Guides · Updated October 2026

Sonic vs ultrasonic skin devices

Both buzz, both promise clearer skin, and they are often confused. Here is what each one actually does and where it fits in your routine.

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The short answer

A sonic brush cleanses. An ultrasonic skin scrubber exfoliates. They work in different ways and belong to different steps of a routine, so they are not interchangeable.

	Sonic cleansing brush	Ultrasonic skin scrubber
How it works	A soft head vibrates rapidly to help work cleanser over the skin	A flat metal spatula vibrates at ultrasonic frequency on wet skin
Main job	Daily cleansing	Lifting dead skin cells, oil and debris from the surface
When	Morning and/or evening, with your cleanser	After cleansing, on damp skin, a few times a week
Feels like	A gentle buzz	A fine mist of water and a light hum
Our device	bt-sonic GEN2	bt-micro fusion

Using a sonic brush

1. Wet your face and apply your usual cleanser.
2. Move the brush in small circles across each area for the time set by the device.
3. Rinse, pat dry and continue with toner and serum.
4. Clean the head after every use and replace it as the manufacturer recommends.

Using an ultrasonic skin scrubber

1. Cleanse first. Keep the skin wet: the device needs water to work.
2. Hold the spatula at a low angle and glide it slowly, edge first, over the skin.
3. Wipe the blade as residue builds up. Do not press hard or go over the same spot repeatedly.
4. Follow with toner and a hydrating serum.

Who should be careful

Can I use both?

Yes. A common routine is sonic cleansing every day and ultrasonic exfoliation two or three times a week, followed by serum. Microcurrent, if you use it, comes after cleansing on gel.

Questions

Is an ultrasonic scrubber safe for sensitive skin?

Often yes, at the gentlest setting and once a week to start. Stop if you see redness that does not settle.

Does a sonic brush replace exfoliation?

No. It helps cleansing; for exfoliation use an exfoliant or an ultrasonic scrubber.

Can I use them around the eyes?

Keep away from the eye area unless the instructions say otherwise.