How it’ll save you money

Let’s get one thing straight: I take my glow seriously.

After more than five years as a beauty writer and product tester, I’ve tried just about every gadget, serum and LED contraption promising to deliver “glass skin.” My bathroom has, at various points, looked like a cross between a spa and a sci-fi movie set. I’ve been steamed, zapped, suctioned and exfoliated in the name of journalism (and I regret none of it).

So when Shark (yes, the same brand known for vacuuming your floors) decided to vacuum pores with its new FacialPro Glow, I knew I had to put it to the test. Could this sleek little device really bring pro-level facial results home? Spoiler alert: it surprised me — in more ways than one.

What Makes Shark’s New At‐Home Facial System Different?

The FacialPro Glow doesn’t just claim “home facial”; it actively leans into replicating a professional-level spa experience. For one, this isn’t your standard manual facial tool: it’s engineered with a dual-pump system that extracts impurities and simultaneously infuses hydration. According to Shark, the device delivers a built‐in “gunk tank” where you can literally see the debris it pulls from your skin (think: used makeup, oil, dead skin cells) before rehydration kicks in.

The second major draw is the contrast therapy head (branded “DePuffi”) that offers hot and cold temperature levels to aid circulation, de-puff, sculpt and calm the skin. Most at-home devices either exfoliate/hydrate or do a simple massage; this one brings thermal sculpting into the mix. The ability to switch between a cryogenic effect (goodbye under-eye bags) and warmth for better skin product absorption gives it that spa-meets-gadgets feel.

Also worth noting: the formulas included. The kit comes with its own Derm Detox AHA/BHA exfoliating gel and Hydro Infuse hydrator, developed with a Korean skincare lab. These aren’t afterthought additions; they’re engineered to work hand-in-glove with the tech. For example, glycolic and salicylic acids to clear and renew, then hyaluronic acid + peptides to plump and hydrate.

Finally, ease of use: the team behind it clearly intended for this to be used at home without needing a professional. The instructions suggest the full routine can take around 10 minutes. You fill the tank, choose your attachments and tips, perform the extraction/hydration, then finish with the DePuffi. Despite a slight learning curve, the steps became intuitive after a couple of uses.

To use, start with a clean, dry face, apply the exfoliating gel, attach the extraction head to allow the device to suction out gunk, and then use the hydration serum and tank to infuse moisture. Finally, switch to the DePuffi attachment and select the hot or cold mode to sculpt and soothe.

Compatible serums: Derm Detox Exfoliating Gel (20 mL), Hydro Infuse Hydrator (80 mL) | Tips included: Normal Wide Tip, Normal T-Zone Tip, Gentle Wide Tip, Gentle T-Zone Tip | Temperature range (DePuffi): 6 temperature settings (from chill to warm) | Suction & dual-pump system: One tank for clean water, one for waste water and debris

---

After unboxing the Shark FacialPro Glow, I felt like a beauty-tech mad scientist gearing up for a glow experiment. I charged it, cleansed my face as usual and tip-swapped between the gentle “wide tip” for my cheeks and the “T-zone tip” for my nose and surrounding areas.

The suction felt firm but controllable; I kept it on a mid-setting first so I wouldn’t leave red marks. After about ten minutes, I peeked into the waste tank — as expected, there was oil and some leftover makeup (I know—gross but satisfying.)

Then came the hydration phase: the Hydro Infuse serum filled the tank, and the device gently spread it across my face. My skin felt plumper, quenched and refined. Then, using the DePuffi head, I chose a cold setting (because those early-morning bags are real). I glided the tip around my temples, under-eyes and jawline. I could feel the coolness, and by the end, my face indeed felt tighter, firmer. The next morning, I woke up and genuinely thought, “Huh, my skin looks clearer and less… puffy.” A true win.

How to use it & how it works

Ahead, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to properly use the Shark FacialPro Glow after getting used to its learning curve:

1. Prep: Cleanse your face, pat dry. Attach the selected tip. Ensure the device is fully charged (or plugged in).
2. Exfoliate and extract: Apply the Derm Detox gel (AHA/BHA) to the face; then use the suction head with the clean water tank to glide over your skin, allowing the device to pull out oil, debris and dead skin. The dual-tank system ensures waste goes into the waste tank for visible proof.
3. Hydration infusion: Switch tanks to load the Hydro Infuse hydrator; run the device to infuse the serum into the skin while circulating water and serum. This helps replenish moisture that was lost or compromised in the exfoliation step.
4. DePuffi sculpt: Remove the extraction head and attach the DePuffi. Choose hot or cold temperature (6 levels) and glide across areas you want to de-puff, sculpt or enhance circulation — temples, under eyes, jawline. Finish with your usual moisturizer or SPF.
5. Aftercare & cleaning: Empty and rinse the waste tank, wipe down the device and attach the protective cap. Avoid sun exposure for a short time post-treatment and use gentle sunscreen. The device FAQs remind users to adjust suction if it feels too strong, swap the tip if it feels too aggressive and not to expect the waste tank to look dramatic indefinitely (this is important if your skin is less congested).

Benefits and side effects

The Shark FacialPro Glow delivers a suite of benefits that make it a standout at-home facial device, and I’ve certainly noticed clearer pores, improved hydration and a visible glow.

The built-in thermal sculpting mode offers an additional perk, reducing puffiness and giving the face a firmer, more lifted look. Beyond the immediate results, the treatment also enhances the absorption of other skincare products, helping serums and moisturizers penetrate more effectively into my skin.

That said, there are a few potential side effects and caveats to keep in mind. In the video, you can see that I looked a little nervous once my face turned red. However, that’s temporary. My skin is ultra-sensitive, so I was nervous about irritation, but I experienced none.

Additionally, while the device is effective for routine maintenance, it won’t completely remove large blackheads. It primarily targets sebaceous filaments and helps prevent future congestion, but deep extractions may still require a professional. In short, it won’t replace your facialist, but it is the next best thing.

Additionally, the cost of upkeep — including replacement serums and treatment tips — can add up over time, making it a somewhat high-maintenance investment despite its spa-like results. However, I would replace the included serums with any of my favorites I see fit.

Who is it best designed for?

If I were to give the Shark FacialPro Glow a superlative, it would easily be the “best spa-equivalent at-home facial tool under $500.” The reason is simple: it offers a complete, multi-step treatment — exfoliate, extract, hydrate and sculpt — all in one compact machine. The results are impressively close to what you’d expect from a professional facial, with noticeably smoother, clearer and more radiant skin after just one session.

Both my own experience and countless user reviews on TikTok (hey, Alix Earle) echo the same sentiment: this device delivers visible, immediate improvements that make at-home skincare feel truly elevated.

I’d name the FacialPro Glow as a fitting device for skincare enthusiasts who already maintain a consistent ritual and are looking to take it up a notch. It particularly benefits those with oily or combination skin and visible congestion or puffiness, as it helps refine texture and enhance glow. It’s also a great fit for busy professionals who don’t have time for frequent spa visits but still crave that refreshed, post-facial look.

Anyone who enjoys beauty tech and doesn’t mind investing a bit of time and money into regular upkeep will likely find it rewarding.

Listen, after having the best facial of my life in South Korea (I’m still thinking about it), I can say that the quality won’t compare to K-beauty standards, but it is a bit more convenient to charge up my Shark at home, considering I don’t have any major facial concerns besides slight sensitivity and occasional dryness.

However, it’s not ideal for everyone. Those with very sensitive or rosacea-prone skin may want to steer clear, as the suction could potentially trigger irritation. It’s also not the right choice for people hoping for a quick, one-minute gadget.

Final Verdict: Is the Shark FacialPro Glow worth it?

After putting the device through its paces, I wholeheartedly believe the Shark FacialPro Glow is worth it —for the right person. If you’re committed to a home facial routine and have the budget, this device punches above its weight in the at-home category. The extraction clarity, the hydration boost, the sculpting: all of these gave me real, tangible results.

One use and my skin looked glossier, smoother, less congested; after a couple of uses, I noticed my midday oiliness was better controlled, my pores less visible and my skin felt holistically rejuvenated.

That said, this isn’t for everyone. The investment is significant, the consumables add recurring cost, and it won’t fully replicate a multi-hour professional facial. Still, it’s arguably the closest I’ve seen for in-home use. If you treat it as a weekly ritual, follow the instructions and maintain perspective on results, I’d say: yes — go for it. If you’re curious but cautious, maybe keep an eye out for a sale or bundle.

How I tested

Here’s how I pushed the FacialPro Glow through my 5-point tester with as much personality and creativity as I could muster:

• “Gunk Tank” Visual Proof Test“: I examined what came out of my pores: the waste tank was my “beauty CSI” moment. If it looked full, I knew the extraction had real work to do.
• Glow and Texture Checker: After the session, I assessed how my skin looked and felt. Did it “pop?” Was my T-zone less congested? Did makeup glide on smoother the next day?
• Comfort and Usability Trial: I timed my routine, noted whether I felt confident using it, whether the suction felt comfortable, whether the attachments were easy to swap and how well the DePuffi felt on skin.
• Sculpting and De-puff Performance: I used the cold and warm modes, especially under my eyes and jawline, checked overnight results for puffiness or tightness and compared sides (cold versus warm) to feel the difference.
• Repeat Use and Maintenance Check: I used it a few times over two weeks, observing the rigor of results over time: was the glow repeatable? Did the waste tank show less debris, indicating improved skin? How easy was cleaning and upkeep? How much did I feel like I was investing in upkeep?

---

This article was written by Victoria McDonnell, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what’s truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria’s latest conquests include testing the best vitamin C serums on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos of 2025. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.

---