Spoiler: Your face is about to feel so freakin’ smooth.
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If you’ve always felt too intimidated and confused to add a facial cleansing brush to your skincare routine (like, how—and why—do you even use one?!), you’ve officially come to the right place. Surprisingly, facial cleansing brushes are actually pretty simple to use: All you need to do is grab your favorite face wash, dampen your brush, and move it over your face in small, circular motions. The result? Skin that’s cleaner, softer, and ready for the rest of your product lineup.
But since they aren’t great for every skin type (more on that in a bit), it’s important to figure out if you’re the right candidate before you try a cleansing device. Ahead, three experts—dermatologists Karan Lal, MD; Mona Gohara, MD; and Gary Goldenberg, MD—weigh in on everything you should know, including who facial cleansing brushes are best for, how often to use them, and more. And bc ILY, I did some testing of my own and consulted countless online reviews to find the 15 best facial cleansing brushes on the market rn if/when you decide to try one. But first, here’s a sneak peek of the content ahead...
✔️ P.S., This is new, up-to-date info, bb. We updated this article in May 2023 to add new facial cleansing brushes the internet won't stop talking about, delete outdated oldies, and checked in with new experts for the latest in sunscreens, just for you.
Now, let’s get to what you really came here for: Keep reading for the 15 best tested and reviewed facial cleansing brushes of all damn time from brands like PMD, Foreo, Anisa Beauty, and more.
This travel-friendly (and super adorable) facial cleansing brush is not only affordable, but gives you a bang for your buck thanks to its unique LED lights feature. The bristles cleanse your skin effortlessly, including those hard-to-reach areas, while the LED light therapy helps amplify your skincare routine.
THE REVIEWS: "Purchased this and I love it. I've been using it before bedtime at night and in the morning," one tester writes. "I love how soft & gentle it is on my face. Use it with a popular face cleanser and they are both like bffs. Really happy I purchased this."
Not only does this silicone brush do an excellent job of cleansing and exfoliating your skin, but it also has a facial massage mode (which is great for temporarily reducing swelling, soothing puffiness, and enhancing your glow). TBH, there’s not a lot this one can’t do.
THE REVIEWS: This is the best money I’ve ever spent. The silicone is game-changing—it's really soft on the skin, super exfoliating, and gets everything off," reads one tester's review.
Looking for a solid intro to facial cleansing brushes? This option from Spa Sciences is reasonably priced, offers an effective clean, and is 100 percent waterproof (meaning, yes, you can use it to wash your face in the shower). And since it’s on the smaller side and rechargeable, it’s not a bad option for bringing on the go either.
THE REVIEWS: "This facial brush totally transformed my skin," writes one tester. "I was breaking out daily before i started using this and as soon as i started using this my face has been so clear! I don’t think just using your hands to wash your face is enough, using a brush like this truly deep cleans your face especially if you wear makeup. Totally recommend!"
This brush head offers up a mini facial every single time you use it. The antibacterial silicone it’s made of (which is odor resistant, hypoallergenic, and waterproof) gives off 7,000 vibrations per minute to deeply cleanse your skin. You can also use it to work your favorite serum or moisturizer into your skin for deeper absorption (just use mode three or four and the backside of the brush for massaging).
THE REVIEWS: "This is my hands down favorite product from PMD," writes one tester. "It is the easiest smart facial cleaning device to use that I own. I appreciate the cordless, battery-operated powering system which allows me to pack and use it on the go!"
Want a facial cleansing brush with allllll the bells and whistles and you're willing to drop some $$$ to do so??? Cool, get yourself the Michael Todd Beauty Soniclear Petite Antimicrobial Skin Cleansing Brush ASAP. Not only did this bb cleanse my skin, but it also massages with the other included brush head. Plus, I'm a sucker for its wireless charging and drying stand.
THE REVIEWS: "Wonderful brush for cleaning your skin. I use the brush three times a week, and it's perfect! The petite is an excellent size for traveling," one customer writes.
Not only does this small yet mighty silicone brush fit into the tiniest of spaces (like that little pocket inside your cosmetics bag), it also lasts up to 500 uses per one charge. Wait, it gets better: Its minute-long T-Sonic pulsations and hygienic nubs help remove dirt, oil, and sweat residue for freshly prepped skin before diving head first into your skincare routine. Pretty awesome, right?
THE REVIEWS: "I have been testing this device for months now. Really wanted to try it out and then share my thoughts. I love everything about it! It is very effective when it comes to cleansing yet the brush is so gentle and soft it does not harm my skin in any way. The battery lasts forever and it's very practical little thing you can carry around anywhere. My skin is looking more radiant than ever and I could not recommend it more!" reads one customer's review.
K, it’s definitely pricey, but if you’re trying to get a spa-worthy facial at home, you can’t go wrong with this facial cleansing device. It’s got three modes (soft, clean, and deep), which means you can really customize your routine. P.S. The bristles are soft enough that you don’t have to worry about them stripping your skin dry.
THE REVIEWS: "I bought this facial device about a year ago and love it! It’s much gentler on my skin than other devices. I can use it more frequently without worrying about it being too harsh," writes one customer.
This lightweight, water-resistant facial cleansing brush is one of the cheapest options on the list—but it still works amazingly well. It has a dual-speed rotating brush head that removes makeup and cleanses your skin while also sloughing off any dead skin cells that might potentially clog your pores.
THE REVIEWS: "I was skeptical about adding this brush into my routine as areas of my face are more sensitive than others, but I am beyond ecstatic I bought it! My skin looks revived! The undereye bags have almost disappeared! There’s a natural glow, and my skin is so soft! I’ve never had acne before, but blackheads have been the norm in my life until now—my skin looks amazing!" writes one tester.
If you’re worried a facial cleansing brush may be too intense for your sensitive skin, try this one from Shiseido. The bristles are ridiculously soft and clean your pores while helping eliminate blackheads without freaking out your skin. Plus, it comes with a brush cap that doubles as a stand!
THE REVIEWS: "I use this product with my Shiseido face cleansers and I feel that it really helps get the job done. The soft and flexible bristles make it comfortable to use on my skin. The bristles are able to reach places where fingertips generally won't," one tester writes.
If you want complete control over your facial cleansing brush, grab this manual one. Just add your cleanser onto the silicone ring in the center and gently massage it into your skin using light pressure and a circular motion. The combo of silicone and fiber bristles will gently cleanse while leaving your skin feeling as smooth as a baby's bottom.
THE REVIEWS: "I have never used a face brush before and this one makes my skin feel SO clean!!! The brush is smooth on my skin so doesn’t leave it red and irritated. I also love that it’s a manual brush so I can bring it in the shower. Highly recommend at this price point too!!," reads one tester's review.
If you prefer to get it alllll done at once and wash your face in the shower, hi, hello, allow me to introduce you to your new BFF: the Buttah Skin Vibe Facial Cleansing Brush. This brush is designed to be used in the shower, and the sonic pulsation gently exfoliates your skin. Use this bb regularly and it’ll help make sure your serums, moisturizers, and creams can fully penetrate your skin.
THE REVIEWS: "I've been using Buttah Skincare for about a little over a month now, and I am extremely happy I became a customer. My skin has never felt so refreshed and smooth," writes one tester.
If you're looking to try a facial cleansing brush, but want to start with something simple yet effective, consider opting for the dermatologist-tested EcoTools Deep Cleansing Brush. Not only is it super small (great for traveling) and convenient, but it's also super affordable!
THE REVIEWS: "I was always looking for a tool to use with my face cleanser since my hands weren't cutting it, but also didn't want to spend $$ on expensive electronic facial cleansers," one review reads. "THIS ONE, you can replace the entire thing and get a new one for a FRACTION of the cost."
Not only does this facial cleansing brush come in a super-cute case, but it also has three different brush heads to help you customize your cleansing routine. There’s a daily cleanser that lifts away dead skin cells, a weekly exfoliator for a deeper clean, and a silicone brush that’s gentle enough for sensitive skin.
THE REVIEWS: "My skin looks and feels better everyday, much nicer, convenient, and more economical than having a monthly facial" reads one tester's review.
The coolest thing about this facial cleansing brush is that it’s made with ultra-soft nylon bristles that are super gentle on your skin. Lightly massage it over your wet skin with your go-to cleanser and it’ll help dissolve makeup and grime all while stimulating your lymphatic flow for a smooth, radiant complexion.
THE REVIEWS: "A perfect cross between an exfoliator and a cleanser. The size is nice to get a bigger surface area of your face. Very happy I made this purchase, it's well made and I'll have it for a while," reads one customer's review.
This compact silicone brush is perfect for deep yet gentle cleansing in harder-to-reach areas (think: on and around your nose). Even better, it's got three different brush zones to cater to your skin type(s). Plus, it leaves your skin feeling noticeably softer and smoother, which is exactly what I'm looking for in a cleansing brush.
THE REVIEWS: "I love how neat this little cleanser is. I was excited to try it out. It was gentle on my skin, easy to clean, and very effective. My skin was left soft and very clean", writes one tester.
Facial cleansing brushes are unfortunately too harsh for folks with acne, eczema, rosacea, or sensitive skin, Dr. Gohara says. That doesn’t mean they’re completely off the table, though. If you have relatively “normal” skin and follow the directions to a T, facial cleansing brushes can be a nice occasional addition to your routine (especially if you opt for a model with all the bells and whistles, like facial massaging and various exfoliating modes). If you want a daily or gentler exfoliator, opt for a chemical exfoliant.
But before giving any brush a try, it’s always a good idea to chat with your dermatologist and do a patch test on your cheek and jawline to ensure it’s safe for your skin type and skin concerns. Any burning, itching, redness, or irritation afterward (or even the next day) means it might not be wise to try on the rest of your face.
No, you should not use a facial cleansing brush every day. If you’re new to the world of facial cleansing brushes, it’s best to ease them into your routine slowly (think: one or two times a week max, until you get a feel for how your skin reacts).
One thing to keep in mind? Dr. Goldenberg says regardless of the frequency of use, you should wash your brush every time you use it—no exceptions. “A lot of times, these brushes can harbor bacteria and even exacerbate acne,” he says. So don’t forget to really rinse it off, k? And if that sounds like something you’ll absolutely never do…then, again, maybe these aren’t the go-to tool for you.
Because facial cleansing brushes are not for everyone, and "overzealous use of a facial cleansing brush can lead to irritation, redness, or skin peeling," says Dr. Lal, it's important to purchase a facial brush that works for your specific skin type.
"Look for a brush that has multiple speeds so you can adjust the exfoliation level for your skin," says Dr. Lal. He also recommends keeping an eye out for a facial brush that is antimicrobial—meaning it will not harbor bacteria—and waterproof so that you can use it in the shower without fear of it breaking.
Again, because a facial cleansing brush is a mechanical way of exfoliating your skin, explains Dr. Lal, it's important that you use it correctly: "I recommend people use a facial cleansing brush in the shower one to two times a week; you do not need to exfoliate your skin daily as this can be irritating even with the gentlest of brushes."
As Dr. Lal explains, make sure you begin with a wet face. Apply a little bit of facial cleanser on the brush, and in circular motions, move the brush across your face without putting overt pressure on your skin. Gently cleanse the whole face and rinse the skin.
Siena Gagliano is a contributing beauty editor at Cosmopolitan and has two years of experience writing about beauty, fashion, and lifestyle news. She’s an expert at researching and writing skincare stories, like the best blackhead removal tools and the best clear sunscreens, and feels especially knowledgeable about facial cleansing brushes thanks to being a beauty editor and therefore trying a million different types. She regularly tests and analyzes facial cleansing brushes on her own skin for efficacy while working with the industry’s top dermatologists to assess new formulas and products.
Ruby Buddemeyer was the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan for nearly three years and has five years of experience writing about beauty, fashion, and celebrity news across print and digital, like the best Korean sunscreen brands and how to get rid of whiteheads. She curated her facial cleansing brush picks through product testing, researching, and reading reviews.
Chaise Sanders is an Associate Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers anything from lifestyle and beauty to entertainment and style. Wanna upgrade your skincare game? She's got you covered with the best facial cleansing brushes. Or maybe you're in need of a new true crime show to binge? Got that covered too! Prior to joining the Cosmo team, Chaise was an editor at Country Living (also part of the Hearst fam) where she interviewed celebs like Dolly Parton, LeAnn Rimes and even Martha Stewart. Now, as one of the Big Apple's newest residents, there's a good chance that you can catch her checking out an Insta-worthy cafe or spending way to much $$$ in vintage stores.
Siena Gagliano is the associate editor at Cosmopolitan, where she primarily covers beauty, fashion, travel, and lifestyle. Wanna know how to get the best brows of your life? Gotchu. What about how to find the best fashion deals of the season, the softest sheets on the market, or exactly how to use retinol without irritating your skin? Check, check, and check. Before joining Cosmopolitan, Siena was a writer at Bustle and several other media outlets. As her 2024 goal, she has vowed to find the best (extra) dirty martini NYC has to offer—and yes, that means ~attempting~ to try every cute cocktail spot in the city (hit her up with some recs, pls). Follow Siena on Instagram for a behind-the-scenes look at that magazine life.
Ruby was the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covered beauty across print and digital. Her work has appeared on The Zoe Report, Fashionista, and StyleCaster. Follow her on Instagram.
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