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Byrdie / Chloe Jeong
Okay, a facial cleansing brush may not necessarily fall into the category of a skincare “necessity,” but for those looking to up their face washing game, it can be an invaluable asset. Along with helping to effectively remove dirt, oil, and makeup, they offer the added benefit of 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 Dr. Sheila Farhang, founder of Avant Dermatology & Aesthetics.
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.
The other upshot? This creates the perfect canvas for any skincare products you apply afterward to be better absorbed. One caveat: It is possible to overdo it with these brushes, so Dr. Sheila advises using them only a few times per week, and doing so in the shower when your skin is wet and soft.
Read on for the best facial cleansing brushes worth adding to your skincare routine.
Best Overall: FOREO Luna 3 for Combination Skin
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Deep cleans and firms skin with 8,000 sonic pulses per minute
16 intensity settings for a fully customizable session
Silicone body is odor-resistant, antibacterial, and waterproof
Pricey
The latest launch from the brand known for their facial cleansing tools and a favorite of Dr. Sheila’s, this is worth every penny. The silicone “bristles” are even softer than on any of the other models and it offers an even deeper clean. The device, which helps to smooth and lift thanks to its targeting firming facial massage, touts 16 different intensity settings to choose from, so you can easily find a perfectly customized level for your particular skin type. Also nice: You get 650 uses from just one single charge.
Brush Material: Silicone | Skin Type: Combination | Features: Bluetooth capabilities, waterproof
Best Budget: Olay Regenerist Face Cleansing Device
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Lightweight and portable
Cleanses and exfoliates without stripping
Simple and affordable
Bulky design
Generally speaking, this is a category of tools that can skew towards the pricey end of the spectrum, making this wallet-friendly pick (read: under $25) all the more noteworthy. Giving you even more bang for your buck, the kit also comes complete with batteries and a replacement brush head. It may not have the bells and whistles of some of its pricier counterparts, but it’s simple and easy to use and features two-speed settings. Plus, it's waterproof.
Brush Material: Soft bristles | Skin Type: All skin types | Features: 2 brush heads, 2 speeds, water-resistant
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
Best for Line-Reducing : PMD Clean Smart Facial Cleansing Device
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Deep cleans with 7,000 sonic pulses per minute
Dual-sided head also features anti-aging massager
Silicone body is odor-resistant, antibacterial, and waterproof
All settings (including low) produce intense pulses
Another one of Dr. Sheila’s picks (she likes the hypoallergenic silicone bristles), she says that the sonic vibrations—7,000 per minute, to be exact—not only help to deeply cleanse the skin, but they also increase blood flow for a youth-boosting, anti-aging effect. And to that point, the dual-sided tool also has a massager end that can be used to help maximize the penetration (read: efficacy) of any lotions or serums you apply afterward. The silicone body also makes this device odor-resistant, antibacterial, and waterproof, according to the brand, making it the perfect shower companion that won't ever get icky over time.
Brush Material: Silicone | Skin Type: All skin types | Features: 4 cleaning modes, waterproof
Best Antimicrobial: Michael Todd Soniclear Elite Cleansing System
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Features antimicrobial bristles
Comes in fun prints and colors
Includes body brush and massaging head
Pricey
Yes, if you don’t take good care of and properly clean your facial cleansing brush it can end up being a bacteria breeding ground, definitely not a good thing for your skin. That’s why we appreciate that the bristles on this option are antimicrobial, reducing bacterial growth by 99%, according to the brand. (Though, of course, that’s not an excuse to never clean it.) Also nice: The tool is available in a number of pretty floral prints, and the kit comes with a brush head for your body and a massaging head, too.
Brush Material: Soft bristles | Skin Type: All skin types | Features: 6 speed settings, waterproof
Best Manual: Naturopathica Facial Cleansing Brush
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Stimulates lymphatic drainage while sweeping away dirt and impurities
Soft, long bristles are non-irritating
Manual, easy-to-hold design allows for complete control
Tough to clean thoroughly
For those who prefer to take matters into their own hands, quite literally, this brush is choice. There’s no electricity involved here, just a compact and easy-to-hold brush with super-soft nylon bristles that sweep away dirt and impurities. Apply a dab of your favorite cleanser and gently glide it across your skin, it’s that easy. Also, because the bristles are long and so soft, you don’t have to worry about irritation or redness.
Brush Material: Nylon bristles | Skin Type: All skin types | Features: Manual
Best for Sensitive Skin: Foreo Luna 2 for Sensitive Skin
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12 intensity settings for a fully customizable session
Silicone body is odor-resistant, antibacterial, and waterproof
Gentle design is suitable for sensitive skin
Pricey for an older model
Cleansing brushes can admittedly be iffy for those with sensitive skin; Dr. Sheila says if you are going to use one, a silicone one is best. (It’s both gentler on the skin and may be less likely to harbor irritation-inducing bacteria.) This Foreo option fits the bill, with silicone bristles that also have a rounded tip to even further minimize the likelihood of stress to your delicate complexion. It has 12 intensity settings, too, so you can easily start on the lowest one and gradually build up as your skin can tolerate it.
Brush Material: Silicone | Skin Type: Sensitive | Features: Bluetooth capabilities, waterproof
Best for Combination Skin: Anisa Beauty Facial Cleansing Brush
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Features silicone and soft bristles for the best of both worlds
Features cleanser-holding silicone ring
Manual, easy-to-hold design allows for complete control
Unlike silicone bristles, the soft bristles are not antibacterial
If you have combination skin, Dr. Sheila recommends trying out this device. “This is a nice option because the head has both silicone and soft brush bristles,” she says. The combination helps both unclog pores and exfoliate oily spots, all without irritating areas that might be drier or more sensitive. It also has a unique silicone ring in the middle for containing a cleanser, a nice feature that many others don’t have. Did we mention it's also super affordable?
Brush Material: Soft bristles, silicone | Skin Type: All skin types | Features: Water-resistant, detachable head
Best for Travel: FOREO Luna Play Plus
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Small design is perfect for taking on-the-go
Deep cleans and firms skin with 8,000 sonic pulses per minute
Silicone body is odor-resistant, antibacterial, and waterproof
Battery power doesn't last as long as chargeable devices
We told you this brand really knows how to do cleansing brushes, hence their third appearance on this list. This itty-bitty option—it’s the same size as a cotton pad— is ideal for taking with you on the go. (Because trust us, once you’re hooked on a cleansing brush, you won’t want to leave home without it.) It's battery-powered and super lightweight, so there's no need to worry about lugging around a charger. Plus, it also has eight intensity settings and comes in four fun colors.
Brush Material: Silicone | Skin Type: All skin types | Features: Bluetooth capabilities, waterproof
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Proactiv Charcoal Pore Cleansing Brush
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Soft, detoxifying bristles are safe for acne-prone skin
Deep cleans with 360-degree rotations
Tapered design sweeps away impurities sans irritation
Batteries drain quickly
As is the case with sensitive skin, you do want to be cautious when using a cleansing brush on acneic skin; over-zealous exfoliation can only make matters worse. But this pick is a good option if you’re prone to breakouts, given that it’s effective yet gentle. FYI, per Dr. Sheila's advice, it’s best to use any kind of cleansing brush with a plain and gentle cleanser. If a medicated acne wash is part of your routine, save it for days when you’re not using the brush to prevent any unwanted irritation.
Brush Material: Soft bristles | Skin Type: All skin types | Features: Charcoal-infused bristled, 360-degree rotation
Best with Bristles: Conture AeroCleanse Facial Cleansing Device
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Airflow boosts cleansing and lathering power
Brush head reaches nooks and crannies of the face
Soft bristles
Not entirely waterproof, bottom cannot get wet
For those who want a brush that has full-on brush bristles, this is a great pick. The head touts short, densely packed, yet soft bristles that use sonic technology to vibrate. That’s pretty standard, but what’s unique here is the addition of airflow through the brush that both helps up the cleansing prowess and makes any cleanser lather up super luxuriously. The brush head is also specially designed to easily reach all the nooks and crannies of your face, ensuring that no dirt, oil, or other impurities are left behind.
Brush Material: Soft bristles | Skin Type: Sensitive skin | Features: Water-resistant
Best with Silicone: Foreo Luna 2 for Normal Skin
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Deep cleans and firms skin with 8,000 sonic pulses per minute
Silicone body is odor-resistant, antibacterial, and waterproof
450 uses per full charge
Pricey for an older model
We know, we know, another Foreo option, but what can we say? While this older model doesn’t have quite as many bells and whistles as the FOREO 3, our best overall pick, it’s slightly cheaper and still has those same great silicone bristles and skin-firming benefits. It comes in several varieties for different skin types, too, and let’s not forget that silicone options come with the benefit of never having to spend money on replacement brush heads.
Brush Material: Silicone | Skin Type: Normal skin | Features: Bluetooth capabilities, waterproof
Best on Amazon: Vanity Planet Facial Cleansing Brush Ultimate Skin Spa
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Kit includes nylon bristle and silicone bristle heads
Portability and case make it great for travel
Very affordable
Case isn’t ventilated, so thoroughly dry brushes before closing
It’s not hard to figure out why this is such an Amazon fan favorite, repeatedly pulling in rave reviews. Not only is it very affordable, but it also comes with three interchangeable brush heads. The cleansing and exfoliating options feature nylon bristles with two different textures; there’s also a brush head with silicone bristles included. Its water-resistant coating allows for in-shower use, plus its cordless body runs on batteries, allowing for easy portability. In short, you get a little bit of everything, all while keeping your wallet in check.
Brush Material: Soft bristles, silicone | Skin Type: All skin types | Features: 3 brush heads, carrying case
Best Smart Device: Clarisonic Mia Smart
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Six custom modes
Compatible with all Clarisonic brush heads and attachments
Cleanses, exfoliates, removes makeup, and provides anti-aging benefits
Pricey
In 2020, Clarisonic announced that it was ending its production of fan-favorite cleansing brushes, brush heads, and attachments, and the public collectively mourned the news (while furiously adding brush heads to their carts while they still could). Fast forward to today, Clarisonic is back and available for purchase thanks to CURRENTBODY, who is continuing the brand's legacy. Cue happy dance.
The Mia Smart is Bluetooth-enabled and features six custom modes, including daily and gentle cleansing. It's compatible with all of the brand's brush heads and attachments, so you can reap the benefits of cleansing, anti-aging, exfoliation, and makeup removal with just one device.
Brush Material: Soft bristles | Skin Type: All skin types | Features: Bluetooth capabilities, waterproof
Final Verdict
While it is a bit pricey, the FOREO Luna 3 is our choice for the best overall cleansing brush, a high-tech pick with gentle silicone bristles that will get the job done. The predecessor, the FOREO Luna 2, is another good (and slightly more affordable) option that also has silicone bristles. For those who prefer traditional bristles, the Michael Todd Soniclear Elite Cleansing System is choice, thanks to bristles that are both gentle and anti-microbial. And for a super wallet-friendly option, the Olay Regenerist Face Cleansing Device, while not super fancy, is simple and effective.
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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.
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How do you use a facial cleansing brush?
Dr. Sheila 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.
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Are facial cleansing brushes good for your skin?
They definitely 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.
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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. Sheila. She also adds that you shouldn’t use a scrub with a cleansing brush.
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