Facial cleansing brushes are your skin’s best friend when it comes to removing every last scrap of make-up, pollution and grime that’s thrown our way daily. Designed to be used in tandem with your facial cleanser (shop our favourites here), a cleansing brush works to thoroughly clean and gently exfoliate skin without irritating it. Loved by dermatologists and beauty editors alike, facial tools are famed as total game-changers. As Expert Facialist, Abigail James, says, 'they are far more thorough at cleansing compared to just a regular cream or gel cleanser - exfoliating the skin’s surface without the use of harsh chemicals or gritty particles.' They're also great for a facial massage - stimulating blood flow, leaving skin firm, super soft and unclogging pores. Popular among the celebrity circuit too, Jessica Alba recently shared her love for the FOREO LUNA 3, £169, in her #selfcaresunday routine on Instagram. Talking about her Honest Beauty Gentle Cleanser, £16, she says: 'I use it with FOREO'S LUNA 3 Facial Brush for a real deep-clean as it helps remove dirt, sebum, excess oil and leftover make-up.'

©@jessicaalba
From understanding the basics to the common user mistakes, consider this your cleansing brush 101 (including a round-up of our top 11)... On the pricier end of the spectrum, sonic face brushes like the popular Clarisonic, £185, and Foreo Luna 3 Face Brush, £169, use rapid oscillations (up to several thousand per minute) to deeply cleanse the skin. However, there are more affordable options like Magnitone's Cleansing Brush, £40, on the market too. Some cheaper brushes have heads that rotate in one direction which will still give a more powerful cleanse than the average flannel-and-water job, but it's worth noting that this can prove harsher to sensitive skin. Whether you have oily, blemish-prone skin or are looking for a brush with radiance-boosting benefits, you'll find the one for you in our comprehensive edit below...Which face brushes are the best?
Shop: The 11 Best Cleansing Brushes In The UK
Best face brushes for all skin types
1. Best for all skin types

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Clarisonic Mia Smart Facial Cleansing Device, £185Whether you're a skincare expert or a beauty novice, think cleansing brush and the name Clarisonic will doubtless pop into your head. The brand has become ubiquitous for good reason: the most recent iteration of the popular Mia sonic brush uses a frequency of over 300 movements per second to rid the skin of dirt and impurities, boost circulation and prep the complexion to better absorb serums and moisturisers. Worth the investment, no?
2. Best for sensitive skin

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Foreo LUNA 3 Face Brush for Sensitive Skin, £169LUNA 3 is not only larger than LUNA 2, but its silicone bristles are longer and softer making it the perfect brush for a gentle, deep cleanse. What's more, it can be paired with the app for a bespoke facial massage (including full face, neck, jaw and eyes).
3. Best for anti-ageing benefits
Darphin Sonic Cleanser, £130Darphin's luxurious skincare is already a mainstay for those in the know; now, the Parisian beauty brand continues its domination of our bathroom cabinets with this ingenious dual-headed brush: the bristled head promises a deep cleanse, while the steel massager leaves skin rejuvenated and radiant.
4. Best for oily T-zones

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PMD Clean In Blush, £89Powered by SonicGlow Technology (which offers 7,000 vibrations per minute), the PMD Clean Facial Cleansing Device works to remove excess oil and dirt while massaging the face. The brush head is made from an anti-bacterial silicone to prevent breakouts and is flexible and easy to manoeuvre around the T-zone.
5. Best for sensitive skin

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BEGLOW Pura: SkinSense Sonic Cleansing Brush, £109The silicone brush gently removes daily grime and pollution without irritating skin. Plus it's the perfect slide to take away with you.
6. Best for acne prone skin

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Foreo 2 Luna for Oily Skin, £149Using gentle silicone rather than a traditional bristled brush, FOREO's travel-friendly cleansing devices have been hailed as gamechangers in the beauty community. Designed specifically to help belmish prone skin, this particular brush features a cluster of thicker 'touch points' to better target oily areas.
7. Best for radiant skin
Magnitone BareFaced 2 3D Vibra Sonic Cleansing and Toning Brush, £90Magnitone's cleansing brush comes in a clutch of colourful shades and uses a double whammy of sonic oscillations and pulsed vibrations to truly re-energise the skin, deeply cleansing, toning and firming all at once.
8. Best for healthier looking skin

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No7 Radiant Results Revitalising Sonic Action Cleansing Brush, £30For that fresh-faced, clean feeling try No7's brush. Totally affordable, this brush promises to cleanse skin 3x more effectively than your standard cleansing method. It removes makeup, impurities, pollutants and oil.
9. Best for travel

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Foreo Luna Mini 2, £99You needn't compromise your skincare regime when you're on the go thanks to this compact version of Foreo's cult product. Recently recommended by Cindy Crawford, the smaller, lightweight design boasts an impressively powerful cleanse, and can be used up to 300 times with just one full charge. Your carry-on bag will never be the same.
10. Best for sensitive skin

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Tweezerman Complexion Cleansing Brush, £18Gently move this soft bristled brush in circular motions over a cleanser to help remove makeup, dirt and impurities.
11. Best for a quick cleanse

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Philips VisaPure Mini Facial Cleansing Brush, £39.99Amp up your cleansing routine with Philips cleansing brush. The lightweight, compact tool can be used in the shower for a quick, powerful cleanse to do away with make-up and dirt in just 60 seconds.
Abigail states that a cleansing brush is better suited to 'more robust' skin types, including oily complexions, but suggests that those with rosacea, broken capillaries or sensitive skin should probably avoid in favour of a more gentle manual cleanse. A face brush could be a great addition to your double cleansing routine (find out the best way to double cleanse here). After using a lighter product such as a micellar water, use it to supercharge your second cleanse with a foaming face wash. Medical aesthetician and facialist Ingrid Raphael explains, 'First, ensure your skin is fully coated in a good foaming cleanser. Wet the brush and bristles and use upward circular movements to work across the chin, jawline, cheeks, nose and forehead. This will encourage blood flow, lymph drainage and remove dead.' The rapid oscillations of the brush means that the resulting cleanse is much more intense than a 'manual' one. Ingrid adds that, 'incorporating a cleansing brush into a good skincare routine lets you benefit from up a cleanse up to six times deeper than just hands would be able to achieve.' It can also help supercharge your skincare regimen, as 'a cleaner face means better absorption of products and their active ingredients.' Double win.Which skin types should use a face brush?
How to use a facial cleansing brush?
Are facial cleansing brushes good for skin?
Although face brushes are pretty simple to use, take note: the following mistakes might stop you from getting the best out of your device... Pressing too hard with the brush head - Your brush is meant to give you a deep cleanse, not scrub away the top layer of your skin entirely. Its oscillations have been designed for the optimum cleanse, and pushing the brush into your skin can prove abrasive, particularly for sensitive complexions. Instead, let it glide over the surface, rather than pressing it down. Giving up if your skin initially breaks out - If you break out when you first give your brush a whirl, worry not. Some users notice spots appearing in the first week of usage, as the deep cleansing effect can cause bacteria and toxins to come to the surface (similar to if you've ever had a breakout after getting a facial). Experts call this 'transient acne', as the spots tend to disappear as quickly as they arrived. Just make sure that you clean your brush thoroughly after use and use a low setting to start with - your skin should soon clear up as it becomes used to the brush's powerful cleanse. Not using your brush with enough water or cleanser - It might sound obvious, but if you're finding that your cleansing brush feels abrasive or harsh on the skin, you might not be getting it wet enough. The bristles need to be thoroughly soaked before you apply the liquid cleanser and start brushing - experts suggest you should fill the inner circle of the head with product. Using the wrong brush head - Ingrid notes that 'more sensitive skins should ensure that the bristles are not too harsh or the vibrations too strong. A lot of the machines on the market today have multiple brush options and vibration speeds.' Some manufacturers suggest that the brushes can be used twice a day, morning and evening, but for Ingrid, 'once daily is sufficient, as otherwise it may over-stimulate the skin.' Abigail agrees, explaining that although the 'squeaky clean' feeling can prove addictive, 'over use can impact upon the quality and and health of the dermis, making your skin more prone to sensitivity.'Common cleansing brush mistakes
How often should I use a facial cleansing brush?
What's the best face wash for maximising your brush's cleansing potential? According to Ingrid, 'whether a brush is made of bristles or silicone, it is always best used with a foaming cleanser. If used with an exfoliator, sometimes the granules can be difficult to remove fully from the brush. Using an exfoliator along with the brush may also be too harsh, especially for those with sensitive skin.' Abigail adds that oil based cleansers should be avoided, as 'these are really going to clog up the bristles.' Estee Lauder Perfectly Clean Cleanser, £10, and Elemis Gentle Foaming Facial Wash, £28, both give a deep cleanse and are gentle enough to use in conjunction with your brush. For an extra skin boost, follow your cleansing routine with a luxe face mask (shop from our favourites here). It's vital to keep your make-up brushes clean, and the same rule applies to your cleansing brush if it's of the bristled variety. Once you've cleansed, be sure to keep the brush clean using water and an anti-bacterial wash. Every week, you'll need to commit to a deeper clean to avoid the build up of dirt and bacteria: un-screw the brush head then use soap (a mild liquid soap or baby shampoo should do the trick) and a clean cloth to scrub, repeating with the handle, then leave to dry overnight. The bristles of a cleansing brush will start to lose their shape and clump together over time, so just as you would with an electric toothbrush, you’ll need to change the head regularly. If you’re using your brush multiple times per week, you should invest in a new head every three to four months; if your usage is less frequent, you can wait a little longer. A replacement Clarisonic head costs £21, to keep your brush in shape in the mean time, make sure you store it in the protective case in between uses (rather than, say, keeping it upside down in your bathroom cabinet, which we've certainly never done...) Blocked pores are the main factor behind acne formation, so it's no surprise that using a facial brush can help acne sufferers: it provides a deeper clean to remove clogged excess sebum and debris before it forms a comedone (the technical term for a blocked pore that appears as a white or red bump under the skin). If you are suffering from moderate to severe acne, however, it's worth chatting to a dermatologist or GP before adding a face brush to your daily routine, especially if you're already taking medication to treat the condition: your skin may be extra sensitive if so. If your breakouts are less severe but still causing you discomfort, it's also worth considering what is causing your spots before radically altering your skincare routine: breakouts around your chin could be the result of a hormonal imbalance, while spots around the forehead and t-zone could be linked to stress, alcohol or excess caffeine. (Shop our round-up of the best products to banish blemishes here) READ MORE: The Beauty Gadgets That Are Well Worth The Investment READ MORE: Here's How To Do A DIY Spa From Your SofaWhich cleansers should you use with a face brush?
How do you clean a face brush?
How often should you change the face brush heads?
Do face brushes help acne?
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FAQs
Do dermatologists recommend a cleansing brush? ›
Do dermatologists recommend facial cleansing brushes? Yes! Dr. Arora of The Face Bible (GP and Aesthetics doctor for the NHS as well as skincare expert in association with FOREO) told us: "Skin cleansing is important for the removal of dirt, debris and sebum.
Are facial cleansing brushes good for skin? ›Although there are many gentle options, overuse of brushes disrupts skins pH, which depletes the protective acid mantle and can cause increased oil production. Red, irritated skin is common when using sonic brushes because stiff bristles damage delicate capillaries and cause microabrasions.
What is the #1 facial cleansing device in the world? ›Final Verdict. Our number one pick is the PMD Clean Smart Facial Cleansing Device, a dermatologist-recommended facial cleansing device with antimicrobial silicone bristles that oscillate at over 7,000 sonic pulses per minute.
Are facial cleansing brushes good for older skin? ›The amped-up cleansing is especially effective for those with acne, Sarkar says. But sensitive or aging skin may need a more gentle approach: "If your skin is red or irritated, a brush may not work for you." Schultz warns that overuse is a common problem.
Is it worth buying a facial cleansing brush? ›Cleansing brushes are an amazing tool because they do two things. They help keep pores clean on a daily basis so you need fewer extractions, which will open up the door for you to have more fun with your routine and have facials that aren't just steam, cleanse, massage, and mask.
How many times a day should you use a facial cleansing brush? ›3. "Using a cleansing brush once a day, as part of your evening routine will achieve the best results. By using it too often the skin barrier can be broken down through removing the natural sebum in the skin.
Is it better to wash your face with your hands or a towel? ›Using a clean, soft washcloth is effective for cleaning your face, but unless you use a new one every day, you should probably stick with using your hands to scrub, Dr. Green says. Also, ideally, you should change the towel you use to dry your face every couple of days to keep bacteria at bay, adds Dr. Gohara.
Do facial brushes get rid of blackheads? ›Get A Skin Brush
Washing your face with a mechanical skin brush will help fight the good fight against blackheads—not only because it's essentially a powered-up way to exfoliate, but also because the deep cleanse allows active ingredients to better penetrate your skin, making them, well, more active.
Unlike nylon bristles, silicone bristles are non-porous, meaning they are resistant to bacterial buildup and a whopping 35 times more hygienic than standard nylon brushes. When it comes to cleansing your skin, there's really no comparison when it comes to which material is the safest and cleanest option.
Which is better scrubbing or exfoliating? ›Scrubbing and exfoliating actually mean the same thing. What we do know is the difference between a scrub and an enzyme-based product, without a grain (also called lysing). This works on the surface of the skin and is milder than a scrub.
What is the best skin rejuvenation device? ›
- Dermaflash Luxe+ Dermaplaning Device. ...
- Opte Precision Skincare System. ...
- Nurse Jamie Uplift Massaging Beauty Roller. ...
- NuFace NuBody Skin-Toning Device. ...
- D.O.S.E. ...
- BeautyBio GloPro Facial Microneedling Tool. ...
- LightStim for Acne. ...
- HiSkin.
- Bear Microcurrent Facial Toning Device. FOREO lookfantastic.com. ...
- Bear Mini Microcurrent Facial Toning Device. ...
- FIX Line Smoothing Device. ...
- Trinity Complete Facial Toning Kit. ...
- Trinity + Trinity Wrinkle Reducer Attachment Set. ...
- Nano Current Skincare Device. ...
- TheraFace PRO. ...
- FaceGym Pro.
- Wash with a gentle, fragrance-free, moisturizing bar soap, cleanser, or body wash. ...
- Use warm (not hot) water. ...
- Use a soft cloth to wash your skin. ...
- Keep your bath or shower short. ...
- Pat water gently from your skin after bathing, but leave a bit of water on your skin.
Getting that lymphatic drainage going to get the radiance and appearance that you'd like.” Radiofrequency and oxygen facials continue to be good options in your 60s, with emphasis on hydration and protection at every step to ensure your skin continues to be as healthy and luminous as possible.
Can I use silicone face brush everyday? ›How often should you use a silicone face brush? You should limit the use of these facial cleansing brushes on the skin to a maximum of 3 times a week. However, once a week is sufficient for the tool to remove any dirt, oil, or build-up of make-up from the pores.
How many times a week should you use a facial brush? ›Wet the facial brush and massage cleanser into skin with small circular motions using gentle pressure then rinse with warm water. Use a manual face brush 1-3 times a week.
Are electric face brushes better than manual? ›Electric Brush VS.
Theoretically, you can do a very good brushing with a regular hand brush, but the movements of an electric brush make the task easier and more effective. Also, some electric brushes (Sonicare) produce sonic vibrations that are difficult to mimic with a hand brush!
No, dry brushing your face everyday can cause more harm than good. Ideally, you should dry brush your face once or twice a week only. If you have sensitive skin, you can dry brush once every two weeks.
How do you disinfect a face brush? ›The best way to clean a meejee, Foreo, PMD, or any other facial brush is with soap and warm water once every one to two weeks if you are using it consistently. "Any standard soap will do, just make sure you thoroughly rinse off all soap residue before drying," explains Segarra.
Should I use my hands to wash my face? ›Contrary to popular myths, the safest way to wash your face is with your hands; washcloths and scrubs can be too abrasive on the skin, and might potentially harm healthy cells, resulting in irritation. It's therefore essential to wash your hands before washing your face.
What are the different heads for on a facial brush? ›
- Cleansing Brush. Ideal for All Skin Types: Normal, Dry, Oily, Combination Skin.
- Exfoliating Brush. Ideal for All Skin Types: Normal, Dry, Oily, Acne-Prone Skin, Combination Skin.
- Silicone Brush. Ideal for: Sensitive, Dry, Combination or Acne-Prone Skin.
For older women with dry skin, using a good face wash that is made for dry skin can be a savior. The product I recommend and also use when my skin is dry is the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser. It has an even pH (5.5) which is very important, especially for women over 60 with dry skin.
What should be applied on face before sleeping? ›...
Face Packs For Daily Glow
- Milk for beauty sleep: ...
- Aloe Vera to cure pimples: ...
- Honey for inner beauty: ...
- Lemons to fight dullness: ...
- Coconut oil to moisturize:
By washing your skin well at night and removing all impurities and makeup, you eliminate the need to wash your face in the morning. Your skin repairs itself at night, producing an acid mantle that can serve as a protective barrier during the day.
Should you wash your face with hot or cold water? ›The American Academy of Dermatology recommends washing your face in lukewarm water. It's the perfect middle ground for all skin types, as Beal explains that hot water strips your skin of the protective oils that help hold in moisture.
Is Dove bar soap good for your face? ›Can you use Dove beauty bar on your body and face? Our mild beauty bar is a handy head-to-toe multi-tasker, so yes, you can use Dove beauty bar on your body and face. It also works wonders at cleaning and moisturizing your hands – so we recommend keeping a bar by the sink.
Does hydrogen peroxide clear pores? ›Hydrogen peroxide can be used to effectively treat blackheads and whiteheads. They occur when the pores on the skin are clogged with excessive oil. Hydrogen peroxide dissolves the blackheads and treats the area.
What tool do estheticians use to remove blackheads? ›Some estheticians may also use a small metal tool called a comedone extractor to release the blackhead plug from the pore.
Does hydrogen peroxide dissolve blackheads? ›Due to its bleaching properties, using hydrogen peroxide to remove blackheads has been a common practice in skin care circles. Simply diluting it with water and applying it to the face after cleansing and exfoliating can give remarkable results, from removing blackheads to reducing scars.
What is the most effective type of facial? ›If skin aging is your main concern, you'll want to seek rejuvenating facials that promote collagen production and increase cell turnover. Think firming or microcurrent facials to lift and tone, LED treatments (especially red LED light) to support elasticity, and lymphatic facials to improve circulation.
What is the best tool to wash your face with? ›
- FOREO Luna 3. ...
- CLINIQUE Sonic System Purifying Cleansing Brush. ...
- NågraCoola Sonic Facial Cleansing Brush. ...
- Etude My Beauty Tool Jellyfish Silicone Brush. ...
- Olay Regenerist Facial Cleansing Brush. ...
- Spa Sciences NOVA Sonic Cleaning Brush. ...
- PMD's Clean Smart Facial Cleansing Device.
According to Jenn Bradford, senior stylist at DreamDry, the better the brush, the healthier your hair will feel and look. “Turns out, the saying is true—you get what you pay for!” says Bradford, adding that the quality of the materials in the brush directly correlate to the styling result.
Do dermatologists recommend silicone scrubbers? ›“When misused, they can cause micro-abrasions, a disrupted skin barrier and, in rosacea-prone skin, they can cause broken capillaries,” Shirazi said. Both Camp and Shirazi agreed that when it comes to finding the right physical facial scrubber, silicone bristled options are most likely the safest.
What are the disadvantages of electric brush? ›- No timers.
- No extra help (you need good brushing techniques)
- Difficult to use for children and the disabled.
- Brushing too rough for your gums and teeth.
Facials: Currently, two of the best facials for anti-aging are platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy and microneedling. In a microneedling facial, tiny needles penetrate the skin to boost collagen production. The process can be paired with PRP therapy using your own blood — hence its nickname, the “vampire facial.”
What kind of facial makes you look younger? ›Collagen Facial
Revered as one of the best facial spa treatments to help you look younger, a collagen facial uses creams that contain a collagen protein to help boost your body's natural collagen process.
The best facials for wrinkles are light therapy, chemical peels, micro-needling, exfoliation, hydration, micro-current facial, hydra facial and derma-planing facial.
How do you sanitize silicone brushes? ›- Fill a jar with boiling water and soak the brush. ...
- Take the brush out and add a few drops of dish soap to the bristles.
- Rub to get the soap in-between the silicone bristles.
- Rinse the brush under running hot water.
The best way to clean a meejee, Foreo, PMD, or any other facial brush is with soap and warm water once every one to two weeks if you are using it consistently. "Any standard soap will do, just make sure you thoroughly rinse off all soap residue before drying," explains Segarra.