recommended for use at a maximum of 6 days a week, to allow time for your muscles to rest, as you would when working out the rest of the body.

FDA approval

Both devices are FDA approved so users can rest assured that whatever device they choose, it has been verified to meet FDA standards ensuring safe and effective Microcurrent treatments.

Final thoughts

To maximize your results from Microcurrent treatments, choose a device that has a wide range of intensities to achieve a wider range of results, a good range of treatments for you to choose from and conductive gels that contain pharmaceutical grade active ingredients tailored to your skin type.