How Much Does a Facial Cost (and Is It Worth It)? | RealSelf (2024)

The average price of a facial is $200, though the cost can range up to $375, according to 348 reviews from RealSelf members.

Read on to find out why the cost can vary so much—and whether facials are worth the money.

Related: Everything You Need to Know About Facials

Is the cost of a facial worth it?

Facials have earned a 95% Worth It Rating from the RealSelf community. So while everyone has their own expectations, most people who reviewed the treatment say it was worth the price.

Even skincare newbies are often satisfied by the difference in their skin. If it's your first time trying one, don't feel the need to start with bells and whistles. Find an experienced provider, test out a classic facial first, and see how your skin reacts.

What factors affect how much a facial costs?

These are the biggest factors that affect the price of a facial.

1) Where you get your facial.

Places with higher costs of living like New York and Los Angeles have higher prices on all kinds of beauty and skincare treatments, including facials. However, the venue where you have your facial can have a bigger impact on cost.

For example, no-frills nail salons in your area may have facial options on their menu, which will likely be more affordable than a facial treatment at a luxurious day spa.

Many dermatologists and plastic surgeons also offer "medical facials" at their practices, and these can be even pricier.

Though it may be tempting to go where you find the most cost-effective option, remember that each type of practice will offer varying levels of quality and efficacy. It's worth thoroughly researching the facial treatments at each venue.

2) Who performs your facial.

Facial treatments are most frequently performed by an aesthetician, but they can be done by registered nurse practitioners, or even dermatologists or other physicians.

Because they have more training, nurses and doctors can perform more specialized facials, using cutting-edge techniques or professional-strength chemical peels, for deeper exfoliation and new collagen stimulation.

You can expect to pay more for your treatment if your provider has advanced credentials, but a licensed aesthetician should be able to safely perform your facial, without damaging your skin.

3) The type of facial you book.

During a standard facial, an esthetician typically:

• analyzes your skin type and talks with you about your skin concerns before determining the best type of facial treatment
• washes your face with gentle cleanser, then uses a gentle scrub to remove any dead skin cells that could be blocking your pores
• steams your face for a few minutes to soften any sebum congestion before performing extractions to help clarify your skin; this includes blackhead removal and addressing any breakouts you might have

They may also apply a light skin resurfacing chemical peel or hydrating mask before cleansing once more, then slathering you with a moisturizer and sunscreen, and sending you on your way.

These kinds of facial treatments are mostly wellness-driven, with the goal of sending you home feeling pampered, detoxed, and relaxed. Your skin will be cleaner, more hydrated, and glowing, but you won't see dramatic change.

Many day spas and med spas offer an entire menu that includes more intense facials, broken down by skin type, concern, or facial rejuvenation goal. Choices commonly include:

• an anti-aging facial, focusing on skin rejuvenation and smoothing the appearance of fine lines using ingredients like glycolic acid
• a clarifying facial for acne-prone skin, which may incorporate a light salicylic acid peel to clear pores and speed new skin cell turnover
• brightening facials, which target hyperpigmentation and an uneven skin tone using a vitamin C treatment, antioxidant serums, or a mask

Additional steps like this add time to your treatment and may involve more expensive ingredients, which will show up in your bill. But you can also expect to more noticeable changes (especially after a series of monthly treatments), whether it's clearer skin or fewer fine lines.

Some spas also offer these specialized facials that incorporate oxygen, low-voltage microcurrent (to temporarily tighten facial muscles), dermaplaning, or LED light.

You may also see branded facials like the HydraFacial (average cost: $200), which uses a specialized device for a combination of deep cleansing, exfoliation with a mild chemical peel, extraction, hydration with antioxidant serums, and moisturizer.

Another option is the Vampire Facial (average cost: $725), which uses a combination of microneedling and topical PRP, derived from your own blood, to boost collagen production.

Higher-quality products, add-on treatments, more advanced techniques, and longer treatment times will all add to your cost.

If you're considering a treatment beyond a classic facial or have serious skin concerns, you may want to start by booking a consultation with a dermatologist to discuss the best treatment plan to acheive the results you're looking for.

RealSelf Tip: Day spas often offer deals for treatments like this, which can shave 10% or more off your total cost. You can find them on online deal sites, or you can follow your favorites on social media and sign up for their marketing emails to make sure you don't miss out.

Facial costs in U.S. states

Browse the average out-of-pocket cost of a facial in select U.S. states, according to patient reviews on RealSelf. States not currently listed did not have enough data to include.

Facial costs in major U.S. metros

Average costs according to patient-reported data. As of July 2023, the cheapest metro area in the U.S. to get a facial is Kansas City, MO, while the most expensive is New York City. Cities not listed did not have enough data to include.