Best Facial Cleansing Tools of 2022

Cleansing your face is so important, and you likely already know that. But did you know there are multiple facial cleansing tools that can help you deep clean, exfoliate, and even massage your face? 

You certainly don’t have to use a facial cleansing brush or other tool, but they can help you get a deeper clean while addressing specific skin concerns. For example, some can fight acne, while others offer anti-aging benefits. Others are free from bells and whistles, like a manual brush that doesn’t require batteries. We sifted through a number of choices to find the best facial cleansing tools for you.

Best facial cleansing tools overview

• Best overall: Finishing Touch Flawless Cleanse
• Best budget: Plum Beauty Facial Cleansing System
• Best splurge: Foreo Sweden LUNA 3
• Best drugstore: Olay Regenerist Face Cleansing Device
• Best long-lasting: Conair Skinpod Silicone Cleansing Brush
• Best nonmotorized brush: Anisa Beauty Cleansing Brush
• Best with light therapy: Just Kind Co. Lina Facial Cleansing Brush & LED Light Therapy
• Best self-cleaning: TAO Clean ONA Diamond Facial Cleansing Brush
• Best eco-friendly: Alana Mitchell Anti-Bacterial Cleansing Facial Brush
• Best set: Vanity Planet Raedia Facial Cleansing Brush

How we chose the best facial cleansing tools

To compile this list, we researched manufacturer specifications, including brush type, type of material, extra features like self-cleaning or acne-fighting, and more, to create a short list of the top facial cleansing tools. Then, we combed through detailed product descriptions, ratings, and reviews to find the best facial cleansing tool for each category.

Our picks for the best facial cleansing tools

This is a wonderful option for newbies to the world of facial cleansing tools. The brush is nice and gentle, so it’ll reduce the chances of scrubbing too harshly at first. The silicone material offers the benefit of cleansing as well as massaging, so you’ll feel pampered even when just washing your makeup off at the end of the day. 

While some may find the massaging a bit too gentle, it’s approved by dermatologists. The four different modes range from a gentle cleanse and pulsations to massage and a deep cleanse mode, ensuring you’ll find a setting you love. You can even recharge the battery to cut back on waste.

Brush material: Silicone | Skin type: All | Warranty: No | Best for: Deep cleaning

This facial cleansing brush is perfect for dipping your toe into the world of cleansing tools. Its low price tag makes it an affordable way to try out this beauty routine. It’s great for all skin types, but it comes with a sensitive skin brush for those who are more sensitive. 

The deep cleansing brush is excellent for exfoliation. The batteries aren’t included, but it’s easy enough to find them at a local drugstore.

Brush material: Plastic | Skin type: All | Warranty: Yes | Best for: Deep cleaning

High-tech lovers rejoice: The Foreo Sweden LUNA 3 works with an app to give you super soft, deeply cleansed skin. The brand notes it’s been clinically proven to whisk away 99.5% of the dirt, facial oils, and leftover makeup that tends to collect on the face. This massaging facial cleansing tool is made of really soft silicone to exfoliate while it cleans. Choose from three different products for your skin type, each of which has 16 different intensities you can control through the app.

Brush material: Silicone| Skin type: All | Warranty: Yes | Best for: Deep cleaning with massage options

When you don’t want to wait for something to be shipped to you, it’s easy enough to head to a local drugstore to pick up Olay Regenerist’s Face Cleansing Device. It comes with two brush heads, so you can choose whether you just need cleansing or want a little exfoliation, too. 

It’s water-resistant, which is convenient for daily cleansing. It’s not stated whether the brushes are plastic or nylon — something to keep in mind if your skin reacts negatively to either material. However, the price and convenience of this tool make it a great drugstore pick.

Brush material: Unspecified | Skin type: All | Warranty: No | Best for: Deep cleaning with exfoliation

Those with combination skin and multiple skin concerns will want to reach for Conair’s Skinpod. It’s a silicone brush that runs on AAA batteries, which aren’t included. However, they’re easy to find, and this one device can take care of multiple skin concerns. In addition to cleansing, it has three brush “zones” that work for oily, normal, and dry or sensitive skin. It’s a perfect pick for people with combination skin. Plus, you won’t have to worry about replacing brush heads and the silicone material will last a long time.

Brush material: Silicone | Skin type: All | Warranty: No | Best for: Cleansing and refining

Sometimes, it’s nice not having to worry about recharging or replacing batteries. This manual brush is a no-fuss solution that’ll leave your face feeling smooth and clean, thanks to its silicone and soft fiber bristles. Stash it in the shower for convenience, or take it with you on your travels. It only comes in a pastel purple hue, which won’t be everyone’s favorite, but no biggie since it offers cleansing benefits and smoother skin.

Brush material: Silicone and soft fiber | Skin type: All | Warranty: No | Best for: Cleansing

At first glance, this price tag may cause a little sticker shock. However, this cleansing brush is waterproof, antibacterial, and massaging. Plus, it comes with an LED light that provides blue light (for acne), red light (for anti-aging), green light (for spots and brightening), and purple light (for detoxing and inflammation) therapies to address a variety of skin concerns. It’s worth the investment and learning all the features to reap the many skincare benefits of this one facial cleansing tool.

Brush material: Silicone | Skin type: All | Warranty: No | Best for: Cleansing, massaging, and targeting skin concerns

As with any skincare or makeup brush, you want to clean your facial cleansing brushes and tools regularly. But we also know that just doesn’t always happen because life can get in the way. That’s why this facial cleansing brush is so great — not only does it clean your skin, but it also cleans and charges itself when placed into its base. Plus, you get a circulation boost that increases collagen production. The cherry on top is being able to pick from your favorite of eight color options.

Brush material: Unspecified | Skin type: All | Warranty: Yes | Best for: Cleansing and enhanced circulation

If cleansing is your main goal and you aren’t into added bells and whistles, this facial brush is perfect. It’s a manual brush that’s designed for straightforward cleansing, so it’s pretty much a no-frills pick. It’s a more eco-friendly choice, too, thanks to its organic bamboo handle. The brand notes that the brush is made in the USA, and it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee if you don’t love it.

Brush material: Unspecified | Skin type: All | Warranty: Yes | Best for: Cleansing

This set is a good choice when you want a facial cleansing tool that’s good for both daily and weekly cleaning. The three interchangeable brush heads have you covered, with one for daily cleansing, one for weekly exfoliating, and a silicone head for those with more sensitive skin. The body brush is a nice add-on, though if you’re only focused on facial cleansing, you may not need it. The brand notes its users reported 92% fewer breakouts when they regularly used the brush, so it’s a worthwhile choice if you’re prone to acne.

Brush material: Unspecified and silicone | Skin type: All | Warranty: Yes | Best for: Daily and weekly cleansing

The scoop on the best facial cleansing tool

Choosing the best facial cleansing tool for you doesn’t have to be complicated. Make sure you’re looking at what skin concerns it addresses and any additional features that do or don’t work for you. Our pick for the best overall facial cleansing tool is the Finishing Touch Flawless Cleanse because of its rechargeable, waterproof design with four different modes to work for all skin types. 

How to pick the right facial cleansing tool for you

Facial cleansing tools can offer a deeper clean along with the benefits of exfoliation. But if your tool is too harsh, you use it too often, or your skin tends to be sensitive, don’t go overboard with using it.

Skin concerns

• Sensitivity. Be cautious when choosing a facial cleansing brush if you have sensitive skin, as you don’t want to cause irritation. Silicone may be a good option for more sensitive skin.
• Exfoliation. Facial cleansing tools, especially brushes, generally provide some exfoliative benefits. This can leave your face feeling smoother and better able to absorb moisturizers, but be aware that too much of a good thing can be, well, a bad thing.
• Skin concerns. Some facial cleansing tools will offer added benefits, like addressing acne. Pay attention to a product’s benefits and choose something that addresses your specific needs.

FAQs

What’s the best tool to wash your face with? 

The best tool for cleansing your face will ultimately be the tool that feels good on your skin. Some people prefer a facial cleansing brush, while others prefer a cleansing pad. And, of course, you can always fall back on traditional water plus cleanser if you’d rather. Know your skin so you can pick what works best for your needs.

What do dermatologists recommend for cleaning your face?

Different dermatologists may have different preferences and recommendations for cleaning your face. In general, though, dermatologists agree it’s best to avoid scrubbing too harshly, whether you use a facial cleansing brush or not. Always remember to moisturize after cleansing and try not to wash your face more than two times per day. 

Do face cleansing tools work?

Facial cleansing brushes and tools can be very effective when used correctly. Brushes and tools provide a deeper clean and offer a more thorough way to remove makeup at the end of the day. Most also offer exfoliation, which helps clear away dead skin cells so your skin can better absorb moisturizers and serums. Each tool is designed to work a bit differently, so again, be sure to pick a tool that best suits your skin type and individual needs.