Sonicsmooth Pro Plus Reviews: Is It Worth It?

We have all been there—staring in the magnifying mirror, wondering when our face decided to grow a light coat of fuzz that catches every particle of setting powder. You might have seen the ads for the Michael Todd Beauty Sonicsmooth Pro Plus, promising to whisk away that peach fuzz and dead skin with the grace of a spa professional, all from your bathroom counter. It claims to be the secret to that “glass skin” look we all covet, but is it really a revolutionary tool, or just an overpriced electric razor?

In this comprehensive review, I am going to break down everything you need to know about the Sonicsmooth Pro Plus. We will look past the flashy marketing to analyze its sonic technology, the true cost of those replacement blades, and whether it actually makes a difference in your daily beauty routine. Whether you are a skincare novice terrified of taking a blade to your face or a seasoned pro looking for an upgrade, this guide will help you decide if this gadget deserves a spot in your vanity.

My Experience With Sonicsmooth Pro Plus

I have to admit, the first time I held the Sonicsmooth Pro Plus, I was a mix of excited and terrified. I have sensitive skin that turns red if I even look at it the wrong way, so the idea of dragging a vibrating blade across my cheeks felt like a recipe for disaster. But the promise of better makeup application—and let’s be honest, the satisfaction of seeing all that “gunk” come off—was too tempting to resist.

The device itself feels substantial in the hand, not flimsy like those $5 plastic razors you grab at the checkout aisle.

It has a nice weight to it, and the rubberized grip gave me confidence that I wasn’t going to slip and accidentally eyebrow-less myself.

I charged it overnight as recommended, and the next evening, I prepped my skin.

The kit comes with a degreasing cleanser, which I found to be a crucial step; it strips away any oils that might cause the blade to drag rather than glide.

Turning it on, the hum is noticeable but not obnoxious—like an electric toothbrush for your face.

I started on the lowest speed, holding my skin taut (a step you absolutely cannot skip) and held the device at a 45-degree angle. The first stroke was nerve-wracking. I waited for a sting or a scratch, but there was… nothing. Just a gentle vibration. I looked at the blade, and there it was: a tiny pile of fuzz and dead skin cells. It was equal parts gross and incredibly satisfying.

I proceeded to do my entire face, avoiding active breakout areas as the instructions warned. The sonic vibration is the game-changer here. Unlike manual razors where you feel like you are scraping, the Sonicsmooth feels like it is hovering just above the surface, vibrating the debris loose. It felt much safer, like it was impossible to dig in too deep unless I really tried to.

After I finished, my face felt slightly raw but not painful—more like a mild sunburn sensation that faded within 20 minutes. I applied a soothing serum, and it drank it up instantly. That’s the “aha” moment: my skincare usually sits on top for a while, but without that barrier of dead skin and hair, it absorbed in seconds.

The next morning was the real test. I applied my foundation, and I was floored. Usually, my makeup clings to dry patches around my nose and catches on the fuzz on my jawline. This time? It looked airbrushed. The product glided on so smoothly I barely had to blend. My skin looked brighter, felt ridiculously soft, and had a glow that no highlighter could mimic.

However, the “honeymoon phase” did have a reality check. About four days later, I felt a slight stubble. It wasn’t dark or thick—the myth about hair growing back black is definitely false—but because the hair was cut bluntly, it felt prickly to the touch for a day or two before softening out. It’s a maintenance commitment. You can’t just do it once and forget it; it becomes a weekly ritual. But for the way my skin looked that week? I’d say the ritual is worth it.

Read More: MyThoughts On Schick Hydro Silk Sensitive Care

Pros Of Sonicsmooth Pro Plus

When evaluating the Sonicsmooth Pro Plus, it becomes clear that this isn’t just a glorified shaver; it is a legitimate exfoliation tool that offers benefits manual methods simply cannot match. Here is a detailed breakdown of the specific advantages I found during my testing.

• Superior Sonic Technology For Gentle Exfoliation: The standout feature of this device is the 15,000 sonic movements per minute. Unlike a manual blade where you are relying entirely on your own hand pressure to scrape the skin, the sonic vibrations do the heavy lifting for you. This oscillation helps to wiggle dead skin cells loose and cut hair cleanly without requiring you to press down hard. This significantly reduces the risk of “user error” cuts and irritation, making it much safer for beginners who haven’t mastered the perfect dermaplaning angle yet. The vibration also provides a micro-massage effect, which can help stimulate blood flow and leave the skin looking temporarily plumper and more alive.
• Enhanced Skincare Absorption And Performance: One of the most immediate benefits you will notice is how much harder your expensive serums and creams work. By removing the top layer of dead skin (the stratum corneum) and the vellus hair, you are essentially removing a physical barrier that blocks penetration. After a treatment, your products don’t just sit on top of a layer of fuzz; they sink deep into the epidermis where they can actually be effective. You will likely find that you need to use less product to cover your face because it spreads so much easier. Over time, this increased efficacy of your skincare routine can lead to better overall skin health and hydration levels.
• Flawless, Airbrushed Makeup Application: If you wear foundation or powder, this device is a game-changer for your finish. Peach fuzz acts like Velcro for makeup, causing powders to sit on top of the hairs and look cakey or textured, especially in sunlight. Once that fuzz is gone, your skin becomes a smooth, flat canvas. Liquid foundations glide on without streaking, and powders settle into the skin rather than sitting on top of it. The result is a “skin-like” finish that looks natural and radiant, rather than heavy or mask-like. You might even feel confident enough to skip foundation entirely because your natural skin texture looks so much more refined.
• Customizable Speeds And Safety Features: The “Pro Plus” model improves on earlier versions by offering three distinct speed settings. This allows you to customize the treatment based on your skin’s tolerance and the area you are treating; you can use the high speed for cheeks and forehead, and drop to low for delicate areas near the lips. The blades are also enclosed in a patented safety harness that prevents the blade from digging too deep. This safety guard is a massive advantage over open-blade razors, offering peace of mind that you won’t accidentally slice your cheek if your hand slips. The built-in LED light is another thoughtful touch, illuminating those invisible blonde hairs that are easy to miss in standard bathroom lighting.

Cons Of Sonicsmooth Pro Plus

While the results are impressive, the Sonicsmooth Pro Plus is not without its drawbacks. It is an investment of both money and time, and there are aspects of ownership that can be frustrating. Here are the negatives you need to consider before buying.

• High Recurring Cost Of Ownership: The biggest downside to this system is undoubtedly the price of the replacement blades. The manufacturer recommends using a fresh blade every single time you use the device to ensure hygiene and sharpness. A pack of replacement blades typically costs around $25-$30 for a two-month supply (8 weeks). That adds up to over $150 a year just in maintenance costs, on top of the initial $100+ price tag of the device. For many people, this ongoing subscription-style cost is a dealbreaker compared to manual razors that cost pennies. You have to decide if the “sonic” difference is worth the premium price of admission every few months.
• Strict Battery And Charging Maintenance: As a rechargeable device, it comes with the standard annoyances of battery management. The device takes a significant amount of time to charge initially (12 hours) and requires regular charging to maintain peak vibration power. If the battery starts to die mid-treatment, the motor slows down, which can lead to tugging or uneven exfoliation. Unlike a corded device that always has 100% power, you are at the mercy of the battery’s health, which will inevitably degrade over a few years of use. There is nothing more frustrating than prepping your face for a session only to realize the device is dead and needs hours on the dock.
• Potential For Over-Exfoliation: Because the device is so effective, it is easy to overdo it. The satisfying feeling of smooth skin might tempt you to use it more than the recommended once a week. However, dermaplaning is a form of physical exfoliation, and doing it too often can destroy your moisture barrier, leading to redness, sensitivity, and breakouts. Users with active acne must avoid this device entirely over those areas, as slicing over a pimple spreads bacteria and causes massive inflammation. It requires a level of self-discipline to use it correctly and not treat it like a daily shaver.
• The “Stubbliness” Sensory Adjustment: While the hair does not grow back thicker, it does grow back with a blunt tip. Vellus hair naturally has a tapered, soft end, but when you shave it off, you create a flat edge. For the first day or two of regrowth, your face might feel slightly rough or “sandpapery” to the touch as those blunt hairs emerge. This sensation can be startling for women who have never shaved their faces before. While it isn’t visible to others, the tactile feeling of stubble on your own face can be a sensory turn-off for some users, requiring you to stay on a strict weekly schedule to keep it smooth.

Maintenance Tips For Sonicsmooth Pro Plus

To protect your investment and ensure your skin stays healthy, you cannot just toss this device in a drawer after use. Proper maintenance is critical for preventing infection and keeping the motor running smoothly.

• Sanitize The Handle After Every Use: While you throw the blade away, the handle itself collects bacteria, dead skin, and oils from your hands and face. After every session, take a cotton pad soaked in 70% isopropyl alcohol and wipe down the entire handle, paying special attention to the area where the blade snaps in. This prevents bacteria from building up in the crevices and being transferred back to your face during your next session. Do not run the device under water or submerge it; it is water-resistant but not waterproof, and getting water inside the motor housing can kill the battery. Keep it dry and sterile.
• Stick To The Single-Use Blade Rule: It is incredibly tempting to reuse a blade to save money, but you must resist this urge. Dermaplaning blades dull incredibly fast because they are scraping against skin cells and hair. A dull blade will not cut cleanly; it will snag, drag, and cause micro-tears in your skin, leading to “razor burn” or breakouts. Furthermore, dead skin cells trapped in the blade are a breeding ground for bacteria. Reusing a blade is the fastest way to give yourself a staph infection or a breakout. Treat the blades as medical waste: use once, and toss immediately.
• Manage Your Charging Cycle: To prolong the life of the NiMH battery, try not to leave the device on the charger 24/7 if you aren’t using it. Overcharging can eventually diminish the battery’s capacity to hold a charge. Charge it fully the day before you plan to use it, and then unplug the dock. If you notice the motor sounding sluggish or the vibration feeling weak, stop immediately and charge it; using it on low power increases the risk of nicks because the blade isn’t oscillating fast enough to cut smoothly. Store the device in a cool, dry place away from the humidity of the shower to protect the internal electronics.
• Prep Skin Thoroughly Before Use: Maintenance of the device also involves maintenance of your skin before the tool touches it. Never use the Sonicsmooth on dirty or makeup-covered skin. Double cleanse your face to remove all oils and residue, and then pat it completely dry. The device is designed to work on dry skin; if your skin is damp or oily, the blade will slip and slide effectively, leading to a patchy result. Use the degreaser provided in the kit or a simple witch hazel toner to ensure the skin is perfectly prepped, which reduces the strain on the device and the blade.

Comparison with Other Brands

The market is flooded with dermaplaning tools, from luxury gadgets to dollar-store fixes. To understand the value of the Sonicsmooth Pro Plus, we need to stack it up against its direct competition.

• Dermaflash Luxe+: This is the heavyweight champion in the sonic dermaplaning arena and the direct rival to Michael Todd. Comparison: The Dermaflash Luxe+ is significantly more expensive, often retailing for nearly double the price of the Sonicsmooth. However, it boasts a higher sonic vibration rate and a slightly more ergonomic, sleek design that feels more “premium.” The Dermaflash blades are also proprietary and arguably sharper, providing a closer shave in one pass. While the Sonicsmooth is excellent, the Dermaflash feels slightly more powerful and refined. If budget is no issue, Dermaflash Luxe+ is the Ferrari; Sonicsmooth is the reliable Lexus—great performance, but slightly less horsepower.
• StackedSkincare Dermaplaning Tool: This is a favorite among estheticians and purists who prefer manual control. Comparison: The StackedSkincare tool is non-electric; it is a high-quality aluminum handle with a replaceable surgical-steel blade. Because it doesn’t vibrate, it relies entirely on your technique and hand pressure, which gives you ultimate control but requires more skill to avoid nicks. The blades for StackedSkincare are cheaper to replace in the long run and generate less plastic waste since there is no bulky plastic housing around the blade. If you are steady-handed and want an eco-friendly, silent tool, StackedSkincare is superior. However, if you are nervous and want the safety net of vibration to help glide, Sonicsmooth is the safer, more beginner-friendly choice.
• Generic Disposable Razors (Tinkle/Schick): These are the colorful plastic wands you see at every drugstore for a few dollars. Comparison: There is almost no comparison in quality; these are essentially serrated razors that scrape the skin rather than planing it. They lack the safety guards of the Sonicsmooth, making it much easier to scratch yourself. They also dull halfway through a session, leading to uneven exfoliation. While they will remove hair, they do not offer the same deep exfoliation or “glass skin” result. Sonicsmooth is a skincare treatment; generic razors are just hair removal. If you only care about removing a mustache, a Tinkle is fine. If you want anti-aging and texture benefits, you need the Sonicsmooth.

Also Read: Comparison Of Waxing the City And European Wax Center

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

The Sonicsmooth Pro Plus occupies a sweet spot in the at-home beauty market. It offers a significant upgrade over cheap disposable razors, providing a safer, more effective, and luxurious experience thanks to its sonic technology. While it doesn’t quite reach the ultra-premium power of the Dermaflash Luxe+, it delivers 90% of the results for a fraction of the price.

If you are serious about skincare and want to maximize the glow you get from your serums and makeup, the Sonicsmooth Pro Plus is a worthy investment. It turns a mundane chore into a spa-like ritual that leaves you feeling polished and confident. Just be prepared for the ongoing cost of blades and the discipline required to maintain it. If you can commit to that, your skin will thank you with a radiance that no highlighter can match.