The Best 6 Deep Facial Cleansing Brushes For Acne And Blackheads 2023

Is your facial routine still not doing the trick to improve your skin? Is your skin still dull and lifeless? Or are you plagued with blackheads or acne? Then, let’s talk about taking advantage of the latest technology and getting yourself a facial cleansing device. 

We know that you have taken some major steps to improve the skin on your face. You have started washing your face with the best products and even spent some time in the spa to get a facial. But there is still more you can be doing to prevent your face from aging and making sure it looks the best that it can be. So don’t stop now. 

The next level in your skin game to get the deepest clean for your face is by using a cleansing facial brush.

Why Do You Need A Facial Cleansing Brush

So all guys and gals have three layers of skin: the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. The epidermis is the most outer layer of skin and is what makes up your visible skin tone. The dermis is where the real magic happens. In the dermis, you have the connective tissues, hair follicles, and sweat glands. Lastly, your deepest layer of skin is the hypodermis, which is the layer that includes more tissue and fat.

Given that background, we know the dermis is deeper and therefore more difficult to effectively clean. Now you have facial cleansing brushes. The facial cleansing device uses its spinning or vibrating action along with the silicon bristles working your facial cleansers or face washes deeper into your skin and cleaning the dermis thoroughly. These devices will remove any dead skin cells and get rid of ashy skin as well.

How To Use A Facial Cleansing Brush

Next, let’s discuss how you can integrate a facial cleansing brush into your normal cleaning routine. Based on our experience, we are able to use a device with our cleansers either during the morning or at night. Below are some quick steps on how to use our product picks as part of your facial routine.

  • Step 1: Wet the brush head and apply dime sized amount of facial cleanser
  • Step 2: Rub cleanser into brush and create a lather
  • Step 3: Dampen your entire face with warm water
  • Step 4: Place brush on forehead and turn on
  • Step 5: Move device around, in a circular motion, from the forehead, to cheeks, to chin, and to neck area
  • Step 6: Rinse off cleanser with cool water

After use of the brush or device, ensure the brush head is fully rinsed of cleanser and no water is trapped in the base to prevent cracking or other damage to the device.

Next, it is recommended that you use a facial cleansing brush as part of your skin care routine at the most one time a day. We feel that using a cleansing brush both during morning and at night routine will strip away too much moisture and dry out your skin.

Finally, to prevent irritation of the skin from over-exfoliation. Facial cleansing brushes should be paired with lightweight cleansers rather than facial scrubs. When using a cleansing brush your skin will already be exfoliated and using a scrub in addition may be too harsh for the dermis.

What To Watch For In A Facial Cleansing Brush Or Device

Brush Type

The type of material that makes up your facial cleansing brush is very important since it can have a large impact on your facial results. Brushes can be made out of either nylon or silicon. A nylon brush is better for exfoliating your skin whereas a silicon brush is softer and easier to keep clean.

Oscillating vs. Vibrating Motions

When a device oscillates it is spinning while others that are vibrating provide a rhythmic massage. Both are great for your skin, however a device that is oscillating is more effective at removing skin impurities.

Speed Options

The facial cleansing device that you want to be ultimately using should include multiple speed setting options. Ideally one slow and fast option each. Therefore, you can tailor the facial to your skincare needs. 

Our Picks

Time to review some of the different facial cleansing brushes out there on the market. We have incorporated the use of a facial cleansing brush in our skin care routine for years and have tested many different products. 

Read on for some of our favorite facial cleansing brushes or devices.

Best Overall: Clarisonic Mia

The G.O.A.T of all facial cleansing devices is the Clarisonic Mia. This is our best overall pick not only because of its effectiveness, but also for the variety of brushes available to assist in achieving all of your skin goals. Benefits of the Clarisonic are removing dirt, oil, & sunscreen, gentle exfoliation, and firmer skin.

What We Like:

  • Oscillating brushes are gentle enough for sensitive skin types
  • Built-in timing strip notifies you when it is time to change brush heads 
  • Longer battery life where a full charge can last approximately 100 minutes

What We Don’t Like:

  • Pricey. High-technology device is more expensive than some competitor products

Brush Materials: Soft bristles | Skin Types: Combination to oily skin | Product Maintenance: Clarisonic brush heads need to be swapped out with replacement heads every 2-3 months

Best Runner-Up: FOREO Luna 3

This up and coming brand from Sweden provides consumers with an easy to use, reliable, durable cleansing brush. Give yourself a luxurious treatment that will help you reveal your skin’s youthful radiance. The advantages of the Luna 3 are smoothing the appearance of fine lines, increasing absorption of cleansing products, and refining your skin-tone for an even looking complexion.

What We Like:

  • Ultra-hygienic silicone bristles and a pulsating massage to remove 99.5% of skin impurities
  • T-Sonic massage increases circulation in skin to produce a healthy glow
  • Low-frequency pulsations relax facial tension points and reduce stress

What We Don’t Like:

  • Device requires a smartphone application to run

Brush Materials: Silicone bristles | Skin Types: Combination to sensitive skin | Product Maintenance: Extra replacement wires to charge your device are perfect for travel or when original supplies breakdown

Best Value: Michael Todd Soniclear Facial Cleansing System

Your hands alone won’t effectively clean your skin, so take advantage of the simple and gentle sonic cleansing brush from Michael Todd’s facial beauty products. Our pick for best value is extremely effective with its antimicrobial brushes. The main benefits of this product are minimizing blackheads, reducing pore size, and breakout prevention.

What We Like:

  • A mind-blowing 18,000 movements per minute stimulating cell regeneration while ridding pores of impurities
  • Buffed bristle tips to prevent skin irritation from use
  • Multiple speed setting to customize your cleaning routine and experience

What We Don’t Like:

  • Numerous settings can be complex for the user

Brush Materials: Buffed bristles | Skin Types: Sensitive skin | Product Maintenance: Michael Todd Soniclear replacement heads for when brush needs to be replaced after 6 months of use

Best For Vacation: Vanity Planet Raedia Facial Cleansing Brush

Need a great option for when you’re on the road traveling? This lightweight facial cleansing brush will leave you with the cleanest and brightest skin. This vacation favorite from Vanity Planet can be used in the morning or during your night time routine to relax. The main benefits of this device are softer and detoxified skin with an illuminated skin complexion.

What We Like:

  • Product packaging includes multiple brushes such as exfoliating, silicone, and daily cleansing brushes
  • Motor is powerful enough to be used to clean the body as well
  • Inexpensive

What We Don’t Like:

  • Use with care as water can easily cause rust

Brush Materials: Multiple including nylon and silicone | Skin Types: Combination skin | Product Maintenance: Refresh brush every 2-3 months with Vanity Planet Raedia replacement heads 

See Also: Vanity Planet Raedia Facial Cleansing Brush Review

Best Budget: Olay Regenerist Facial Cleansing Brush

This cost effective brush from Olay is our pick if you are working with a limited budget. The Regenerist facial cleansing brush is a simple yet effective solution where the kit comes with batteries and a replacement brush head.

What We Like:

  • Lightweight and minimalist design
  • Very affordable
  • Multiple speed settings to exfoliate faster

What We Don’t Like:

  • Battery powered

Brush Materials: Soft bristles | Skin Types: All skin types | Product Maintenance: In addition to replacing brush heads every two months. Batteries will require change as well

Best Technology: PMD Clean Pro Smart Facial Cleansing Device

Want the sonic facial cleansing device of the future? Here is our pick for the best technology to add to your skincare routine. This device from PMD takes advantage of the latest high-tech developments and brings them to you and your face. Some of the benefits of this device are toxin elimination, dirt removal, and anti-aging.

What We Like:

  • Massive burst of over 7,000 vibrations per minute
  • Heat therapy to increase absorption of cleansers and face washes
  • Power of obsidian to eliminate skin impurities

What We Don’t Like:

  • Heavier device due to the black rock

Brush Materials: Silicon bristles | Skin Types: Combination to sensitive skin | Product Maintenance: After the brush heads are worn down you will need replacement discs every 2-3 months to maintain effectiveness

Putting It All Together

You can’t go wrong with the Clarisonic Mia. It has been the gold standard of facial cleansing devices for years and is our go to brush overall. In a close second, the FOREO Luna 3 is a great brush from the Swedish brand although it is a bit pricey. Michael Todd’s Soniclear Cleansing System is a great simple but high quality option that has been growing in popularity. If you’re looking for something compact for a vacation, the Vanity Planet Raedia Cleansing Brush is your choice. Next, the extremely lightweight Olay Regenerist Facial Brush is a great choice if you’re trying to save your hard-earned money, but invest in your skin at the same time. Finally, for those seeking the best gadget to incorporate into your facial routine, go with the PMD Clean Pro Smart.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Facial Cleansing Brushes Good For Blackheads

Absolutely. Blackheads and whiteheads are essentially pockets of dirt and bacteria trapped deep in your skin. With the facial cleansing brush you are able attack the dermis where these skin issues live. Also, the silicone material that brushes are made of are very effective at pushing out any blackheads trapped out of your skin.

When using any of our picks for brushes against blackheads, you should focus on the area of your face with blackheads or whiteheads by thoroughly rubbing in cleanser for an extra 15-30 seconds.

Will Cleansing Brushes Help With Acne

Acne is a skin problem that you don’t want or at the very least try to minimize. Acne is caused by excess sebum or oil on your skin. Therefore, you want to reduce the amount of sebum by effectively stripping your skin of the excess oil.

Cleansing devices or brushes are definitely good for acne and reducing the amount of oil that you have on your skin. Using a cleansing brush on a regular basis (once a day) will minimize the amount of oil where you should expect to see the amount of facial acne go away. Goodbye pimples!


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