Over the past year or so I’ve been using the “Derminator 2” (sold here – no affiliation). I learned about this device from a fellow creator: Derek from MorePlatesMoreDates. This post will be an unbiased and high-quality review of my experience with the product, general information, usage, results, cost, etc.
Hopefully, this will be of value and if you have any further questions – feel free to ask below.
Note: To be fully transparent – I have changed my views on microneedling itself and is now something I avoid doing. The risks don’t seem to be worth the rewards (if any) in my opinion. This is coming from someone who purchased a higher-end microneedling device.
About
The Derminator 2 is an automated microneedling device sold by European wellness company Vaughter Wellness. Many people opt to use an automated device due to the numerous advantages that it provides compared to a manual derma rolling tool. This device is of similar quality to what you would likely find when visiting a local clinic for aesthetic or medical treatment related to the microneedling of the face, scalp, or body.
- Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links so we may receive compensation if you sign up for or purchase products linked below from Amazon or other affiliated companies. Full Affiliate Disclosure. This post does not contain medical advice, we, Hardmaxing.com, are not medical doctors, this information is for general and educational purposes only. Full Medical Disclaimer.
If you want to learn more about microneedling in general, microneedling with an automated device versus a manual roller, or what depth to use then check out my previous posts on the topic: general microneedling guide, optimal microneedling depth.
You can check out more about the device on the product page if you want the specific details and their marketing views – but the reasons I ultimately purchased this product boil down to two main points:
- It is more efficient, reputable, and reliable compared to the “Dr. Pen” product lines.
- I didn’t want to use a manual derma rolling tool and compromise on efficacy, safety, etc.
Why this Device?
The way I view the market on microneedling devices is this: there are manual rolling devices (which I don’t even consider) and then for automated devices, there are the “Dr. Pen” microneedling devices and the Dermintor line of products.
As for the Dr. Pen option, you may consider it as well due to it being more affordable, easier to travel with, and potentially faster shipping times.
Ultimately I chose the Derminator 2 because it is simply the better option in nearly every way besides maybe the price and convenience of storing a slightly larger product.
Most “microneedling pens” you see are produced by the same manufacturer in China and are rebranded and sold by various sellers. This alone is not a bad thing, it just shows me that the brand is less likely to offer me support, warranty, parts, etc, when I need it because the seller didn’t produce the product.
You can also make an argument on the quality of the product itself, especially in comparison to something like the Derminator 2.
The Derminator 2 was created by what seems to be a smaller business with the creator specifically focused on creating the best products possible in this niche. I feel much more comfortable using a product like this for those reasons alone and we haven’t even gotten into the actual efficacy yet.
The main idea behind the Derminator 2 (pictured above) is that it has a separate block entirely for power.
This allows for greater force and therefore precision when microneedling.
In continuation of the logic that manual rolling devices cause greater negative damage to the skin compared to automated devices, it seems as though the Derminator 2 device offers the greatest amount of precision and force possible.
This in theory leads to the least amount of negative damage like tearing while still getting that acute damage we want for regrowth.
Here is an image from Owndoc themselves – although it certainly has the potential to be biased I think the image represents my point well.
This image compares manual microneedling rollers (left) to automated devices (right) – we still get that acute damage we want without the skin tearing so heavily which is a potential negative.
This is what I’m talking about in terms of comparing the Derminator 2 with a Dr. Pen-type device. It seems that the Derminator 2 is overall a better choice with this in mind.
Usage
Usage is fairly straightforward – you just need to unpack the device when you receive it and it’s plug-and-play. In terms of swapping out needle cartridges, you just twist and lock in the cartridges to place them in and then twist to take them out.
You flip the device on with a master power switch and the device will question you on what needle amount you are using (so that it can adjust how it works for optimal use), you then choose your speed (use fast), and nothing will happen at this point until you choose your depth at which point the device will start needling at the chosen depth, you just cycle up or down until you are ready.
From there you just glide over your scalp with the “pen” block section of the product until you are finished and then turn off the machine and discard the used cartridge.
Sound
The only complaint I would have with this device is that it is fairly loud – it doesn’t personally bother me but when it gets close to my ears it’s something you are aware of in terms of how long you use the product at a proximity to the ears. For short-term use, it’s likely not an issue but if you are microneedling a few times a month for 10-15 minutes each time near the ears (face, scalp, etc) then you may consider some sort of cheap earplugs or something of that nature. Just something to be aware of.
Results
The performance of this product is what you’d expect from the price and brand image: quality. I have a routine of microneedling at .75 mm around once a month but I cannot say if any regrowth I have was due to this or from finasteride I use in combination.
I specifically can target areas I want the most regrowth in such as my hairline, temples, and crown. For around 1 or 2 days after a session, I have a slight red hue in the areas I needed but I like this effect – it’s like a temporary red SMP tattoo.
When using optimal settings you shouldn’t notice excessive bleeding at all, maybe slightly during the process.
Again – for more information on why I only use .75 mm for this device specifically you should check out my other post on the optimal length. In short, because the device is so precise and accurate some researchers and content creators have theorized that automated microneedling devices may be hitting their exact advertised depths while manual devices don’t.
Considering a lot of the studies are on manual rolling devices there is a discrepancy between depth and effectiveness with automated devices. It is my opinion based on a few studies and overall logic that .60 – .80 mm for this type of device is most effective.
Cost & Ordering
The Derminator 2 device itself costs $199 while the 12-pack needle cartridges cost $4 each. I don’t remember the shipping being bad at all, which is surprising coming from a European-based company (I live overseas). As far as I can recall the shipping price and time of shipping itself were insignificant.
Needle Cartridges
Being that the needle cartridges should be swapped out after every microneedling session, I decided to buy mine in bulk – just because I didn’t want to be ordering frequently.
You can choose needle cartridges in the following options: 1 needle cartridge for $3 each, 9 needle cartridges for $4 each, or 12 needle cartridges for $4 each as well.
I personally just picked up the 12-needle cartridges for purposes of hair and scalp specifically. I think 9 needles are for if you want to go with higher depths which we don’t want. 1 needle cartridges are used for extremely fine microneedling such as acne scars, etc, as far as I’m aware.
Microneedling Safety
To save money some users online choose to use the same needle cartridge multiple times cleaning it in an alcohol solution. I would strongly suggest never doing this. Microneedling is not something to be taken lightly at all – people using manual rollers and people using the same cartridges for multiple sessions scare me.
You are legitimately piercing your skin (an organ) – this is a process that needs to be approached with extreme care and this is why I choose the products and routines that I do.
When you don’t use fresh sterilized needles from sealed packages you are risking bacteria to some extent. When you microneedle in the first place you are already taking risks – it doesn’t seem logical to compound further your risk of infection, skin tearing, etc.
To continue on my rant about safety – I would also avoid using any products on my scalp for 24 hours after microneedling. You will still be creating plenty of opportunity for enhanced absorption of topicals but for those first 24 hours, you need to think about the fact that some of these products were never meant to reach levels that deep within the skin.
Again, my intention is not to spread fear or misinformation but I want to caution you to think through what you do in terms of safety vs saving a few dollars or minutes.
Conclusion
Overall if you are in the market for an automated microneedling device I would recommend just tanking the higher upfront cost and getting something quality like this – you know this will last for a long time and if not the company is there to provide parts, support, etc.