[Review] 990,000 Won Beauty Device... Convenient Voice Guidance, Effectiveness in Question

Beauty Device Review: AtHome 'THE GLOW' Experience
Voice Guidance Makes It Easy to Use
Lightweight and Simple Maintenance
Uncertain Skin Improvement Results

During the COVID-19 pandemic, beauty devices that were praised for bringing dermatology treatments into the home emerged. Instead of expensive dermatology procedures, products that allow easy skin care at home were released one after another. While cost-effective products priced around 100,000 KRW were selling like hotcakes, a premium beauty device close to 1,000,000 KRW appeared. The main character is ‘THE GLOW,’ a droplet ultrasound device officially launched last month by lifestyle appliance company AtHome.

THE GLOW is a product that claims to be a 4th generation beauty device. It rapidly alternates vibration energy at frequencies of 3 MHz and 10 MHz, which are used in dermatology for droplet lifting procedures, to evenly deliver it to the skin. According to the company, this can address skin concerns such as radiance, elasticity, and hydration.

The first impression was neat. Inside the ivory-colored product case were a straight-shaped main body, a charging stand, a USB-C type charging cable, a product manual, and a warranty certificate. On the front of the main body, there is a 30 mm head that contacts the skin and various indicator lights, while the back consists of buttons to select stimulation intensity levels from 1 to 3 and a speaker. A full charge takes about 30 minutes, and one charge allows for 15 to 18 uses.

The product offers three modes: FOCUS, INNER, and TENSIONG, each focusing on improving radiance, moisture, and elasticity respectively. When the power button is turned on, a voice guide says, “Starting Focus mode. Please roll upward from below the right cheek for 3 minutes.” After 3 minutes, another voice says, “Please roll upward from below the left cheek for 3 minutes,” which was convenient.

The dedicated ampoule, ‘Hyaluronic Spicule Skin Booster,’ was used together. This product contains seven types of hyaluronic acid and micro spicules. Apply the ampoule evenly over the entire face and gently massage the face using THE GLOW. After use, any remaining ampoule on the face should be naturally absorbed.

The advantage of THE GLOW was its convenience. The main body weighs 137g, lighter than the Apple iPhone 16 (170g), so using it for 12 minutes did not strain the wrist. After use, the head part can be wiped with a dry towel or wet tissue for easy maintenance. Also, the voice guidance over time allows for comfortable use while watching TV. The fact that one charge allows multiple uses was also convenient.

The downside was that despite using it about three times a week, no immediate skin improvement effects were experienced. Right after using the product, the combined effect of the ampoule made the skin feel moist and the texture seemed improved. However, by the next morning, the skin returned to its original state.

Regarding the dedicated ampoule ‘Hyaluronic Spicule Skin Booster,’ it was also disappointing that the skin felt irritated when used with the beauty device. When the ampoule was evenly applied over the entire face, the micro spicules contained in the product caused skin irritation.

The biggest drawback is the price. THE GLOW’s retail price is 999,000 KRW. The discounted price on Naver Shopping is 699,000 KRW. Although it is cheaper than regularly receiving dermatology treatments, it is less cost-effective compared to competing products.