The best facial cleansing brushes are efficient skin care tools worth add to your skin care routine if you want a deep cleanse in a short amount of time. They not only help remove dirt, makeup, and impurities from the surface of the skin, but they also help improve the penetration of skin care products like serums or creams, says Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon. This is particularly beneficial if you deal with breakouts, oily skin, or wear heavy makeup, says Pooja Rambhia, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm. They’re usually made with silicone or nylon bristles that rotate either automatically or manually and leave your skin feeling fresh. Below, I tested a handful of the most popular facial cleansing brushes recommended by dermatologists, and my top pick was the PMD Clean Mini Smart Facial Cleansing Device which I felt was the most gentle on my skin and how thorough it was in cleansing off all of my foundation and eyeliner. The brush head is also noticeably smaller than the other picks I tried— and that made a huge difference in my ability to get into ever nook and cranny of my face. Let’s just say, my skin has never felt so squeaky clean.
The best facial cleansing brushes, at a glance
Your facial cleansing brush questions, answered
Do facial cleansing brushes really work?
According to dermatologists using a cleansing brush for your face is great way to exfoliate your face. They also help products penetrate the skin more effectively which can lead to better results. “When moved around the face, the brush provides a deeper clean and removes dead skin cells, dirt and oil (which can clog pores), and any residue from serums and face moisturizers,” says Dr. Engelman.
In general start by applying a gentle, non-abrasive facial cleanser to your damp face or directly onto the brush. Next, turn on the brush (if it’s motorized) and gently glide it over your skin in small, circular motions. It’s important to apply light pressure, as too much can cause damage and micro-tears in the skin barrier. “Focus on areas prone to oil and congestion, like the forehead, nose, and chin, but be very cautious around sensitive areas like the eyes,” says Dr. Rambhia.
Keep in mind that it’s important to follow the device’s specific instructions for best results. Experts also recommend always rinsing your brush thoroughly after each use to prevent buildup of bacteria.
Do dermatologists recommend facial cleansing brushes?
For the most part, facial cleansing devices are safe to use but those with skin sensitivities such as rosacea, psoriasis, or eczema should be extra careful, says Dr. Engelman. Extremely sensitive, dry, or acne-prone skin types may also not play well with facial cleansing brushes, as mechanical exfoliation can sometimes aggravate these conditions. And if you experience any redness or irritation, you should immediately stop, says Dr. Engelman.
How often should you use a facial cleansing brush?
Dermatologist recommend sticking to a facial cleansing brush once or twice a week to avoid over-exfoliation. “The key is to use the brush sparingly, choose a gentle one—preferably with silicone-based soft bristles— and avoid harsh pressure,” says Dr. Rambhia.
Best Overall: PMD Clean Mini Smart Facial Cleansing Device
Original video by Glamour reviewer Alanna Martine Kilkeary using PMD Clean Mini Smart Facial Cleansing Device
- Type: Silicone
- Best for: Daily cleansing, minimizing blackheads, stimulating collagen
This device is our overall pick because it’s suitable for all skin types and uses a whopping 7,000 vibrations per minute to deeply cleanse the skin and improve blood flow. Dr. Rambhia is a fan of the silicone brush head because it’s gentle on the skin. “Silicone-based brushes are ideal for preserving the skin barrier, as their soft, non-porous bristles are less abrasive than traditional nylon bristles,” she says. Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist also loves this device because of its dual-sided functionality. “One side is designed for deep cleansing, while the other offers a massaging feature that enhances the absorption of serums and moisturizers,” she says. It gives your skin a luxurious spa-like experience at home and will leave you looking radiant and glowy.
I’ve always been intimidated by facial scrubbing tools—they just look so aggressive, and I worried that they might be too harsh on my already sensitive, acne-prone skin. This mini facial device proved me wrong: it’s super gentle to the touch, incredibly soft, and vibrates so lightly as you move it around your face. I used it to remove my full-face of face makeup and loved how well it removed everything. It was easy to lather the silicone head as well to remove excess foaming or soap, and it left my complexion looking fresh, soft, and clear—with no redness in sight. I mostly used the first setting since the others (which had multiple pulsations) were a little too strong for me. I would recommend making sure you use a thicker face wash with this, something with a gel-like texture will grip onto the brush head more easily.
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Luminess AeroCleanse Cleansing Device
- Type: Silicone
- Best for: Minimizing breakouts, removing makeup, deep cleaning
Acne-prone skin types who are prone to blemishes can benefit from incorporating a facial cleansing brush into their routine because they effectively remove makeup, dirt, and build-up that can contribute to clogged pores and pimples. “This brush uses sonic technology and airflow to very thoroughly—yet gently— create a lather, unclog pores, and exfoliate,” says Dr. Engelman. She loves that this device can be used on all skin types, whether you lean more dry or more oily, and that it’s affordable at under $20.
One Glamour tester shares that the brush suds up well and leaves skin feeling tighter and cleaner thanks to the air technology. They also note that there is a bit of a learning curve with this brush (it takes a couple of passes to remove all makeup) and that it’s best to do it in a circular motion while lightly pressing against the skin to avoid irritation.
Best for Sensitive Skin: Foreo Luna 4 Face Cleansing Brush
- Type: Silicone
- Best for: Dry, sensitive skin types that are looking to address inflammation
Silicone brush heads are not only gentler on the skin, but they are also quite hygienic, according to Dr. Garshick. “There is no need to worry about bacteria buildup like you would with traditional bristle brushes,” she says. She loves this particular cleansing brush because it deep cleans pores but is extremely gentle, even on the most sensitive skin types. It’s also extremely compact, making it perfect to travel with and it doubles as a facial massager. If you want to try this brush option without having to splurge, the Foreo Luna Mini 2 has the same style bristles for half the price.
Best Budget: Plum Beauty Facial Cleansing System
Original video by Glamour reviewer Alanna Martine Kilkeary using Plum Beauty Facial Cleansing System
- Type: Nylon bristles
- Best for: A deep clean, better skincare absorption
Dr. Garshick loves this facial cleansing system because it’s budget-friendly, doesn’t skimp on performance and you can get it for just $11. “It offers a gentle, yet effective exfoliation, making it ideal for daily use without over-stripping the skin,” she says. The bristles on this one are soft enough to use on sensitive areas, but they still give your skin that deep-clean feel.
Although it made my skin feel super clean and velvety post-wash, the area on my chin that was breaking out a bit was a little irritated and red, so it’s best to avoid if you have active pimples. These bristles are also no joke, they’re super dense and strong. I liked that this pick had a higher and lower rotation speed, making it easy to customize your cleanse.
Best Silicone: NågraCoola Clie Facial Cleansing Brush
- Type: Silicone
- Best for: Nighttime cleansing and an effortless, gentle scrub
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