13 Best Facial Cleansing Brushes for Smooth And Glowy Skin

Written by Anoushka Sinha, Skincare Coach & Writer
Updated on Feb 09, 2024
Facial Cleansing Brushes for Smooth And Glowy Skin
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One of the nice-to-have tools that’s gained immense popularity over the last few years and for good reason, is the compact, functional, and very effective facial cleansing brush. Our findings show that facial cleansing brushes provide 2X cleaner and visibly smoother skin, as opposed to cleaning with bare hands. These brushes help remove dead skin allowing better absorption of moisturizers or serums after, leaving you with a radiant, luminous glow.

However, knowing your skin type, the best cleanser to go with it, and how often one must use it, is of utmost importance. Dr. Gaile Robredo-Vitas, a board-certified Dermatologist from the Philippines says, “For example, someone with oily skin may opt to use one with a cleanser containing salicylic acid every day, whereas someone with dry to normal skin…would often use it with a creamy cleanser and only 2 to 3 times a week.”

It’s pivotal to choose the right brush because if you pick a brush that is too stiff or of poor quality, it can do more harm than good. After putting some products to the test, we have meticulously crafted this list of the best facial cleaning brushes that can help you take skincare a notch higher.

13 Best Facial Cleansing Brushes

With great reach and extra soft bristles, ​​NågraCoola Facial Cleansing equipment is a lightweight, electric facial cleansing brush that can be your go-to solution for immaculate skin. With 5 intensities and 2 modes that include heating to speed up the process of opening pores for quick cleaning and non-heating to take it at your own pace, this is a great cleanser. It also has smart memory, and the waterproof device’s reverse side can be used to massage skin after a satisfying deep cleanse. As per our expertise, cleansing for 90 seconds is ample. For wrinkle-prone massage for another 90 seconds using the reverse side of the device.

Pros
  • Built-in massager
  • 5 adjustable intensities
  • Longer softer brush head
  • Food-grade silicone brush
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Softest Bristles

    CAILYN R2M Silk Skin Cleansing Curve Brush

     CAILYN R2M Silk Skin Cleansing Curve Brush
  • Make your cleansing routine more luxurious and enjoyable with the CAILYN R2M Silk Skin Cleansing Curve Brush! Crafted from pure, velvety silk, this brush makes the process of facial cleansing a dream-like experience that you’ll look forward to. It has an ultra-soft touch that purifies the pores effortlessly, while the ergonomic design ensures it's comfortable and easy to hold. Just glide the curved end over your face and let it get the job done – your skin will be left feeling soft and supple. 

    Pros
    • Gentle on the skin
    • Removes makeup easily
    • Suitable for all skin types
    • Travel-friendly
    • Easy to clean
    Cons
    • Requires delicate handling
  • Best Water-resistant

    Olay Regenerist Facial Cleansing Brush by Olay Regenerist

    Olay Regenerist Facial Cleansing Brush by Olay Regenerist
  • The Advanced Anti-Aging Facial Cleansing provides the dual purpose of removing dulling surface skin cells and maximizing the hydration effect of your moisturizers. Fit to be used in the shower since it’s water-resistant, the Olay facial cleansing brush cleanses with a single click and exfoliates with a double click. For gentle cleansing, you may use it twice a day, whereas, for exfoliation, we recommend twice a week. Additionally, consider pairing it with a gentle cleanser or exfoliator to get squeaky clean, glowy skin in sixty seconds. The pack contains a cleansing handle, two bristle brush heads, and two AA-powered batteries.

    Pros
    • Dermatologist-designed
    • Water-resistant
    • Soft and gentle bristles
    • Works on tough makeup
    Cons
    • Weak rotation of the brush
  • Best Exfoliation

    Ezbasics Facial Cleansing Brush

    Ezbasics Facial Cleansing Brush
  • EZBASICS Sonic Cleansing Brush promises a 99.5% removal of dirt and oil from the skin’s surface, thanks to its silicone brush with added grooves that also provide a better hold. The device is IBX7 waterproof, which means it is fully safe to be used in-shower. The best part about this silicone facial cleansing brush is that it is rechargeable - the induction charger provides full wireless charging in 3 hours and offers up to 200 uses. Drawing from our experience, this product reduces fine lines and wrinkles, and firms the skin in addition to removing tough makeup and pore-clogging blackheads with minimal effort.

    Pros
    • Palm-fitting design
    • Wireless charging
    • Silicon brush with grooves
    • In-shower compatible
    Cons
    • Brush could be softer
  • Light-mode Function

    Umickoo Facial Cleansing Brush

    Umickoo Facial Cleansing Brush
  • UMICKOO’s Facial Cleansing Brush is a great product with 3 clean modes (deep, daily, and gentle) and 5 interchangeable brush heads for different skin types and requirements such as exfoliating and soft for normal, oily, and combination skin; soft sponge for dry skin; silicone for sensitive skin and pumice for dead skin and calluses. The built-in rechargeable battery gets fully charged in 2 hours and sustains twenty days of regular use. Moreover, the device comes with preferred light mode settings too. Blue light setting can be used to treat acne while red light can be used for aging skin.

    Pros
    • Device stand
    • Waterproof
    • Target specific cleansing
    • 5 brush heads for specific skin types
    Cons
    • Motor runs out sooner than expected
  • Best Travel-friendly

    Coslus 3-in-1 Facial Cleansing Brush

    Coslus 3-in-1 Facial Cleansing Brush
  • COSLUS’ 3-in-1 Facial Cleansing Brush comes with a coarse brush head for deep cleaning, a silicone brush head for sensitive skin, and an ultra-fine brush head for daily cleansing. Offering 360-degree deep cleansing, the device has a low and high rotation speed setting that helps with gentle exfoliation and deep cleansing, respectively. The bump design on the brush heads additionally massages the face while cleansing for a relaxing, spa-like experience. After we trialed this product, we found it to effectively clean clogged pores, remove blackheads and whiteheads and leave the skin feeling soft and smooth.

    Pros
    • 360-degree rotating brush head
    • Durable, premium motor
    • Removes 99% of buildup
    • Travel-friendly
    Cons
    • Not electronically charged
  • Sensitive-skin Friendly

    Jexcull Soft Silicone Facial Cleansing Brush

    Jexcull Soft Silicone Facial Cleansing Brush
  • The Soft Silicone Facial Cleansing Brush by JEXCULL comes in a pack of 4 and is meant to be used manually in the shower. Neither battery-operated nor electrically chargeable, these are best for those who just want a quick, gentle facial cleanse while bathing. Made with both soft, fine bristles on one part and thicker touch points on another part, these food-grade silicone facial cleansing brushes are great for removing makeup residue, unclogging pores, and massaging the face to boost facial blood circulation. The little suction on the back offers an easy grip and can also be put on the wall or mirror for easy access.

    Pros
    • Sensitive-skin friendly
    • Low maintenance
    • Travel-friendly
    • Cost-effective
    Cons
    • May slip out of hand while in use
  • Best Tech Brush

    Foreo Luna 3 Facial Cleansing Brush

    Foreo Luna 3 Facial Cleansing Brush
  • FOREO LUNA 3 Smart Facial Cleansing and Firming Massage brush is built especially for sensitive skin. Its T-Sonic pulsations and silicone touchpoints offer a hundred times better-feeling skin as compared to manual cleansing. Through our trial and error, we discovered that the cleansing surface of the device removes 99.5% oil, sebum, and dirt. Additionally, the firming massage surface visibly smoothes fine lines and wrinkles and increases collagen and elastin production from the first use itself. Additionally, you will get up to 650 uses from a single USB charge. 

    Pros
    • Clinically proven
    • Soft silicone touchpoints
    • Enhanced skin absorption
    • App-connected
    Cons
    • Very expensive
  • Best Gifting Choice

    Yunchi Sonic Facial Cleansing Brush

    Yunchi Sonic Facial Cleansing Brush
  • YUNCHI Sonic Facial Cleansing Brush is a compact, powerful tool with soft, fine bristles for general cleansing, thick bristles for precision cleaning, and a wavy massager on the back. Great for all age groups, the device comes replete with active ingredients such as bamboo charcoal and a negative ion coating on the metal side that improves the nutrient absorbability of the skin when used over face masks. Moreover, it comes with an induction charger and offers up to 30 days of usage.

    Pros
    • Compact size
    • Good gifting choice
    • Smart memory function
    • High-frequency vibration
    Cons
    • No in-built timer
  • Best Sonic Facial Brush

    True Glow Sonic Facial Brush by Conair

    True Glow Sonic Facial Brush by Conair
  • True Glow Sonic Facial Brush by Conair cleanses the skin, visibly removes blemishes, and helps you put your best face forward daily, based on our observations. The clinically proven and dermatologist-tested device promises a 30% reduction in redness, a 30% reduction in pore size, and a 98% removal of environmental pollutants with regular use. The Sonic facial cleansing brush is waterproof and rechargeable and comes with a charging stand that makes it super easy to charge. Interestingly, its automatic cleanse timer allows you to move to a different part every ten seconds, revealing gorgeous glowing skin in a total of sixty seconds.

    Pros
    • Dermatologist tested
    • Clinically proven
    • 2 brush heads
    • Charging stand
    Cons
    • Doesn’t spin, only vibrates
  • Best Manual Brush

    Alana Mitchell Bamboo Facial Cleansing Brush

    Alana Mitchell Bamboo Facial Cleansing Brush
  • Alana Mitchell Bamboo Facial Cleansing Brush is made with ultra-soft naturally derived bristles and organic bamboo that slough off dirt, grime, and makeup with just as much pressure as you like on your skin. The non-electric device is a must-have in every women’s self-care regime. To get the desired results, what’s expected of you is that you need to dampen the bristle under running water, put your favorite cleanser on it, and move it around in a circular motion from the inside of the face to the outside. It is low maintenance too. All you have to do is just wash off the foam, hang it to air dry with the help of the loop attached, and you are done!

    Pros
    • Beautiful craftsmanship
    • Suitable for dry, sensitive skin
    • Ultra-soft bristles
    • Good price point
    Cons
    • Doesn’t exfoliate
  • IWEEL Facial Cleansing Brush

    IWEEL Facial Cleansing Brush
  • IWEEL Facial Cleansing Brush offers a comprehensive 3-in-1 facial cleansing system, in that it comes with 2 exfoliating brush heads for deep cleansing, a soft cleansing brush head for daily use, and a silicone brush head for dry, sensitive skin types. It has a super powerful motor with 2 speed settings - high and low - and a 360-degree rotary head that blasts away dirt, grime, and makeup from the skin leaving behind a luminous glow and youthful complexion. Also, it comes with a stand that has a draining hole. However, the stand is not charging compatible; a 5V adapter will have to be used for charging.

    Pros
    • IPX7 waterproof
    • Cleans and exfoliates
    • Comes with a stand base
    • Sturdy
    Cons
    • Spin action might tangle hair
  • Buttah Vibe Cleansing Brush by Dorion Renaud

    Buttah Vibe Cleansing Brush by Dorion Renaud
  • The black, battery-powered Buttah Vibe Brush by Dorion Renaud is specially designed for both men and women and looks every bit spectacular. The sonic facial cleansing brush is made with anti-microbial silicone and offers 10,000 sonic pulsations every minute which means seamless cleaning and an effortless glow every time you use it. It comes with a stand and offers both high and low-speed functions depending on how intense you want the cleansing to be. It is super easy to maintain too. Based on our observations, just cleaning the brush head with soapy water is sufficient. There is absolutely no need to change brush heads ever.

    Pros
    • Unisex
    • Comes with a stand
    • Low maintenance
    • Deep cleanses and exfoliates
    Cons
    • Pricey

    With an ultra-urban, fast dynamic lifestyle comes the responsibility to look the part. Here’s how we tell you how to choose the best facial cleansing brush to suit your specific needs.

    How to Choose the Best Facial Cleansing Brush?

    Facial cleansing brushes are every bit as important as your facial cleanser. Read on to know how to choose the best one for you. 

    Bristle type

    There are broadly two main kinds: silicone brushes and bristle nylon ones. The former is softer and gentler on the skin and is recommended if you are prone to redness, irritation, or acne, whereas the latter is harder, stiffer, and firmer and can be used if you need a deep exfoliating scrub. Also, silicone brushes are anti-microbial, therefore easier to store and clean, however, bristle nylon brushes are harder to clean and can accumulate debris over time. 

    Purpose

    Facial cleansing brushes can be bought depending on what your needs, issues, or concerns are. There are manual and motorized ones — you can control the pressure and speed with the manual ones and adjust or customize the settings on the motorized ones. The manual brushes are recommended if you want a gentle cleanse on a daily basis, and motorized ones are ideal if you wish for proper exfoliation twice a week. 

    Our contributor Dr. Anna Chacon, a board-certified dermatologist, shares basic differences between various types of facial cleansing brushes. She says, “Both manual and electric facial brushes can effectively clean your skin. Electric brushes often provide a deeper clean feel and are less work to use, but they can be too harsh for sensitive skin. Manual brushes offer more control over the pressure and can be gentler on the skin.

    Discussing the features of vibration-only and spinning brushes, Dr. Chacon adds, “Vibration-only brushes are generally gentler on the skin and can provide a nice massage effect, while spinning brushes can offer more exfoliation. However, spinning brushes can sometimes be too harsh, especially for sensitive skin.”

    Choose the brush that suits your skin type and purpose for best results.

    Number of Brush Heads

    Many cleansing brushes come with additional brush heads to cater to various skincare needs, such as removing dead skin cells, deep cleansing, massaging, and so on. Look for attachments when buying a cleansing brush. 

    Speed Settings

    Buying a brush with adjustable speed settings can help you adjust the needs based on your skin's needs. People with sensitive skin should especially look for a brush with adjustable speed settings to customize the cleansing experience as per their needs and preferences. 

    Brush Material

    Cleansing brushes work directly on your skin, therefore, it's important to go for a brush with soft bristles to avoid skin irritation. 

    How to Use a Facial Cleansing Brush?

    If you are new to the world of facial cleansing brushes, it can be difficult for you to understand how to use them. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to use a facial cleansing brush to help you incorporate it the right way into your skincare regimen. Let's get started!

    • Take a cleanser and pour a few drops of it on the brush.
    • Using the brush, give yourself a facial massage gently in circular motions (make sure your face is damp). Avoid the eye area. 
    • Massage for about a minute, and then wash your face with lukewarm water. Pat dry. 
    • Once you are done, clean your brush to avoid the buildup of dirt and bacteria. 

    Facial cleansing brushes are designed to offer deep, intense cleaning and exfoliation of the skin that is not feasible by hand-only cleansing. Be it electric, sonic, battery operated, or manual - these brushes do leave healthy, glowy, super smooth skin in their wake. Suitable for all age groups, genders, and all skin types, you can find ones that can be used in sinks, showers, and even bathtubs. These brushes should essentially be part of the modern, dynamic man and woman who are always on the run but need to look and be their best without much hassle.

    Contributor: Dr. Anna Chacon, Dermatologist - MyPsoriasisTeam

    FAQ's

    Are cleansing brushes good for your face?
    Yes, they cleanse better than just using your hands - they unclog pores, remove excess oil, sebum, and makeup and exfoliate in a matter of 60 seconds.
    Are face brushes recommended by dermatologists?
    They are. In fact, many of them are designed by dermatologists and are dermatologist-tested, or dermatologist-validated.
    Can I use a silicone face brush every day?
    Though silicone face brushes are ideal for sensitive and acne-prone skin, it’s best if you limit them to a couple of times per week since they offer deep exfoliation too.
    Can you use a facial brush without a cleanser?
    No, it is recommended that you use a cleanser of your choice to avoid skin abrasion.
    Do cleansing brushes remove blackheads?
    Yes, most of them do. Refer to the product description on the packaging.
    How long should you use a facial cleansing brush?
    The optimum time is one to one-and-a-half minutes if you are cleansing. For massaging, add another one-and-a-half minutes.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Our skincare expert, Anoushka Sinha, swears by facial cleansing brushes and reaches out to them at least once a week. These brushes help her get rid of dead skin cells and achieve smoother skin. She has tested various popular options to check their efficacy, and based on the results, she has created this list of the top 12 highly rated facial cleansing brushes that can help you get glowing skin. After giving a try to all the products, Yunchi Sonic Facial Cleansing Brush became her favorite. This brush is a pro at cleaning the skin gently and is a perfect option for gifting. 

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Anoushka Sinha
    Skincare Coach & Writer

    Anoushka is certified in Professional Skincare and is a Mass Media (Journalism) graduate from Mumbai University. As a More