These days we have electric toothbrushes to scrub away plaque and massage guns to soothe our tired muscles, so why not also invest in a facial cleansing brush to wash away the day’s dirt and grime? Facial cleansing brushes help wash and exfoliate your face for softer skin and to help minimize the appearance of pores, fine lines and wrinkles, according to the experts we spoke to.
Dr. Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist specializing in medical and cosmetic dermatology and a Clinical Instructor of Dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University, says they’re “particularly helpful for cleaning the skin for those with oily or acne-prone skin, or for those who wear heavy makeup.” She also says they “can be a gentle option for exfoliation for those with sensitive skin.”
Many of these brushes can also cost just a fraction of the price of a professional facial, with some manual brushes available for under $10.
We spoke to dermatologists about the benefits of facial cleansing brushes, what to consider when shopping for one and how to best use it. We also got top picks from the experts and our editors, and compiled some highly rated options that align with our experts’ guidance.
SKIP AHEAD The best facial cleansing brushes in 2024 | How to shop for a facial cleansing brush
How we picked the best facial cleansing brushes
Facial cleansing brushes can help remove excess oil and makeup, along with sweat, dead skin cells and other debris, according to Dr. Ava Shamban, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Ava MD. Generally, the brushes mildly exfoliate using movement and friction to lift what’s sitting on the surface of the stratum corneum, which is the outer layer of the skin.
Using advice from experts, we chose the best facial cleansing brushes based on the following criteria:
- A user-friendly shape and weight that feels good in your hand and is easy to use.
- Multiple bristles that are easy to keep clean. Silicone bristles are non-porous and “easy to get squeaky clean” compared to nylon brushes, says Shamban. And the more bristles, the better. (For top-rated brushes that didn’t have silicone brush heads, we prioritized options with easily replaceable brush heads so that you’re regularly using a clean brush.)
- Multiple speeds and settings that can target different areas of the face or can be adjusted for when “you’re taking makeup off or just doing a gentle cleanse,” says Shamban.
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The best facial cleansing brushes in 2024
Experts told us that facial cleansing brushes can be a great way to elevate your nighttime skin care routine by gently exfoliating and removing makeup, dirt and other impurities from your face. To help guide you through the shopping process, we’ve rounded up some expert-recommended picks, along with some NBC Select staff favorites as well as top-rated options at popular retailers like Amazon, Target and Ulta.
Foreo Luna 3
NBC Select editorial director Lauren Swanson has used Foreo cleansing brushes for years, and the Luna 3, with its gentle nylon bristles, is her favorite. “There’s one purple face mask that I love, but it won’t wash away unless I use this brush,” she says. “The tiny bristles really get my skin clean without harming it.” The brush is waterproof and can pulse at 12 different intensities, which helps to lift away dirt, oil and excess sebum, the brand says. If you want to cleanse at the gym or while traveling, there’s also the Luna Mini 3. The Luna 3 is also top-rated, with a 4.4-star average rating from 3,828 reviews at Amazon.
PMD’s Clean Smart Facial Cleansing Device
PMD’s battery-powered Clean Smart Facial Cleansing Device — which has a 4.4-star average rating from more than 4,239 reviews on Amazon — is a waterproof silicone brush and massager that offers up to 7,000 vibrations per minute for a deep clean, according to the brand. Use the bristled brush in either gentle vibration or intense vibration mode for cleansing, says PMD, and the non-bristled backside of the tool in gentle pulsation or intense pulsation mode for applying lotions or serums. The brush is suitable for all skin types, according to the brand.
Skin Gym’s Ultrasonic Lumiscrub Facial Pro Skin Spatula
For versatility, King recommends this facial spatula, which uses microcurrents and vibration technology to massage your skin for a deeper cleanse. According to the brand, the spatula should be used with a serum or oil forfor 5-10 minutes at a time, as well as cleanser with warm water and soap. King also recommends different uses for the device’s three modes: “use with a cleanser for enhanced cleansing, use the flat side with a serum or moisturizer for better penetration of the ingredients, or use alone for a facial massage,” she says.
NågraCoola Sonic Facial Cleansing Brush
NBC Select associate updates editor Zoe Malin bought this rechargeable brush two years ago because it was one of the more affordable options. “It’s gentle, but you can definitely feel it scrubbing,” she says. The battery also “lasts forever,” according to Malin — in fact, she’s only had to charge it twice since buying the brush. NågraCoola says the device is 100% waterproof, has silicone bristles that remove “99.5% of dirt, oil, and dead skin cells,” five intensities to customize to the sensitivity of your skin and a heating mode to help open pores. The NågraCool has a 4.4-star average rating from over 9,860 reviews on Amazon.
Spa Sciences Nova Sonic Cleaning Brush
This three-speed, waterproof cleansing brush from Spa Sciences is rechargeable and uses sonic technology to eliminate dirt, oil, makeup and dead skin cells, the brand says. The replaceable brush head has 20,000 bristles with antimicrobial protection that can get to hard-to-reach places, like around the nose area, according to the brand. The brush has a 4.8-star average rating from more than 2,623 reviews at Walmart.
Olay Regenerist Facial Cleansing Brush
Olay Regenerist’s soft-bristle facial cleansing brush offers two speeds — one for daily deep cleansing and the other for gentle exfoliation — and it primes your skin to “maximize the hydrating effect of your moisturizer,” according to the brand. Olay says you can use the water-resistant device in the shower, and it comes with two brush heads (replacements are sold separately in packs of two). The brush earned a 4.4-star average rating from 24,167 reviews on Amazon.
Etude My Beauty Tool Jellyfish Silicone Brush
This small brush is a favorite of NBC Select managing editor Leah Ginsberg, who finds this silicone brush gentle on her sensitive skin (Etude also mentions this as a benefit). Ginsberg also loves its cute, cat-like face (though some retailers say it’s a jellyfish) and the no-frills brush is also easy to wash, compact and costs just $6. It has a 4.4-star average rating from 4,973 reviews on Amazon.
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How to shop for a facial cleansing brush
When shopping for facial brushes of your own, experts recommend considering factors like the brush’s material, your skin type, and your skin’s sensitivity levels. Below, we’ve compiled their advice to help you find the best facial cleansing brush to suit your skin.
Material and skin type: Depending on your skin type, certain styles of facial cleansing brushes may be better suited for you— “different skin types may respond better to different options” says King. She recommends sonic brushes (which are electric, fast-vibrating brushes with silicone bristles) as good options for gentle exfoliation. “The goal should be to cleanse and exfoliate without causing irritation or inflammation,” she says.
It’s also important to find a face cleansing brush that won’t cause unnecessary damage, especially if you have sensitive skin. Dr. Adam Mamelak, an Austin-based dermatologist, says there can be side effects when using facial brushes, but the key is knowing your skin: “Sensitive skin types and those with rosacea have to be careful with brushes and exfoliating as they can lead to increased irritation.”
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Hadley King is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in medical and cosmetic dermatology, and a Clinical Instructor of Dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University.
- Dr. Ava Shamban is a board-certified dermatologist, and founder of Ava MD in California.
- Dr. Adam Mamelak is a board-certified dermatologist in both Canada and the U.S., specializing in dermatologic conditions.
Why trust NBC Select?
Ashley Morris is an associate SEO reporter for NBC Select, covering skin care, wellness, lifestyle and more; Christina Colizza is a farmer editor for NBC Select; Leila Najafi is a freelance lifestyle writer. For this piece, they spoke with dermatologists about the best facial cleansing brushes, including tips, product recommendations, and tips on how to shop for your own facial cleansing brush.
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