Reseen Glow vs Solawave Wand: An Honest Solawave Alternative Comparison

Quick verdict: Choose the Solawave 4-in-1 Skincare Wand if you want an FDA-cleared device at a lower price ($169), with a 60-day money-back trial and a single 630nm red wavelength. Choose Reseen Glow ($249) if you want three wavelengths in one wand (blue, red and near-infrared), VCSEL-based light, EMS, and a light mode that needs no serum. Know that Glow's FDA 510(k) clearance is still pending.

At a glance

Info checked: October 2026.

Light source: LED vs VIPE™ VCSEL

Solawave's wand uses LEDs. Its product page lists 14 LEDs driven by 7 dual-core chips, and the FDA 510(k) summary lists the output at 630nm ± 10nm, with an irradiance of 55 mW/cm².

Glow runs on VIPE™, Reseen's VCSEL Intelligent Photonic Engine. A VCSEL (vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser) emits a narrower beam than a conventional LED: under 20° compared with up to 120°. Each emitter runs under 5mW and is non-thermal. Reseen's internal optical testing found up to 97× more focused light energy than conventional LEDs, but results vary by device design, wavelength, distance and use. For more background, read how VIPE™ works or our LED vs laser comparison.

Wavelengths: one vs three

This is the largest functional difference between the two wands. Solawave's wand uses a single red light wavelength, 630nm. Its FAQ lists near-infrared for other Solawave devices, such as the Mini and the Wrinkle Retreat mask, but not for the wand.

Glow uses three emitter groups:

• 460nm blue is the visible blue band often used in surface-focused skincare devices.

• 660nm red is deep red, the most widely studied band in at-home light devices.

• 1064nm near-infrared is invisible and sits at the longer end of the near-infrared band. Evidence for low-power devices at this wavelength is thinner than for 810–850nm. See our infrared guide.

If you only want red light, Solawave's single wavelength covers that. Glow is for people who want several bands in one tool.

Microcurrent vs EMS: what the current actually does

Many shoppers search for "Solawave microcurrent," and the wording on Solawave's own pages varies. The product page calls the feature "galvanic current" and says it can help skincare absorb. The FDA summary for model HD-15A describes microcurrent stimulation "for facial and neck stimulation," with a maximum current of 328 μA at 10.5 Hz.

Glow uses EMS (electrical muscle stimulation), which works in the milliamp range. That is stronger than microcurrent and designed to produce a felt muscle contraction. For both microcurrent and EMS, published evidence for facial aesthetics is limited. Our microcurrent vs EMS explainer covers the difference in detail. In short, EMS is not "stronger microcurrent." It is a different approach with a different feel. Use Glow's EMS mode over a toner or water-based serum.

Routine, serum and ease of use

Solawave: Use it 3 minutes per area, up to 12 minutes total. The wand vibrates at each 3-minute mark and shuts off automatically. Solawave recommends its LightBoost Wand Activating Serum, sold separately, and says an oil-free serum or moisturizer will also work.

Glow: A session takes 5 minutes, with auto shut-off. Light mode needs no gel or serum. Glow keeps a steady 108°F warmth, and its shape is inspired by gua sha. It charges by USB-C and comes with a travel pouch.

Both wands are meant to be used 3–5 times a week. If short sessions matter most to you, Glow takes less time per session. If you already like a serum step, Solawave's routine fits that habit.

Evidence and FDA status

Where Solawave wins: The wand has FDA clearance. Its 510(k) (K232863) was cleared in December 2023 under the product code for over-the-counter light-based wrinkle reduction. The FDA summary states that the red light is "intended for treating wrinkles on the face." The summary also notes that clinical testing was not needed for this 510(k). Separately, Solawave cites a 33-person, 8-week study combining a consumer perception survey with a dermatologist assessment, in which 97% said their skin looked more radiant.

Reseen Glow: FDA 510(k) clearance is pending and expected in early 2027. Reseen doesn't have a published clinical study for Glow. The brand reports that many users notice changes in texture and radiance around week 4, and in tone and firmness around week 16. Results vary.

Price, warranty and returns

Solawave costs $80 less at $169, and its site showed a buy-one-get-one offer when we checked. It is listed as HSA/FSA eligible. Solawave offers a 1-year limited warranty and a 60-day money-back guarantee that accepts used items, though its FAQ says shipping fees are non-refundable.

Glow costs $249, on sale now. For Glow's warranty and return terms, see the Reseen warranty page.

Which should you choose?

• Choose Reseen Glow if… you want blue, red and near-infrared in one wand, prefer VCSEL-based light, want EMS rather than microcurrent, and don't want a serum step for light sessions.

• Choose Solawave if… FDA clearance matters to you today, you want the lower price, a long risk-free trial and a cited consumer study, or you only need red light.

Comparing other facial devices? See Glow vs NIRA and Glow vs LYMA.

Frequently asked questions

What is a good Solawave alternative?

That depends on what you want to change. If you want more than one wavelength, Reseen Glow combines 460nm, 660nm and 1064nm with EMS and warmth. If you want FDA clearance at the lowest price, the Solawave wand is the more affordable cleared option of the two.

Is the Solawave wand microcurrent or galvanic?

Solawave's product page calls it "galvanic current." The FDA 510(k) summary for model HD-15A describes microcurrent stimulation of up to 328 μA. The FDA-listed maximum is in the microamp range, well below the milliamp range EMS uses.

Do you need serum with a Solawave wand?

Solawave recommends its Activating Serum but says it isn't required. A hydrating, oil-free serum or moisturizer helps the wand glide. Glow's light mode needs nothing, and its EMS mode goes over a toner or water-based serum.

Is Solawave FDA-cleared?

Yes. The Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand received 510(k) clearance K232863 in December 2023 for treating wrinkles on the face, for over-the-counter use. Reseen Glow's clearance is pending.

Does the Solawave wand have near-infrared?

Not according to Solawave's published specs, which list 630nm red only for the wand. Glow includes 1064nm near-infrared emitters.

Sources

1. 4-in-1 Skincare Wand product page — Solawave, accessed Oct 2026

2. Solawave FAQ — Solawave, accessed Oct 2026

3. Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand benefits and contraindications — Solawave Help Center, accessed Oct 2026

4. 510(k) K232863 database entry — U.S. FDA, 2023

5. 510(k) K232863 summary — U.S. FDA, 2023

6. GUDID device record, Solawave HD-15 — NLM AccessGUDID, accessed Oct 2026

Product information for Solawave is based on publicly available sources as of October 2026 and may change; check the manufacturer's site for current details. Solawave is a trademark of its respective owner; Reseen is not affiliated with or endorsed by it. This page is for general education and is not medical advice. Reseen devices are cosmetic devices; individual results vary.