Christina Colizza
Former Editor
Leila Najafi
Facial cleansing brushes can help remove excess oil and makeup, along with sweat, dead skin cells and other debris, according to Dr. Ava Shamban, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Ava MD. Generally, the brushes mildly exfoliate using movement and friction to lift what’s sitting on the surface of the stratum corneum, which is the outer layer of the skin.
To compile our list, we kept these expert-recommended features in mind:
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To help guide you through the shopping process for your new facial cleansing brush, we’ve rounded up some expert-recommended picks, along with some NBC Select staff favorites and top-rated options at popular retailers like Amazon, Target and Ulta.
NBC Select editorial director Lauren Swanson has used Foreo cleansing brushes for years, and the Luna 3, with its gentle nylon bristles, is her favorite. “There’s one purple face mask that I love, but it won’t wash away unless I use this brush,” she says. “The tiny bristles really get my skin clean without harming it.” The brush is waterproof and can pulse at 12 different intensities, which helps to lift away dirt, oil and excess sebum, the brand says. If you want to cleanse at the gym or while traveling, there’s also the Luna Mini 3.
PMD’s battery-powered Clean Smart Facial Cleansing Device is a waterproof silicone brush and massager that offers up to 7,000 vibrations per minute for a deep clean, according to the brand. Use the bristled brush in either gentle vibration or intense vibration mode for cleansing, says PMD, and the non-bristled backside of the tool in gentle pulsation or intense pulsation mode for applying lotions or serums. The brush is suitable for all skin types, according to the brand.
For versatility, King recommends this facial spatula, which uses microcurrents and vibration technology to massage your skin for a deeper cleanse. According to the brand, the spatula should be used with a serum or oil for 5-10 minutes at a time, as well as cleanser with warm water and soap. King also recommends different uses for the device’s three modes: “use with a cleanser for enhanced cleansing, use the flat side with a serum or moisturizer for better penetration of the ingredients, or use alone for a facial massage,” she says.
NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin bought this rechargeable brush two years ago because it was one of the more affordable options. “It’s gentle, but you can definitely feel it scrubbing,” she says. The battery also “lasts forever,” according to Malin — in fact, she’s only had to charge it twice since buying the brush. NågraCoola says the device is 100% waterproof, has silicone bristles that remove “99.5% of dirt, oil, and dead skin cells,” five intensities to customize to the sensitivity of your skin and a heating mode to help open pores.
This three-speed, waterproof cleansing brush from Spa Sciences is rechargeable and uses sonic technology to eliminate dirt, oil, makeup and dead skin cells, the brand says. The replaceable brush head has 20,000 bristles with antimicrobial protection that can get to hard-to-reach places, like around the nose area, according to the brand.
Experts recommend considering factors like the brush’s material, your skin type, and your skin’s sensitivity levels. Below, we’ve compiled their advice to help you find the best facial cleansing brush to suit your skin.
Material and skin type: Depending on your skin type, certain types of facial cleansing brushes may be better suited to you, according to King. She recommends sonic brushes (which are electric, fast-vibrating brushes with silicone bristles) as good options for gentle exfoliation. “The goal should be to cleanse and exfoliate without causing irritation or inflammation,” she says.
It’s also important to find a face cleansing brush that won’t cause unnecessary damage, especially if you have sensitive skin. Dr. Adam Mamelak, an Austin-based dermatologist, says there can be side effects when using facial brushes, but the key is knowing your skin: “Sensitive skin types and those with rosacea have to be careful with brushes and exfoliating as they can lead to increased irritation.”
King recommends starting slow: “Start out using the device twice weekly, and without too much pressure. If you are tolerating it well, then you may be able to build up to daily use, but decrease the frequency and/or pressure if your skin is becoming irritated or inflamed.” She also advises using products in conjunction with your cleansing brush — “rinse, pat dry and follow with your favorite serum and moisturizer,” she says. “The newly exfoliated skin will enhance penetration of the ingredients.”
The experts we spoke to all emphasize the importance of keeping your facial cleansing brush clean and dry between uses to avoid bacteria buildup and contamination. King recommends “[changing] the brush heads as recommended” and using silicone brushes for an easier clean — “an advantage of the silicone cleansing brushes is that they are easier to clean and less likely to harbor bacteria, and they do not have brush heads that need to be replaced frequently,” she says.
As with any other treatment, there are potential risks to using a facial cleansing brush, however, many of them can be avoided with proper cleaning and care in choosing your brush. “They can harbor bacteria and yeast if not stored, cleaned and replaced properly” says King. She also warns that “Irritation can result if too much pressure or still bristles are used.”
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Ashley Morris is an associate SEO reporter for NBC Select, covering skin care, wellness, lifestyle and more; Christina Colizza is a farmer editor for NBC Select; Leila Najafi is a freelance lifestyle writer. For this piece, they spoke with dermatologists about the best facial cleansing brushes, including tips, product recommendations, and tips on how to shop for your own facial cleansing brush.
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