The 8 Best Derma Rollers of 2023

How We Selected

The Health team spoke to expert dermatologists about in-clinic and at-home derma rolling. We discussed the different types of derma rollers according to body parts and the safest needle length and materials for at-home derma rolling. We then researched the best on the market. We narrowed them down based on dermatologist recommendations, materials used, needle length, and price to help you find a derma roller that can make the most of your skincare products and safely improve your skin.

The dermatologists we spoke to include:

• Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City
• Joshua Zeichner, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Mount Sinai in New York City

What to Know About Derma Rollers

How Derma Rollers Work

Derma rollers feature microneedles that create microtears in the skin. In a clinical environment, they create tears that encourage the production of collagen. Dr. Hadley King says, “An at-home derma-roller provides the user with a way to perform microneedling in the home environment. The needles do not penetrate as deep as the microneedles used by a professional. Although probably not deep enough to be stimulating collagen, they can help with product penetration— helping ingredients penetrate deeper.” 

How to Use a Derma Roller

As with any skincare regime, consistency is key. Particularly since skin cells take approximately 28–40 days to turnover, you’ll see the best results after the first month or so. Dr. King recommends the following method for rolling your way to glowing skin: “Starting with once per week, lightly roll over a clean, dry face, moving the roller in one fluid back-and-forth motion. Cover each area of the face vertically, then change directions to roll in horizontal and diagonal patterns. Immediately after rolling, apply a hyaluronic acid or peptide serum. Do not apply makeup on freshly rolled skin. Do not roll over your eyelids, nose, or lips.” 

She also recommends starting with rolling only once per week and increasing the frequency as your skin tolerates it.  Don’t forget to replace the roller head after about 20 uses. To clean, spray your roller head with rubbing alcohol after each use and store upright with needles freestanding. 

Who May Benefit from Derma Rollers?

Since derma rolling benefits acne scars and fine lines, many people would benefit from incorporating this into their weekly skincare routine. Dr. Zeichner says, “Derma rollers can be used both on the face and the body. Devices designed for the body tend to be larger to cover larger body surface areas.” And Dr. King adds, importantly, that she would recommend it for someone who does not have extremely sensitive skin.

Who Should Avoid Derma Rollers?

Dr. King notes that she would not recommend derma rolling on inflamed, cystic, or broken-out skin. Likewise, Dr. Zeichner says, “Generally speaking, derma rollers can be used across all skin types or skin tones. I am cautious about recommending these devices to people with sensitive skin or conditions, like eczema or rosacea, where the skin barrier is not functioning optimally. You also need to be cautious if using exfoliating acids or retinol, as they make the skin more sensitive in general.”

How Much You Can Expect to Pay for a Quality Derma Roller?

Our best overall, the Jenny Patinkin Rode on Rose Derma Roller at Amazon is $75, which means you can get a high-quality roller for around $100 or less. It’s possible to purchase safe at-home derma rollers at many ends of the price spectrum so, with this product, it ultimately comes down to your budget. Derma roller sets with additional products or accessories may cost more.

Your Questions, Answered

Do derma rollers actually work? 

The results vary depending on whether you’re derma rolling at home or in the clinic. Regardless, Dr. Zeichner says you should see improvements. “Derma rollers are devices that use tiny needles to create microscopic punctures in the skin. This creates a controlled wound and takes advantage of the skin's ability to heal itself back up. Ultimately, it can improve skin, tone, texture, and, in some cases, even fine lines and wrinkles.”

What is a derma roller good for? 

If you’re derma rolling at home, these little tools are brilliant for helping your product penetrate further into the skin, ultimately giving you a great bang for your buck. Just as the name implies, the device is rolled over the skin. The at-home devices are designed with safety in mind. The needles are quite short and do not penetrate the skin, as well as professional microneedling treatments. In order to improve the appearance of acne scars or deep wrinkles, you need deep penetration into the skin to reach the level of abnormal collagen. For this reason, the commercially available derma rollers are better for radiance and skin tone as opposed to treating scars, according to Dr. Zeichner. He adds that derma rollers can be used independently or in combination with topical serums. Think of them as creating micro-channels that enhance penetration of the active ingredient into the skin.

Can derma rollers regrow hair? 

According to Dr. Zeichner, there are some exciting developments regarding in-clinic derma rolling. He says, “In the office, microneedling is often combined with radio frequency and energy to stimulate collagen and tighten the skin. Microneedling treatments are often followed by [an] application of platelet-rich plasma to improve the appearance of aging skin. New data suggest that microneedling may help enhance hair growth. The idea behind the treatment is that it enhances [the] delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles to help them grow optimally.”  

Are derma rollers safe? 

While at-home microneedling is generally considered safe, there are, of course, a few things to consider beforehand. Dr. King says, “The risks are if someone overdoes it with pressure or doesn't keep the roller clean, which could cause infection. Look for a tool with needles that are aligned and evenly spaced.” In addition, ensure your needles are made with hypoallergenic materials (like stainless steel) that are easy to clean. 

Who We Are

Isabella Ubaldi is a Health writer with a keen personal and professional interest in skincare approached from a health lens. She has researched, written about, and worked for various global and independent skincare clients and health topics such as the best moisturizing body washes. Aesthetically, she believes in making the most of what you’re born with and adopts a “less is more” approach to her skincare and makeup routine. She frequently derma rolls at home and visits her dermatologist/facialist as a special treat. Her curiosity about the world feeds her keen interest in helping people reduce the shopping noise and make decisions that might improve their quality of life or make their every day a little bit sweeter.