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10 best facial cleansing brushes and tools to clear pores and remove makeup
Smoother skin incoming...
Cleansing is second nature to us by now. But if you’re starting to see your face cleanser isn’t cutting through SPF, grease and makeup quite like it used to, bring in the big guns.
Cleansing brushes may have had a bad rep in the past, but when used correctly they can buff away even stubborn, full-coverage foundations, to leave you with softer and smoother skin.
Want the low-down before adding to your basket? Here’s everything you need to know about these cleansing tools, including a sneak peek at the best ones to buy...
Best overall cleansing brush
FOREO LUNA 3 Silicone Facial Cleansing & Firming Massage Brush
Read review
Are cleansing brushes good for your skin?
Cleansing brushes aren’t necessarily a must-have beauty product – we all get along fine using our hands to cleanse – but if you like the sound of using one, they’re very helpful tools used to buff away skin cells, leaving you with a fresh, glowing complexion.
“The potential benefits of a facial cleansing brush lie in its ability to provide deeper cleansing and gentle physical exfoliation – results that are sometimes difficult to achieve with manual cleansing alone using one’s hands,” explains Dr Sina Ghadiri, Consultant Dermatologist and Founder of Sinaesthetics.
They can also kick excess oil and grime to the curb, helping reduce breakouts, and the vibrations improve circulation helping to reduce fluid and swelling. Hello, cheekbones!
However, if you have sensitive, irritated skin, it’s best to be cautious. “It is essential to be mindful of the pressure applied during use, as excessive force can compromise the skin barrier and lead to irritation,” says Dr Ghadiri. Stiff bristles can sometimes make matters worse, especially if paired with a cleanser with exfoliating qualities, so opt for a gentler milk or gel cleanser instead. Cleansing brushes with silicone bristles are preferred over nylon ones, as they’re gentler on the skin and are more hygienic.
Like all skincare-related tools, not all are created equal so we cleansed our way through many facial cleansing brushes to find the best devices on the market. There’s one for every budget and they all effectively cleansed our skin, not leaving a trace of makeup in sight.
The best facial cleansing brush tools...
FOREO LUNA 3 Silicone Facial Cleansing & Firming Massage Brush
If you didn't know how much we love FOREO’s Luna offerings already (full review can be read here), you’re about to. This cleansing brush from the future connects to your phone via the brand’s app, to give you a choice of 16 (yes, that’s right) settings to fully customise your routine.
The silicone bristles are softer than your typical brush and more sanitary for all the germaphobes out there but still delivers squeaky-clean skin. The shape was also perfect for getting into every nook and cranny. Useful.
Braun FaceSpa Pro 921 Facial Epilator Bronze
Want cleaner, firmer, hair-free skin all in one go? Then this is for you. We love a multipurpose tool, too. Despite the many customisable attachments – including an epilating option – it was easy-peasy to use and change heads. We also rate the slim size which makes it a perfect wash bag essential when it comes to travelling.
Love the sound of the above but on a budget? This mini version will give you the same effective cleaning powers, just in a smaller size (and at a cheaper price).
Yes, it hasn’t got as many settings and is diddier but its small size makes it the perfect travel buddy. Plus, it still has a seriously impressive battery life (seriously, I can't remember the last time I charged mine – it’s that good).
Benefit’s All-in-One Face Mask Wand is a brilliant entry-level tool. It’s not decked out with all the bells and whistles compared to others on this list, but it a simple, soft silicone tool that will slough away dead skin cells and lather up your cleanser to remove makeup. It’s also designed to apply and remove face masks. The spatula at the end allows you to glide on the mask while the bristles help you to remove it. Genius.
Sensse’s Energy Face Cleanser is a fave amongst the Cosmo team, particularly with senior beauty e-commerce writer Clare: “Let’s be real, cleansing is boring but somehow this gadget makes it fun. It uses EMS microcurrents to cleanse and gently slough away dead skin cells, while three LED modes address different skin concerns – including firmness and acne prevention – while you cleanse.
This silicone option doubles up as a face massager to help relax tense jaws. Yep, it even has a heated setting, too. The long-lasting battery makes it a winner in our books, avoiding a charge for weeks. The end result? Silky-soft skin with minimal effort.
If you’re after a tool to clear skin of all sweat, gunk and other nasties, this targeted option is a great buy (not to mention an affordable one). Expect to see fewer blocked pores (goodbye blackheads) and firmer, clearer skin. It features three vibra-sonic cleanse modes to offer a gentle cleanse, deep cleanse and massage to lift up dirt and impurities.
A great all-rounder if you ask us.
Promising an oxygen facial from the comfort of your own bathroom, this can be used as a standard cleansing tool to remove grease, as well as an Oxygenation treatment – just pop in one of the included capsules and go.
It’s makeup dissolving capabilities are impressive, leaving softer, more radiant skin behind. The capsule element might be a bit fiddly at first, but it’s a small price to pay for a salon-worthy experience.
Can you ever go wrong with trusty No7? We think not. This is a pro at delivering a deep clean, leaving skin feeling puppy-soft and looking considerably more glowy. The vibrations aren’t too overbearing, whilst even a full-coverage foundation doesn't stand a chance against this guy. For under £35, it doesn’t get much better than that.
How should you use a facial cleansing brush?
If you’re a cleansing brush rookie, you may be surprised as using one is way easier than it may seem. “Start by wetting your face with lukewarm water and applying a gentle cleanser to your face directly to create a light lather. Then using the brush start with gentle, circular motions to cleanse your face, moving gradually from one area to the next, such as the forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. Avoid pressing too hard, let the brush do the work. This approach helps gently cleanse the skin with a lower risk of irritation,” says Dr Ghadiri.
Do cleansing brushes help remove blackheads?
“A blackhead is essentially a plug composed of excess dead skin cells, sebum (oil), and keratin, a structural protein produced by keratinocytes that plays a key role in maintaining the skin barrier,” explains Dr Ghadiri.
So the question is, can facial cleansing brushes get rid of them? Put down the pore strips and extractor tools, Dr Ghadiri has good news: “Facial cleansing brushes can help mechanically dislodge these plugs and help with penetrance of active ingredients, and with consistent use, they may support the removal of excess keratin, oil and debris, helping to keep pores clear over time,” he says.
Can a cleansing brush damage the skin barrier?
Frankly, yes, a cleansing brush can disrupt the skin barrier if used aggressively or in the wrong way. “One of the main concerns is the lack of pressure control, as users may unknowingly apply more force than their skin can tolerate. This can lead to irritation and compromise the skin barrier by stripping away essential oils needed for its protective function,” says Dr Ghadiri.
So when using a facial cleansing brush, it’s crucial to gently glide the bristles over the skin and allow the brush to do the cleansing – added pressure isn’t needed and could cause damage. You should also choose a brush with silicone bristles as opposed to nylon as they’re softer and more hygienic.
Charlotte Bitmead (she/her) is the Senior Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. She has over six years experience writing about beauty and has previously written for ELLE and The Sunday Times Style, covering everything from politics to sustainability to inclusivity within the beauty industry. When she’s not writing in-depth features, testing out the newest skincare fad or trying to decide what nail art to get, you can find her overspending in bookshops or shouting at Arsenal matches. Find her on LinkedIn
Clare Stephenson is the Senior Fashion and Beauty E-commerce Writer for Cosmopolitan, ELLE and Harper’s Bazaar. She has been an e-commerce writer since 2022, creating matter-of-fact reviews and shopping pages filled with her favourite products for every budget and need – whether that’s a glow-giving foundation, a high-tech LED face mask or the perfect wear-with-everything blazer.
Alongside writing, Clare loves to be in front of the camera creating shopping content, putting viral products to the test to see which ones are truly worth the hype. Through her work, she has interviewed leading dermatologists, makeup artists and industry experts to bring readers trusted advice and product recommendations.
Clare has contributed to titles across the Hearst UK portfolio, including Women’s Health, Good Housekeeping, Red and Prima. Prior to joining Hearst, she earned a BA in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University, focusing her studies on magazines and editorial. She later worked as an editorial assistant at Voir Fashion Magazine, covering events including Fashion Week and interviewing notable brand founders.
Outside of work? You can find Clare strolling through London’s Columbia Road Market, pouring her fourth coffee of the day or heading to a Pilates class.
Follow Clare on Instagram @clarefrancesstephenson.
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