Small but mighty? Kica facial massager review
13.1.2026
Translation: Katherine Martin
Pictures: Natalie Hemengül
A bit of relaxation, pampering and a lifting effect. In theory, all facial care gadgets sound great. But does Kica’s Facial Massager live up to the hype?
Facial beauty gadgets aren’t exactly my passion. They cost extra money, space and time. Setting them up, using them, cleaning them, charging them, etc. As yet, I haven’t come across a single device that I’d say is worth it in the long run! Nevertheless (or perhaps because of this?), I keep trying out skincare devices such as the one from Kica.
According to the packaging, this device is simply called a «skincare device». A bit vague, right? Kica’s official website gets us a bit closer to its true purpose: «4-in-1 Smart Facial Massager». I like massages.
What’s included:
- Device
- Magnetic ring attachment
- Charging dock
- USB-C cable
- Instructions
What the facial massager claims to do
It takes me an astonishing amount of time to work it all out. There are so many features, modes, processes and combinations. My head’s spinning. I’ll take you through it.
Basically, the facial massager uses:
- Heat therapy at 43 °C to widen the pores and stimulate blood circulation.
- Pulsating movements designed to mimic the tapping motions of your fingers (down to 2.5 mm), ensuring that the active ingredients from your skincare product penetrate deeper into the skin.
- Microcurrent to stimulate regeneration as well as collagen and elastin production at the cellular level.
- EMS (electrical muscle stimulation) – a bit like a workout for your facial muscles – to create more defined facial contours. You can choose between 8Hz, 16Hz, 20Hz and 40Hz.
These four operating elements are combined in four different modes. Each one uses different features, listed in the user manual. You can also choose between four intensity levels in all modes. Each mode runs for three minutes, then the device goes into standby mode.
Are you still with me? We’ll get through the dry theory part soon, I promise.
The modes are:
Repair to relax the face.
Ion Export to remove impurities and make-up. To use it, attach a cotton or make-up remover cloth (not included) with make-up remover to the device using the magnetic ring attachment.
**Ion Import to work the active ingredients deep into the skin.
Lift to tighten the skin.
I found movement instructions for each step in the booklet. Kica recommends a three-step sequence of repair, import and lift and about three to five minutes’ daily use, but you can also use other combinations.
The device itself
At 127 grammes, the skincare device isn’t exactly lightweight, but it has a pleasant weight to it. It’s about the size of a mini computer mouse, making it perfect for my tiny hands. The massager also barely takes up any space in the bathroom. Overall, it feels high-quality.
I’m surprised by how much of a punch this little device packs: it taps, vibrates, warms and stimulates as if it were ready to clock in on a construction site. And you can always adjust the settings across four levels using the plus and minus buttons. An LED display on the back and the light ring on the contact surface show the current settings. Very handy. However, the buttons are a bit stiff to press.
The issue
Originally, I’d planned to write a comprehensive review – a long-term test that would also look at any changes in my skin. But now I’m having to backtrack a bit. The facial massager sat in my medicine cabinet for two months, but I only used it about 15 times at most. Why? There are several reasons…
Too much information
I know it sounds a bit stupid. But I think a device needs to strike a healthy balance between the number of functions it offers and its actual purpose: in this case, relaxation and care. The theory (manual and website) was practically homework, and the manual became my constant companion as a reference book. I constantly felt like I was forgetting something or doing something wrong. Of course, you can look at the complexity from two perspectives: cool that such a tiny device offers so many settings, or horror and confusion about where the spa vibe’s gone. I tend towards the latter.
You need a lot of slip
According to Kica, I should apply a gel, essence, lotion or serum after cleansing my face and before using the device so that it can glide smoothly. That gets absorbed after just one minute, so I have to reapply my serum. I wouldn’t have needed it all without the device. I then only used lift mode and switched to almond oil, as this kept the massager gliding smoothly for a long time. However, this made cleaning it more difficult.
A lot of settings, but I only liked one
The lift mode was virtually the only one I found soothing, as it maintained a pleasant vibration (instead of tapping) across all levels. However, I’d have liked to feel some warmth there as well. Despite the 43 °C temperature, the tapping in the other modes didn’t really warm me up.
Shape
The round contact surface is actually the perfect size and shape for the lower cheek area. However, I don’t feel that the design’s good for facial contours – cheekbones, jawline and around the nose.
Cleaning
It’s fine, and uncomplicated (as long as there’s no oil involved). But it adds another few minutes to my evening routine. You have to moisten a cotton pad, then carefully wipe it along the grooves. Precision work!
In a nutshell
It can do a lot – just not what I’d like it to
I have mixed feelings. I think the device is very capable and extremely powerful for its compact size. That’s why I’m giving it four stars. But it’s not perfect for ME. I prefer vibration to tapping. Unfortunately, this isn’t available in all modes and at all levels. And I feel its lift mode – which I use most often – is missing a heat function. What’s more, the shape of its round, flat contact surface doesn’t fit facial contours as effortlessly as I’ve seen and experienced with other devices.
In the short term, my face feels plump with good circulation immediately after use. I don’t see anything improving in the long term. Not because the device is bad, but because it couldn’t engage me and my laziness.
Pro
- Small and compact, including the charging station
- Four power levels across four modes
- Magnetic ring attachment for attaching a make-up remover wipe
- High-quality finish and powerful performance
Contra
- It takes time to work out all the functions
- The grooved contact surface makes cleaning tricky
- Uses a lot of serum
- Buttons a bit stiff to use
Header image: Natalie Hemengül
Natalie Hemengül
Senior Editor
Natalie.Hemenguel@digitecgalaxus.chAs a massive Disney fan, I see the world through rose-tinted glasses. I worship series from the 90s and consider mermaids a religion. When I’m not dancing in glitter rain, I’m either hanging out at pyjama parties or sitting at my make-up table. P.S. I love you, bacon, garlic and onions.
Beauty
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