These days, we have electric toothbrushes to scrub away plaque and massage guns to soothe our tired muscles, and facial cleansing brushes to wash away the day’s dirt and grime. Dr. Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist specializing in medical and cosmetic dermatology and a Clinical Instructor of Dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University, says the latter is “particularly helpful for cleaning the skin for those with oily or acne-prone skin, or for those who wear heavy makeup.” She also says they “can be a gentle option for exfoliation for those with sensitive skin.” Many of these brushes also cost just a fraction of the price of a professional facial.
We spoke to dermatologists about the benefits of facial cleansing brushes, what to consider when shopping for one and how to best use it. We also got top picks from the experts and our editors, and compiled some highly rated options that align with our experts’ guidance.
How we picked the best facial cleansing brushes
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:
- A user-friendly shape and weight that feels good in your hand and is easy to use.
- Multiple bristles that are easy to keep clean. Silicone bristles are non-porous and “easy to get squeaky clean” compared to nylon brushes, says Shamban. And the more bristles, the better. (For top-rated brushes that didn’t have silicone brush heads, we prioritized options with easily replaceable brush heads so that you’re regularly using a clean brush.)
- Multiple speeds and settings that can target different areas of the face or can be adjusted for when “you’re taking makeup off or just doing a gentle cleanse,” says Shamban.
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The best facial cleansing brushes in 2025
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.
Best overall
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.
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How to shop for a facial cleansing brush
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.”
Meet our experts
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.
- Dr. Hadley King is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in medical and cosmetic dermatology, and a Clinical Instructor of Dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University.
- Dr. Ava Shamban is a board-certified dermatologist, and founder of Ava MD in California.
- Dr. Adam Mamelak is a board-certified dermatologist in both Canada and the U.S., specializing in dermatologic conditions.
Why trust NBC Select?
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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