10090807060504030201
Beauty/Makeup/Tools & Brushes

Top 10 Facial Cleansing Tools And Brushes

A Review Of The Best Cleansing Brushes And Tools To Buy in 2021

A Review Of The Best Cleansing Brushes And Tools To Buy in 2021

If you were a teenage girl in the 2000s, you probably remember the revolutionary Clarisonic or might have even owned one. If you remember it as we do, the millennial pink facial cleansing device seemed to be everyone's secret to radiant, glowing, and clear skin. While the OG Clarisonic has sadly gone away, we're happy to report there are tons of new options on the market that are just as good, if not, even better. To give you proof, we used our data-backed algorithm to round up the Top 10 most reviewed and effective brushes to buy in 2021.

But what makes these little devices so great and why should one even use a tool to wash their face? For starters, a good skincare routine begins with proper cleansing—and nothing quite compares to the effectiveness of a cleansing brush or tool. Facial cleansing brushes exfoliate, remove oil, dirt, and makeup, increase blood flow, improve the absorption of skincare products—oh, and cleanse the skin, of course. Needless to say, there are tons of benefits these babies provide that our hands cannot. 

Keep scrolling to learn more about why you should incorporate a facial cleansing brush into your skincare routine and figure out which one to buy.

Who should use a facial cleansing brush?

Facial cleansing brushes can make a great addition to your skincare routine, but it's important to note that dermatologists generally don't recommend them for all skin types. If you struggle with severe acne, eczema, rosacea, or sensitive skin, it might be best to avoid cleansing brushes as they can aggravate these conditions. However, some of the gentler brushes on the market are suited for these skin types, including a few on this list. As for oily, normal, or dry skin types, dermatologists tend to recommend facial cleansing brushes as they are 10 times more effective than washing your face with your hands when it comes to achieving a cleaner, clearer complexion. It's also the best way to ensure the proper removal of makeup, oil, and additional pore-clogging bacteria. 

Why use a facial cleansing brush?

So why invest in one of these bad boys? The main reason is that they ensure your skin will look as good as possible for years to come. We're talking fewer fine lines and wrinkles and firmer skin—all thanks to the way these brushes allow for better absorption of your favorite serums, acids, and creams. Not to mention, everyone's skin looks a whole lot brighter when it's free of impurities like oil, dirt, and makeup. Facial cleansing brushes guarantee you get the most out of your skin and your skincare products.

What to look for in a facial cleansing brush before you invest in one?

When it comes to deciding which cleansing brush is right for you, it's important to consider three things: your skin type, your budget, and what you ultimately want to gain from the usage. If your skin is on the sensitive side, we recommend opting for a manual brush or a pick with softer bristles. If you're concerned about your brush harboring bacteria that could aggravate an existing breakout, we recommend looking for a silicone brush or a pick that's antimicrobial. As you further read, we'll be highlighting key features about all of the below tools and brushes on this list to make finding the perfect option for you as easy as possible.

How to use a facial cleansing brush

Last but not least, how do you use these things? It's not complicated, we promise. Apply your cleanser to your wet face as you normally would, turn on your device, and get to cleansing. That's about it. In terms of frequency, dermatologists recommend using a facial cleansing brush one to three times a week depending on skin sensitivity, and to avoid over-cleansing of the skin. It's also important to note to wash your cleansing brush after every single use. Yes, you have to wash the brush and your face. It seems sort of annoying—we know—but trust us, cleansing your face with a dirty tool might be worse than not washing your face at all. 

How we chose the best facial cleansing brushes

We turned to our data-driven algorithm to find the very best facial cleansing brushes on the world wide web. Our algorithm factors in editorial mentions, social media buzz, and reviews from skincare queens like you. Ahead, we’ve rounded up an edit of the top-rated cleansing brushes to arm you with the best skin-clearing arsenal around. Scroll down now and check out the 10 best facial cleansing tools you can buy and gear up for flawless skin. Opening image: @PMDbeauty

Find the facial cleansing brush for you? Grab a cleanser to go with it and check out our 10 Best Anti-Aging Cleansers.

Jump To Products

January 12, 2021

FacebookPinterest logoTwitter logoEmail icon

Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.

The Rankings


10
Conair True Glow Silicone Facial Brush
Rank & Style Approved

walmart.com

Conair True Glow Silicone Facial Brush

BEST FACIAL CLEANSING BRUSH FOR HARD-TO-REACH AREAS

WHY YOU NEED IT: Circular brushes with rotating heads can make reaching the crevices of your face quite the challenge. That's a non-issue with this baby. This silicone cleansing brush works in combo with your favorite cleanser to gently remove impurities and reveal healthier, smoother skin. 

LOVED FOR: This brush works on most skin types, from oily to sensitive, and offers three different brush zones to target unique skin concerns. Bonus: you'll never have to replace this brush head.


Olay Regenerist Facial Cleansing Brush

BEST AFFORDABLE FACIAL CLEANSING BRUSH

WHY YOU NEED IT: Does it get much better than a dermatologist designed brush under $30? We don't think so. This brush is designed to maximize all your favorite skincare products' hydrating effects and aid in better absorption. 

USERS SAID: "This was my first time using an automatic facial spinning cleaning device on my face, and my skin feels cleaner and softer than it has ever felt before. I am thrilled to have tried this product by Olay, and I wished I had known about this 2-speed cleaning device sooner. It removes make-up so easily, and all the dead skin cells that I didn't even realize that I had. I truly wonderful device to add to your daily routine."


EZBASICS Facial Cleansing Brush

BEST FACIAL CLEANSING BRUSH FOR TRAVEL

LOVED FOR: If you love skincare as much as we do here at R&S, you probably struggle to fit all of your necessities into one toiletry bag. Snag this compact facial brush, and you'll free up some real estate in your suitcase when you're on the go. 

WHAT IT DOES: This itty-bitty thing packs the same punch as your at-home cleansing brush—trust us. The oval-shaped device gently removes makeup while deep cleaning pores, and over time, it reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and restores skin's firmness. 


Liberex Sonic Vibrating Facial Cleansing Brush

BEST FACIAL CLEANSING BRUSH ON AMAZON

WHY YOU NEED IT: If you've found facial cleansing brushes to be a little too harsh in the past, this might be the pick for you. This vibrating brush is more gentle on the skin than the traditional spin brush, allowing a gentle deep pore cleanse that's six times more effective than a manual cleanser.

WHAT IT DOES: This device features a self-timer function that decelerates the brush slightly every 20 seconds to remind you to change areas and turns itself off after one minute to avoid over-cleansing.


Naturopathica Facial Cleansing Brush

BEST FACIAL CLEANSING BRUSH WITH SOFT BRISTLES

HELPFUL TIP: Dip this soft facial brush in water, and use short strokes, brushing the skin in an upward direction to give yourself a mini facial from the comfort of your own bathroom.

WHAT IT DOES: This ultra-soft nylon brush is designed with massaging waves that are safe for even the most sensitive skin types. 


Sephora Collection Precision Pore Cleansing Pad

BEST MANUAL FACIAL CLEANSING BRUSH

BEST FOR: It doesn't get much simpler than this. This $6 manual cleansing brush makes this a great alternative to more expensive and harsh cleaning tools. 

HELPFUL TIP: If you're a gal constantly on the go, snag this pic. This silicone cleansing pad is perfect for stashing in your gym bag to get a deep cleanse post-workout.


Innerneed Super Soft Silicone Face Cleanser And Massager Brush

BEST SILICONE BRUSH FOR FACE AND BODY

LOVED FOR: Cleansing brushes aren't just for the face. With this brush, you can get the same amazing cleanse on your entire body. 

WHAT IT DOES: This pick comes with both a facial and body cleanser pad, so you can get rid of dirt and oil from head to toe.


Vanity Planet Ultimate Skin Spa Facial Cleansing Brush

BEST FAICAL CLEANSING BRUSH FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

WHY YOU NEED IT: If your skin is on the sensitive side but you still want to explore the magic of cleansing brushes, opt for this pick. The dual-speed setting and lightweight handle make this brush ideal for sensitive skin.

USERS SAID: "I have had problems with acne since my preteen years. I used everything from prescription topical acne creams to the very serious antibiotic, Accutane (which was not fun). I've had phases of clear skin to terrible breakouts, which is why I was amazed when, after using this product only a few times, I noticed a shift in my skin. I use this every morning and night, especially before and after workouts, and about once or twice a week I'll use the exfoliating (black and white) brush."


PMD Clean Facial Cleansing Device

BEST ANTI-AGING FACIAL CLEANSING BRUSH

LOVED FOR: We're sure you've seen this anti-aging silicone brush all over Instagram in the hands of your favorite influencers. Made with ultra-hygienic silicone, the PMD Clean delivers over 7,000 vibrations per minute and comes with four customizable modes that ensure a deep cleanse that targets problem areas.

WHY WE LOVE IT: "I've always had a minimal skincare routine and never thought I'd be a facial-brush person, but this thing has totally changed the game. I didn't know my skin could feel this clean, and it's even helped clear up my acne and even out my skin tone. It also has a heated massager on the back, which has helped boost the effectiveness of my serums and moisturizers."—Kate Ferris, Associate Editor


Foreo Luna Mini 2 Compact Facial Cleansing Device

BEST FACIAL CLEANSING BRUSH OVERALL 

WHAT IT DOES: This antimicrobial silicone tool thoroughly cleanses every crevice of your face with eight different intensity settings. It's designed with T-Sonic pulsations that work to draw out impurities, delivering a deep cleanse immediately and vibrant, radiant skin over time. 

FROM THE EXPERTS: 97% of users have reported softer, smoother, and more deeply cleansed skin.

View All Top 10 Lists
Arrow white

The Latest

Image credits: drunkelephant

Bronzers

Top 10 Tanning And Bronzing Makeup Drops

Tanning Made Easy: Expert-Approved Bronzing Makeup Drops You Need to Try

View All Beauty
arrow

From Our Partners

Image credits: no7

No7

Friends & Family Sale: 30% off almost everything.

Shop Now

Arrow white

Straight-to-the-point emails to make finding what you love even easier.