SO before we get into this post, just know that I already knew the answer to this question but the nerd in me felt I had to go about testing so here goes.

I’ve been using various models of the Clarisonic since 2010: the Plus, the Mia, the Mia 2, and the latest Aria (see the differences between these and the brushes in my Clarisonic Guide). Clarisonic works by getting the skin six times cleaner than manual cleanser which results in your skincare products better penetrating the skin so they work much better. My brush head of choice has been the Deep Pore brush because it’s ideal for oily skin like mine (read more on the Clarisonic brush heads here). I love the Aria in particular because it has three speeds and allows me to customize my cleansing experience plus it’s a bit smaller in size than the Plus but also includes a USB charger making it travel-friendly like the Mia and Mia 2.

But the $29.99 Olay Pro X (I got mine for $21 at Walmart with price match) with its claims of being “as effective as a system sold by skin professionals for nearly $200,” made me curious to see if this claim had any merit. I get TONS of skincare questions either via social media or email, and aside from hyperpigmentation and how to start a skincare routine, Clarisonic questions are quite popular. So if there’s a comparable, less expensive version of something I like that I can recommend to price sensitive readers, I want to know about it.

Unfortunately, that’s not the case with the Olay Pro X.

First the Pro X is small. Not Mia or Mia 2 cute travel-size small, this thing is T-I-N-Y. Like I kept looking in the box it came in to see if I was missing an attachment because it was so small. But since size doesn’t always matter, I tried to not let that cloud my judgement.

Then there’s the fact that the Pro X works on 2 AA batteries. Grrr. I don’t know about you, but anything that runs on battery power annoys me…lol. I always seem to never have the right size when I need to replace and who wants to run to Walgreens at 11 PM because your face cleansing system is dead? You could use rechargeables though.

Then there’s the brush head. Attaching it to the device felt like it wasn’t secure enough (thankfully it stayed put while in use). But then there’s also the texture of the brush. As of now, Olay only sells this one brush head. You still want to replace the brush head every three months (replacements are $9.99 each) like you would with the Clarisonic, which isn’t a huge deal if your skin is tough enough to take on a brush this texture. I found it to be way too rough on my skin no matter the speed (Pro X has two speeds but I could barely detect the difference in each) and there’s no delicate brush option. It’s somewhat decent for cleansing, but the brush made me break out in little bumps across my face (an indicator that it was irritating me).

Another thing I didn’t like about Pro X is there’s no cover for the brush head. I clean the brush before and after use but it still makes me uncomfortable that the brush is exposed.

So now let’s talk price. Olay Pro X is $29.99 with replacement brushes in the $9.99 range. Clarisonic models range from $119-$169 for the Mia/Mia 2 and $199-$225 for the Aria and Plus with replacement brushes priced at one for $25 or two for $40. The Olay seems more attractive based on the price if you’re on a budget, but here’s why I say you’re better off with a Clarisonic:

*The Clarisonic Sonic Skin Cleansing Brush oscillates at over 300 movements per second to gently remove dirt and oil from the skin. It does not rotate. (this is particularly important since the rotation of the Pro X can be too strong for the skin as it was on mine)
*The brush heads for the Clarisonic Sonic Skin Cleansing Brush are antibacterial
*The Clarisonic Sonic Skin Cleansing Brush cleanses and does not exfoliate; it cleanses 6X better than manual cleansing
*The Clarisonic Sonic Skin Cleansing Brush is rechargeable and waterproof

Olay offers a 60-day money back guarantee (keep your receipt and give them a call at 866-710-7769 for info) if you want to give it a whirl while Clarisonic offers a 90-day one. Clarisonic also offers a 1-3 year warranty depending on the product.

More clarisonic…

Bottom line: I say save your money and get a Clarisonic (see which one to get here). Be on the look out for Sephora, Ulta, and Beauty.com sales periodically to see if you can save as much as 20% off.