Why the Real Thing Delivers Real Results
If you’ve browsed spa menus lately, you’ve probably noticed an explosion of facial treatments with very similar names: Hydrafacial™, Hydrofacial, HydraGlow, AquaFacial, HydroDermabrasion, and more.
The problem? These names sound almost identical, and many consumers understandably assume they’re all variations of the well-known Hydrafacial™ treatment.
But they are NOT the same.
Here’s the truth:
Hydrafacial™ is the only FDA-registered, patented, medical-grade device in this category.
Hydrofacial and HydraGlow are generic, non-regulated knockoffs designed to sound like Hydrafacial™ but do not offer the same technology or results.
Below is a clear and honest breakdown of the differences so you can protect your skin and your wallets from misleading marketing.
What Is Hydrafacial™? (The Original + Medical-Grade Standard)
Hydrafacial™ is a patented, FDA Class I medical device that dermatology clinics, plastic surgery offices, and high-end spas use to deliver high-end facial treatments. It uses the brand’s proprietary Vortex-Fusion™ technology, which simultaneously:
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Cleanses
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Exfoliates
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Extracts debris
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Infuses clinical-grade boosters
Hydrafacial™ is known for:
Consistent, medical-grade suction Patented spiral tips for controlled exfoliation Pharmaceutical-grade boosters Required provider training FDA regulation and quality control
It is the only treatment of its kind with regulated engineering, and it produces predictable, visible results.
What Is a Hydrofacial? (Generic Copycat)
A Hydrofacial is not a brand, not a patented device, and not regulated. In reality, it is simply a generic marketing term that spas use to sell services that sound similar to Hydrafacial™ but are copycats and often involve:
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Low-cost hydrodermabrasion machines
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Non-FDA-registered devices purchased from overseas
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Variable quality, suction, tips, and solutions
While some Hydrofacials can offer mild exfoliation and hydration, they:
✘ lack vortex technology
✘ do not infuse clinical boosters
✘ are not regulated for safety
✘ vary dramatically from spa to spa
Hydrofacials are essentially entry-level spa facials with water-based suction, not medical-grade treatments.
What Is a HydraGlow or “HydraGlow Facial”?
HydraGlow is also a non-Hydrafacial™ treatment name used across the U.S., including by larger chain spas. It is essentially a branded version of a Hydrofacial-style treatment, not the official Hydrafacial™.
The HydraGlow is not a Hydrafacial™ device, and while each location may use slightly different machines, they typically rely on:
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Generic hydrodermabrasion devices
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Standard exfoliating passes
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Basic serums (not patented boosters)
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Manual infusion instead of vortex delivery
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Lower-powered suction compared to Hydrafacial™
HydraGlow is marketed using language very similar to Hydrafacial™, but:
- It does not use Hydrafacial’s™ patented Vortex-Fusion™ system
- It is not FDA-registered as a Hydrafacial™ device
- It offers more basic exfoliation and hydration, not medical-grade technology
Results & Treatment Experience
Hydrafacial™
Instant glow
Even exfoliation
Deep but safe extractions
Customizable boosters
Consistent session to session
Hydrofacial / HydraGlow
Mild resurfacing
Basic hydration
Inconsistent extractions
Generic serums
Depends heavily on the machine used
Why Hydrafacial™ Is the Superior Choice
1. It’s Patented & FDA Registered
Hydrafacial’s™ engineering is protected and regulated.
Hydrofacial and HydraGlow machines have no such oversight.
2. It Offers Clinical-Grade Ingredients
Hydrafacial™ boosters include:
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Vitamin C
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Growth factors
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Peptides
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Retinol
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Firming complexes
Copycat devices cannot safely use these formulations.
3. It Produces Predictable, Repeatable Results
Because suction and fluid flow are automated and calibrated, Hydrafacial™ is safe for all skin types and delivers consistent outcomes.
4. It Has Proven Efficacy
Hydrafacial™ publishes clinical data and works with major skincare brands.
Hydrofacial and HydraGlow devices do not.
How to Make Sure You’re Getting a True Hydrafacial™
Before booking, look for:
The Hydrafacial™ logo displayed in the space or on the booking site The large Hydrafacial™ tower device Brand-name boosters A provider listed in Hydrafacial’s™ official locator The term “Hydrafacial™” spelled exactly
If the spa uses terms like:
Hydrofacial
HydraGlow
Aqua Facial
Hydroderm facial
Water facial
…it is not a Hydrafacial™ unless explicitly stated.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Get Fooled by Sound-Alike Names
The skincare industry is full of copycat terminology designed to capitalize on Hydrafacial’s™ popularity. While Hydrofacial and HydraGlow treatments can be pleasant, they are not medical-grade, not patented, and not comparable to a true Hydrafacial™.
If you want the safest, most effective, most consistent results: Hydrafacial™ remains the gold standard.