The 8 Best Dermarollers of 2023, According to Skin Experts

These surprisingly simple tools can help smooth fine lines, acne scars, and more

Deanna is a freelance beauty writer, editor, and copywriter based in New York. She has written about beauty and wellness for more than a decade. You can find her bylines on PEOPLE, Better Homes & Gardens, Eating Well, and more.

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These days, you can find a variety of skincare devices on the market, from microcurrent tools to dermarollers. Dermarollers, for those who haven’t yet encountered them, are essentially the at-home (and therefore far milder) version of microneedling; they entail a roller covered in tiny needles that you roll over your skin — all in the name of a smoother, firmer complexion.

“Dermarolling can provide a multitude of benefits, including reducing acne scars and wrinkles, tightening skin, and smoothing uneven skin texture,” New York City dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD, tells PEOPLE. “Dermarolling works by tricking the skin into going into regeneration mode by causing micro-injuries on the skin. These tiny wounds induce the production of collagen and elastin, which help improve the appearance of skin and skin healing.”

On top of that, “dermarolling can also increase the thickness of your skin and improve product absorption,” says Melanie Palm, MD, a dermatologist in San Diego. That said, it’s not without risk, since the needles are piercing skin, even if superficially; this can introduce bacteria into your skin. "If dermarolling at home, it's important to take the necessary safety precautions and sanitizing measures to prevent infection or damage to the skin,” she says. “I recommend submerging your dermarolling tool in rubbing alcohol for a few minutes prior to using it on your skin.”

Because it’s more intensive than, say, a facial cleansing brush, dermarollers aren’t for everyone. “You don’t want to roll over any active acne or cysts or open wounds,” says New York City-based esthetician Taylor Worden, since that can make matters worse or even transfer bacteria.

Similarly, “there is a lot of room for user-error with these devices,” dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, MD, tells PEOPLE. “Applying too much pressure or using it too often can lead to irritation, inflammation, infection or scarring — so be gentle and use infrequently when first adding into your skincare routine. Any bleeding or pain is a sign to discontinue use!”

With that in mind, keep scrolling to shop the best dermarollers on the market, according to skin experts.

Sephora

It’s ideal if you’re worried about hygiene, since the needle tips are single-use, and the addition of the serum can amp up results.

Skip it if you have sensitive skin or a skin condition like eczema (or are pregnant).

This electric dermaroller does the work for you with the press of a button. Jaimie DeRosa, MD, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Boston, MA and Palm Beach, FL, loves it for two reasons. “The first is that Faceshot comes with medical-grade stainless steel single-use micro-needles,” she says. “This is great because there is little risk of an allergic reaction to the stainless steel and not re-using the same needles helps to decrease risk of infection — the thought of reusing dirty roller needles makes me cringe.”

Plus, it also offers a targeted skincare step via a serum that combines glycolic acid and nourishing vitamin E. “It comes with ampoules of serum that go into the skin during the treatment, similar to what we do in the office during a medical-grade microneedling treatment,” Dr. DeRosa says. That said, since it's more intensive than manual dermarollers, there are more considerations to keep in mind when using it — for instance, you pause use for at least two weeks after getting Botox and and four for filler, and those who are pregnant should avoid it altogether because of the serum.

Price at time of publish: $275

Needle length: 0.25 millimeters | Material: Stainless steel | Extra features: Ampoule infusion

Target

Anyone who doesn’t want to spend a ton of money on a dermaroller, especially those who are new to the skincare treatment.

Since this is a basic dermaroller, it's not going to include any bells or whistles, if that's what you're looking for.

Despite the wallet-friendly price tag, this dermaroller isn’t that far behind pricier versions, touting smaller needles (which clock in at 0.25 mm) as well as a slim head and stainless steel tips. “Because of the smaller size, it can fit around the curves of the face easily,” says Dr. Nazarian. “It's easy to clean and safer to use due to the shorter needles, which I prefer.

While you won’t get a ton of bells and whistles with it, it still gets the job done well for a fraction of the cost of other dermarollers. You can use it on both face and neck before applying serum and a good moisturizer for the best results — and, of course, don’t forget to disinfect it with alcohol in between uses.

Price at time of publish: $10

Needle length: 0.25 millimeters | Material: Stainless steel

Amazon

Someone who wants to microneedle beyond the face, and wants additional features.

If you're wanting a dermaroller just to boost product absorption, this may be too sophisticated (and expensive) for your needs.

With 540 stainless-steel microneedles, this tool is no joke. It pairs microneedling with LED red light therapy as well as microcurrent stimulation, which purportedly helps boost collagen production (although the science is iffy) and allow for a deeper improvement, respectively. Those additions make it “perfect for use before a hyaluronic acid serum,” says Mona Gohara, MD, a dermatologist based in New Haven, CT.

Plus, the face attachment can also be swapped out with smaller heads for different needle sizes to accommodate smaller areas, like the eyes and lips, as well as a larger head for the body — which is another reason Dr. Gohara is a fan. “Hello, arms and banana rolls,” she says. The microneedling heads just need to be replaced every three months to keep it hygienic.

Price at time of publish: $199

Needle length: 0.3 millimeters | Material: Stainless steel | Extra features: LED red light, vibrational microcurrent technology

Dermstore

Someone who’s found rollers unwieldy and wants a precise treatment, or anyone new to dermarolling who feels more comfortable stamping than rolling.

Since the metal type isn't known, it may not be ideal for those with sensitive skin or allergies.

Since the face is naturally curvy (case in point: cheek and brow bones), it can be tough for some dermarollers to adequately reach smaller, tighter areas. That's what makes this tool, which resembles a small razor, stand out. “I love this for the harder areas to roll, like the upper lip, nose, and above your eyes,” Worden says. “It’s a simple little stamp and all you do is press and lift into the skin.”

That "stamping" action makes it easy for first-timers who want to get a feel for the sensation, as well as offers more precision. You can also use it to press in skincare products, such as serums and face oils, instead of applying them after the fact. That said, there’s no info out there about what kind of metal the needles are made of, so you might not know what you’re working with (and may be too risky for those with sensitive skin).

Price at time of publish: $50

Needle length: 0.2 millimeters | Material: Metal

StackedSkincare

Since it’s relatively inexpensive, it’s a good option if you’re trying dermarolling for the first time and aren’t sure if you’ll like it.

It features a small needle length, so if you want dramatic results, you’ll have to think bigger.

This dermaroller looks a little different, thanks to a flat handle that's more comfortable to hold. It stands out, however, with its relatively short needles, which clock in at 0.2 mm. That’s a good starting point for newbies, who can work their way up to longer needles if they want (and if their skin likes it) over time. “When shopping for a dermaroller to use at home, I recommend looking for a small needle — think length between 0.2 millimeters and 1 millimeter — especially when just starting out,” says Dr. Engelman.

Plus, that short needle length can also keep pain to a minimum and reduce any downtime. “This will reduce discomfort and allow your skin to heal more quickly in between sessions,” she says. The handle is also made of lightweight aluminum, making it easy to control the pressure as you’re working to help you avoid going overboard.

Price at time of publish: $89

Needle length: 0.2 millimeters | Material: Stainless steel | Extra features: Replaceable roller head

Dermstore

People who already know and love dermarollers and want to take their results to the next level (at an affordable price point).

Dermarolling newbies, since the needle length might be too intense.

If you’re a regular dermarolling fan who wants to take your results to the next level, consider this model. “Different lengths are effective for different skin conditions, but I would not recommend a needle length of longer than 1 millimeter if you're doing this yourself at home,” says Dr. Palm. This one hits a sweet spot of 0.5 millimeters, which is longer than the 0.2- or 0.25-millimeter needles found with beginner-friendly dermarollers.

Besides that, the Ora dermaroller also clocks in at a relatively affordable price, making it accessible to most. It also has a ton of fans, with a rating of 4.5 stars (or higher) and rave reviews at various retailers like Ulta, Walmart, and Dermstore.

Price at time of publish: $25.49

Needle length: 0.5 millimeters | Material: Stainless steel

Amazon

Someone who’s not sure how to use a dermaroller, since it comes with detailed instructions.

It’s not ideal if you’re trying to be more sustainable, as replacing the tip requires buying a brand-new roller.

This ergonomic microneedling tool uses 540 stainless steel needles at 0.25 millimeters each, to stimulate collagen production and even out skin tone. Not only that, but it also comes with detailed instructions in the packaging, which makes it easy for both beginners and microneedling fans alike to figure out how to use it — and which might explain why it has an average 4.5 star rating on Amazon.

Even experts are fans of this tool. “The Cosmedica Skincare microneedling tool is great — simple design, easy to hold, and shorter needle length,” says Dr. Nazarian. The only downside is that the brand doesn’t offer replacement heads for this dermaroller, so once the needles wear down or get dull, you’ll have to toss it and replace it with a brand-new one.

Price at time of publish $11 with coupon (orig. $12)

Needle length: 0.25 millimeters | Material: Stainless steel

La Suite Skincare

Someone who already enjoys dermarolling and wants to upgrade to the next level.

A beginner who isn’t sure if they’re going to like it, since this one is pricey.

Rather than focusing on the length of the needles, this dermaroller focuses on the number of needles in general, with 260 in total. The needles are medical-grade, sharpened one by one, and plated with 14-carat gold, which has natural antibacterial properties. It's designed to be used with Environ skincare products, many of which are available in salons and medical offices, and comes with the brand's Instrument Cleaning Solution.

Despite the steep price, the needle length is fairly user-friendly. “The needle length is 0.2 millimeters so it’s great for beginners, and the naturally antibacterial material makes it a more hygienic option,” says Dr. Engelman. Plus, its solid construction means you can use it repeatedly over time, so it’s more of an investment piece anyway. “This roller is so good and if you take care of it properly, it will last you a couple of years,” Worden adds.

Price at time of publish: $298

Needle length: 0.2 millimeters | Material: 14-carat gold plated

When it comes to dermarollers, the size matters — a lot. “When looking for a dermaroller, I recommend looking for a needle length of 0.25 millimeters to 1 millimeter,” says Dr. Palm. You can even find shorter options (a few of which are above, including the Stacked Skincare and Nurse Jamie dermarollers) that have 0.2-millimeter needles.

Stainless steel is preferable since it’s hypoallergenic, so you don’t risk an allergic reaction. Plus, you can clean it with rubbing alcohol and simply reuse without it getting warped or altered in any way. You can also find other types of metals (such as gold, featured in La Suite Skincare's Environ Micro-Needling Gold Cosmetic Roll) that offer antibacterial properties. It's worth noting that if a metal isn't specified, you don't know what you're working with and may be more risky to use on sensitive skin.

Yes, so long as you keep your expectations realistic. “While it does not replicate the results of injectables, lasers, or other more invasive treatments, it can be an effective treatment for those who are looking for non-invasive ways to rejuvenate the skin,” says Dr. Palm. Not only that, but just about everyone can benefit from it — although, she says, “it can be particularly effective for those who want to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, mild to moderate acne scars, discoloration, stretch marks, or the overall texture and elasticity of their skin.”

It depends on the length of the needles, says Dr. Engelman. “The shorter the length, the more frequently you will be able to use it since it will take less time for the skin to heal from the micro-injuries,” she says. “That being said, even with the shortest needle, dermarolling should only be done at most three times per week.” If you’re working with longer needles, you might want to use it weekly or every few weeks, since skin will need more time to heal between sessions.

Harsh ingredients post-roll could potentially interfere with the healing process. As a result, “I would not recommend using ingredients that are more irritating and drying initially, such as those with glycolic acid, retinoids, or any acne medication,” says Dr. Nazarian. Instead, opt for soothing formulas and ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, green tea extract, and others intended to hydrate skin.

Deanna Pai has been covering beauty and health for over 10 years, writing deeply reported stories on everything from the rise of fermented ingredients in skincare to the merits of intermittent fasting. She spoke with plastic surgeon Jaimie DeRosa, MD, dermatologists Melanie Palm, MD, Rachel Nazarian, MD, Dendy Engelman, MD, and Mona Gohara, MD, and esthetician Taylor Worden to get the facts on dermarolling. They shared recommendations for their favorite dermarollers, how to shop for the best ones, and how to effectively use the tool.