Nutra Sonic 1020 Professional 4 Speed Face and Body Cleansing System, Lavender

If I am going to spend $100 or more on an item, I do a lot of research and I also ask anyone I know if they have the item so I can try it out. I did that here as well. I should start by saying that meant that I had to buy new brushes since I borrowed the Clarisonic from my mom and the Nutra Sonic from one of my friends and it wouldn't be a good thing to use their face brushes in addition to the machine.

Cost of replacement brushes:

Clarisonic (hereafter referred to as "C") $25 on most sites but this varies with sales

Nutra Sonic (hereafter referred to as "N")$15 on most sites but this varies with sales

Ease of switching out brushes:

C: Easy

N: Not hard, but more difficult than the Clarisonic in comparison

Why you want a sonic cleaner to begin with it: Sonic wave technology has long been proven as far more than a gimmick, though it may sound that way at first. Sonic wavelength technology is made up of tiny vibrations that allow you to loosen dirt you could not otherwise. This is why they are used in professional toothbrushes and in the jewelry cleaner machines your jeweler uses. I own both of those items too and I can tell you there is an ENORMOUS difference from that and simply a vibrating sonic-wannabe of either. For your face this means it cleans your pores 6 times better than you can via simply washing, reducing breakouts but also helping take away loose skin on the surface you can't see which clogs pores and dulls skin and renewing skin reduces wrinkles. Having worked in the cosmetic biz myself, I'm well aware of that truth.

So let's get down to how they worked...

To be fair, I used one for one week on one side of my face, twice per day and the other on the other side of my face twice per day.

Sonic Power:

C 300 rotations per second

N 400 rotations per second

The Nutra Sonic was obviously stronger but I didn't measure these rotations on my own...no way could I count that fast. The manufacturers provided these details, both to me and in their advertised specs. This is both a good and bad thing. First, it felt like the Clarisonic only had vibration in the middle part of the brush, not all over, which didn't make much sense to me, but suffice it to say it was just lighter on the power, Nutra Sonic truly felt like it had more power...however, that also meant there was a bit more splatter. I could use the Clarisonic standing up, facing the mirror, with no splatter. However, I used the Nutra Sonic in the shower and with my face down to the sink since the power of it sometimes splashed water droplets.

Waterproof?

Yes, both of these models are

Feel:

C Felt a bit heavier, maybe because it has heavier parts or because it has a built-in timer whereas the Nutra Sonic does not.

N Lighter

So I should add....

Timer:

C Built in timer so you don't use it on any part of your face longer than a minute

N No built in timer

Speeds:

C 1 speed, soft. Manufacturer says it's made for "sensitive skin"

N 4 speeds: sensitive, normal, and body brush

(incidentally, there is a Clarisonic that has more speeds as well but it was, at the time of this review, $200 more than the Nutra Sonic that does the same thing and it still had less sonic power. That's the Clarisonic Pro. I'm not writing about this though, because I didn't try it due to the price and already knowing the power wasn't as good as the Nutra Sonic going in.)

brushes included:

C: 1 brush

N: 3 brush heads for each speed...if your skin is very sensitive, there is a softer brush, if you want greater exfoliation, use the harder brush at normal speed, or soften feet and elbows in the shower with the body brush on high speed. Incidentally, if I have bad breakouts I do sometimes use the high speed on my face to really exfoliate.

Jitter Mode:

C: Has no Jitter Mode setting in addition to speeds

N: Has a jitter mode setting so you can use exfoliation cleansers and pretty much get a pro exfoliation. I prefer Mary Kay's exfoliation cleanser because they are one of the few that uses the exact same exfoliates as dermatologists use...rather than ground peach pits or apricot pits that actually put tiny tears in your skin. Again, that's just from me being in the biz for a few years that I know that odd fact. Olay has a good one too.

both come with charging base

Cost:

C: High

N: Low in comparison, but nothing with decent sonic wavelength tech is cheap.

It should be noted that price varies greatly both on Amazon and the internet. Do compare shipping charges as well. Usually I find everything cheaper on Amazon but in this case, for me, Amazon had a link ad on the Nutra Derm page that linked to an outside website that had the Nutra Sonic less and with free shipping so do explore around as sometimes it's cheaper in one place and sometimes another, or sometimes it's cheaper on one but the seller jacks up the shipping.

Cleansers:

In my opinion, skip the upsell for the cleansers of both models if you have the option and just buy whatever brand you like...they are just average cleaners and not worth the extra mark up for the small bottles.

Bottom Line...Cleaning

C: Did a far better job of cleaning than a regular scrubbing with a wash cloth and cleanser, reduced breakouts and smooth feel

N: I expected to like the Clarisonic better, I'll be honest, because in spite of the fact I knew Nutra Sonic had more power, Clarisonic was pricier. You don't always get what you pay for. Sometimes you simply pay for marketing. The pores on the left side of my face where I used the Nutra Sonic were MORE reduced, and my skin was smoother. I can't say I saw a wonderful reduction in wrinkles on either side but it may also be too soon to measure that claim by both brands. I loved the exfoliation mode on the Nutra Sonic and, in all honesty, the speed difference was VERY important to me. Dermatologists exfoliate for a reason: removing the outer layer of dead skin rejuvenates your skin and prevents clogged pores which lead to acne. The soft pulse of the Clarisonic simply didn't do this as much, although I did like it better than a wash cloth. For results, the Nutra Sonic won for me hands down.

Warranty:

C: 1 year but ONLY if your purchase stems from the Clarisonic website. (But the price was far higher on their website when I looked than most other sellers of it.)

N: 1 year regardless of where you buy it.

Conclusion: If you want to use the sonic cleaner looking into a mirror and never in the shower and you have very sensitive skin that doesn't need a deeper clean, the Clarisonic would make you happy. It does clean well. However, if you don't mind looking down near the sink to prevent some random water drops that Nutra Sonic sometimes slings with the greater vibrations, or you want to use it in the shower, or you want to exfoliate or have normal skin that sometimes needs a greater scrubbing (although you can still go with gentle too), I'd choose the Nutra Sonic. Also if you want to use it on your body, the Nutra Sonic works with the intense clean and body brush whereas you can't do this with the Clarisonic. The Nutra Sonic, however, does not have the built-in timer to tell you when you've been on a part of your face for a minute and should move on but, for me, for the cost savings, I can wing it.

I thanked my Sonic cleanser lenders and still remain VERY happy with the Nutra Sonic. Plus now the right side of my face has caught up with the left and is equally as smooth and clean!

UPDATE: I've been using this daily since my review and all these 7 months later I like it even more...works great, no issues. And my mom now has a Nutrasonic too! Ha! Plus, I have not yet had to buy ANY new brushes...they totally hold up and it has a better warranty than the Clarisonic anyway so should I have an issue...I will report back in and exchange it as well...thus far, my makeup is even better and smoother due to no more dead surface skin. I still like it!

Update: I've had the Nutrasonic for a year now. Still have smooth skin, still works great. If it starts stuttering on you that means it's time to charge it. It says this in the directions. I charge mine about once per week.

This is an excellent product as well as an excellent value. My daughter's dermatologist recommended getting an ultrasonic facial brush to help with exfoliation for the treatment of her acne. I did some research online and talked to a friend who owns one. I was taken aback by the cost of the Clarisonic system at $225. I also heard feedback that if you had any problems with it that resolution was difficult unless you had bought directly from Clarisonic. This Nutra Sonic System has the same features and one additional brush as the Clarisonic Plus system which sells for $225 and replacement brushes are less expensive. We are very pleased with the results of the brush and have recommended this product to the dermatologist as well as friends.

Buy Nutra Sonic 1020 Professional 4 Speed Face and Body Cleansing System, Lavender Now

I was searching for a really good facial cleansing brush and I saw this one on amazon. I read the reviews about how for some people the brush just stopped working after a couple of months and I was like pshhh... what are the odds of that happening to me? This brush looks awesome and the good reviews are really good. So for my birthday I asked my husband to get me a face brush. I didn't even give him a specific one and he got me this one. It did work really good......WHILE IT WORKED. I have not even had it for a year yet and it will not turn on anymore. I have charged it long enough for it to turn on and it does nothing. I contacted the manufacturer after asking amazon what to do. Well even though it was purchased off of amazon.com the dealer who sent it to me is an unauthorized dealer. So the manufacturer does not do a year warranty on the product. If you are set on buying this crappy product you should try and get the ones that are sent from amazon or straight from the real manufacturer cause there is a very good chance it will stop working within a couple of months. At least you will have warranty on it or amazon will be nice enough to give you a refund or something.

Read Best Reviews of Nutra Sonic 1020 Professional 4 Speed Face and Body Cleansing System, Lavender Here

I really like this product for skin cleansing. I have not tested Clarisonic, Oil of Olay, or any other cleansing system, but them for a comparison. My normal routine was using a facial scrub pad with a liquid facial soap, (Clinique's Wash Away Gel)followed by several cotton balls of toner, Oil of Olay Regenerist Serum,then moisturizer. My skin type is oily/normal. I wear makeup, but do go bareskinned regularly. I also use an eye cream, and an exfoliator

St. Ives Elements Microdermabrasion twice a week. I believed I was doing a good job cleansing my face by the residue from the toner cotton ball, which was used until the ball showed no residue. My face also felt very clean. My breakouts were minimal, and usually due to monthly hormone changes. Being a frugal person, but also wanting a bang for my buck I researched the Clarisonic, and the Nutrisonic systems. I omitted the Oil of Olay cleansing system, simply because the brush simply rotates on your face, basically what I was doing the the facial scrub pad. So for the rest of this review I will only compare the Clarisonic vs Nutrisonic systems.

Both systems use a pulse action versus just spinning on your face, which I really liked. If you have sensitive, or irritated skin this is the way to go.

Both systems were waterproof, for shower use, which I also liked, and had a charging cradle. The Nutrisonic has four speeds:

1. Sensitive Skin

2. Normal Skin

3. Jitterbug Mode (exfoliator)

4. Body Mode (all over skin)

The Clarisonic has a sound sensor included that sounds when you have been at one location too long so as not to damage the skin. Nutrisonic does not have this feature. I personally didn't think this feature was essential, as the brush does all the work, all you do is make contact to your skin, then slowly move the cleaner over your skin. It may have been designed this way if you are giving someone a facial this seems to be the only benefit. The pulse action does all the work. I especially like it for the nose area, and underneath the eyes. As long as you don't hold it in any position too long you shouldn't have any worries, just use normal movements. I have gone over face several times with no negative effect, just as I would with my scrub pad.

I really like the Jitterbug mode,(exfoliator) and use it almost exclusively. I started out using the sensitive, immediately moved up to the normal which cleaned very nicely. I am almost ashamed to write just how much dirt was on my face, but the cotton ball soaked in toner didn't lie. I had to use double my normal three (3) balls to get the residue off. Ditto for my neck. I was shocked OMG BECKY! I was amazed. The next morning I used the Jitterbug mode, with the same effect. I used the Jitterbug mode twice a day, until I got the dirt off of my face. It is gentle enough for me to use twice daily with no ill effects as is advertised.

One thing I did notice was as I got my skin clean I started getting breakouts, which usually cleared up in a day or two. So I guess I was getting the ground in dirt beneath the surface.

Another nice feature is the pulse action actually stimulates the face without irritation, which actually activates collagen cells to produce, alas the reduction of fine lines, and wrinkles. Try that with a rotating brush. The brush itself feels good in my hand, sturdy, and not likely to slip out, even when wet.

If you travel this could travel well, just make sure you either have it fully charged. or take the charging cradle along,(small enough) just make sure you have an electrical, or power outlet for use.

The body is molded rubber and is easy to grip

After one (1) week of use, my pores were much smaller, after two weeks, my mouth lines were less pronounced. I took a photo of my face before using this system, and I can definitely see improvement. I have been using this system now for five weeks.

I have been using it on my elbows, and my feet. Changing the brushes is very easy, one twist and pull apart, reverse action to install

Now for the negatives:

I am definitely using more of my beauty products than before. I guess that I am using more now because they are actually being absorbed into my skin versus just sitting on top of dirty skin, which is the lesser of two evils.

The information/instruction pamphlet included regarding the red blinking light on the charging cradle is confusing. The system is designed to have the light blink once you replace it in the cradle, it does not mean that the system needs charging. The light will continue to blink as long as it is plugged in. The remedy is to wait about five minutes, the reset in the cradle for the light to go steady, about the time it takes for me to tone, apply eye cream, facial serum, and beauty cream so its not a big deal. You can leave it blinking if you like. It does not adversely affect the system. Some reviewers had a problem with the blinking light.

this is misinformation provided by the manufactuer.

This is a unisex system, not just for women, so it may wear out from getting more use (lol)

Bottom line:

The Cheapest Clarisonic system I would have puchased was approximately $168.00. The Nutri Sonic was approximately $84.00. My kind of price. Why pay more for less, just because of the brand name. You do the math.

I have not used the cleansing products provided in the kit, still using my old routine, but what a difference in the texture, fine lines, and firmness with my old products. That is another way I can see improvement.

I am aware that this system does not have as many reviews as the Clarisonic, but I am also aware that many purchasers do not take the time to write a review. I am one of those people. I am also aware that the negative reviews are smaller than the positive. This lets me know that a company in business, and also selling product on amazon is probably selling in the gazillions, so I usually do not let small amounts of negatives deter me in my decision. I usually go to the most negative reviews,(one star) then work my way up to the five stars. It is an indicator of the quality of the product by the number of the good reviews, and I always use this as my guide. I am also aware that some purchasers may have a bad reaction to a product. Some say they had no effect, which is typical of the general population on any product.

So much for writing a review. I do not have stock, or a vested interest, or affiliation with the company, or this product. I am simply a woman who has baby bottom soft skin, and much improved appearance, and wanted to give kudos for a good product. I wrote this, and I approve of this message.

UPDATE OF REVIEW: January 22, 2012

In my review I stated that the blinking light on the charging system would stop blinking in about ten minutes if lifted, and reset on charging cradle. This has occurred for my system. I could not understand why some reviewers stated their system failed within five months. I finally realized that the system has a charging unit, and not just an electrical plug. The system should be fully charged as stated in the manual, then unplugged either by the adapter, or the electrical cord. Keeping the unit plugged in will overcharge, and possibly shorten the battery life, which may be why some systems have failed. I have been trying this method for about 4 weeks now with no adverse effects. What occurs when the battery is low is it will stop. It will turn back on immediately. I used my system four more times after this happened with the only thing being it would shut off more frequently after each use shutting off twice on the fourth use. It would start up immediately. I assume this is an indidcation to recharge the unit.

PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THE BATTERY SHOULD BE DISCHARGED, THEN RECHARGED. THE BATTERY HAS BEEN LASTING APPROXIMATELY 10-12 DAYS WITH TWICE A DAY CLEANSING. RECHARGE FOR 24 HOURS THEN UNPLUG UNIT. ALSOIT CAN BE USED DURING THIS TIME.

We get used to keeping appliances frequently used plugged into an electrical outlet which may shorten it's life.

I hope this information helps!

Want Nutra Sonic 1020 Professional 4 Speed Face and Body Cleansing System, Lavender Discount?

I decided to try this product after reading several reviews about it and the Clarisonic. I know the Clarisonic is great and even know folks who work there, but I decided to give this a try since it was less expensive.

So far I'm very pleased with it. It does a very good job of gently cleaning my face. It does a good job of exfoliation without being too irritating to my skin.

The battery actually lasts longer without needing to be recharged than what the manual indicates.

The actual plastic housing/casing doesn't seem to be as good a quality as with the Clarisonic, but so far it's been holding up well. I've used it in the shower and in cleaning up at the sink. It works well in both conditions.

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