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.
Using advice from experts, we chose the best facial cleansing brushes based on the following criteria:
Experts told us that facial cleansing brushes can be a great way to elevate your nighttime skin care routine by gently exfoliating and removing makeup, dirt and other impurities from your face. To help guide you through the shopping process, we’ve rounded up some expert-recommended picks, along with some NBC Select staff favorites as well as 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. The Luna 3 is also top-rated, with a 4.4-star average rating from 3,828 reviews at Amazon.
PMD’s battery-powered Clean Smart Facial Cleansing Device — which has a 4.4-star average rating from more than 4,239 reviews on Amazon — 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 forfor 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 associate updates editor 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. The NågraCool has a 4.4-star average rating from over 9,860 reviews on Amazon.
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. The brush has a 4.8-star average rating from more than 2,623 reviews at Walmart.
Olay Regenerist’s soft-bristle facial cleansing brush offers two speeds — one for daily deep cleansing and the other for gentle exfoliation — and it primes your skin to “maximize the hydrating effect of your moisturizer,” according to the brand. Olay says you can use the water-resistant device in the shower, and it comes with two brush heads (replacements are sold separately in packs of two). The brush earned a 4.4-star average rating from 24,167 reviews on Amazon.
This small brush is a favorite of NBC Select managing editor Leah Ginsberg, who finds this silicone brush gentle on her sensitive skin (Etude also mentions this as a benefit). Ginsberg also loves its cute, cat-like face (though some retailers say it’s a jellyfish) and the no-frills brush is also easy to wash, compact and costs just $6. It has a 4.4-star average rating from 4,973 reviews on Amazon.
When shopping for facial brushes of your own, 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 styles of facial cleansing brushes may be better suited for you— “different skin types may respond better to different options” says 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.”
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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