The winter scaries are real. Dry, dehydrated, flaky, irritated skin can be one of the worst parts about colder weather, but the best facial cleansing brushes can make a major difference. Not only do they help remove makeup, dirt, and impurities from the surface of the skin, but they can also slough away dead, flaky skin. Plus, they work to improve the penetration of skin care products like serums or creams, says Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon in New York City.
We tested a handful of the most popular devices recommended by dermatologists. Our top pick was the PMD Clean Mini Smart Facial Cleansing Device, which felt the most gentle on the skin and thoroughly cleansed off all of our foundation and eyeliner. The brush head is also noticeably smaller than the other picks we tried—and that made a huge difference in our ability to get into every nook and cranny.
Let’s just say our complexion has never felt so squeaky-clean. Whether you have acne-prone skin, sensitive skin, aging skin, or somewhere in between, we found the best option for you.
The best facial cleansing brushes, at a glance
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How we tested
We evaluated facial cleansing brushes based on how easy they were to use, how they felt on the skin (it was a hard no if they were too abrasive or rough), and how clean our skin looked and felt post-scrub. We also paid attention to the bristles, whether they were nylon or silicone, and how effective they were at lathering facial cleanser on our skin. Of course, we also looked at whether (and how much) makeup was left behind—and the good news is that, for basically all of these brushes, that was not the case. We also took note of bonus features that made the experience more enjoyable or effective, such as waterproof designs for shower use, built-in timers to guide cleansing time, multiple speed settings for customized intensity, and long battery life or wireless charging for convenience.
Best Overall: PMD Clean Mini Smart Facial Cleansing Device
- Pros: Best for all skin types, gentle on skin
- Cons: Higher settings can feel too rough
This PMD device is our overall pick because it’s suitable for all skin types and uses a whopping 7,000 vibrations per minute to deeply cleanse the skin and improve blood flow. Pooja Rambhia, MD, a New Jersey–based dermatologist at UnionDerm, is a fan of the silicone brush head because it’s gentle on the skin. “Silicone-based brushes are ideal for preserving the skin barrier, as their soft, nonporous bristles are less abrasive than traditional nylon bristles,” she says.
Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, also loves this device because of its dual-sided functionality. “One side is designed for deep cleansing, while the other offers a massaging feature that enhances the absorption of serums and moisturizers,” she says. It gives your skin a luxurious spa-like experience at home and will leave you looking radiant and glowy.
Tester notes:
“I’ve always been intimidated by facial scrubbing tools—they just look so aggressive, and I worried that they might be too harsh on my already sensitive, acne-prone skin. This mini facial device proved me wrong: It’s super gentle to the touch, incredibly soft, and vibrates so lightly as you move it around your face. I used it to remove my full face of makeup and loved how well it removed everything. It was easy to lather the silicone head as well to remove excess foaming or soap, and it left my complexion looking fresh, soft, and clear—with no redness in sight. I mostly used the first setting since the others (which had multiple pulsations) were a little too strong for me. I would recommend making sure you use a thicker face wash with this, something with a gel-like texture that will grip onto the brush head more easily,” says Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary.
Best for Everyday Use: Buttah Skin by Dorion Cleanse + Vibe Brush Kit
- Pros: Gentle on the skin, comes with cleanser
- Cons: Some find cleanser drying
Just as the name suggests, expect buttah-ery soft skin after using this device from Buttah Skin by Dorian. Gentle enough for daily use, Ariel Ostad, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, recommends this pick for folks with sensitive or reactive skin. “Because it’s silicone-based and uses sonic vibration (not harsh scrubbing), it cleanses pores and exfoliates very gently without pulling or irritating the skin,” he explains. “It’s good for frequent use if you want a soft daily cleanse.”
Tester notes:
“Not to be dramatic, but my skin really felt like butter after using this pick for the first time. I don’t know what it is about this device that made my skin feel softer than the other facial cleansing brushes that I’ve tried. It’s pretty big in my hand, which felt clunky at times, but I still enjoyed using it. I love that the brush head is pretty big, so you can cover a large amount of your face in a shorter amount of time. I also appreciate that it’s battery-powered, because I find having to charge devices very annoying these days,” says Glamour contributor Daley Quinn.
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Benefit The POREfessional All-in-One Mask Wand
- Pros: Easy to clean, double-ended
- Cons: Doesn’t vibrate
“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,” says Hadley King, MD, a New York dermatologist. This cleansing brush is no exception, and is a great option for someone with oily skin who needs a deep clean to get rid of makeup buildup.
Tester notes:
“I really liked how gentle this cleansing brush is, even as it cleaned so effectively. The silicone bristles on this pick are short and smooth at the tips, and they slightly bend upon contact, which makes them a bit more flexible than some of the other cleansing-brush bristles on this list. I also liked the dual-end mask applicator spatula that kind of gives you a two-in-one experience so you can start off with a facial massage and cleanse, and then finish your routine with a face mask,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.
Best for Sensitive Skin: Foreo Luna 4 Face Cleansing Brush
- Pros: Gentle on sensitive skin, removes makeup well
- Cons: Pricey
“Silicone sonic facial cleansing brushes, like the Foreo Luna, are a great choice because the silicone nubs cleanse and exfoliate without being too abrasive—they offer a cleansing option even gentler than nylon brushes,” says Dr. King. Dr. Garshick also loves this particular cleansing brush because it deep-cleans pores but is extremely gentle, even on the most sensitive skin. It’s also extremely compact, making it perfect to travel with, and it doubles as a facial massager, too. If you want to try this brush option without having to splurge, the Foreo Luna Mini 2 has the same style bristles for half the price.
Tester notes:
“I’ve heard great things about this silicone facial brush, so my expectations were high when I first tried it out. I really liked how compact the design is; it’s quite ergonomic and fits easily in your hand. This one was probably the most intensely massaging one of the bunch, and I kind of loved it—it made me feel like I was getting a facial massage while I was cleansing my makeup off. The best part? It left my skin super clean without a trace of makeup behind, and I’ll definitely be relying on this one again for when I need a quick fix for removing heavy foundation,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.
Best for Aging Skin: Theraface PRO
- Pros: Comes with many attachments, high-quality
- Cons: Pricey
Is there anything that the Theraface PRO can’t do? I think not. We chose this expensive yet highly effective beauty tool as our best for aging pick because of all the amazing attachments it comes with. Not only does it include a silicone cleansing brush attachment to thoroughly cleanse your face morning and night, but you’ll find three percussive attachments for a face massage, a microcurrent ring to help tighten and tone, and an LED light therapy ring to help treat and prevent wrinkles and acne. Many of the included attachments can help fight aging with microcurrent technology and LED-light therapy, too.
Tester notes:
“I’ve been using this fancy tool from Theraface for a few years now, and it never disappoints. It comes with multiple attachments, including a cleansing attachment that uses soft, silicone bristles to cleanse your face. It has three pulsating settings you can use with the cleansing attachment, and I like to cleanse my skin on the highest setting. I definitely notice my skin feels cleaner when I use this device, but it doesn’t strip my skin. It’s easy to rinse off and place it in the included stand to dry. I also just love that this device comes with so many other attachments that you can use for wrinkles, acne, tightening and toning the skin, and reducing redness with LED therapy, too,” says Quinn.
Best Manual: Shiseido Cleansing Massage Brush
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- Pros: No charging needed, affordable
- Cons: Might not provide the “deep clean” that vibrating brushes do
If you don’t want an electric face scrubber, this manual one is our top pick because it can also increase blood flow. “Increased circulation brings more oxygen and nutrients to the skin, which can help with skin barrier function,” says Dr. Rambhia. This manual massage brush helps slough dead skin and revitalize skin with powerful bristles.
Tester notes:
“I felt the impact of this brush when I gave it a go during a recent morning cleanse. I started by applying my face wash to the bristles, mixed with a little water, and then scrubbed my face in circular motions, focusing on areas like my T-zone and chin, where I’m most congested. The bristles are a lot more comfortable to the touch than they look, but are still stiff enough to make you feel like you’re increasing blood flow under the surface. I don’t think this massage brush necessarily gave me a ‘deeper clean’ feeling, but my skin felt very smooth and velvety after cleansing, and my makeup noticeably glided on a lot easier. It’s a great addition to a morning skin care routine—it really woke me up and minimized grogginess,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.
Best for Exfoliating: Michael Todd Soniclear Antimicrobial Sonic Cleansing Brush
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- Pros: Exfoliates effectively, brush is antimicrobial
- Cons: Might be too exfoliating for some
Dr. Jessie Cheung, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, recommends this pick for exfoliating the skin. The brush head contains a patented antimicrobial “clean & fresh” brush protection, which is a built‑in antimicrobial additive infused directly into the brush head material. This technology helps reduce bacteria formation that typically grows on brush heads with regular bristles. “This is one of the few sonic brushes with antimicrobial heads, which is great if you have buildup or uneven texture,” explains Dr. Cheung. “The sonic vibrations help whisk away dead skin gently without scratching, and the bristles stay cleaner between uses.”
While the bristles on this cleansing brush are soft, they might not feel as soft or non-irritating as a brush with silicone bristles. Therefore, we recommend this pick for those with oily skin or folks who really love that deep-clean feeling.
Best for Blackheads: NågraCoola Clie Facial Cleansing Brush
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- Pros: Affordable, long battery life
- Cons: Silicone bristles are short
One of the most popular facial cleansing brushes on Amazon, the NågraCoola CLIE Facial Cleansing Brush is our favorite pick for targeting blackheads because it exfoliates well and can get into the small corners around your nose (a prime blackhead zone).
After fully charging this device up, a single charge can last for weeks. We love that it’s pretty affordable at $35, and comes in a variety of colors, too. It’s easy to use and maneuver around on your face, and the silicone bristles are soft, but not so soft that you don’t get an effective, slightly exfoliating clean.
Frequently asked questions
Do facial cleansing brushes really work?
According to dermatologists, using a cleansing brush for your face is a great way to exfoliate your face. They also help products to penetrate the skin more effectively, which can lead to better results. “When moved around the face, the brush provides a deeper clean and removes dead skin cells, dirt, and oil (which can clog pores), and any residue from serums and face moisturizers,” says Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon.
In general, start by applying a gentle, nonabrasive facial cleanser to your damp face or directly onto the brush. Next, turn on the brush (if it’s motorized) and gently glide it over your skin in small, circular motions. It’s important to apply light pressure, as too much can cause damage and micro-tears in the skin barrier. “Focus on areas prone to oil and congestion, like the forehead, nose, and chin, but be very cautious around sensitive areas like the eyes,” says Dr. Rambhia.
Keep in mind that it’s important to follow the device’s specific instructions for best results. Experts also recommend always rinsing your brush thoroughly after each use to prevent buildup of bacteria.
Do dermatologists recommend facial cleansing brushes?
For the most part, facial cleansing devices are safe to use, but those with skin sensitivities such as rosacea, psoriasis, or eczema should be extra careful, says Dr. Engelman. Extremely sensitive, dry, or acne-prone skin may also not play well with facial cleansing brushes, as mechanical exfoliation can sometimes aggravate these conditions. And if you experience any redness or irritation, you should immediately stop, says Dr. Engelman.
How often should you use a facial cleansing brush?
Dermatologists recommend using a facial cleansing brush only once or twice a week to avoid over exfoliation. “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,” says Dr. King. She recommends using a gentle cleanser with a silicone facial brush (avoid physical exfoliants), then rinsing the skin, patting it dry, and following with your favorite serum and moisturizer. “The newly exfoliated skin will enhance penetration of the ingredients in your other beauty products,” she says.
Is it better to use a facial cleansing brush instead of your hands?
Not necessarily, according to Dr. Cheung. “For most people, just using your hands can cleanse the skin effectively,” she explains. “What matters most is picking a quality cleanser that’s formulated for your skin type, not whether you use a brush or not. A good cleanser can remove oil, makeup, sunscreen, and debris without the use of mechanical devices. Cleansing brushes can add a level of exfoliation, but aren’t necessary to get your skin clean.”
What are the disadvantages of using a facial cleansing brush?
The biggest downside is over-exfoliation. “Brushes can disrupt the skin barrier, especially if used daily, with pressure, or alongside active ingredients like retinoids, acids, or acne medications,” says Dr. Cheung. “That can lead to redness, breakouts, or flares of rosacea or perioral dermatitis. The brushes can also harbor bacteria if not cleaned properly, which can exacerbate acne and inflammation. If you enjoy using a cleansing brush, it should be used gently and not necessarily every day.”
Meet the experts
- Marisa Garshick, MD, board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in NYC
- Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD, board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon
- Pooja Rambhia, MD, New Jersey–based dermatologist at UnionDerm
- Hadley King, MD, dermatologist in New York
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