These 11 Facial Cleansing Brushes Will Seriously Boost Your Cleansing Routine (2024)

These 11 Facial Cleansing Brushes Will Seriously Boost Your Cleansing Routine (1)

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Washing your face isn't as simple as using soap and water. Sure, you can use micellar cleansers, oil cleansers, or even just cleansers, but if you want to give your cleansing routine a bit of extra oomph, you might consider adding in a facial cleansing brush which can help you achieve a deeper cleanse.

"Facial cleansing brushes clean the skin by increasing the amount of lather formed from cleansers and by exfoliating," says Dr. Sara Hogan, MD, board-certified dermatologist. "This results in the lifting and mechanical removal of makeup, oil, dirt, and dead skin cells." Dr. Hogan says that facial cleansing brushes might be a good option to remove heavy makeup, but recommends using these brushes sparingly, especially if you have sensitive skin, eczema or rosacea, since "there is a risk of causing injury to the epidermis with aggressive or prolonged scrubbing." Start by using once a week and increase usage as tolerated.

To find the best facial cleansing brushes out there, the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab tests the devices to find which are easy to use, have gentle brush heads that provide gentle exfoliation, and help skin feel smoother after use. In some cases, testers reported clearer, more radiant skin after just a week. We also checked products for safety, ease of use, and performance.

In our last facial cleansing brush test, we parsed though 165 questionnaires, 630 captures from Visia imaging (which analyzes changes in complexion), and 1,260 data points to find the only ones worth buying. We used our categorical expertise and previous testing findings, as well as products with rave user reviews from brands we trust to round up the best facial cleansing brushes for a deep, spa-like cleanse. Here, our favorite facial cleansing devices of 2021:

1

Best Overall Facial Cleansing Brush

Olay Regenerist Facial Cleansing Brush

These 11 Facial Cleansing Brushes Will Seriously Boost Your Cleansing Routine (2)

Pros
  • These 11 Facial Cleansing Brushes Will Seriously Boost Your Cleansing Routine (3)Waterproof
  • These 11 Facial Cleansing Brushes Will Seriously Boost Your Cleansing Routine (4)Good value
  • These 11 Facial Cleansing Brushes Will Seriously Boost Your Cleansing Routine (5)Gentle yet effective in Lab tests
Cons

    Olay's cleansing brush has two speeds, so you can choose a deep cleanse or opt for a gentle exfoliation at a faster speed."I was skeptical about adding this brush into my routine as areas of my face are more sensitive than others, but I am beyond ecstatic I bought it," says one reviewer."My skin looks revived! There’s a natural glow and my skin is so soft." In Lab tests on a similar model in 2015, testers loved how light and easy to use the brush was.“It was gentle on my skin but effective at the same time," one tester said.

    2

    Best Value Facial Cleansing Brush

    EZBASICS Facial Cleansing Brush

    These 11 Facial Cleansing Brushes Will Seriously Boost Your Cleansing Routine (6)

    Pros
    • These 11 Facial Cleansing Brushes Will Seriously Boost Your Cleansing Routine (7)Waterproof
    • These 11 Facial Cleansing Brushes Will Seriously Boost Your Cleansing Routine (8)Long-lasting charge
    • These 11 Facial Cleansing Brushes Will Seriously Boost Your Cleansing Routine (9)Good value
    Cons

      This silicone facial cleansing device lacks a traditional brush, making it inherently more hygienic at a nice price."I was very pleasantly surprised by this little scrubber," says one reviewer."This is a great alternative for around $20 and it left my face feeling very smooth after just the first use."

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      Pros
      • These 11 Facial Cleansing Brushes Will Seriously Boost Your Cleansing Routine (12)Waterproof
      • These 11 Facial Cleansing Brushes Will Seriously Boost Your Cleansing Routine (13)Good value
      • These 11 Facial Cleansing Brushes Will Seriously Boost Your Cleansing Routine (14)Interchangeable brush heads
      Cons

        Talk about customizable — this device has seven interchangeable brush heads. It's racked up over 21,000 reviews on Amazon with an average 4.4 star rating."I use it in the shower and the waterproof feature is one of my favorite parts," says one reviewer."It's amazing how much gunk it gets off my face even after I already took my make up off. I love that you can buy and replace the heads."

        4

        Best Silicone Cleansing Brush

        FOREO LUNA 2 for Normal Skin

        These 11 Facial Cleansing Brushes Will Seriously Boost Your Cleansing Routine (15)

        Pros
        • These 11 Facial Cleansing Brushes Will Seriously Boost Your Cleansing Routine (16)Dermatologist-favorite
        • These 11 Facial Cleansing Brushes Will Seriously Boost Your Cleansing Routine (17)Gentle pulsations
        • These 11 Facial Cleansing Brushes Will Seriously Boost Your Cleansing Routine (18)Long-lasting charge
        Cons
        • These 11 Facial Cleansing Brushes Will Seriously Boost Your Cleansing Routine (19)Pricey

        As pretty as it is useful, this silicone scrubber pulsates as you glide it across your skin. Instead of a spinning brush head like many facial cleansing devices, this silicone device vibrates (and is much easier to clean!).

        Dr. Hogan personally uses this brush: "The device has two sides — a brush side made of silicone bristles that are non-abrasive and hygienic, and a massage side that helps break up oil and dirt while also increasing circulation," she says.Bonus: The brand claims that one charge lasts for 450 uses, so if you use the device twice a day, you only have to charge it once every seven months.

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        5

        Best Facial Cleansing Brush for Sensitive Skin

        INNERNEED Super Soft Silicone Face Cleanser and Massager Brush

        These 11 Facial Cleansing Brushes Will Seriously Boost Your Cleansing Routine (20)

        Pros
        • These 11 Facial Cleansing Brushes Will Seriously Boost Your Cleansing Routine (21)Gently exfoliates
        • These 11 Facial Cleansing Brushes Will Seriously Boost Your Cleansing Routine (22)Easy to use
        • These 11 Facial Cleansing Brushes Will Seriously Boost Your Cleansing Routine (23)Good value
        Cons

          If you'd prefer a manual silicone brush to keep in your shower, this option is perfect for you. It's easy to use, gentle on reactice skin, and thelittle brush is easy to hold and use, and gently exfoliates."This is a gentle enough way to exfoliate that it gets the job done for me without irritation," says one reviewer.

          6

          Best Facial Cleansing Brush for Acne-Prone Skin

          Vanity Planet Ultimate Skin Spa

          Pros
          • These 11 Facial Cleansing Brushes Will Seriously Boost Your Cleansing Routine (25)Interchangeable brush heads
          • These 11 Facial Cleansing Brushes Will Seriously Boost Your Cleansing Routine (26)Various speed settings
          • These 11 Facial Cleansing Brushes Will Seriously Boost Your Cleansing Routine (27)Waterproof
          Cons

            This is another one of Dr. Hogan's favorite options."The Ultimate Skin Spa Facial cleansing brush from Vanity Planet contains three interchangeable brush heads that are customizable for different skin types, from acne-prone to sensitive," says Dr. Hogan."The speed settings allow the user to cleanse with control and to avoid overdoing it. Plus, it comes in a cute and portable case."

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            7

            Best Manual Facial Cleansing Brush

            Naturopathica Facial Cleansing Brush

            These 11 Facial Cleansing Brushes Will Seriously Boost Your Cleansing Routine (28)

            Pros
            • These 11 Facial Cleansing Brushes Will Seriously Boost Your Cleansing Routine (29)Super soft
            • These 11 Facial Cleansing Brushes Will Seriously Boost Your Cleansing Routine (30)Gets into hard-to-reach areas
            Cons

              While this ultra-soft brush doesn't oscillate or vibrate, it's still a game changer. Fine nylon bristles cut at different lengths help you get into every nook and cranny. "This a really great and handy brush that helps you cover all surface area of the face, plus those angled and hard to reach places," says one reviewer. "It dries quickly after use and is super soft."

              8

              Softest Facial Cleansing Brush

              Shiseido Cleansing Massage Brush

              These 11 Facial Cleansing Brushes Will Seriously Boost Your Cleansing Routine (31)

              Pros
              • These 11 Facial Cleansing Brushes Will Seriously Boost Your Cleansing Routine (32)Super soft bristles
              • These 11 Facial Cleansing Brushes Will Seriously Boost Your Cleansing Routine (33)Helps face feel smooth
              Cons
              • These 11 Facial Cleansing Brushes Will Seriously Boost Your Cleansing Routine (34)Some say the bristles are too soft

              Another manual option, people love how silky-soft the bristles on Shiseido's brush are. These bristles are designed to give you a face massage while remaining as gentle as possible. "This brush cleanses, exfoliates, and massages my face in one step," says one reviewer. "I look forward to cleansing my face with it. I have suffered fewer breakouts and my face is much smoother."

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              9

              Best Dual-Purpose Facial Cleansing Brush

              e.l.f. Cosmetics Cleansing Duo Face Brush

              These 11 Facial Cleansing Brushes Will Seriously Boost Your Cleansing Routine (35)

              Pros
              • These 11 Facial Cleansing Brushes Will Seriously Boost Your Cleansing Routine (36)Bristle and silicone options
              • These 11 Facial Cleansing Brushes Will Seriously Boost Your Cleansing Routine (37)Super soft bristles
              • These 11 Facial Cleansing Brushes Will Seriously Boost Your Cleansing Routine (38)Good value
              Cons
              • These 11 Facial Cleansing Brushes Will Seriously Boost Your Cleansing Routine (39)Some say the bristles are too soft

              This dual-sided manual brush has the best of both worlds — ultra soft bristles on one side, and a silicone massager on the other. "This is not too rough on my face at all and is actually quite soothing," says one reviewer. "The bristles are extremely soft but still can cleanse dirt and oil." The combination of silicone and nylon bristles makes this brush stand out, according to Dr. Hogan."This allows for both lifting of makeup, oil and dirt and exfoliation at the same time," she says.

              10

              Best Massaging Facial Cleansing Brush

              PMD Clean Smart Facial Cleansing Device

              These 11 Facial Cleansing Brushes Will Seriously Boost Your Cleansing Routine (40)

              Pros
              • These 11 Facial Cleansing Brushes Will Seriously Boost Your Cleansing Routine (41)Waterproof
              • These 11 Facial Cleansing Brushes Will Seriously Boost Your Cleansing Routine (42)Gentle pulsations
              Cons
              • These 11 Facial Cleansing Brushes Will Seriously Boost Your Cleansing Routine (43)Pricey

              Not only does this brush help cleanse your face, it also claims to lift and firm your skin, using 7,000 vibrations per minute."It not only cleans but massages the skin," says one reviewer."I use the opposite side of the device to massage my serums into skin. I can really see a major difference. Also a big plus for me is that it uses a single battery rather than having to plug it in to charge it, which is great for travel." It's also odor-resistant, antibacterial, and much easier to clean than traditional brushes.

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              11

              Best Luxury Facial Cleansing Brush

              ReFa CLEAR

              These 11 Facial Cleansing Brushes Will Seriously Boost Your Cleansing Routine (44)

              Pros
              • These 11 Facial Cleansing Brushes Will Seriously Boost Your Cleansing Routine (45)Customizable
              • These 11 Facial Cleansing Brushes Will Seriously Boost Your Cleansing Routine (46)Waterproof
              • These 11 Facial Cleansing Brushes Will Seriously Boost Your Cleansing Routine (47)Gets into hard-to-reach areas
              Cons
              • These 11 Facial Cleansing Brushes Will Seriously Boost Your Cleansing Routine (48)Pricey

              By far the most expensive on the list, but reviewers swear that this brush is worth the splurge. It has three different application modes that use sonic ion technology to helpcleanse without stripping, according to the brand. "This is like having a facialist come to your house and give you a facial," one reviewer raves.

              These 11 Facial Cleansing Brushes Will Seriously Boost Your Cleansing Routine (49)

              Katie Berohn

              ELLE Beauty Editor

              Katie Berohn is the Beauty Assistant at Good Housekeeping, Woman's Day and Prevention magazines, all part of the Hearst Lifestyle Group. She graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder, with a major in journalism and minor in technology, arts, and media, and earned her Master’s Degree at NYU’s Graduate Program of Magazine Journalism. In addition, Katie has held editorial internships at Denver Life Magazine, Yoga Journal, and Cosmopolitan, a digital editorial internship at New York Magazine’s The Cut, a social good fellowship at Mashable, and has freelanced for HelloGiggles. When she’s not obsessing over the latest skincare launch or continuing her endless search for the perfect shade of red nail polish, Katie can be found in a hot yoga class, trying everything on the menu at New York’s newest restaurant, or hanging out at a trendy wine bar with her friends.

              These 11 Facial Cleansing Brushes Will Seriously Boost Your Cleansing Routine (2024)

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