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The best facial cleansing brushes promise to deep-clean the pores in a way that mere fingers simply cannot. These devices can also exfoliate, firm, and prep skin for the products and makeup that follow. But, can one really outsource a good cleanse to a brush that makes big claims? Dermatologists and estheticians alike point out that the tools are not for everyone, and they advise taking care to select the right cleansing brush to avoid skin-sabotaging side effects. (Spreading acne bacteria? Not the key to glass skin, or anything like it.) As such, consider this your official guide to choosing, and properly using, the best cleansing brushes to achieve a post-spa glow at home.
Vogue’s Favorite Facial Cleansing Brushes
- Best Overall: Foreo Luna 4, $279
- Best Smart Device: Clarisonic Mia Smart, $185
- Best for Exfoliation: Buttah Skin The Buttah Vibe Brush, $54
- Best for Sensitive Skin: PMD Clean, $79
In This Article
- Do facial cleansing brushes work?
- What to Look for in a Facial Cleansing Brush
- Do dermatologists recommend facial cleansing brushes?
- Is it better to use a cleansing brush or your fingers?
- How often should you use a facial cleansing brush?
- How to Clean a Facial Cleansing Brush
- Meet the Experts
Foreo LUNA 4
- Why we love it: One of Vogue’s favorite skin care tools of the year, Foreo’s Luna 4—a two-in-one cleansing and firming device—is also dermatologist-approved. “I love the Foreo LUNA 4 because it is [made of] hygienic silicone,” says Brooke Jeffy, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Scottsdale. “It boosts circulation and collagen, promotes lymphatic drainage, and reduces puffiness while removing impurities trapped deep within pores.” Plus, it’s customizable. “You can personalize your cleansing experience by selecting between gentle, regular, and deep cleansing modes,” Jeffy notes. “It also goes beyond cleaning with massage options that work to reduce puffiness.”
- Features: The device has been clinically proven to remove more than 99.5% of dirt, oil, makeup, and residue from the skin. It also syncs up with an app that allows users to customize their skincare by choosing from a variety of massage routines and cleansing speeds. The tool is gentle enough for use on sensitive skin—and, thanks to a new travel-lock function, it’s also jetsetter-friendly.
- Waterproof: Yes
- How to use: After dampening the face and applying cleanser, wet the Foreo device and turn it on using the universal button. Choose a cleansing mode, then cleanse the skin on the face and the neck using gentle, circular motions. When the cleansing is done, rinse everything off and use the device for a firming massage— just double-tap the universal button to activate massage mode.
Clarisonic Mia Smart
- Why we love it: Fancy a cleanse with a classic? “Clarisonic was one of the first companies to release a facial brush and I feel like this one checks all the boxes,” says Kristin Gunn, a celebrity esthetician based in Austin. “This brush is likely my all-time favorite.” With customizable in-app routines, “[The Clarisonic Mia Smart] gives you options for sensitive or deep cleaning,” Gunn says. “It is very easy to replace the brush when needed, and it syncs with your phone to remind you to clean the brush and charge your battery. It also offers an awesome facial massage that seems to help with under-eye puffiness.”
- Features: Designed as a three-in-one tool to cleanse the skin, deliver a firming massage, and blend makeup, the tool works with all Clarisonic attachments—including the Daily Radiance cleansing brush, which is included, and the Sonic Foundation and Firming Massage brushes, which are sold separately. The tool is completely waterproof, and also foolproof to use: It syncs with an app that guides the users through customizable skincare routines.
- Waterproof: Yes
- How to use: After connecting to the Clarisonic app to pair the device with your cleansing routine of choice, attach the proper brush head by turning the attachment clockwise and pushing it down. Turn on the device to start the 60-second cleansing cycle, which includes 20 seconds on the forehead, 20 seconds on the chin, and 10 seconds on each cheek (don’t have a timer? The app will keep time for you.) Finish the routine by rinsing off the face and the brush head, then patting everything dry.
Buttah Skin The Buttah Vibe Brush
- Why we love it: Vibey name aside, this sleek brush offers visible benefits for the skin, harnessing cutting-edge technology to unleash a radiant glow. “This battery-operated facial cleansing device employs sonic pulsation technology and medical-grade, antimicrobial silicone to effectively cleanse and exfoliate,” says Brendan Camp, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York and New Jersey. The tool pulsates at two speeds—high and low—and is recommended for all skin types. It’s also water-resistant, and compact enough to stow on a shower shelf.
- Features: The brush comes with two AA batteries, and can pulsate up to 10,000 times per minute.
- Waterproof: The tool is water-resistant.
- How to use: After wetting your face, apply cleanser directly to the tool and turn it on to activate the sonic pulsations. Using upward strokes, massage the face with the cleansing brush for one to two minutes; then rinse the face and the tool and pat everything dry.
PMD Clean
- Why we love it: PMD’s pulsating brush lifts dirt and oil from the pores using bristles made with antibacterial, hypoallergenic silicone. “A silicone brush is softer on the skin and more gentle than a nylon bristle brush,” notes Mina Amin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in California. “I appreciate that this one has customizable modes, including a gentler option for sensitive skin.” Dr. Camp also appreciates the makeup—and the modes—of the brush. “This silicone cleanser is compact, easy to clean, and waterproof, and comes with four customizable modes, one of which helps to massage serums and moisturizer into the skin,” he says.
- Features: The device emits some 7,000 vibrations per minute, and its bristles are made from ultra-hygienic silicone. Its four customizable modes different settings for cleansing and facial massages.
- Waterproof: Yes
- How to use: After rinsing the face with warm water and applying cleanser, power up the device and cleanse the skin using modules 1 or 2. The brand recommends moving the device across the face in circular motions, and spending extra time on any areas with skin concerns. Afterward, rinse the face and the tool and pat everything dry.
Proactiv Pore Cleansing Brush
- Why we love it: A mainstay in clarifying skin-care products and shampoos, oil-absorbing charcoal infuses the bristles of Proactiv’s pore-purifying brush. The wireless, battery-powered device fits in the palm of the hand and is a cinch to use. Equipped with two cleansing modes—high speed and low speed—the brush rotates 360 degrees to thoroughly cleanse and exfoliate the skin. (Just don’t be too thorough: holding it in one place for too long may over-exfoliate the skin and cause irritation.) The angled head helps the brush glide easily over the angles of the face while it whisks dirt, oil, and debris out of every pore.
- Features: The brush has two modes to allow for gentle or more intense cleansing; it’s also wireless and water-resistant.
- Waterproof: Though not billed as waterproof, the tool is water-resistant and safe for use in the shower.
- How to use: Spread a thin layer of cleanser over a moistened face, then wet the bristles and use the button to turn the brush on. (One tap for low speed, two taps for high.) Using light pressure, move the rotating bristles across the face in upward, circular motions, taking care to not hold the device in one area for too long. The brand recommends using the tool once a week, and replacing the head every 60 days.
Shiseido Cleansing Massage Brush
- Why we love it: Shiseido’s makeup brushes are beloved by Vogue editors and pro artists alike. (The brand’s tiny concealer brush makes precise work of clearing up imperfections, while its eyeliner brush makes it a cinch to etch on the perfect cat eye.) When it’s time to take the makeup off, Shiseido’s Cleansing Massage Brush is up to the task. The tool has ultra-soft bristles that flex and bend to thoroughly —yet gently—wash the face. What’s more, the tapered bristles come in various lengths, which provide a gentle face massage and a deep-pore cleanse at the same time.
- Features: The brush has a curved handle that makes it easy to grip, and it comes with a stand.
- Waterproof: No
- How to use: Use water to wet the face and the brush, then add a bit of foaming cleanser to the brush and use circular motions to cleanse.
Olay ProX Advanced Cleansing System
- Why we love it: Simple to use—and hold—Olay’s ergonomic brush was designed by dermatologists. Equipped with two different speed settings, the tool also has a stamp of approval from estheticians. “This brush is a great option for the beginner,” says Gunn. “It’s more economically priced, comes with two brush heads, and does a great job with deep cleaning pores.” According to the brand, the device also excels at stripping off makeup that’s hard to remove—waterproof mascara has met its match.
- Features: The dermatologist-designed device has two speed settings, and is water-resistant (go ahead, use it in the shower!) The facial brush comes with the Olay Exfoliating Renewal Cleanser, plus two AA batteries.
- Waterproof: The brush is water-resistant, though not waterproof.
- How to use: After dampening the face and the head of the device, switch the brush on and work it over the face for 60 seconds, taking care to avoid the eye area. When cleansing is complete, rinse the brush and the face with water.
Sisley-Paris The Gentle Brush
- Why we love it: Sisley-Paris skincare products have a cherished space in Vogue editors’ cabinets across states and continents. This brush was designed to take the hallowed products’ efficacy—and that of similar cleansers—up a notch. Made in France with flexible, gentle bristles, the ergonomic brush sloughs up dirt, oil, and debris while prepping the skin for products to follow. (Might we recommend the Black Rose Cream Mask?) The luxurious tool suits almost all skin types, though the brand doesn’t necessarily recommend it for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
- Features: Designed to make cleansers and foaming products more efficacious, the brush has silky-soft bristles and a portable, travel-friendly design.
- Waterproof: No
- How to use: After wetting the bristles, dab a water-based cleanser onto the brush. Use a circular motion to cleanse the face, neck, and chest; afterward, rinse the brush off with warm water.
Do facial cleansing brushes work?
“A quality cleansing brush can be a great addition to your skin-care routine,” says Gunn. “Let’s face it, some of us scrub way too hard, or not hard enough. A facial brush is a great mechanical exfoliator that will remove the dead layers of skin that contribute to a lackluster complexion.” This step, she adds, can up-level one’s entire skincare regime. “The dead-skin-cell layer can act as a barrier which does not let skin-care products penetrate your skin,” Gunn notes. “Once the dead skin layer is off, your skin will soak up all of the products you apply on top of it much easier, and they will penetrate deeper.”
What to look for in a facial cleansing brush
“Soft, gentle brushes are better tolerated than coarse, rough brushes,” says Camp. “The coarser the material, the more likely it is that the facial brush will create microtears in the skin. This can damage the skin barrier and increase the risk of infection. Silicone brushes are considered to be very gentle on the skin,” he says, adding that silicone is also easy to wash.
“There are so many options available to us today when it comes to cleansing brushes,” Gunn adds. “The key is finding the right one for your skin type. If you have sensitive skin, you are going to want a brush with softer bristles. This will help combat any irritation you might experience.” One such example is the Foreo Luna 4, which has bristles made from thin, soft silicone that’s gentle on sensitive skin. “If you have oily skin, look for a brush that mentions deep cleaning,” Gunn says. The Olay ProX facial cleansing brush is one such deep-cleaning tool.
Battery life is another key feature to look out for. “There’s nothing is more frustrating than a battery that has to be charged every 20 minutes.” Of note: The Clarisonic Mia Smart delivers 100 minutes of cleansing per charge.
Lastly, Gunn recommends seeking out a brush with adjustable settings, such as the PMD Clean.“One day you may feel sensitive due to acne or something else and need a sensitive setting, while another day you are going for a deep cleanse in your congested T-zone,” she says. “Adjustable settings will give you everything you need in one device.”
Do dermatologists recommend facial cleansing brushes?
According to Jeffy, “Facial cleansing brushes are great to deep clean, exfoliate, and remove dead skin. I do think they are great to use if you are wearing heavy makeup to be sure it’s completely removed. But it is important to use a safe product appropriately, otherwise, they can do their job too well [by over-cleansing or over-exfoliating], resulting in a damaged skin barrier, irritation, and breakouts.”
Mina Amin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in California, echoes Jeffy’s concern. “Overuse of cleansing brushes or using brushes that are harsh on the skin can disturb the skin barrier, which can lead to irritation, acne, and dry skin,” she says. “If not cared for properly, bacteria can overgrow on these brushes, which can result in worsening of underlying skin conditions.” She adds: “I prefer chemical exfoliation, such as incorporating a retinoid or retinol in your routine. Physical exfoliation, which can come from using a facial cleansing brush, can result in inflammation on the skin, which can lead to redness or dry and flaky skin—especially if used too frequently.”
For those who do go the cleansing brush route, Amin recommends using the tool no more than one or two times a week, and she notes that it’s important to use a brush with soft bristles that are easy to wash. Camp offers his perspective, too: “Facial cleansing brushes may be appropriate for some requiring a more vigorous form of cleansing and exfoliation, such as someone with acne,” he says. “But facial cleansing brushes are not a requirement to maintain a healthy, effective skin-care routine.”
Is it better to use a cleansing brush or your fingers?
“A cleansing brush is likely going to be a better option for cleansing than using your fingers, and is also going to be a much better alternative to the harsh abrasive scrubs that are all over the beauty section of our stores,” Gunn asserts. “A lot of these scrubs have walnut or apricot shells, coffee grounds, salt, and other things that will definitely exfoliate but can also cause tiny little tears in your skin. This is doing you no favors in the anti-aging department. These tiny little micro-tears in the skin can also cause acne as they may allow bacteria to enter easily.”
Madalaina Conti, celebrity esthetician to the likes of Bella Hadid, is quick to endorse the powers of a good, old-fashioned cleanse—though brushes do have their place for certain of her clients. “Massaging in your cleanser with your fingers will always be sufficient— a cleansing brush is not necessary for everyone,” she says. “However, clients with sebaceous filaments or stubborn blackheads may benefit from incorporating a [pulsating] silicone brush into their routines due to the vibration,” which may work more efficiently to extract dirt, oil, and acne-causing bacteria. (For the uninitiated, sebaceous filaments crop up on the skin when the sebaceous glands produce excess sebum, and their appearance is similar to blackheads.)
How often should you use a facial cleansing brush?
Dr. Jeffy recommends using a cleansing brush one to three times a week, depending on one’s skin type. (If skin is sensitive, use it less, she adds.) “I do think it’s ok to use a cleansing brush more frequently to help ensure that heavy makeup is completely removed, but in that case I would be sure to use a more gentle brush.”
How to clean a facial cleansing brush
“To clean a facial cleansing brush, you can use warm water and dish soap. If the head is removable, be sure to remove the head of the brush before washing it. Dry the brush head gently with a clean paper towel before leaving to air dry,” says Amin. “For a silicone brush, you’ll want to clean it thoroughly with an antibacterial soap after each use,” Conti instructs. “Rinse thoroughly and be sure to dry the brush well with a clean paper towel and store in a clean bag or pouch. If the tool has been left out, you’ll want to make sure you clean thoroughly with antibacterial soap again before use.”
Meet the Experts
- Dr. Mina Amin, MD is a board-certified dermatologist based in California.
- Dr. Brendan Camp, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York and New Jersey.
- Madalaina Conti is a celebrity esthetician based in New York. Her clients include Bella Hadid and Chloë Grace Moretz.
- Kristin Gunn is a celebrity esthetician and the founder of Halcyon Skincare and Beaux Medspa in Austin.
- Dr. Brooke Jeffy MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Scottsdale, Arizona.