AuraLux Microcurrent Gel: Full Review and How to Get the Best Results
The AuraLux microcurrent gel is Berkland's entry into the growing category of purpose-formulated conductive gels for at-home facial devices. If you're using a microcurrent tool — NuFace, ZIIP, MyoLift, or any similar device — and you've been spending on branded primer gel or improvising with aloe vera, this review breaks down exactly how the AuraLux gel compares and what makes it worth considering as your daily driver.
The core question with any auralux microcurrent gel or competing product: does it actually conduct current efficiently throughout a full session, or does it dry out, streak, or produce inconsistent device contact? We'll cover the formula, the application experience, how it stacks up against branded alternatives, and the small technique adjustments that make a real difference in results.
What AuraLux Microcurrent Gel Is Designed to Do
The AuraLux gel is formulated as a dedicated conductive medium for microcurrent, RF (radiofrequency), and EMS facial devices. This matters because those three device categories have the same fundamental requirement: a water-based, low-resistance medium that maintains continuous contact between the metal electrode and the skin surface throughout the treatment.
What separates a purpose-built microcurrent gel from an improvised alternative is the formulation balance:
Conductivity: The gel must have sufficient dissolved ionic content — from aloe vera, glycerin, and electrolyte components — to carry current with low resistance. High resistance means the current is being partially blocked, and you're getting less of the treatment than the device is capable of delivering.
Viscosity: Too thin and the gel runs off the face, breaks contact under the device, and requires constant reapplication. Too thick and the gel creates a buffering layer that slightly impedes electrode contact. AuraLux targets a medium-weight gel consistency — noticeably thicker than water or thin serums, thinner than a loofah-grade product.
Session durability: A five-minute microcurrent session involves the gel being spread across the full face, worked under a metal electrode repeatedly, and exposed to body heat and friction. Gels with high alcohol content evaporate quickly under these conditions. The AuraLux formula is water-and-aloe based with a low alcohol profile, maintaining its consistency throughout a standard session without requiring mid-session reapplication in most conditions.
No insulating ingredients: The formula is silicone-free. Dimethicone and cyclomethicone — found in many mainstream moisturizers and some serums — are electrical insulators. They create a thin film that blocks current penetration to the tissue depth where microcurrent is effective. The AuraLux gel's absence of silicone means current reaches the muscle fascia rather than being partially reflected at the skin surface.
Formula Breakdown
The AuraLux microcurrent gel leads with:
Aloe barbadensis leaf juice: The primary base and conductivity carrier. Aloe is naturally high in polysaccharides and ionic compounds that provide electrical conductivity. It's also deeply hydrating and anti-inflammatory — it actively benefits the skin during the session rather than just enabling device contact.
Glycerin: A humectant that draws moisture into the skin and maintains the gel's viscosity without adding resistive compounds. Glycerin contributes to the gel's ability to stay workable throughout the session.
Panthenol (vitamin B5): Supports skin barrier repair and hydration. Included in the formula to provide active benefit during the treatment window, not just as a filler.
No fragrance, no alcohol: Both are common sensitizers that can cause issues in the post-microcurrent skin state when permeability is temporarily elevated. The fragrance-free, low-alcohol formulation is appropriate for use around the eye area.
Application Experience
On skin, the AuraLux gel applies with a slightly cool, lightweight texture that spreads easily across the face without initial tacking or resistance. It doesn't feel like a thick serum — it's more like a thin layer of well-formulated aloe gel with a slightly more sustained presence on the skin.
Under the device:
- The electrode glides smoothly without dragging
- No significant drying in the first 5 minutes — adequate for a standard full-face session
- For longer sessions (10+ minutes for ZIIP users), light reapplication at the midpoint is recommended
- No residue that's difficult to remove — rinses clean with water in one rinse
Device contact feedback (for devices that provide audio or visual contact indication): consistent signal throughout the session, with the "no contact" indicator only triggering when technique issues (lifting the device or insufficient gel layer) are the cause, not formulation performance.
How It Compares to Other Gels
vs. NuFace Gel Primer: The NuFace primer is the category benchmark. The AuraLux gel performs at a comparable level for current conductivity and session durability. The NuFace primer has a slightly lighter initial texture; the AuraLux has marginally better staying power in warmer conditions (helpful if you run warm or work in a heated room). Both are silicone-free aloe-based formulations. The practical difference for most users is cost — branded primer commands a significant premium per ounce over third-party options with comparable formulation chemistry.
vs. Pure aloe vera gel (DIY): Unformulated aloe vera gel (the kind sold for sunburn) works reasonably but has two limitations: it dries faster under device contact (shorter usable session window) and the glycol/alcohol stabilizers in many commercial aloe gels can actually reduce conductivity. AuraLux's formulated version addresses both these issues. For occasional users, pure aloe works acceptably; for daily device users, the formulated gel is worth the upgrade.
vs. Regular serum or moisturizer: Not in the same category. Any product with silicone, mineral oil, or a significant oil phase is an insulator. People who use their regular skincare with their microcurrent device and don't see results should switch to a purpose-formulated conductive gel — this one change often transforms the efficacy of their existing device routine.
| Product | Conductivity | Session Hold | Silicone-Free | Fragrance-Free |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AuraLux Microcurrent Gel | Excellent | Full 5-8 min | Yes | Yes |
| NuFace Gel Primer | Excellent | Full 5-8 min | Yes | Yes |
| Pure aloe vera gel | Good | 3-5 min | Yes | Usually |
| Regular HA serum | Variable | 3-4 min | Variable | Variable |
| Standard moisturizer | Poor | N/A (insulating) | Usually no | Variable |
Best Practices for Using AuraLux Gel
Apply generously. The most common microcurrent technique mistake is under-applying the gel. You should have a visible, shiny wet layer on the skin — not a thin film that's barely perceptible. Apply more than you think you need, especially for the first session with any new gel.
Start with clean skin. No existing moisturizer, sunscreen, or makeup under the gel. Previous product layers (especially any containing silicone) reduce conductivity. Cleanse, then apply gel directly.
Work section by section. For a standard 5-minute face protocol, divide the face into sections (forehead, cheeks, jawline, under-eye area) and work each section before the gel dries. Add fresh gel if a section looks dry before you've finished it.
The device should glide, not drag. Dragging means contact resistance is rising. Add more gel immediately when you feel any resistance — this isn't about comfort, it's about current delivery.
Rinse off after the session. The gel is a treatment delivery medium, not a leave-on product. Apply your follow-up serum and moisturizer after rinsing, to clean, post-treatment skin.
Who This Is For
Daily NuFace or ZIIP users who are burning through branded gel at its full retail cost and want a comparable-performing alternative at a lower cost-per-session.
New at-home microcurrent users starting their device routine who want a purpose-formulated gel without locking into a device manufacturer's branded product chain from day one.
RF or multi-modality device users whose devices require a conductive gel but for which no branded gel is sold (many RF home devices don't come with gel and direct you to find a compatible product).
What We Recommend
AuraLux Microcurrent Gel — Purpose-formulated conductive gel for microcurrent, RF, and EMS facial devices. Silicone-free, fragrance-free, aloe-based, with the conductivity and session durability to replace branded device primers without a compromise in performance.
- Comparable conductivity and viscosity to NuFace Gel Primer
- Full 5-8 minute session durability without mid-session reapplication
- Formulated without silicone insulators — current reaches treatment depth
- More accessible price point per ounce vs. branded device gels
For users who need a gel that handles both microcurrent and RF in the same product, this covers both without requiring separate purchases for each device category.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AuraLux microcurrent gel compatible with NuFace devices?
Yes. NuFace devices work with any water-based, silicone-free conductive gel — they have no mechanism to detect or verify which gel brand is in use. The compatibility is about formulation (water-based, low resistance, appropriate viscosity), not brand matching. AuraLux meets all the criteria for compatible use with NuFace Trinity, NuFace Mini, and other NuFace models.
How much gel should I use per session?
A typical full-face session uses 3-5ml of gel — roughly a tablespoon. This is more than most users initially apply. If you finish a session and the gel layer looks dry or patchy on any area of your face, you were under-applying. More gel means more consistent electrode contact and more effective current delivery.
Can I use AuraLux gel for RF devices like Tripollar or at-home Thermage?
Yes. RF devices require a conductive coupling gel to transfer radiofrequency energy into the skin efficiently. Water-based gels that are silicone-free work well for RF devices. The same AuraLux formulation serves both microcurrent and RF applications effectively.
What should I apply after the microcurrent gel?
After rinsing off the gel, apply your active serums first (hyaluronic acid, peptides, any treatment actives), then your moisturizer. The post-microcurrent window (1-2 hours) has elevated skin permeability, so your serums will absorb more effectively during this period. Skip retinol and high-concentration vitamin C for 24 hours post-treatment.
How long does one bottle of AuraLux gel last?
At 3-5ml per daily session, a standard 2oz (60ml) bottle lasts 12-20 sessions. For daily users, plan on roughly one bottle per month. For 3x-per-week maintenance users, one bottle lasts 4-6 weeks. Multi-packs reduce the per-session cost if you're a regular user.
You might also like:
- NuFace Gel Alternative: Best Conductive Gels for Microcurrent Devices
- Conductive Gel for Microcurrent Devices: How to Choose and Use It Correctly
- Microneedling Serum: What to Apply Before and After Your Session
Related reading:
- NuFace Gel Alternative: Best Conductive Gels for Microcurrent Devices
- Conductive Gel for Microcurrent Devices: How to Choose and Use It Correctly
Shop this product: AuraLux Microcurrent Gel on Berkland Goods
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