The 7 Best Facial Cleansing Brushes, According To Experts
When you’re looking for a deep cleanse, using one of the best facial cleansing brushes can help. These skincare tools are designed to clear away makeup, sunscreen and grime from the day, and can also provide a gentle exfoliation. Our top pick from PMD was chosen for its dual-headed design and four modes that enable it to effectively break down debris and also provide a facial massage.
The best facial cleansing brushes include options from Therabody, Olay and more.
When choosing the right type of cleansing tool, it’s ideal to consider the brush type (manual or electric), bristles and any useful design features. Ahead, find our list of the best facial cleansing brushes, plus a guide to help you narrow down the right one for you.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The beauty team at Forbes Vetted considers ourselves certified skincare enthusiasts, having logged numerous hours into testing, researching and reviewing popular skincare products.
- Contributor Taylor Lane, the author of this story, has also reported on the best cleansing brushes for men.
- Every iteration of this story was overseen by deputy editor Jane Sung, who runs our beauty and grooming vertical and has 15-plus years of experience reporting on a variety of lifestyle topics.
- Lane additionally interviewed dermatologist Dr. Hadley King for expert advice on what to look out for in the best facial cleansing brushes.
- This story is routinely reviewed for accuracy. In our June 2024 update, editorial assistant Whitney Bruno reevaluated all picks to ensure facts and prices are up to date and added specs to each brush.
How We Chose The Best Facial Cleansing Brushes
To find the best facial cleansing brushes, we combed through an extensive list of the best options on the market, then evaluated customer reviews from top retailers.
- We considered each product’s attachments, speed levels, technical specs, special features and effectiveness when refining our selections.
- We also tapped a dermatologist to help us understand the importance of these tools in a skincare routine, taking into account her personal recommendations.
- When narrowing down our list, we prioritized including brushes across a wide range of budgets.
What To Consider In A Facial Cleansing Brush
Before adding a cleansing brush to your daily lineup, it’s essential to consider your skin type and its needs. Of course, cleaning your pores is the primary focus, but there are many other functions that the best facial cleansing brushes offer. Ahead, see what dermatologists recommend looking for in these skincare devices.
Attachments
You’ll probably notice that many facial cleansing brushes come with extra brush heads for specific uses. The attachments that your brush includes can address skin needs and concerns like stimulating collagen, exfoliation and massaging the skin. It’s also important to note how often brush heads should be replaced.
Bristle Type
The type of bristles your facial cleansing brush has makes all the difference. Many have silicone bristles that are soft and provide a deep clean. This material is also non-porous and reduces the amount of bacteria buildup that gets trapped in the bristles. Others can be comprised of latex, nylon or a variation of animal hair.
And if you find that your brush has ultra-fine bristles (like the TheraFace), it’s likely to be gentler on the skin and more suited for those experiencing inflammation, breakouts or other common skin conditions. The bristles still give a deep clean, without causing any irritation to your complexion.
Speed Settings
Facial cleansing brushes often offer different speed settings. And while it’s great to have options, it’s important to find the one that’s best suited for your skin type and needs. Dr. King says that the speed settings give people options for personal preference and variety, and the settings with sonic speeds make a noticeable difference for the skin. “Sonic has been shown to clean more thoroughly compared to slower vibrations,” Dr. King says. This type is also safe to use on sensitive skin.
How Do You Use A Facial Cleansing Brush?
Facial cleansing brushes are so popular because of their ease of use. Even ones that come with multiple attachments are self-explanatory and don’t require much time or effort to set up. When you use one, pair it with your favorite cleaner, turn it on and then let it glide over your skin. The only learning curve? Testing out the various speeds to discover your skin’s needs and how your skin reacts to them. After that, “rinse, pat dry and follow with your favorite serum and moisturizer. The newly exfoliated skin will enhance penetration of the ingredients,” Dr. King says.
How Often Should You Use A Facial Cleansing Brush?
How often you use a facial cleansing brush is based on how your skin reacts. If you have no irritation when you start using one, then it’s safe to use it multiple times a week. If you find your skin is sensitive and feels irritated afterward, you can use the brush once a week for a deep clean. Dr. King also suggests starting slow by using the brush no more than two times a week to start. “If you are tolerating it well, then you may be able to build up to daily use but decrease the frequency or pressure if your skin is becoming irritated or inflamed,” she says.
Can You Use A Facial Cleansing Brush On The Neck?
The neck doesn’t always get enough attention, but there is a simple solution to change that. While washing your face, take your facial cleansing brush down to your neck area, but proceed with caution. Dr. King explains that the skin in the area is delicate and thin and has fewer oil glands, “so you may need to use lighter pressure, lower settings or even a gentler device.”
What Skincare Products Should You Use With A Facial Cleansing Brush?
Start with a creamy cleanser. The cleansing brush offers mild exfoliation, so it is important to use a cleanser that supports the skin barrier during this step. Don’t use harsh detergents that strip the skin. If you want to increase the exfoliation factor, it may be ok to use a gentle chemical exfoliant, as tolerated.
The best facial cleansing brushes help your skincare products penetrate deeper into the skin, so be sure you grab your favorite serums and treatments to apply afterwards. Since these products are absorbed almost immediately into the skin, you will see more visible results.