We independently select all products and services. If you click through links we provide, we may earn a commission. Learn more
Vetted
Adam Hurly Contributor Content written by Forbes Vetted Contributors is assigned, reviewed and edited by Forbes Staff
Forbes Vetted
Taylor Lane Contributor Content written by Forbes Vetted Contributors is assigned, reviewed and edited by Forbes Staff
Forbes Vetted
Cleansing brushes are known for their ability to deep clean pores and thoroughly remove excess dirt from the skin, but they aren’t only beneficial for women. Men can equally reap the benefits of these tools’ pore-penetrating bristles that often vibrate for better efficacy. The best cleansing brushes for men help to remove everything from excess sebum buildup to product residue from things we lather on throughout the day. (Our top pick in this category is the Foreo Luna 4).
There are several factors to keep in mind when shopping for these devices, including the fact that men traditionally have more oily skin and the proclivity for shaving and growing facial hair. Below, find the best facial scrubbers for men.
Best Cleansing Brush For Men Overall: Foreo Luna 4
Best Cleansing Brush For Shavers: Naturopathica Facial Cleansing Brush
Best Cleansing Brush For Beginners : E.L.F. Cleansing Duo Face Brush
Best Cleansing Brush For Acne-Prone Skin: Proactiv Charcoal Pore Cleansing Brush
Best Cleansing Brush For Improving Circulation: Michael Todd Beauty Soniclear Elite
Best Cleansing Brush That Pulsates: PMD Clean
Best Cleansing Brush For Men Overall
A Compact Face And Beard Cleaning Tool
Foreo Luna 4
Foreo has innovated the cleansing brush category above the predictable standards. The Luna 4 is a two-in-one, vibrating silicone brush that both preps the skin for a shave and helps lift dead cells and debris from beneath the surface of the beard, minus any tangling or hair tugging that other brushes might yield. On its backside, you can use the arched silicone ridges to more thoroughly apply serums, ensuring that they penetrate deeply into skin for maximum effect.
Best Cleansing Brush For Shavers
A Soft Bristled Brush That Soothes Sensitive Skin
Naturopathica Facial Cleansing Brush
This facial brush is reminiscent of using a shaving brush; it is every bit as soft, as if you’re building that soothing lather with tiny circular motions, only this time it’s with a cleanser, not a shave cream. Because Naturopathica’s nylon bristles are designed for the most sensitive skin, this is also a terrific warmup to a shave, or to use on skin that is frequently sheared by a razor.
Best Cleansing Brush For Beginners
Gentle Exfoliation In The Palm Of Your Hand
MOST POPULAR
E.L.F. Cleansing Duo Face Brush
If this is your first rodeo with cleansing brushes (and if you’re skeptical in general), then start with E.L.F.’s dual-sided brush. One side is silicone for gentle exfoliation, and the bristle side targets the cleansing itself. While the tech-forward, higher-priced brushes may be more effective overall, there’s no disagreeing that this cost-effective, manual brush is also a workhorse.
Best Cleansing Brush For Acne-Prone Skin
A Solid Pick That Helps Minimize Blemishes
Proactiv Charcoal Pore Cleansing Brush
Charcoal on its own is a deep cleansing superstar, so Proactiv has created a dual-action brush that digs and pulls debris out of pores using innovative charcoal-infused bristles. It has two speeds and works on all types of skin, but it’s especially a must for acne-prone guys and those of us with oily skin. Lastly, the ergo-suave brush feels comfortably in your hand as you swivel around your face.
Best Cleansing Brush For Improving Circulation
A Stress-Free Skincare System
Michael Todd Beauty Soniclear Elite
Dermatologist Dr. Karan Lal says that this system contains everything needed for a deep cleanse, not just for your face, but for your body too. “It even has a head for serum infusion. It is waterproof as well, and has special technology that boosts circulation,” he says. Plus, the multitasking set prevents bacteria from building up on the brush between uses, which makes the cleansing brush stay cleaner for longer periods of time.
Best Cleansing Brush That Pulsates
An Option That’s Designed To Prevent Razor Bumps
PMD Clean
Cleansing brushes remove buildup from the skin, but they also act as an excellent tool to use before shaving. This pulsating facial cleansing device “is great to do before shaving as it preps the face and reduces the risk of razor bumps,” Lal says. How does it work? The 7,000 vibrations per minute assist in releasing dirt, impurities and excess oils trapped in pores.
MORE FROMFORBES VETTED
How We Choose Best Cleansing Brushes For Men
To curate the best cleansing brushes for men, we researched and tested dozens of top picks on the market to see which ones perform the most effectively. We also read through thousands of customer reviewers to learn which brushes offered the deepest clean. Our team also consulted the help of dermatologist Dr. Lal to learn more about men’s skin types and their needs.
We regularly update this story to ensure that each pick is up to date and contains the most accurate information and new finds from our team and experts. It was last updated in April 2024.
What To Consider In A Cleansing Brush
When you decide you’re ready to purchase a cleansing brush, there are a few things to consider that will help you find the right one. Aside from learning your skin’s needs, cost and brush type is key to finding your match.
Brush Type
First, keep your skin type in mind. Most brushes will work on any skin type, but sometimes people with more sensitive skin who don’t typically get acne will notice that the introduction of a cleansing brush can cause a breakout or two in the beginning. If that’s the case, opt for a very gentle, manual brush, or a vibrating silicone option. Frequent shavers or those prone to irritation will also want to choose a gentle option. Acne-prone individuals will likely want to opt for a strong brush that they use less frequently (one or twice a week as opposed to daily), as they will still need a heavy-duty cleanser to help keep pores clear.
Cleanser
Second, consider what type of cleanser you use when choosing a brush. You can likely use your usual cleanser in tandem with your cleansing brush (most work effectively together). However, foaming and powder cleansers are often more difficult to load onto some brush heads, so it could be best to gently apply those onto the face directly before deploying the brush—or choose a brush that will lend itself more easily to non-gel cleansers.
Cost
Higher cost doesn’t always yield better results. Yes, technological advancements have made for terrific cleansing brushes, which spin, hum and whir in multiple directions. Tech-powered devices can do a phenomenal job, but sometimes it’s a very nominal difference. If you’re brand new to the world of cleansing brushes, it may be a good idea to start with a medium or low investment brush to see how it works for you.
Adam Hurly
Taylor Lane
- Editorial Standards
- Forbes Accolades