How do you use a facial cleansing brush?

Dr. Farhang suggests making it a part of your shower routine so that skin is already soft and wet when using one (this to help minimize irritation). Pair it with a gentle cleanser, and use it only a few times per week, rather than daily, especially if your skin is on the sensitive side.

Are facial cleansing brushes good for your skin?

They have their benefits—namely more effective cleansing and exfoliation. However, being overzealous with your cleansing brush or using it too often might cause redness and irritation .

What products do you use with a cleansing brush?

Keep your cleanser simple and gentle; using formulas that contain chemical exfoliants such as AHAs or BHAs can up the likelihood of irritation, notes Dr. Farhang. She also adds that you shouldn’t use a scrub with a cleansing brush.

The 15 Best Facial Cleansing Brushes of 2022

We wouldn't necessarily classify cleansing brushes as a must-have beauty product. Still, lots of people swear by these gadgets and reach for them multiple times a week—sometimes daily.

Not only do they offer a deeper clean when washing your face, but you'll enjoy some benefits of physical exfoliation, too. "Facial cleansing brushes act as mechanical exfoliators to help remove dead skin while also increasing blood flow to leave skin glowing," explains board-certified dermatologist Sheila Farhang, MD, founder of Avant Dermatology & Aesthetics.

What's more, sloughing off all the gunk might help your serums and creams absorb better into your skin. To avoid irritation, Dr. Farhang recommends using a cleansing brush no more than a few times a week, preferably in the shower when your skin is wet and soft.

Meet the Expert

Sheila Farhang, M.D., is a double-fellowship trained board-certified dermatologist, reconstructive skin cancer (Mohs micrographic) surgeon, and cosmetic surgeon in Tucson, TX. She has authored numerous publications in top dermatology journals and is considered a media expert by the American Academy of Dermatology.

Not all cleansing brushes are created equal, so to compile a list of the very best, we put one top contender to the test. Our tester used this brush for weeks at a time, rating how well it cleansed, exfoliated, and removed stubborn makeup. We then combined those results with our own research and expert recommendations from Dr. Farhang.

Ahead, the best facial cleansing brushes you can buy today.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

PMD Clean Smart at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

EcoTools Deep Cleansing Brush at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Drugstore:

Olay Regenerist at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Splurge:

FOREO Luna 3 at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Luxury:

Michael Todd Cleansing System at QVC

Jump to Review

Best Manual:

Naturopathica Facial Cleansing Brush at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Dry Skin:

Buttah Skin Vibe Brush at Ulta

Jump to Review

Best for Oily Skin:

Conair True Glow Sonic Facial Beauty Kit at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Acne-Prone Skin:

Proactiv Charcoal Pore Cleansing Brush at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Blackheads:

Shiseido Cleansing Massage Brush at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What to Look For
Why Trust Byrdie?

4.8

Courtesy of Sephora

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On QVC

What We Like

7,000 sonic pulses per minute
Dual-sided
Antimicrobial

What We Don't Like

Expensive

Who else recommends it? The Strategist, Good Housekeeping, and Reviewed all picked the PMD Clean Smart.

What do buyers say? 87% of 3,400+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above.

Dr. Farhang is partial to cleansing brushes with silicone bristles, like the PMD Clean Smart. She appreciates that the vibrations not only offer a deep clean but also increase circulation to tone your skin for a younger-looking complexion.

While it boasts over 7,000 sonic pulses per minute, the bristles are gentle enough for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone. Thanks to the silicone head and handle, the Clean Smart is antimicrobial, meaning it won't harbor bacteria or mildew. It's also 100% waterproof, so go ahead and keep it in your shower.

Brush Material: Silicone | Skin Type: All | Features: Four modes, waterproof

Ulta

View On Amazon View On Ulta View On IHerb

What We Like

Deeply exfoliates
Travel-friendly
Made from recycled materials

What We Don't Like

Not long-lasting

The supremely wallet-friendly EcoTools Brush is a manual tool with extra-soft, dermatologist-tested nylon bristles that gently cleanse and exfoliate. Thanks to the compact size and handy storage cap, it's travel-friendly and ideal for on-the-go use.

Brush Material: Nylon | Skin Type: Balanced, dry, combination, sensitive | Features: Plastic cover

4.5

Courtesy of Olay

View On Amazon View On Olay.com View On Walmart

This Cleansing Brush Gave Me Baby Soft Skin—And It's Under $30

What We Like

Budget-friendly
Soft bristles
Dermatologist-designed

What We Don't Like

Bulky design

We're also big fans of Olay's Cleansing Brush, which earned a 4.5 overall score from our at-home tester. Powered by two AA batteries (included) and suitable for all skin types, this waterproof gadget flaunts dual speeds and a rotating head.

Brush Material: Plastic | Skin Type: All | Features: Two speeds, waterproof, rotating head

olay regenerist facial cleansing brush — Byrdie / Jenna Igneri

What Our Testers Say

"After the very first use, I noticed a major difference in how much cleaner and smoother my skin felt post-cleanse compared to when I use my hands, though not so clean to the point where it felt stripped. My skin was baby-soft and had a much brighter appearance that lasted throughout the day." — Jenna Igneri, Product Tester

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Nordstrom

What We Like

Relaxes unrealized tension held in the face
Silicone bristles do not harbor bacteria
Long-lasting battery

What We Don't Like

App functionality is clunky

If you're open to shelling out the big bucks, you can't go wrong with the Luna 3. On account of the antimicrobial silicone head, 16 intensity levels, Bluetooth compatibility, and skin-firming massage function, this all-star device is also a favorite of Dr. Farhang.

Brush Material: Silicone | Skin Type: Balanced, combination, sensitive | Features: 16 intensity levels, waterproof, Bluetooth compatibility

Michael Todd Soniclear Elite Sonic Skin Cleansing System

Courtesy of QVC

View On QVC View On Macy's View On Skinstore.com

What We Like

18,000 sonic pulses per minute
Built-in timer
Five-year warranty

What We Don't Like

Low quality brush head and plastic body

The Soniclear Elite calls on state-of-the-art technology to gently yet effectively cleanse, massage, and exfoliate not only your face but your entire body. This top-shelf tool boasts a whopping 18,000 sonic pulses per minute (though you can opt for one of the five slower speeds), antimicrobial bristles, a built-in timer, and an included hard-shell case.

Brush Material: Nylon | Skin Type: All | Features: Rechargeable battery, six speeds, timer, two brushes

Courtesy of Dermstore

View On Amazon View On Dermstore

What We Like

Covers a large surface area
Soft bristles
Stimulates lymphatic drainage

What We Don't Like

Tricky to clean thoroughly

You don't necessarily need an electric tool to get a deep clean. Case in point: Naturopathica. The brand's manual facial brush has soft, non-irritating bristles with contoured "massaging waves" to stimulate lymphatic drainage. Measuring just over 2 inches, it's also notably compact and great for on-the-go use.

Brush Material: Nylon | Skin Type: All | Features: Massaging waves

Buttah by Dorion Renaud Buttah Vibe Brush

View On Ulta View On Buttahskin.com View On Macy's

What We Like

Can be used in the shower
Gently exfoliates
Boosts radiance

What We Don't Like

Bulky design

Flaky, textured skin? Reach for the Buttah Vibe. Yes, it sounds and looks a bit like a sex toy, but it's a clutch skincare tool. This sonic cleansing brush gently exfoliates with silicone bristles to remove dead cells and address dullness, then delicately massages your dermis to increase circulation and tone your skin.

Brush Material: Silicone | Skin Type: All | Features: Water-resistant

Conair True Glow Sonic Facial Beauty Kit

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Ulta

What We Like

18,000 sonic pulses per minute
Includes two brush heads
Battery has a long life

What We Don't Like

Head doesn't rotate

For folks with oily complexions, we suggest True Glow. This facial cleansing device uses up to 300 sonic pulses per second to minimize greasiness on your T-zone and other oily patches while reducing the appearance of healed blemishes.

Brush Material: Nylon | Skin Type: Oily, combination, acne-prone | Features: Three speeds, rechargeable battery, timer

View On Amazon View On Proactiv.com View On Walmart

What We Like

Soft bristles
Ergonomic design
Unclogs pores

What We Don't Like

Batteries drain quickly

The acne-prone camp can count on Proactiv for gentle yet effective at-home treatments and preventative skincare. Designed to help draw out impurities that clog pores and lead to breakouts, the tried-and-true brand's Pore Cleansing Brush has charcoal-infused nylon bristles and a 360-rotating head.

Brush Material: Charcoal-infused nylon | Skin Type: Acne-prone, oily | Features: 360-degree rotation, two speeds

Nordstrom

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Nordstrom

What We Like

Small head aims at face's contours
Silicone cushions flex gently to massage skin
Easy to handle

What We Don't Like

Tricky to clean

Shiseido's take on the facial cleansing brush is this slim, curved gadget. Thanks to the small head and soft tapered bristles, you can work it all around the contours of your nose, chin, and anywhere else blackheads crop up.

Brush Material: Nylon | Skin Type: All | Features: Massaging cushions

Shani Darden

View On Brookstone.com View On Skinstore.com

What We Like

Gentle
Antimicrobial
Auto-contouring head

What We Don't Like

Expensive

The Opus Luxe is a prime option for the sensitive-skin set. Powered by a rechargeable battery, this three-speed facial brush has an ergonomic handle, an antimicrobial silicone head, a built-in timer, and three pulsating speeds that cleanse, massage, and oh-so-gently exfoliate.

Brush Material: Silicone | Skin Type: All | Features: Three speeds, timer, rechargeable battery

Plum Beauty Compact Sonic Facial Cleansing Brush

Amazon

View On Myplumbeauty.com

What We Like

Compact
Travel-friendly with included carrying case
Budget-friendly

What We Don't Like

Batteries drain quickly

Going on a trip? Plum Beauty is your best bet. Measuring just 3.5 x 1.7 inches, this palm-sized silicone cleansing brush is notably compact. Not only that, but it charges with a USB cable, so you won't have to worry about bringing extra batteries.

Brush Material: Silicone | Skin Type: All | Features: Rechargeable battery

View On Anisabeauty.com

What We Like

Makes skin feel fresh like no other
Easy to use
No-slip ridges on handles

What We Don't Like

Not motorized

The Anisa Cleansing Brush works to unclog pores and exfoliate without irritation. "This is a nice option because the head has both silicone and soft brush bristles," Dr. Farhang tells Byrdie. We also like that it has a little ring where you deposit cleanser and a thumb grip for comfortable use.

Brush Material: Fiber, silicone | Skin Type: All | Features: Cleanser ring, thumb grip

Laduora Liss Facial Sonic Skin Cleansing Brush

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Laduora.com

What We Like

11 adjustable sonic levels
Infused quartz relieves tension and aids positivity
Rechargeable

What We Don't Like

Doesn't include a storage case

The Laduora Liss offers more than sonic cleansing. This cleansing brush delivers spa-level facial massage along with the gentle heat of gemstones to increase blood flow. The result? Temporarily firmer, more elastic, radiant-looking skin.

Brush Material: Silicone | Skin Type: All | Features: Gemstone massager, heat therapy, three vibration levels, rechargeable battery

Vanity Planet Facial Cleansing Brush Ultimate Skin Spa

View On Amazon View On Bed Bath & Beyond View On Vanityplanet.com

What We Like

Travel-ready with included hard protective case
Unclogs pores
Dual-speed control creates customized skincare routine

What We Don't Like

Case isn't ventilated
AA batteries not included

Vanity Planet's Ultimate Skin Spa comes with a water-resistant, dual-speed handle powered by two AA batteries (not included) and three heads: one for daily cleansing, one for exfoliating, and a silicone one designed to unclog pores. You'll also get a hard-shell case for easy storage and organization.

Brush Material: Nylon, silicone | Skin Type: All | Features: Three interchangeable heads, two speeds, 360-degree rotation

Final Verdict

Our number one pick is the PMD Clean Smart Facial Cleansing Device, a dermatologist-recommended facial cleansing device with antimicrobial silicone bristles that oscillate at over 7,000 sonic pulses per minute. We also love the Foreo Luna 3, a top-shelf gadget with Bluetooth compatibility. On the other hand, the EcoTools Deep Cleansing Brush is a great manual option, and it'll only run you a few bucks.

What to Look for in a Facial Cleansing Brush

Bristle Type

Typically made of either nylon or silicone, there are pros and cons to each. Nylon ones are generally more exfoliating, though silicone may be gentler on the skin as well as more hygienic and easier to clean.

Vibrating vs. Oscillating

Some brushes simply spin, while others deliver sonic vibrations. There’s nothing wrong with either, though the sonic vibrations may offer more, good-for-your-skin benefits.

Speed Settings

Ideally, you want at least two (though many brushes offer many more) so that you can best customize the intensity of the brush for your skin type and needs.

FAQ

How do you use a facial cleansing brush?

Dr. Farhang suggests making it a part of your shower routine so that skin is already soft and wet when using one (this to help minimize irritation). Pair it with a gentle cleanser, and use it only a few times per week, rather than daily, especially if your skin is on the sensitive side.
Are facial cleansing brushes good for your skin?

They have their benefits—namely more effective cleansing and exfoliation. However, being overzealous with your cleansing brush or using it too often might cause redness and irritation.
What products do you use with a cleansing brush?

Keep your cleanser simple and gentle; using formulas that contain chemical exfoliants such as AHAs or BHAs can up the likelihood of irritation, notes Dr. Farhang. She also adds that you shouldn’t use a scrub with a cleansing brush.

Why Trust Byrdie?

Theresa Holland is a freelance copywriter specializing in beauty, wellness, and lifestyle. She compiled expert insights and editor recommendations for this article, then researched the various types, materials, and features of cleansing brushes. After considering dozens of models from several retailers, she selected options that stood out in terms of effectiveness, gentleness, notable features, and overall design. Theresa has been contributing to Byrdie since 2020, where she writes about skincare, makeup, and fitness gear.

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Article Sources

Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

The Best Facial Cleansing Brushes, According to Skin-Care Experts. The Strategist. https://nymag.com/strategist/article/best-facial-cleansing-brushes.html
11 Best Facial Cleansing Brushes for a Deeper Cleanse. Good Housekeeping. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty-products/g35046904/best-facial-cleansing-brushes/
THE BEST FACIAL CLEANSING BRUSHES OF 2022. Reviewed. https://www.reviewed.com/home-outdoors/best-right-now/the-best-face-cleansing-brushes
Vairo GL, Miller SJ, McBrier NM, Buckley WE. Systematic review of efficacy for manual lymphatic drainage techniques in sports medicine and rehabilitation: an evidence-based practice approach. J Man Manip Ther. 2009;17(3):e80-e89. doi:10.1179/jmt.2009.17.3.80E
Cable NT. Unlocking the secrets of skin blood flow. J Physiol. 2006;572(Pt 3):613. doi:10.1113/jphysiol.2006.109207

Best Overall: PMD Clean Smart Facial Cleansing Device

Best Budget: EcoTools Deep Cleansing Brush

Best Drugstore: Olay Regenerist Face Cleansing Device

Best Splurge: FOREO Luna 3 for Combination Skin

Best Luxury: Michael Todd Soniclear Elite Cleansing System

Best Manual: Naturopathica Facial Cleansing Brush

Best for Dry Skin: Buttah Skin Vibe Facial Cleansing Brush

Best for Oily Skin: Conair True Glow Sonic Facial Beauty Kit

Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Proactiv Charcoal Pore Cleansing Brush

Best for Blackheads: Shiseido Cleansing Massage Brush

Best for Sensitive Skin: Nion Opus Luxe

Best for Travel: Plum Beauty Compact Sonic Facial Cleansing Brush

Best Exfoliating: Anisa Beauty Facial Cleansing Brush

Best Massaging: Laduora Liss Facial Sonic Skin Cleansing Brush

Best Set: Vanity Planet Facial Cleansing Brush Ultimate Skin Spa

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