The 15 Best Facial Cleansing Brushes for Glowing Skin

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You already know that washing your face is one of the most important steps—if not the most—in your routine. And while your hands are great and all, one way to get the most out of that step is to utilize a facial cleansing brush.

"Facial cleansing brushes provide a deeper cleanse by removing dead skin cells, excess oil, and makeup residue. They enhance exfoliation, promoting smoother and healthier skin." says celebrity esthetician Sarah Akram. Some brushes are more technical and fancy, while others are more bare-bones, but all of them are paired with your facial cleanser of choice to enhance your cleansing experience.

Ahead, find out the 15 best facial cleansing brushes to try depending on your skin's unique needs, and stick around for more tips from Akram.

Clean

The PMD tool has Akram's vote for its high vibration count (up to 7,000 times per minute), and cleansing technology that brightens, reduces the appearance of pore size, and clears blackheads. And because the brush head is made of hygenic silicone, it never has to be replaced.

Customer Review:

"This tool has been a GAME CHANGER for my skin. Nothing has improved it so much until now. My esthetician recommended it and it has made my skin so soft and cleaned it so well, while still being gentle on my sensitive skin. Clogged pores are coming to the surface and my skin is clearing up." —Aryana

Mia Smart

The cleansing brush that defined an entire category, Clarisonic is still one of the best out there. The smaller Mia is great for travel, and works with all of the brand's interchangeable brush heads, including those for massage, sensitive skin, acne, and more.

Customer Review:

"I have been using it for about 1 month. I really love this product it gives my face a wonderful glow & I don’t have any major breakouts since I’ve been using it!!!" —LB

LUNA 4 Smart Facial Cleansing and Firming Massage Device

There are several different Foreo devices, but this one is specifically designed for sensitive skin, which can't always handle the bristles of harsher cleansing brushes. Plus it's totally customizable to your skin, with 16 different modes.

Customer Review:

"Luna 4 sensitive skin exceeded my expectations and I'm loving the fact that it is gentle enough to be used daily without being afraid of irritation. I only have to keep it away from my sister hehe" —Anna

Regenerist Facial Cleansing Brush

Olay's massaging facial brush doesn't have quite as many bells and whistles as some of the pricier models on this list, but the thousands of positive reviews speak for themselves.

Customer Review:

"I'm convinced that the Olay Facial Cleansing Brush Regenerist is secretly from the future, sent back in time to gift us with glowing, baby-soft skin. This facial exfoliator has become my trusted sidekick in the battle against dullness, and it's nothing short of brilliant." —J2theN

Clean Vibrations Facial Brush

You're not seeing things; this silicone brush has a mini brush on the side to reach harder-to-reach areas like the side of the nose. Bonus: It also has a stainless steel back for depuffing.

Customer Review:

"Can’t believe the difference in my skin from using this!! Totally a game changer—smooth and silky now!!" —Rene

Tilka Cleansing Brush with LED

This handheld silicone brush is easy to use thanks to its size, and it has the added benefit of LED. Why, you ask? LED may help tighten and lift skin, as well as reduce acne (so really, why not?).

Customer Review:

"This is great for deep cleaning and just daily facial washes. I've only had it a few weeks but so far so good!" —Nora

Facial Cleansing Brush

You'll feel like you're in the spa at the hands of a professional facialist with this soft, handheld brush by Naturopathica. The bristles are short and have a nubby texture that massages as you work them into your skin.

Customer Review:

"I was looking into getting a cleansing device and read the reviews for this brush and thought I would try it instead. And honestly I think it works great, was just looking for a good exfoliating cleansing brush and this leaves my skin very soft and has helped clear up clogged pores." —Bethany

Beauty Set 9 7-in-1 Cordless Kit

This kit may be on the pricey side, but it accomplishes the tasks of just about every tool in your beauty arsenal. The cleansing brush can be swapped out for a facial epilator for hair removal, and it also comes with an electric shaver, as well as bonus attachments.

Customer Review:

"This shaver is such a great product and investment. This gives me a nice clean shave and I really love the clean feature as well. Definitely recommend this for others." —robc2

Cleansing Brush

This non-electric brush has both silicone and soft fiber bristles, giving pores a full deep cleanse (even without the added battery power). Replace the brush heads every six months for the best performance.

Customer Review:

"Gentle for all areas of my face, but cleans makeup off quickly and easily, leaving nothing but softness." —Sharon H.

Cleansing Facial Brush

This brush is reminiscent of those you might find in a barber shop, only updated. It has a similar wooden handle, but the bristles are made from over a million nylon bristles (as opposed to animal hair), for a gentle, deep cleanse men and women alike will love.

Customer Review:

"I really love my Cleaning Facial Brush. It leaves my skin super clean. You can definitely feel it! I don't know what I would do with out this anymore." —Hugo

Cleansing Duo Face Brush

Another great affordable option is this dual-sided cleansing brush from e.l.f. It's a good choice if you prefer to have full control since it isn't battery-operated at all, and it features both a bristle brush head and textured head, depending on your preference.

Customer Review:

"I was getting horrible cystic acne on my forehead and the silicone side helped get rid of them in no time. I use it a couple of times a week and my acne has decreased significantly. I use the other side to apply face masks, not to clean. I love this brush." —flaman

Facial Cleansing System

This brush has two speeds, two brush heads, and is a great size for travel—all for a plum (get it?) price.

Customer Review:

"I am in my mid 70s. This brush is simple to use, just like a professional I went to used. Am very happy with it. Bought more for gifts." —B. Fowler

Soniclear Petite Antimicrobial Facial Sonic Skin Cleansing Brush

This highly rated cleansing brush comes with interchangeable brush heads (including a massaging one), has a built-in timer so you know how long to wash each part of your face, and has a carrying case for easy travel.

Customer Review:

"Perfect to travel, leaves my skin clean and soft. Love that's rechargeable and comes with a case to take it on the go. My skin loves the massage it gives." —Claudia O.

Facial Cleansing Silicone Scrubber Tool

For the simplest entry into the world of cleansing brushes, start with a small silicone scrubber. It's inexpensive, sanitary, and easy to control thanks to the holder on the back.

Customer Review:

"The tiny silicone bristles remove dirt/impurities and exfoliate at the same time. It is very gentle on the skin. And easy to clean! Will be purchasing more to use on my sensitive skin clients during facial treatments." —Brina

Daily Glow Facial Dry Brush

This brush is made from responsibly sourced materials (an oak handle and natural goat-hair fibers), and—bonus!—looks nice by your vanity. One thing to note: It's meant for dry brushing to increase circulation, so it shouldn't get wet.

Customer Review:

"This brush is amazing. Soft enough not to make your skin irritated, but just the right amount of exfoliation. Leaves my skin super soft!" —Erika L.

Frequently Asked Questions

"Facial cleansing brushes are ideal for oily and acne-prone skin, as well as those with noticeable dead skin buildup," says Akram. And although some brushes are better for sensitive and dry skin types, she says using a cleansing brush on these skin types "could be a little abrasive and may cause redness."

Approach with caution if your skin is easily irritated. "When using a facial cleansing brush, you could potentially cause irritation if you have sensitive skin. It could also worsen existing skin conditions," says Akram, who adds, "I recommend consulting with a skincare professional or a dermatologist for those with specific concerns."

Even those with "normal" skin shouldn't use them every day. "I would recommend limiting usage to a few times a week since facial cleansing brushes to avoid dryness and irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin," says the expert. "Although the bristles are made to be gentle it can still be abrasive on the skin if used daily."

Meet the Expert

Sarah Akram is a celebrity esthetician and sought-after lash and brow specialist based in Alexandra, Virginia.

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