Beauty The 10 Best Derma Rollers for Your Skin, According to Experts Plus, how to know if you should use one. By Jen Mccaffery, Jen Mccaffery Twitter Jen McCaffery is a New York-based writer and editor who covers health, lifestyle, and commerce content. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, InStyle, Prevention, Rhode Island Monthly, and other publications and websites. InStyle's editorial guidelines Emily Belfiore, Emily Belfiore Instagram Website Emily is an experienced commerce writer and editor, with bylines in Allure, Byrdie, InStyle, RealSimple, Shape, and more. Always in pursuit of the best reviewer-vouched products, she covers topics spanning across the fashion, beauty, and health and wellness verticals. InStyle's editorial guidelines and Jessica Mahgerefteh Jessica Mahgerefteh Jessica joined the Dotdash Meredith team in 2019 and has held various content positions, and more recently joined the InStyle team in 2022 as Commerce Director. InStyle's editorial guidelines Updated on February 28, 2022 @ 09:30AM Pin Share Tweet Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews What to Keep in Mind Your Questions, Answered We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Amazon/ Sephora/ Nordstrom/ InStyle If you look in the mirror and see something you'd like to improve about your skin — whether it's minimizing scars, reducing wrinkles, evening out skin tone, or simply achieving a more radiant glow — microneedling could be the answer. At first, it may seem strange to roll hundreds of tiny needles over your skin. But that's exactly what microneedling devices — a.k.a. derma rollers — do, and these handheld tools have made a name for themselves in the beauty world as a DIY solution to a variety of cosmetic skin woes. While not tons of research has been done on their effectiveness just yet, dermatologists do seem to agree that derma rollers can stimulate collagen production and, in turn, improve the appearance of skin. The practice of microneedling started in dermatologists' offices, but now, derma rollers are widely available for at-home use, too. Based on research and guidelines from dermatologists, we outlined the best derma rollers you can safely use at home to treat fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, dark spots, and more. The clear favorite is ORA Face Microneedle Dermal Roller System because the needles are just the right size to be gentle yet still effective to help boost the skin's collagen and elastin production. Keep scrolling to explore the derma rollers that come recommended by the pros. Our Top Picks Best Overall: ORA Face Dermal Roller Jump to Review Best for Acne Scars: Sdara Skincare Derma Roller at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Hair Growth: ORA Body Microneedle Roller System at Walmart Jump to Review Best for Brightening: ORA Gold Deluxe Microneedle Dermal Roller at Target Jump to Review Best for Beginners: Linduray Skincare Microneedling Kit for Face at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Wrinkles: StackedSkincare Microneedling Tool 2.0 at Amazon Jump to Review Best All-in-One Kit: Ora Microneedle Kit at Target Jump to Review Best with Replacement Heads: Prosper Beauty Microneedle Derma Roller Kit at Amazon Jump to Review Best Splurge: BeautyBio Facial Microneedling Tool at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Lips: Skin Gym Lip Micro-Roller Jump to Review Best Overall ORA Face Microneedle Dermal Roller System Dermstore View on Ulta View On Target View On Walmart What We Love: The needles are thin and gentle on the skin.What We Don't Love: The handle is flimsy. Ellen Marmur, M.D., a New York City-based dermatologist recommends this derma roller because the needles are very thin (.5 millimeters), which makes the microneedling less invasive to your skin. Needles on derma rollers vary in size, but Dr. Marmur advises against using needles larger than 1.5mm at home. At .5mm, this pick is a happy medium between the range available. The top choice for an all-around derma roller, it can be used for a slew of beauty concerns — whether that's minimizing the appearance of scars and hyperpigmentation, smoothing out fine lines and stretch marks, massaging serums deeper into the skin, or stimulating hair growth on the scalp. The price point is also very fair considering the tool offers multiple skin benefits and can be used on both the face and body. All you have to do is glide it over the skin with gentle pressure in all directions — horizontally, vertically, and diagonally. Start slow, once a week, to see how your skin reacts. The only downside to this derma roller, and all derma rollers from ORA, is that the plastic handle feels a bit flimsy. We wish it felt a little studier in our hands, but the quality of the handle does not interfere with the results so it's not a dealbreaker. Price at time of publish: $38 Needle Length: 0.5mm | Needle Material: Stainless Steel | Needle Count: 540 Best for Acne Scars Sdara Skincare Derma Roller 4.3 Amazon View On Amazon View On Target View On Walmart What We Love: It helps fade the look of acne scars.What We Don't Love: Titanium needles are less hygienic than stainless steel. Based on our rigorous research, this derma roller is widely believed to be the best option for treating acne scars, even deeply indented, dark marks left by cystic acne. The device is made with titanium needles, which Dr. Marmur recommends over stainless steel needles because they're stronger and, in turn, more effective. Hundreds of reviewers raved over how well it works, even on sensitive skin, and called out its affordable price point — proving you don't always need to spend the big bucks on skincare tools to see noticeable results. Price at time of publish: $17 Needle Length: 0.25mm | Needle Material: Titanium | Needle Count: 540 Best for Hair Growth ORA Body Microneedle Roller System Dermstore View On Walmart View On Dermstore View On Brookstone.com What We Love: The needle count is higher for body skin.What We Don't Love: Titanium needles are less hygienic than stainless steel. If you're looking to purchase a derma roller whose main purpose is to promote hair growth, this option from ORA is your best bet. Made with .5-millimeter medical-grade titanium needles, which are recommended by Dr. Marmur, this device was specifically designed to stimulate hair follicles. It's also great for improving the texture, tone, and firmness of the skin on the body: Several reviewers praise it for reducing the appearance of everything from keratosis pilaris to stretch marks. Price at time of publish: $40 Needle Length: 0.5mm | Needle Material: Titanium | Needle Count: 1,080 Best for Brightening ORA Gold Deluxe Microneedle Dermal Roller System Dermstore View On Target View On Walmart View On Dermstore What We Love: It helps brighten the look of skin, especially when paired with a vitamin C serum.What We Don't Love: The handle is flimsy. Reviewers like the ORA Gold Deluxe for brightening dull or uneven skin tones. This handheld device is made with .25-millimeter microneedles, which New York City-based dermatologist Anna Avaliani, M.D. says is typical for derma rollers, and is especially useful for penetrating any serums or lotions deeper into the skin so they can work better.Pair With: We recommend pairing it with a hyaluronic acid-infused vitamin C serum, like this best-selling option from TruSkin Naturals, to increase its anti-aging benefits and give you the glowiest skin possible. Price at time of publish: $34 Needle Length: 0.25mm | Needle Material: Stainless Steel | Needle Count: 540 Best for Beginners Linduray Skincare Microneedling Kit for Face Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart What We Love: It comes with instructional guides and a vitamin C serum.What We Don't Love: Titanium needles are less hygienic than stainless steel. This highly-rated device from Linduray Skincare is great for new users because it's easy to use and affordable, and it comes with three instructional guides to help beginners get the most out of their derma roller. Reviewers say it's virtually painless and that it gave them smoother, softer, and brighter skin after just a few uses. The set also comes with the brand's vitamin C serum, which is enriched with hyaluronic acid to create a dewy glow. Price at time of publish: $18 Needle Length: 0.3mm | Needle Material: Titanium | Needle Count: 540 Best for Wrinkles StackedSkincare Microneedling Tool 2.0 4.8 StackedSkincare View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Ecosmetics.com What We Love: It helps boost the absorbency of anti-aging skincare.What We Don't Love: It squeaks a bit during use. Dr. Avaliani likes derma rollers with stainless steel needles, and this one from StackedSkincare fits the bill. It uses .2-millimeter microneedles to gently exfoliate and stimulate the skin, resulting in fewer fine lines and wrinkles and plumper, younger-looking skin. Price at time of publish: $89 Needle Length: 0.2mm | Needle Material: Stainless Steel | Needle Count: 540 Best All-in-One Kit Ora Microneedle Face & Full Body Roller Kit Dermstore View On Target View On Walmart View On Dermstore What We Love: You can target different parts of your body with one tool.What We Don't Love: You have to replace the heads regularly. Dr. Marmur recommends choosing a derma roller kit for different uses, and this six-piece face and body kit from Ora is one of the best. Along with one handle that can fit all of the included interchangeable roller heads, you'll get a 1-millimeter head that's meant for use all over the body, a .5-millimeter head for your face, and a .25-millimeter head for smaller, more sensitive areas of the face (like around the eyes and lips). It also comes with a built-in sterilization tray and one stamp head that uses just 12 microneedles for even smaller areas. If you're new to microneedling and want to try out derma rollers of different sizes and intensity levels on multiple areas of the body, this all-in-one kit is the most cost-effective option. Price at time of publish: $86 Needle Length: Varies | Needle Material: Stainless Steel | Needle Count: Varies Best with Replacement Heads Prosper Beauty 6 Piece Microneedle Derma Roller Kit Amazon View On Amazon View On Prosperbeauty.com What We Love: The replacement heads are included with your purchase.What We Don't Love: Titanium needles are less hygienic than stainless steel. This six-piece set comes with one derma roller, one holder, and four replacement heads made up of .25-millimeter microneedles. Reviewers say it's super effective for treating a variety of skin concerns, including large pores, hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and wrinkles. Many also noted it made their skin appear smoother and brighter. But the best part is that the affordable kit comes with four replacement heads, which are typically sold separately. This will save you money and ensure the rollers are completely sanitary, which Dr. Marmur and Dr. Avaliani both stress is of the utmost importance when it comes to derma rollers. Price at time of publish: $27 Needle Length: .25mm | Needle Material: Titanium | Needle Count: 600 Best Splurge BeautyBio GloPRO Facial Microneedling Tool 4.6 Amazon View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Beautybio.com What We Love: The addition of LED light therapy takes results to the next level.What We Don't Love: It's expensive. LED light therapy benefits include firming, toning, and smoothing, so it's no wonder that it plays sidekick to this top-rated derma roller. The advanced beauty tool packs an extra punch with its LED light therapy feature, which emits a microcurrent directly into your skin to further support cellular turnover as it gently exfoliates away dead skin cells and promotes collagen production. This combination results in a supple glow and fewer fine lines and wrinkles on your chin, cheeks, mouth, forehead, and neck.Price at time of publish: $199 Needle Length: .3mm | Needle Material: Stainless Steel | Needle Count: 540 Best for Lips Skin Gym Lip Micro-Roller Amazon View on Ulta View On Amazon View On Walmart What We Love: It exfoliates the lips so they feel super soft.What We Don't Love: The handle is flimsy. Achieve a plumper pout with this .20-millimeter derma roller from Skin Gym, which is equipped with .20-millimeter stainless steel microneedles to improve the volume of your lips — no injections needed. By gently penetrating the skin with every roll, this collagen-boosting multitasking tool also helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving you firmer, smoother-looking lips.Price at time of publish: $20 Needle Length: .2mm | Needle Material: Stainless Steel | Needle Count: 180 What to Keep in Mind When shopping for a derma roller, here are some factors you should keep in mind: Needle Length At-home derma rollers are available in various sizes — anywhere from .1 millimeters to 1.5 millimeters or even up to 2.5 millimeters on some. Beware of products that tout larger needles as that is not necessarily synonymous with better results. Dr. Marmur generally advises avoiding needles any thicker than 1.5 millimeters because of the risk of damaging your skin. All derma rollers on this list have needle lengths under this 1.5 millimeters for safety purposes. Needle Material Most derma rollers are available in either titanium or stainless steel needles. Dr. Marmur recommends titanium needles over titanium needles because they are stronger and typically more effective. That said, Dr. Avaliani likes stainless steel needles because they are considered to be more hygienic. Whatever needle material you choose, make sure you keep your tool clean to avoid the risk of infection. Also, resist the urge to share your derma roller with friends and family. Skin Type & Concerns While these versatile beauty tools may seem like a great simple addition to your skincare regimen, it's important to note that they're not for everyone. According to Dr. Marmur, you shouldn't use derma rollers at home if you have sensitive skin, eczema, cold sores, actively infected acne, sunburn, or rosacea. You should also avoid them if you have a compromised immune system or you're taking medications that suppress your immune system, including medications for autoimmune diseases like lupus or psoriasis, Dr. Avaliani cautions. Your Questions, Answered How do derma rollers work? Derma rollers create tiny punctures in the outermost layer of the skin, which can lead to the production of more collagen, the bodily protein that gives skin its firmness, strength, suppleness, and elasticity, says Dr. Marmur. They can also help stimulate the lymphatic system, leading to more radiant skin and less puffiness, she adds. And while the devices may be newer, the practice of microneedling itself has been used for centuries, says Dr. Avaliani. What should derma rollers be used for? Derma rollers can help minimize and prevent fine lines from becoming visible or deeper on the face, neck, and chest, Dr. Avaliani notes. Along with promoting the production of collagen and elastin for smoother, firmer, and younger-looking skin, they can be used to reduce the appearance of acne scars or stretch marks and even to stimulate hair growth. "If your concern is aging, dark spots, or acne scars, a derma roller could be helpful," says Dr. Marmur. Compared to in-office treatments, at-home derma rollers generally use smaller needles (usually around .25 millimeters in depth) to minimize the chance of any potential complications, says Dr. Avaliani. She adds that microneedling procedures performed by doctors are typically much more aggressive, so if you're looking for faster or more noticeable results, you may be better off booking an appointment with a dermatologist, esthetician, or plastic surgeon. How do you use a derma roller? It's best to start slowly, Dr. Avaliani says; even once a month can be very effective. Dr. Marmur adds that if your skin tolerates the derma roller well, you can work up to using it weekly. Are there any possible side effects to derma rolling? If you're not using your derma roller properly or keeping it clean, you could put yourself at risk for bleeding, bruising, and peeling, or even infection. "I would not universally recommend at-home derma rolling to some of my patients because of these scary side effects," Dr. Marmur says. How do you clean a derma roller? The needles — and your skin — must be washed and disinfected appropriately before and after each treatment. Dr. Marmur recommends spraying the device with isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) solution and washing it with warm water to sterilize it before each use. You could also soak your derma roller in hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol for up to an hour post-use. Rinse with warm water and allow the tool to air dry before storing it away.According to Dr. Avaliani, proper maintenance is also extremely important: Examine the needles carefully to make sure they're not bent, broken, or rusty, and don't hesitate to replace your derma roller or its heads whenever necessary.