Best facial cleansing brushes that will make your cleanser work even harder (2025)

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...

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.