AquaFirme XS vs HydraFacial: Which One Is Right for Your Clinic?

21 January 2026

Hydradermabrasion has become a popular choice for clinics offering non-invasive skin treatments.

Patients appreciate its ability to provide a visible glow with minimal downtime, while clinics value the repeat bookings and broad appeal it brings to treatment menus.

Two names that frequently come up in the hydradermabrasion discussion are AquaFirme XS and HydraFacial. Understanding the differences is essential when choosing the right facial platform for your clinic’s treatment capabilities and flexibility.

At first look, both systems share a core purpose: to cleanse, exfoliate, hydrate and nourish the skin using advanced technology. However, each device achieves these results differently, with features that can influence your clinic’s decision.

Learn More About the AquaFirme XS

What HydraFacial Offers

HydraFacial is commonly recognised as a pioneer of the modern hydradermabrasion facial. Its patented system combines a multi-step process: cleanse, exfoliate, extract, hydrate and infuse.

This is done in a single protocol through a specialised handheld device. It uses a vortex-fusion suction tip to clear pores while delivering serums such as hyaluronic acid and antioxidants. This process immediately smoothes, plumps, and brightens the skin.

An important aspect of HydraFacial’s appeal lies in its customisation. Practitioners can choose from a variety of booster serums to target specific issues like acne, pigmentation, fine wrinkles, and dryness. This flexibility, paired with low discomfort and minimal downtime, has driven strong patient demand in clinics.

Introducing AquaFirme XS

In contrast, AquaFirme XS represents a second-generation evolution of hydrodermabrasion systems, designed to build on the fundamentals of exfoliation and hydration while enhancing clinical versatility.

AquaFirme XS combines hydrodermabrasion, dermal infusion, and needle-free delivery to administer targeted serums into the skin. The platform includes three specialised handpieces (EVO, EXO2 and ULTRA) that collectively cleanse, exfoliate, oxygenate and nourish tissues more comprehensively than traditional approaches.

Designed as a Multifunctional Facial Platform

What makes AquaFirme XS distinct is that it’s designed to be more than a facial device. It functions as a multifunctional dermal workstation, enabling clinics to offer more treatments than a standard hydradermabrasion facial.

This includes protocols tailored to address congestion, uneven texture, pigmentation irregularities, dehydration and even scalp and hair health. Treatments are supported by plant-derived, vegan-friendly serums powered by unique EXO|E technology.

Discover the AquaFirme XS

How the Technologies Compare

When comparing HydraFacial and AquaFirme XS, it’s useful to consider both their commonalities and where they differ in terms of technology and clinical application.

Image of the AquaFirmeXS dermal health workstation

The Relation Between the HydraFacial and AquaFirme XS

Both systems share a commitment to non-invasive skin rejuvenation: each begins with cleansing and exfoliation, progresses through targeted removal of surface impurities, and concludes with serum infusion for hydration and nutrition.

Patients typically experience little to no downtime, and both are suitable for a wide range of skin types, from sensitive to more resilient complexions.

The Difference Between the HydraFacial and AquaFirme XS

  • Exfoliation and Delivery Systems: HydraFacial’s approach is distinguished by its vortex-fusion suction, combining exfoliation, extraction and infusion into a continuous sequence that feels delicate yet effective. AquaFirme XS combines vacuum-assisted exfoliation and enhanced skin infusion to promote deeper nutrient delivery. Its handpieces are meant to enhance serum absorption and circulation while cleansing.
  • Customisation and Treatment Scope: HydraFacial’s customisation is largely driven by serums and boosters chosen for specific skin issues. AquaFirme XS takes this a step further by offering protocols that can be adapted across treatment areas, including the scalp, and by using proprietary serums aimed at broader skin health goals.
  • Clinic Versatility: While HydraFacial is exceptionally popular for its core facial protocol and booster options, AquaFirme XS presents itself as a more versatile platform that can provide a broader range of treatments from a single device. This adaptability may appeal to clinics seeking to consolidate equipment while increasing their offerings.

Learn More About the AquaFirme XS

Clinical Practicality: What It Means for Your Clinic

For UK clinic owners, several practical considerations emerge when evaluating these platforms.

The Value Proposition of the HydraFacial

HydraFacial’s global brand recognition and proven track record make it a strong performer, particularly in practices where patient demand for a trusted name is high. Its comprehensive step-by-step treatment and array of serums provide reliable results with a minimal learning curve for therapists.

The Value Proposition of the AquaFirme XS

AquaFirme XS, on the other hand, has a slightly different value proposition. As a next-generation hydrodermabrasion technology, it is intended to provide clinics with additional treatment options.

The combination of needle-free delivery with enhanced infusion increases the therapeutic potential of each session, allowing practitioners to customise results more precisely to patient goals. The ability to handle both facial and scalp issues from a single platform can lead to several revenue sources.

From a business perspective, AquaFirme XS may appeal to practices that want to future-proof their treatment menu with a device that supports deeper serum delivery and broader clinical applications.

Choosing the Right Facial Platform for Your Practice

Ultimately, the choice between HydraFacial and AquaFirme XS comes down to clinical priorities, patient expectations and revenue strategy. If your clinic prioritises a well-recognised hydradermabrasion facial with robust booster options and a proven patient appeal, HydraFacial remains a good option.

If you want to increase adaptability, improve serum distribution, and provide treatments that can evolve with your practice’s changing demands, AquaFirme XS is a compelling evolution.

If you are interested in learning more about the AquaFirme XS, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

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