Buying Guides
LumiSpa iO Starter Kit vs. Cleanser-Only: Which Should You Buy?
August 4, 2026
The short answer
If you don't already own a LumiSpa iO device, start with the device + cleanser starter kit — it includes the device, magnetic charger, and your first treatment cleanser in a colour and formula of your choice. If you already own the device and just need more cleanser, buy a cleanser-only refill instead.
It sounds obvious once it's spelled out, but it's the single most common buying question, largely because the two options sit side by side on the shop page and it isn't always clear which one includes the device.
What's actually in each option
The starter kit includes the LumiSpa iO device itself (available in White or Rose Gold), the magnetic charger, and a treatment cleanser matched to your skin type — Normal/Combination, Dry, Oily/Combo, Sensitive, or Blemish-prone/Acne. This is the complete setup needed to start the twice-daily, two-minute ritual.
The cleanser-only option is a 120 mL treatment cleanser with no device or charger included. It's designed purely as a refill for people who already have a working LumiSpa iO and simply need to keep their supply topped up, or who want to try a different cleanser formula for their existing device.
When cleanser-only makes sense
Buy cleanser-only if you already own the device and your current bottle is running low. It also makes sense if your skin has changed — say, from oily to more balanced — and you want to switch treatment cleaser types without buying a second device.
It's also the right pick if you're buying a refill as a gift add-on for someone who already has their own LumiSpa iO, or if you're stocking up ahead of travel.
When the starter kit makes sense
Buy the starter kit if this is your first LumiSpa iO, if you're replacing a device you no longer have, or if you're buying a complete gift for someone who doesn't already own one. Since the kit includes the cleanser, you don't need to buy anything else to begin your routine.
If you're unsure which treatment cleanser suits your skin, our short skin quiz can help — it asks about your skin type and what you'd like help with, then recommends either a matching cleanser or the full starter kit depending on what you're starting from.
A quick way to decide
Ask yourself one question: do I currently own a working LumiSpa iO device? If no, choose the starter kit. If yes, choose cleanser-only, and simply select the treatment cleanser type that matches your current skin type.
Either way, the device itself is designed to deeply cleanse away daily impurities, oil and makeup residue as part of your regular routine, and with consistent use skin may look more radiant and fresher-looking — the kit just determines whether you're starting from scratch or continuing an existing ritual.
Frequently asked questions
Does the cleanser-only option come with a treatment head?
No, cleanser-only refills include just the treatment cleanser. Replacement silicone treatment heads are sold separately as an accessory.
Can I switch cleanser types without buying a new device?
Yes. Your LumiSpa iO device works with all five treatment cleanser types, so you can simply order a different cleanser-only refill if your skin's needs change.
Which colour options are available for the starter kit?
The starter kit is available with the device in White or Rose Gold, alongside your choice of treatment cleanser.
I'm not sure which cleanser suits my skin — what should I do?
Take the short skin quiz at Find Your Routine. It asks a few quick questions and recommends either a matching cleanser or the full starter kit based on your answers.