By now, you should 100 percent know that going to bed with foundation or concealer on is the ultimate skincare sin. Apparently, so is washing your face in the shower (a big no-no because the water is often way too hot) and not washing your hands before you wash your face because, errr, germs? Alas, that’s where facial cleansing brushes come in.
Not only do they help remove makeup and exfoliate, but if cleaned and stored properly—make sure to read those directions!—they can be a bit more sanitary, thereby eliminating future breakouts. According to celebrity aesthetics nurse injector and founder of Revay Aesthetics, Revay Plunkett, these brushes also increase blood circulation. “The great thing about using a facial cleansing device is that it stimulates circulation while simultaneously exfoliating the surface of the skin. Stimulating the blood and lymph flow in the face can decrease puffiness, eliminate toxins, and promote cellular regeneration. In simpler terms, this makes your skin firmer, more radiant, and smooth,” she adds.
Sensitive skin types (i.e. prone to eczema, rosacea, or psoriasis) should look for options with softer bristles and consider working brushes into their routine bi-weekly versus daily to start. It can be tempting to go hard when cleansing, but over-sloughing can leave your skin raw. Unsure if it’s the *right* tool for you? Chat up your derm to get their expert opinion.
Overall, the best brushes have the same general process: Remove your makeup, apply cleanser to wet skin, and massage the brush along your face in circular motions for a minute or so. The results? Exfoliated, smooth, and clear skin. With the classic Clarisonic no longer on the market, we’ve rounded up a new batch of favorites, including the silicone-only newbies from PMD and Foreo. Ahead are 14 brushes ELLE.com editors have tried and loved—plus a few other top-rated models.
1. Buttah Vibe Brush Facial Cleansing Device
Best Cleansing Brush for a Deep Clean
Sure, you’ll have to head out to buy a few AA batteries, but this device will make the trip worth it. Featuring two different pulse settings, you can give yourself a gentle clean each day with its soft anti-microbial silicone bristles. For those who wear makeup frequently, this will help you take removal up a notch for a deeper clean.
An Amazon reviewer says: “The brush is gentle and takes off all makeup. In addition, it helps slough off dead skin. I look years younger!”
Key specs:
- Brush material: Silicone
- Skin Types: All
Tips of the trade:
- The silicone bristles are soft on the skin, which is perfect for everyday use.
- It’s designed with sonic pulsation technology that delivers up to 10,000 pulses per minute to help work your cleanser into clogged pores.
- It’s water-resistant, so it can be used in the shower.
2. Raedia Facial Cleansing Brush
Best Multipurpose Cleansing Brush
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a timer
This is the YouTube beauty gurus’ favorite brush, and for a good reason. For starters, it’s super affordable for what you get in the box: the device, four different brush heads, and a compact case that’s great for traveling. You can buy it at full price or shave a few dollars off by subscribing to receive new brush heads every three months for just $20.
An Amazon reviewer says: “I could not recommend this product more. My teenage daughter has been having tons of breakouts (forehead and chin area). She’s tried all the non-prescription products and asked if she could buy this with her graduation money. I reluctantly said yes because I didn’t think it would work. Well, four days later and her skin is clear! I’m floored! Her skin looks amazing.”
Key specs:
- Brush material: Fiber, silicone
- Skin Types: All
Tips of the trade:
- The brush has two spin speeds to tailor to different skin types, especially sensitive skin.
- You can choose between three facial brushes and one body brush to slough away dead skin in places your washcloth can’t reach.
- It features a nonslip handle so you can better control the device.
3. Soniclear Petite Patented Antimicrobial Facial Sonic Skin Cleansing Brush
Great for Beginners
Michael Todd Beauty Soniclear Petite Facial Cleansing Brush System
Michael Todd Beauty Soniclear Petite Facial Cleansing Brush System
Pros
- Brush heads last up to six months
Cons
- Reviews say it’s hard on sensitive skin
Ask any beauty obsessive and they’ll tell you that Michael Todd’s cleansing brushes are the crème de la crème of facial cleansing devices. What’s unique about this system, in particular, is the serum infusion feature.
An Amazon reviewer says: “This is the softest brush and does the best clean on my face! It’s super easy to travel with, too. A beyond excellent product at an affordable price!”
Key specs:
- Brush material: Anti-microbial nylon
- Skin Types: All
Tips of the trade:
- The device has an automatic timer that helps you maximize your cleaning routine.
- Aside from cleansing the skin with one of the brush heads, you can use the firming head to massage your favorite serum into your skin.
- It comes with a drying stand to extend your device’s lifespan.
4. Luckyiren Silicone Face Scrubbers
Great for Shower Use
Luckyiren SILICONE FACE SCRUBBERS EXFOLIATOR BRUSH
Luckyiren SILICONE FACE SCRUBBERS EXFOLIATOR BRUSH
Cons
- Not ideal for deep exfoliation
For the low-tech scrubber, these hand-held silicone pads give a great cleanse without needing any batteries or cords. It’s the ideal scrub to leave in the shower, so when it’s time for a deep-pore cleanse, you have your tool waiting right there for you. The device has a handy grip on the backside so you can cleanse without it falling to the shower floor, and it’s gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin.
An Amazon reviewer says: “Use them on the daily; they stay clean and work amazingly! I have sensitive skin, and it takes a lot to clean my face, especially when taking makeup off. These do a job great!”
Key specs:
- Brush material: Silicone
- Skin Types: All
Tips of the trade:
- These silicone pads are so gentle you can use them every day with your favorite cleanser.
- Each pad featured two types of bristles designed to get into clogged pores and hard-to-reach areas.
- Gentle massaging also brings extra circulation to the face, improving luminosity and facial contour.
5. EZBASICS Facial Cleansing Brush
Best Cleansing Brush for travel
Cons
- Not strong enough for deep exfoliation
If you don’t want a bulky device sitting on your sink, have no fear—this cleansing brush is chic, fits easily into your palm, and won’t take up any unnecessary counter space. On one side of the tool, there are silicone nodes for cleansing, while on the backside, there are small ridges that make it double as a facial massaging tool. Essentially, it’s a tw0-in-one device for the most cleansed, lifted appearance you could ask for.
An Amazon reviewer says: “Love this little machine. Settings one and two work around my eyes, then five is solid around the rest of my face. I take a few minutes to use it for facial cleansing as well as massaging for drainage. I have gotten compliments on how smooth my skin looks—someone even thought I was wearing foundation. Especially at the price, this has been a great add to my routine.”
Key specs:
- Brush material: Silicone
- Skin Types: Normal
Tips of the trade:
- After fully charging, this device can be used 200 (!) times before it needs to be plugged in again.
- The entire device is watertight, so you can use it in the shower without worrying about damaging it.
- Designed to be extra gentle, this tool won’t cause abrasions or sensitivity to the skin.
6. Conture AeroCleanse Cleansing Device
Great for all skin types
Cons
- The brush head will need to be replaced
If you’re a Clarisonic stan, this is the replacement facial cleansing brush for you. Inspired by the technology used on air hockey tables (yes, you read that right), this soft-bristled brush is our ELLE beauty editor’s latest obsession. It helps create a fantastic lather—even when using an oil-based cleanser—but doesn’t splatter everywhere as you glide it across your face. It’s battery-powered, which may seem like a drawback, but it helps to serve as a reminder: whenever the batteries are out, that also means it’s time to change the brush head.
Key specs:
- Brush material: Fiber
- Skin Types: All
Tips of the trade:
- There’s only one brush head, but it’s universal for all skin types, including acne-prone and sensitive skin.
- The oval-shaped brush makes it easy to get into tight but important areas like the corner of the nose.
- Use it on the tops of your hands once a week (and always wear sunscreen) to keep them looking youthful.
- Skip out on chemical exfoliators like BHA, PHA, and AHAs—since this already acts like an exfoliator. You don’t want or need to go overboard. Less is more, kids.
7. Anisa Cleansing Brush
Best Cleansing Brush for Sensitive Skin
If you’re worried about a battery or chargeable device being too harsh on your skin, this manual brush, which features 100 percent cruelty-free synthetic fibers, might be your best bet. The innovatively designed removable head comprises a soft fiber and silicone blend for gentle exfoliation and effective deep pore cleansing, leaving your complexion cleaner than ever without feeling dry. One reviewer describes the brush as if “the bristles of a Clarisonic and the silicone of a Foreo had a baby.” The detachable brush head makes cleaning the tool pretty easy. Simply swivel, rinse and dry. Anisa also has a brush cleanser, Purify, which removes excess makeup, oils, and residue from the device without any water needed.
Another Anisa Beauty reviewer says: “I have suffered from cystic acne for several years and have been trying to find the right routine to manage a recent flareup. I’ve been using this brush every other day for about two weeks, and I can already feel and see a difference in my skin. My skin feels so much cleaner and absorbs the treatment I use after washing my face with this brush. I also love that it’s not electric. I was worried I would over-exfoliate with a cleansing brush, but because this one is so gentle, I really don’t feel like I’m overdoing it. I haven’t had a new breakout since I’ve been using this!”
Key specs:
- Brush material: Fiber, silicone
- Skin Types: All
Tips of the trade:
- The brush head is removable for easy cleaning. Just make sure to air dry it before using it again.
- A little cleanser goes a long way—focus on putting your product of choice directly onto the silicone ring before gently massaging in circular motions.
- To avoid staining the bristles, rinse the brush thoroughly after each use.
8. Naturopathica Facial Cleansing Brush
Best Manual Cleansing Brush
Pros
- Designed without batteries
High tech isn’t always better. Many people with sensitive skin aren’t able to use abrasive cleansing brushes. But this painterly pouf is softer than a puppy—and it’s cruelty-free, too! The nylon bristles feel like a cloud as they gently sweep across your skin, lifting away dead skin, and removing the grit and grime of everyday life without irritation. It’s especially divine with a balm cleanser. And the textured shape isn’t just for aesthetics—the waves act like a dry brush for your face, gently stimulating your lymphatic system to help reduce puffiness.
An Amazon reviewer says: “A perfect cross between a cleanser and exfoliator. Size is nice to get a bigger surface area of your face. Easy to clean.”
Key specs:
- Brush material: Nylon
- Skin Types: All
Tips of the trade:
- Gentle enough to use daily with your favorite cleanser.
- It can be used wet or dry to buff in skincare products before rinsing.
- This is a fantastic option for anybody who is new to cleansing brushes or wants a gentler option.
9. PMD Clean Smart Facial Cleansing Device
Most Versatile Cleansing Brush
Pros
- Has multiple setting to choose from
Beyond simply cleansing, this tech-first cleansing device boasts over 7,000 vibrations per minute thanks to SonicGlow™ technology. Look forward to skin that’s not only clean, but firmed, toned, and overall more youthful in appearance. Unlike other brushes where you have to swap out the head, the device is made entirely with ultra-hygienic silicone, meaning PMD Clean is odor-resistant, antibacterial, hypoallergenic, and waterproof. The brush is also pretty foolproof to clean. Simply rinse with warm water and gently rub in a cleanser (or soap), then pat dry. Consistent users claim their skin has never looked or felt better.
An Amazon reviewer says: “I absolutely love my PMD! I had seen my friend’s skin changing over time and finally asked what she was doing. She is a makeup artist, so I assumed she’d found new makeup products, but instead, she had consistently been using her PMD. I got results immediately, and now a couple of months later, I can’t live without this device. At 55 years of age, people usually guess me to be about 38 or 40. The glow stays all day, and it’s not the makeup. My skin is smooth and very much alive.”
Key specs:
- Brush material: Silicone
- Skin Types: All
Tips of the trade:
- There are four customizable modes in total. Hint: Up the ante on your serum application by using mode 3 or 4 for massaging.
- Apply cleanser directly onto the bristles, whereas serums and moisturizers should be applied directly to the back.
- To avoid damaging or bending the silicone bristles, use the included stand.
10. Shiseido Cleansing Massage Brush
Easy to Use
The cult-favorite Japanese skincare brand’s luxurious cleansing brush is the perfect hybrid of silky-soft, finely tapered bristles and silicone cushions made to gently massage the skin. An ergonomic, curved handle allows users to grip without slip, and breeze over natural facial contours. It also allows for gentle facial massage (great for microcirculation) and overall skin vitality-meets-radiance.
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “It offers the perfect blend of soft bristles and firm massaging benefits in one tool. I recommend everyone own one of these.”
Key specs:
- Brush material: Nylon with silicone cushions
- Skin Types: All
Tips of the trade:
- Make sure to use the included cap to protect the brush’s bristles. One reviewer said with proper care, her brush lasted nearly 10 years.
- Don’t overload on the cleanser; the bristles were developed to maximize foam.
- Due to the softness of the bristles, this brush isn’t as effective at exfoliating.
- Like all of the cleansing brushes, use the one in a circular motion for a thorough cleanse.
11. Foreo Luna Cleansing Brush
User friendly
The incredible silicone material is what sets this cleansing brush apart. It’s non-abrasive, gentle, and easy to clean. Plus, it lasts for months after a full charge, so you don’t have to worry about it dying if you travel often. Foreo delivers around 8,000 T-Sonic pulsations per minute through the silicone touch points. The T-sonic technology is designed to penetrate deep into the layers of your skin for a strong cleansing. The Luna comes in four colors and looks great on any top #shelfie.
An Amazon reviewer says: “I have combination skin, with a rosy/oily T-zone and dry cheeks. I have been using this twice a day for not even a week, and my skin feels as soft as after a facial. Blemishes are gone and my skin is literally glowing. My pores even look smaller.”
Key specs:
- Brush material: Silicone
- Skin Types: Available in three versions for combination, normal, and sensitive skin
Tips of the trade:
- The product is small and sits upright, so it makes storage easy.
- It doesn’t have a timer, so set your own alarm for about one minute.
- Skip using clay-based, silicone-based, or grainy cleansers, exfoliators, or scrubs with this tool. The silicone nubs offer enough sloughing on their own.
- Instead, go with a gel-based cleanser to get the job done.
12. Cleansing by Clinique Sonic System Purifying Cleansing Brush
Great for hard-to-reach areas
Clinique Sonic System Purifying Cleansing Brush
Clinique Sonic System Purifying Cleansing Brush
Now 18% Off
Cons
- Stopped working for some users
The first facial brush from beauty giant Clinique delivers. Dermatologists developed the brush to serve all skin types and provide a gentle cleanse. I have to say, my pores were noticeably less visible while using this product. The unique tapered head also lets you target hard-to-reach areas like beside your nose or on your lower chin. Unlike the other brushes that recommend one-minute sessions, this brush has a 30-second timer, so you’ll never over-scrub. The major criticism for this product comes from Amazon users. A number of customers complained that the brush’s use was very short-lived. The product seemed to die or break too easily for some shoppers.
An Amazon reviewer says: “Great daily skincare step. If you have dry or sensitive skin (like I do), it might take about a week for your skin to adapt to this brush (a little redness might appear after procedure). However, after seven to 10 days, I can really see and feel the result. My skin has completely adapted to the sonic cleansing. It feels much more clean, soft, and silky. No need for any scrub or additional peel-off cleaning.”
Key specs:
- Brush material: Anti-microbial fiber
- Skin Types: Combination, oily, dry
Tips of the trade
- Replacement brushes cost $27.
- The charge holds for hours, so you can take it on the go.
- The tilted head can help reach difficult areas.
13. Proactiv Charcoal Pore Cleansing Brush
Best Against Breakouts
Proactiv could sell me anything in middle school, but things have changed since I was giving pubescent acne everything it could handle. I went back to ol’ faithful and tried this brush on a whim—it was surprisingly wonderful. Highlights: The bristles are long and exaggerated, so it feels like a delightful tickle on your face. In addition to oscillating, the brush also vibrates to stimulate my skin cells. My main issue with this was after a few months it began not to work or function properly. I must say, because it was portable, I was throwing it around and not treating it with the respect it deserves. Again, a me problem, but if you want something heavy-duty and durable, this might not be the brush for you.
An Amazon reviewer says: “I’ve been a Proactiv customer for 22 years but had never bought this brush. It’s a game changer—my pores and texture of my skin are noticeably better after just a short time using this. A beauty must-have!”
Key specs:
- Brush material: Charcoal-infused nylon
- Skin Types: All
Tips of the trade:
- Replacement brushes cost $10.
- Great to include in your nightly routine if you’re trying to conquer acne.
14. Olay Regenerist Facial Cleansing Brush
Best Budget Buy
Pros
- Replacements heads cost only $10 each
Cons
- You’ll have to replace the heads every three months
A product that delivers bang for your buck. The Olay brush provides a deep clean and exfoliation that’s perfect for all skin types. Amazon readers compare the brush to the classic Clarisonic and see similar results after continual use. The Olay version is quite small and only comes with two settings: daily deep cleansing or gentle exfoliation. While it’s less expensive, it’s a good entry-level device for folks looking to try a cleansing brush. Instead of sonic vibrations, the brush uses a two-speed rotating system to cleanse the skin.
An Amazon reviewer says: “It functions just fine and has a gentle brush on it—no different from the expensive ones I’ve purchased in the past. Highly recommend this product.”
Key specs:
- Brush material: Plastic
- Skin Types: All
Tips of the trade:
- Replacement brushes cost $10.
- Keep in mind you’ll have to invest in brush replacements.
FAQs
Can you use a cleansing brush every day?
“Too much of anything is never a good thing,” Plunkett says. However, you should always use a cleansing brush in moderation, especially depending on your skin type. “I suggest using a cleansing brush as part of your nighttime routine to remove the day’s makeup, oil, and debris. Depending on your brush, make sure to clean and change the head of your device regularly to make sure it stays clear of bacteria, or else it could cause breakouts,” Plunkett explains.
Do dermatologists/skin experts recommend facial cleansing brushes?
“Definitely. But it’s important to find one that works with your skin type,” Plunkett says. For those with sensitive skin, Plunkett suggests using a gentle brush to avoid irritation or any damage to the skin’s barrier.” Exfoliating regularly is an important part of cell turnover and if it makes your skincare routine more fun and relaxing, why not? At Revay Aesthetics, we love the Supracor Face Mitt because it is naturally antifungal, antibacterial, and allergen-free.”
