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Clarisonic vs. Olay Pro-X....any opinions?

nancylee

Veteran

I've been considering purchasing either the Clarisonic sonic skin cleanser or the (much cheaper!) Olay Pro-X. Does anyone have any experience with either of these? I've read some reviews comparing the two and it sounds like a bit of a toss-up. I'm not even convinced these machines make that much of a difference, but I'm curious to know if anyone here uses one.....and how valuable they think they are. Natalie (goldenpig) mentioned in her recent post that she uses the Olay Pro-X.

http://www.clarisonic.com/shop...../index.php

http://www.olay.com/skin-care-.....5609037047

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18 replies

Latest reply was from nancylee

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I returned my Clarisonic. I believe it's great for combination or oily skin. I have very dry skin. Not the best match

bella

(website)

Veteran

I have the Clarisonic Mia and I love mine.

I think it depends a bit on your cleansing routine. Are you the kind of person who likes to remove their make-up by washing or by removing with cotton balls/make-up remover clothes? I absolutely hate the second and never feel fresh enough unless I actually wash my face with soap/cleanser and preferably a brush. So, I really loved having Mia, and use mine every single day.

I think it also depends on how sensitive your skin is. I inherited my mia from my cousin, who started using it but her sensitive skin reacted really badly, she had patches of skin swell, redden and eventually peel off, so she was more than happy to pass it on to me.
I started with the most lightweight brush possible and using it every other day at first. I also found a cleansing cream that produces lots of foam (I didn't like the one that comes with Mia), in order to minimize the abrasing effects of the brush, so I didn't experience any issues whatsoever.

The positive effects I experienced are mostly:

A) I have whiteheads (like blackheads - but the opening is miniscule, so they are less visible), daily brushing helps me keep the pores clean and hence much less visible.
B) Evening out - I think this is the one effect that everyone experiences with Mias - a regular exfoliating regime helps with evening out the skin, fading of sunspots, etc.
C) Healthy/glowing skin: I think that my skin looks overall healthier.

Let me know if I can be of further help.

Donna

I have the Olay version and have been very happy with it. The low price of the Olay product influenced my decision to try it. Since I haven't used the Clarisonic I can't compare the two, but I have had very good results with Olay. The pores in my T-zone are smaller and I think my skin looks "fresher" when I use it on a regular basis. Also, it has been quite effective in the winter keeping my dry patches to a minimum. My skin is a bit sensitive, although not as sensitive as Angie's description of hers, and I have not had any problems with irritation. Just for reference, I'm 52.

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

I've only been using the Olay ProX for the last few days, but so far so good. I am using the Olay exfoliating cleanser and the Olay Night Recovery cream. My skin seems smoother and less flaky. I have sensitive skin (my cheeks get red when I use creams with hydroxy acids etc), but so far it seems to be OK. There are two speeds on the brush and neither seems to be too harsh. Then I again, I am going from nothing (wash with Dove in the shower), so anything is probably an improvement!

velvetychocolate

Veteran

I bought the Olay system at Costco - figuring if I liked it well enough, I'd then consider upgrading to the Clarisonic later on.

Here's the one I got from Costco:

http://www.costco.com/Browse/P.....38;eCat=BC|589|90378|51643&N=4045842&Mo=34&pos=11&No=21&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&cat=51643&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&lang=en-US&Sp=C&ec=BC-EC3418-Cat589&topnav=

It was a little less expensive in the warehouse, but I've also ordered stuff from Costco's website, and their online price includes shipping - shipping is very fast!

Meanwhile, I had a bit of trouble getting the battery into the brush, but eventually managed. Thing is? My skin didn't like the brush too well. For some reason, it made my face go quite red, so I think it was a little bit too harsh for me.

The good news? The tube of Olay Pro-X Exfoliating cleanser that came with the set is *excellent*. I have since purchased a two pack of the Olay Pro-X Exfoliating renewal cleanser (Costco again). I use it three or four times a week, in the morning, before showering. It does *not* make my face red, and smooths my skin like crazy. On other mornings I use the CeraVe cleanser or sometimes Exuviance gentle cleansing creme.

I will probably try the Olay brush itself again, but with a different, perhaps gentler cleanser. It might well be that the combination of the spinning brush plus the exfolating (slightly grainy) cleanser that came in the kit was a bit much.

All told though - my skin didn't seem to like the brush all that well, so I wasn't inclined to then try (as an upgrade) the Clarisonic. When I used the Olay brush with the cleanser that came in the set - I got bright red, sort of unhappy-looking skin. I don't know if this is normal - maybe if I'd used it at night, perhaps the redness would have calmed down by morning?

I am finding that the simplest, gentlest cleansers are best for me. However, I do think the Olay Pro-X Exfoliating cleanser in the tube that comes with the brush is quite good - does a nice polishing job without irritating my skin. Like I said though, I don't use it everyday. I treat it more like a "few times a week" treatment product in a way.

One last thing to consider - the Olay brush doesn't come with different brush heads - I believe the Clarisonic comes with a 'sensitive' or gentle brush head if you choose. In addition, I think my Sonicare toothbrush is *amazing* and I know that this is the same company that makes the Clarisonic facial cleansing brush. Still sort of tempted - in the hopes that the Clarisonic 'gentle' brush head might work out.

Looking forward to hearing more replies on this thread.

Makrame

Veteran

I am curious about this as well - I remember reading glowing reviews of Clarisonic on the Corporette web site and have been interested in trying it out but the cost has stopped me. Amazon has the the Clarisonic for $105, and I just got an e-mail from drugstore.com about a 20% sale on their sister website, beauty.com, which would make Clarisonic price under $100. Unfortunately, I don't have a coupon code I could share for that sale. I am very tempted to try it out.

christieanne

Veteran

I have a Clarisonic Mia but even though my skin is oily, it is still sensitive so I only use a couple times a week. I also use the sensitive brush. It does give an extra deep cleaning but really I use more for exfoliation than removing makeup.

How much exfoliation are you getting currently? If you use a chemical product like retin a or something strong, then a lot of manual exfoliation might be irritating or damage your skin. If you aren't a current user of exfoliates, then the Olay X might be a good start for you but don't overdo it. If you don't like for your face, it's nice to use on back and body too.

I would also use it with a very mild creamy cleanser at first - Cetaphil or whatever you are using now - to avoid a new combo of cleanser and brush. Introduce the new things slowly

The other thing I have read recently on these devices is to clean the brush with an anti bacterial wash.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I've had my current Clairsonic for about 4 years so they're pretty durable. I don't use it everyday though and I use the sensitive skin brush heads.

bella

(website)

Veteran

Christieanne made some very good points about combining different forms of exfoliation and brush care.
I think every Mia comes with a sensitive brush head. I started using it with a delicate brush head (even more lightweight than sensitive), so I can use it every day.
I also wash my brush head with antibacterial soap once a week and let it airdry. I've had mine for about 4 months, using it every day and I have only now placed an order for a new brush. I think the old brush is still good for body exfoliation.

cciele

Veteran

I read a dermatologist saying the brushes are basically equivalent of using a washcloth.

Anyhow, I have the Olay X and use it with the Olay exfoliating cleanser. It works really well -- I can see and feel a difference in my skin after I've used it (smooth and clearer). Don't have any comparison to the Clarisonic though.

nancylee

Veteran

Thanks for the insights, everyone. Lots of good advice here. My skin is not that sensitive, but it is a little dry and it is aging.... so I'm thinking that a little exfoliation is a good thing.

Christieanne, the Amazon price of $105 isn't bad for the Clarisonic....hmm.

Jjsloane

Veteran

I'll let you know what I think after I get mine from Mother's Day (it is late but supposed to arrive tomorrow) I have sensitive skin but also the visible pores and whiteheads so am curious to see how it works. Thanks for the advice on the brush heads and cleansers. I will proceed slowly.

I've seen them as low as $85 (it was a drugstore.com double off beauty or a dermstore.com 30% off)

Amy

(website)

Veteran

I love my Clarisonic Mia and use it most days, but I have *very* oily skin. It has improved the texture of my skin a lot. I haven't tried the Olay version, but my mother, who has dry skin, likes hers and uses it once in awhile for a pick-me-up. She does not use it daily.

christieanne

Veteran

Good to know that people are liking the OlayX brush - I might get one for DS to use in the shower. I guess then I could compare for myself lol.

I just checked and I have been using the delicate brush heads - I buy a pack of 3. I switch every 3 months since I only use a few times a week but I am paranoid about stuff like that - switch washcloths every night to a clean one too.

Good price nancylee - you might check ulta too if you have one in your area. They do combo packs and deals sometimes.

lynne

Veteran

I've had my Clarisonic for 2 years and love it. I like the fact that you can use different brushes with it. I use the gentle brush on my face and the body brush on my body. I saw a body handle for it the last time I was at Ulta but didn't buy it yet. Does the Olay version have different settings?

Anonymous

I had a horrible experience with the clarisonic. The exfoliation agravated my acne so much, I had to go to a much harder treatment to finally get rid of the breakout. It was horrible.

velvetychocolate

Veteran

Just a quick update:

I tried the Olay brush last night, but used CeraVe Hydrating cleanser with it instead of the Pro-X Exfoliating Renewal cleanser the brush came with. Much better! At least on my skin.

Seems the combination of the Olay Pro-X Exfoliating cleanser in conjunction with the spinning brush is just a little much for my skin, which has been becoming more sensitive lately.

I removed makeup with Neutrogena Oil-Free eye makeup remover and Pond's Cold Cream, and then did the actual cleaning with the Olay brush and the CeraVe hyrdrating cleanser. My skin was very smooth, soft and comfortable this morning. So, the Olay brush is good, and the exfoliating cleanser it comes with is *also* good, just that the two together are a little too powerful for me.

Just for the record, I don't think anyone should use one of these brushes to actually remove makeup. Somehow, the idea of a brush spinning makeup and cleaner around on one's face doesn't sound quite right to me.

nancylee

Veteran

Thanks for sharing your experiences (and those of others!), everyone. It sounds like the Clarisonic Mia (which is the smaller versions of the original Clarisonic...I think) might be a good choice for me. I like the idea of having a choice of brushes, and the smaller size would be good for travel. My Ulta stocks the brushes so replacing them won't be a problem. If anyone is looking, I found this 20% off coupon + free shipping:

http://www.beautybar.com/buy/B.....le&ut

Glad we're having this discussion!