★★★★★ 5
A long, HONEST & detail filled review (with usage tips) from a skincare junkie.
These cartridges arrived super fast (with enough time to spare for a quick face sesh before the holidays!). The lot of 12 was packed in a cellophane/paper bag (the basic, unlabeled sterilization bags) that was sealed shut. The cartridges themselves are all separately packaged (in smaller plastic/paper sterilization bags), each one was properly sealed shut, ensuring sterilization.
The individual bags have an illustration of the cartridge and are labeled as “36 NEEDLE” . There are photos of and all the different size needle patterns as well. Each package contains a proper lot #, manufacture date (10/10/25) and expiration date (10/09/2028) along with the info that the disposable tips were sterilized with non-pyrogen EO Gas. Not a single package was damaged or open and all contained the proper cartridge inside.
I was VERY happy when I removed one of the cartridges and saw that it (they all) have the protective cap/cover inside the tube/over the needles. Not only is that more sanitary and keeps the needles protected in the event the spring is pushed, but it's also a dead giveaway for spotting bad/bootleg cartridges (as they typically don't come with the cap). While these might not be brand name, they definitely aren't bootleg quality!
These are nearly identical to the cartridges I order directly from Dr. Pen. They are the same size and shape, with the color of the plastic tubing being the only slight difference.
The 36 needle pattern is legit, with the long row of 10 needles in the center, a row above and below that with 8 needles and the rows on the top and bottom containing 5 needles each. They are perfectly spaced and staggered.
The cartridges fit my M7S perfect- nice and snug with no wiggling or looseness. The silicone membrane keeps your pen clean and hygienic and the spring system provides smooth, continuous movement without the needles getting stuck or punching jerky.
The needles themselves are very fine and they are nice and sharp. I am extremely sensitive to anything other than medical grade stainless or titanium (I know immediately when I'm using something that's not that!) and I haven't had a single issue with these.
Considering 10 brand name cartridges are $40, getting 12 of these that look and function almost identically for $25 is a steal. With no minimum spend for shipping and quick arrival time, I know I'll be buying these again!
⭐️TIPS FOR USING THE 36 NEEDLE CARTRIDGES⭐️
These cartridges are perfect for wrinkles and fine lines, large pores, pigmentation, increasing firmness as well as hydration (after using these, your products sink deep down in the skin- quick. It's great!).
*For lines and wrinkles on the face and neck, you want a depth of 1.5 - 2.0mm (with a max of 1.5 for the glabellar lines or the 11's). For wrinkles around the lips, 0.5 - 1.5mm
*If you are working on your pores, 0.5 - 1.0mm depth
*Uneven pigmentation, 0.5 - 1.5mm depth and 1.0 - 2.0mm depth for sun spots specifically.
*For firmer, tighter skin and skin laxity, 1.5 - 2.0mm
These are just some general depth guidelines I use with these cartridges. I am not an aesthetician, but I am a total skincare junkie that has been microneedling myself for the past 15 years. As always, do your own research, especially because different areas around the face may require a shallower depth. If you are uncomfortable, then adjust the depth for your comfort.
Finally, remember to clean your skin, hands and pen throughly before microneedling and work in a clean environment too. You don't want to introduce any bacteria or germs 2mm down (or even .5mm down) in your dermis. Also, these are single use cartridges and they are very affordable, so don't try to clean and reuse them (that's just asking for trouble!) Instead, toss and replace!
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Reviewed in the United States on December 23, 2025
