Cleansing brushes are known for their incredible ability to deep clean pores and thoroughly remove excess dirt from the skin, but contrary to popular belief they aren’t only beneficial for women. In fact, some of the best cleansing brushes on the market specifically target men’s skin. Men’s skin can reap the benefits of cleansing brushes’ pore-penetrating bristles by helping to remove excess sebum buildup from oily skin to unclog pores, and by helping to remove product buildup from things we lather on throughout the day, including sunscreen, retinols, shaving creams, aftershave and night creams.
Why is it beneficial to add a cleansing brush to your skincare routine? Cleansing brushes can deliver a deeper clean than a standard-fare cleansing (that is, washing your face with your hands). Their bristles subtly penetrate the pores and help prevent them from clogging, while also acting as a gentle exfoliating agent for dead skin cells. They stimulate circulation in the skin, which improves nutrient and oxygen delivery as well as toxin/free radical removal. This improves everything from skin texture and firmness, to brightness and tone. That’s not to say that you need a cleansing brush in order to have clear pores and a bright, even complexion, but a cleansing brush adds that extra assurance, almost like a daily DIY facial.
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. 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.
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 with cleansing brushes). However, foaming and powder cleansers are often more difficult to load into some brush heads, so it could be good 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.
Last, more money 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.
Because men traditionally have more oily skin than women, and considering men’s proclivity for shaving and growing facial hair, these four brushes below are the best cleansing brushes for men.
- The Best Face + Beard Cleansing Brush: FOREO Luna 2 Men Silicone Sonic Face and Beard Cleaning Tool
- The Best Cleansing Brush for Shavers and Sensitive Skin: Naturopathica Facial Cleansing Brush
- The Best Cleansing Brush for Beginners: e.l.f. Cleansing Duo Face Brush
- The Best Cleansing Brush for Acne-Prone Skin: Proactiv Charcoal Pore Cleansing Brush
The Best Face + Beard Cleansing Brush
FOREO Luna 2 Men Silicone Sonic Face and Beard Cleaning Tool
Typically, you hear about two brands vying for the top spot—Clarisonic and FOREO. Clarisonic revolutionized and popularized the cleansing brush, but FOREO has innovated it above the predictable standards. The Luna 2 is a dual-sided, vibrating silicone brush that both preps the skin for a shave and helps lift dead skin and debris from beneath the surface of the beard, minus any tangling or hair tugging that the circular 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.
The Best Cleansing Brush for Shavers and Sensitive Skin
Naturopathica Facial Cleansing Brush
I find it easier to utilize this brush than one with a longer handle. It reminds me 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 soft nylon bristles are designed for the most sensitive skin, this brush is also a terrific warm up to a shave, or on skin that is frequently sheared by a razor.
The Best Cleansing Brush for Beginners
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 is targeted at the cleansing itself. While the tech-forward, higher-priced brushes are arguably more effective, there’s no disagreeing that this cost-effective, manual brush is also a workhorse.
The Best Cleansing Brush for Acne-Prone Skin
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 bristles. It has two speeds and works on all types of skin, but it’s a must for acne-prone guys and those of us with oily skin. Lastly, the ergo-suave brush holds comfortably in your hand as you swivel around your face.
