All of us experience breakouts and hormonal flare-ups at times; it’s completely normal but it can be frustrating, especially as it always seems to happen when we have a big night out planned. We’d love to be able to snap our fingers and have spots magically disappear.
So, when we heard about the ZIIP Dot microcurrent spot treatment device, which claims to clear breakouts, reduce redness and shrink spots fast, we had to try it in the Good Housekeeping Institute beauty lab. We tested the high-tech skincare tool with 10 people who have real skin concerns – they all said they were breakout or acne prone. So, can it really banish the blemishes? Here's how it performed, according to our skincare-savvy panel.
What is the ZIIP Dot?
Pros
- Easy to set up and use
- Comfortable, compact and portable
- Clears up spots quickly and reduces redness
- Doesn't dry or irritate skin
Cons
- Expensive replacement gel
- Rotation motion may be tiring for some
Score: 92/100
The ZIIP Dot is a compact at-home microcurrent spot treatment device designed to target blemishes, acne and redness. Using low-level electrical currents and a conductive gel, it aims to speed up healing, reduce inflammation and prevent new breakouts from forming.
How we tested the ZIIP Dot
We recruited 10 panel members to trial the acne device over a period of a month. After the trial period, we asked them to give detailed feedback on ease of use, comfort and design, as well as telling us about any improvement in the redness, size, appearance and healing time of spots. They were also asked to consider how quickly they noticed improvements and whether spots continued to reoccur after using the product.
Our honest verdict on the ZIIP Dot
What we loved
It’s easy to use
Testers gave the device top marks for usability. Everyone agreed it was simple to set up, intuitive to control, and easy to clean and store. They also said the packaging was user-friendly and high quality.
It’s comfortable and lightweight
Our panel found the ZIIP Dot comfortable to use, with everyone agreeing it felt pleasant on the face. The microcurrent intensity was well tolerated, and most found the conductive gel soothing and to use, a little like being in the spa.
It improved the appearance of spots
This is where the ZIIP Dot really shines. Testers unanimously agreed the device improved the size, redness and appearance of active spots, shortened healing time, and didn’t dry out or irritate their skin. Impressive.
“It stopped my spots in their tracks,” said one tester. “Painful pimples came to the surface and cleared within a day or two.”. Another told us: “Redness was visibly reduced, and a spot on my chin was gone after three days.”
It’s great for travel
Thanks to its compact design, the ZIIP Dot is also travel friendly. Testers described it as “lightweight,” “sleek,” and “easy to carry around.” Its premium feel, fun shape and sunshine yellow hue also make it a delight to pull out as part of your skincare routine.
What we didn’t love
The conductive gel is expensive
Several panel members flagged the £49 cost of replacing the gel as a downside, and they estimated it would need replacing every 2-3 months. They suggested offering lower-cost alternatives or clearer guidance on compatible gels.
It’s tricky to use around the nose area
While the device worked well on most areas of the face, its shape made treating the sides of the nose difficult. “The large, round design made it hard to reach spots near my nose," said one tester, while another added, “It was tough to maintain contact with both metal plates around curved areas.”
Some found the rotation treatment technique tiring
A few users noted that having to rotate the device repeatedly during the six-minute treatment was tiring. “It would be better if the device moved automatically instead of needing to rotate it constantly,” one said.
Pros
- Easy to set up and use
- Comfortable, compact and portable
- Clears up spots quickly and reduces redness
- Doesn't dry or irritate skin
Cons
- Expensive replacement gel
- Rotation motion may be tiring for some
The final verdict: Is the ZIIP Dot worth it?
The ZIIP Dot is highly effective for shrinking active spots, reducing redness, and speeding up healing, according to everyone who tried it in our trial. While acne prevention results were slightly more mixed (2 out of three panellists told us they thought it prevented breakouts), the device clearly made a visible difference when treating existing blemishes, often within 24 to 48 hours.
If you're looking for a portable, easy-to-use skincare device that visibly improves spots fast, the ZIIP Dot delivers on its claims. It’s particularly effective when used in the early stages of a breakout, making it ideal for people with occasional acne or hormonal blemishes.
The only major downsides are the price of the conductive gel and slight awkwardness treating the nose area (where many do experience congested skin). But for those willing to invest, the panel unanimously agreed that they’d continue using the ZIIP Dot after the trial.
Shop the ZIIP Dot at ziip.co.uk.
How does the ZIIP Dot work?
We asked our beauty testing manager at the GHI, Maria Kumar, to answer a few questions about how the technology on this spot-busting bad boy works.
“The ZIIP Dot uses low level electrical stimulation to help keep those breakouts in check,” Kumar tells us. “Microcurrent stimulation has been shown to aid all phases of wound healing, which includes inflammation, spreading, and scarring. It also stimulates collagen production, strengthens the skin barrier and improves absorption of skincare.
“With any microcurrent device, a conductive gel is needed to feel that stimulation on the skin. The ZIIP Dot conductive gel includes anti-bacterial and soothing actives such as the patented Dendirclear (anti-bacterial agent) and soothing cucumber and aloe vera.”
How long is the treatment time?
“The treatment takes 90 seconds – that’s 60 seconds in TREAT mode and then the device automatically switches to 30 seconds in CALM mode for soothing,” Kumar explains.
How often should we use it?
“With any microcurrent device it’s recommended you use it 2-3 times a week. You should use your ZIIP DOT as soon as you feel a spot under the skin,” Kumar explains.
Can you give me a results timeline?
“The brand claims that spots can be treated in just 90 seconds and blemishes further reduced by 44% in 12 weeks,” Kumar observes. “Crucially, this does depend on the level of blemishes/acne you have and what they’re caused by. Overall, our testers (who were self-diagnosed with blemish prone skin) did see improvements after four weeks of use.”
Florence is our Senior Beauty Writer, specialising in expert-tested beauty and grooming reviews — from toothbrushes to the latest skincare launches. She’s committed to sharing recommendations for products that truly work and make people feel confident and healthy. Prior to this she was at Tropic Skincare, where she worked closely with biochemists in the lab, delving into the functions of each fresh, natural ingredient and conveying its efficacy to her audience in easy-to-digest terms.
With over five years’ experience in beauty and health journalism, Florence has written for ELLE, Women’s Fitness, Sister Magazine, National Geographic Traveller and many more, with a strong sustainability angle thread through much of her work.
When she isn’t packing for a trip away, working out, eating out or reading up on retinol serums, you’ll probably find her experimenting with her film camera and building her portfolio of portraits. Florence’s photography can be found at florencereeves-white.com, her Instagram is @florencereeveswhite and her twitter is @floreadsnwrites
