Which microneedling pen is best?

Question

Hi! I am choosing between 3 providers who all offer microneedling with PRF. Can someone please help me make sense of the options below? If they are all "created equal" then I will choose based on price. Provider 1: SkinPen (highest price) Provider 2: PRX pen or Cosmo Pen (best price) Provider 3: DermaPen and they also said the PRF equipment is BIO-PRF and providers trained under Dr. Miron (middle price)

Yasemin Aydinli, MD · Answer

Great question &mdash; and the fact that all three providers offer PRF (platelet-rich fibrin) is already a good sign, since PRF is one of the better add-ons for microneedling in terms of supporting collagen induction and healing.
To address your specific options: SkinPen is the only FDA-cleared microneedling device currently on the market in the United States, which gives it a regulatory advantage and a strong clinical evidence base &mdash; it's my first choice when available. The PRX pen and Cosmo Pen are imported devices that can perform well, but have less robust clinical data behind them. DermaPen is another solid device used widely in practices globally. As for BIO-PRF by Dr. Richard Miron &mdash; this is a well-regarded PRF protocol with good scientific backing, and providers trained in this system tend to be more meticulous about how PRF is prepared, which matters for outcomes.
If I were choosing, I'd lean toward Provider 1 (SkinPen) if budget allows, or Provider 3 (DermaPen + BIO-PRF) as a strong middle-ground option. That said, the skill and technique of the provider performing the treatment often matters more than the device itself &mdash; choose the provider you trust most.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

This is a great question, and the answer is a little more nuanced than simply choosing the “best” pen.

As a board-certified dermatologist, I can tell you that while the device matters, the provider’s experience, technique, treatment depth, patient selection, and aftercare often have a greater impact on your results than the specific microneedling pen being used.

Here's how I would think about your options:

Provider 1: SkinPen
SkinPen is one of the most recognized microneedling devices and was the first FDA-cleared microneedling device in the United States. It has strong clinical data supporting its use for acne scars and overall skin rejuvenation. If all other factors were equal, SkinPen has the advantage of extensive research and regulatory backing.

That said, excellent results are not guaranteed simply because a provider uses SkinPen. A skilled practitioner using another high-quality device may achieve comparable outcomes.

Provider 2: PRX Pen or Cosmo Pen
These devices can still produce good results, but they generally do not have the same level of published clinical evidence or name recognition as SkinPen or Dermapen. The quality of the treatment will depend heavily on the provider's expertise and how they perform the procedure.

If this provider has extensive experience and a strong portfolio of before-and-after results, the lower price point could make this a very reasonable option.

Provider 3: Dermapen with BIO-PRF
This option stands out to me. Dermapen is a well-respected microneedling device used worldwide and is widely regarded as comparable to SkinPen in terms of performance. The mention of BIO-PRF and training under Dr. Miron suggests that this provider may have invested significant effort into optimizing the platelet-rich fibrin portion of the treatment.

PRF quality can vary depending on how it is processed, and providers who have specialized training in this area may be able to maximize the regenerative benefits of the procedure.

How I Would Rank Them

If I were choosing based solely on the information provided:

Dermapen + BIO-PRF + specialized PRF training
SkinPen
PRX Pen / Cosmo Pen
What Matters Most

Before making your decision, I would ask each provider:

How many microneedling procedures do you perform each month?
Will the treatment be performed by the provider or delegated to staff?
What needle depth will be used for my specific concerns?
Can I see before-and-after photos of patients with concerns similar to mine?
How many sessions do you typically recommend?
What is included in the treatment price?

In my experience, a highly skilled provider using Dermapen or SkinPen will often produce better results than an inexperienced provider using the most expensive device available.

Based on the information you've shared, the Dermapen + BIO-PRF option appears to offer the strongest combination of technology, biologic enhancement, and specialized training while remaining more affordable than the highest-priced option.

Laser Skin Solutions - Portland · Answer

Choosing between multiple providers offering microneedling with Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) can be confusing, especially when each clinic uses a different device. While the device is an important component, the quality of your results ultimately depends on proper technique, sterile protocols, and the skill of the provider performing the treatment.Comparing Microneedling Devices SkinPen (Provider 1): SkinPen is widely recognized as the gold standard in automated microneedling. It is the first FDA-cleared microneedling device, backed by rigorous clinical safety studies, precision needle depth control, and a disposable sterile cartridge system that eliminates cross-contamination risks.DermaPen (Provider 3): Dermapen is a well-established, versatile, and widely used automated vertical needling system. Providers utilizing protocols like those from BIO-PRF and Dr. Richard Miron often combine these devices with advanced training in preparing concentrated growth factors, which can optimize healing and collagen induction.PRX-T33 / Cosmo Pen (Provider 2): Devices or combination protocols grouped in this tier often pair micro-channels with bio-revitalizing solutions (such as TCA-based blends like PRX). While effective for surface radiance and texture, it is important to clarify whether the device itself is a medical-grade, FDA-cleared motorized pen or a superficial stamping tool.Evaluating Your Options Beyond the Pen When deciding between these three providers, consider asking the following questions during your consultation:Provider Training & Experience: Who specifically is performing the procedure (an esthetician, nurse, or doctor), and what is their level of experience with scar remodeling and PRF integration?PRF Preparation Standards: Ask how the PRF is processed. Protocols rooted in specialized education (such as Dr. Miron's BIO-PRF standards) ensure higher concentrations of growth factors and leukocytes without chemical additives.Safety and Hygiene: Confirm that single-use, anti-contamination cartridges are used for every session.As an advanced licensed aesthetician at Laser Skin Solutions – Portland, I recommend looking beyond the brand name of the pen alone. Schedule a consultation with the provider whose clinical approach, hygiene standards, and expertise make you feel the most confident about your skin's safety and long-term results.

Viva Eve Dermatology - New York · Answer

Hi there!
This is a great question. As a rule of thumb, provider experience equals outcome. That being said, best microneedling results lie in the experience of the provider, and not in the device itself. A proper treatment should be highly customized to your own skin and aesthetic goals, and should be chosen not based on price but on safety and effectiveness. SkinPen is the only FDA approved microneedling device, where the others may just be FDA cleared or pending. 
Hope this helps!
Best,Eleni SgantzosBoard-Certified Dermatology PA

Which microneedling pen is best?

Answers (4)

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