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10 Best Facial Cleansing Brushes For Acne Prone Skin

It doesn’t matter what skincare or makeup routine you follow. Everyone starts with a deep facial cleansing.

In the past, you only need a facial soap of your choice (this can be a bar, foam, etc.). You then massage the product onto your face by finger in hopes of getting rid of dirt, oil, makeup or other pollutants. It worked quite well, and people felt refreshed with this tried-and-tested technique. That is, until the inventor of Sonicare toothbrush brought the sonic cleansing technology into the world of skincare.

Clarisonic released its first-ever sonic skin cleaner brush (known as Mia 1) in 2004. Once Oprah featured Mia 1 on her super-popular ‘Favorite Things’ episode in 2007, everyone wanted one. By 2011, Clarisonic was winning all kinds of awards from beauty magazines like Elle and Allure, even if more and more competition brands were popping up.

From then on, gone were traditional ways of cleansing the face. The use of an electrical or manual facial cleansing system became the norm. Facial cleansing brushes are now the secret weapon for loosening up dirt and oils on your face, keeping your pores as gunk-free as possible, and helping those with acne prone skin. 

Types of Facial Cleansing Brushes

If you’re shopping around for a facial cleansing system for acne prone skin, you should divide the products into two — manual or electric brushes.

Manual brushes. Manual brushes come in different forms. The bristle-type is the most common and most affordable, while the silicon-based brush (which is ideal for sensitive skin) is the modern variation designed with silicon protrusions that dig into the pores.  There are also hybrid manual brushes that feature both silicon elements and bristles for double-duty facial cleansing.

Electric facial brushes.  It can be confusing to differentiate the many battery-operated devices in the market today. It’s because they’re called various names, from “sonic skin cleaner,” to “rotating face brush,” and “electric exfoliating brush” to “face exfoliator machine,” the underlying concept of these devices is to serve as an effective face scrub tool.

Best Facial Cleansing Brushes For Acne Prone Skin

 The following deep cleansing brush I’m going to feature below is a mix of manual and electric facial brushes, but not all of them are ideal for sensitive skin, so if you have acne prone skin, read up.

 

  1. Vanity Planet Ultimate Skin Spa Facial Cleansing Brush

Vanity Planet Facial Cleansing Brush

Vanity Planet Facial Cleansing Brush

This facial cleansing brush is a fan-favorite for a couple of reasons. First is probably because of its design – available in three pastel colors (blue, pink and purple) and packaged in a hard protective case for storage/travel. The other reason is effectiveness in removing hard-to-reach dirt and sticky makeup effortlessly.

PROS

  • Suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive ones
  • Water-resistant (can be used in the shower)
  • effective brush heads (for cleansing, exfoliating, and silicone brush)
  • Silicone brush for acne-prone skin and sensitive skin
  • Travel-friendly

CONS

  • Operates on 2 AA batteries (can be costly compared to rechargeable models)

Is it Worth Your Money?

Vanity Planet’s facial cleansing brush costs around $32, which is a good deal considering you get three interchangeable brush heads in one package.

 

  1. Neutrogena Microdermabrasion Starter Kit

Neutrogena facial cleansing brush

Neutrogena facial cleansing brush

Neutrogena is trusted  name in the skincare industry, so if you’re after an electric exfoliating brush, no need to explore anymore since Neutrogena’s microdermabrasion starter kit has everything you’ll need. It’s the closest you can get to professional skin exfoliating and cleansing that dermatologists perform, since effects are visible even after a single use.

This microdermabrasion starter kit looks like a typical deep cleansing brush, but it is actually much more. It features single-use puffs that are pre-dosed with very very fine crystals and specially-formulated purifier for a perfect exfoliation.

PROS

  • Easy to use even for beginners
  • Micro-vibrations massage the skin
  • Can be used in different zones of the face
  • Produces glowing skin
  • Ideal for a wide variety of skin types

CONS

  • Regularly need puff refills ($15/24 puffs)

Is it Worth Your Money?

The microdermabrasion starter kit is priced around $17, which is affordable for how it can effectively turn any skin young-looking. However, the puff refills can add up pretty quickly (depending on how often you use it).

 

  1. ETEREAUTY Facial Brush Waterproof Body Facial Cleansing Brush for Deep Cleansing

Etereauty facial cleansing brush

Etereauty facial cleansing brush

This deep cleansing brush works from head to toe. It features 5 replaceable brushes – large one (for body, hands and feet), pumice pad (for removing calluses on feet/elbows), small long-bristle brush for deep cleansing and exfoliation, short-bristle for the pores, and crude polish for cutting off tough skin.

PROS

 

  • Minimizes pores
  • Removes dead skin cells and blackheads
  • Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
  • Travel-size (you can pack it to go)
  • IPX7 waterproofing (means you can shower with it, but without submerging in water)
  • two-speed adjustment with options for clockwise rotation
  • Compatible with Pixnor replacement heads

CONS

 

  • Operates on four AA batteries

Is it Worth Your Money?

Unlike other models on this list that only focuses on the face, this $25 cleansing system has all the features you need for deeper cleansing on both the face and body.

 

  1. PIXNOR Waterproof Face Brush with 7 Brush Heads for Deep Cleansing, Gentle Exfoliating, Removing Blackhead, Massaging

PIXNOR facial cleansing brush

PIXNOR facial cleansing brush

PIXNOR’s waterproof face brush system has a full range of sponges and brushes to fit every skin type imaginable.  Whether you have half-oily and half-dry face, you can be sure that even one of the seven different brush heads can help control acne, remove blackheads, improve large pores, and give your skin a different kind of glow.

PROS

  • Water-resistant
  • Features brushes for the extremes: deep cleaning or mild exfoliation
  • Rolling massager to promote blood circulation
  • Additional pumice pad for removing calluses
  • Compact size

CONS

  • Uses 2x AA batteries

Is it Worth Your Money?

Out of all the tools featured in this brush, my favorite would probably be the one for removing long-lasting makeup with my favorite coconut oil. This system costs only $19 and will last you a long time, too!

 

  1. Essential Skin Solutions Exfoliation & Cleansing System Microdermabrasion Facial Brush

This facial cleansing system from Essential Skin Solutions combines the benefits of microdermabrasion with deep exfoliation. The hand-held wireless device features multiple brushes, including a big one for exfoliation, a smaller one for sensitive face, a pumice stone for removing callus on feet, and a microdermabrasion brush for deeper face cleansing.

Designed for reducing acne, correcting patches of dry skin, firming loose skin, or reducing the appearance of wrinkles, the rotating face brush multi-tasks by exfoliating the skin too!

PROS

  • Comes with two facial exfoliator attachment to cater to different skin types
  • Has a microdermabrasion feature
  • waterproof
  • massage works to improve circulation
  • replacement stones and brushes available (for extra fees)
  • cures minor scars without skin irritation
  • Regular use prevents breakouts

CONS

  • Lacks instruction for proper use
  • No speed/strength adjustment available for brush attachments

Is it Worth Your Money?

The Exfoliation & Cleansing System Microdermabrasion Facial Brush from Essential Skin Solutions works perfectly as advertised. There are occasional duds, wherein the power buttons stop working unexpectedly, but for $25, this cleansing brush kit actually exceeds my expectations.

 

  1. PIXNOR P2017 Waterproof Facial Cleansing Brush and Massager

PIXNOR P2017 Facial Cleansing Brush

PIXNOR P2017 Facial Cleansing Brush

This is the cheaper version of PIXNOR’s facial cleansing brush, but you’ll never know it’s only $15. This facial cleaning brush and massager is a favorite not only by thousands of users, but also by Amazon and other online retailers.

Here’s why: The PIXNOR P2017 facial cleansing brush effectively cleanses your pores while exfoliating dead skin cells and erasing acne scars slowly. This doesn’t really give overnight results, but if you pair it with a good serum and cream, then use it regularly, you’ll definitely see improvement on your skin.

PROS

  • Comes with 7 brushes
  • Level 6 waterproof design (you can use it in the shower, just don’t submerge in water)
  • Two cleaning speeds
  • Rotates in two directions

CONS

  • Small size (not for those with big hands)

Is it Worth Your Money?

Many deep cleansing brush in the market is designed with 7 or more brushes, but the PIXNOR P2017 has an edge thanks to its good motor and pressure for tough-to-remove oils, dirt, and other gunk. Some complain of slow speeds and weak strengths, but the one I got was enough to clean my face for a few months.

 

  1. SKINFUN Facial Brush, Waterproof Facial Cleansing Brush, Body and Face Scrubber, Skin Microdermabrasion Exfoliator and Massager

SKINFUN facial cleansing brush

SKINFUN facial cleansing brush

This is Amazon’s #1 facial cleansing brush for 2018, and I can see why. It’s affordable, works as it should, and is equipped with just enough features to handle deep facial cleansing, body massage, exfoliating, and even microdermabrasion. It doesn’t try to impress with the most number of attachments, but SKINFUN focused on what’s important — actually cleaning dirt from the skin.

PROS

  • 3 rotating speeds
  • 5 attachments (for removing calluses, makeup removal, big brush and small brush for face/body cleansing, and the impressive metal head for massage)
  • IPX7 waterproof device
  • 1-year, money-back guarantee

CONS

  • Uses 4 AA batteries (not included)

Is it Worth Your Money?

The SKINFUN rotating face brush thinks about the user, starting from the speed of rotations to the number of attachments that definitely accommodate people of all skin types. It’s a steal for just under $20, especially since the device looks and feels sturdy to last a long time.

 

  1. Olay ProX Advanced Cleansing System with Facial Brush

Olay Prox facial cleansing brush

Olay ProX facial cleansing brush

If you’re looking for a trusted brand, but you don’t have money for the Mia, then let Olay’s ProX advanced cleansing system be your go-to face scrub tool. This is ideal for people with sensitive skin and those who are trying to escape an acne breakout. It can even serve as a regular facial cleansing brush for those with dry or patchy skin.

PROS

  • Affordable (compared to the original facial brush)
  • Effective facial cleansing
  • High and low speeds
  • Removes even the toughest makeup residues
  • water-resistant

CONS

  • Needs AA batteries (although it’s more energy efficient compared to other brands)

Is it Worth Your Money?

Made in collaboration with derma professionals of Global Derm Alliance, Olay’s ProX Advanced Cleansing System is definitely the best model if you’re after affordability, longevity and effectiveness. You can get one at around $28, and $10 for a 2-piece set of replacement brushes.

 

  1. A. Clarisonic Mia 2

Clarisonic MIA 2 facial cleansing brush

Clarisonic MIA 2 facial cleansing brush

This facial brush machine is the most expensive of the bunch (at a whopping $169 a pop), but it also comes from the brand that started it all – Clarisonic. The Mia 2 is the follow-up to Clarisonic’s uber-popular Mia 1 and it’s worth the wait. It features the extra-soft brush for gentle cleansing and the intense brush for getting down and dirty to remove the gunk from within your T-zone.

PROS

  • super exfoliator mode (300 micro-massage movements per second)
  • effectively smoothens skin
  • patented sonic oscillation technology (very impressive in digging into hard-to-reach areas)
  • 100% waterproof
  • Can be used twice a day
  • Tested with popular cleansers

CONS

  • Brush head needs changing every 3 months
  • Expensive

Is it Worth Your Money?

Mia 2 will meet your expectation and more. If you have the money to spare,  then go ahead and try the original facial cleansing brush. Do know that brush heads cost $27 each, so if you’re going to change both the ‘deep pore’ and ‘sensitive facial’ brushes, prepare an extra $52 every three months.

 

  1. Lavany Facial Cleansing Brush 7-in-1 Waterproof Portable Cleansing Brush

LAVANY facial cleansing brush

LAVANY facial cleansing brush

This all-in-one handheld facial cleansing brush from Lavany features six interchangeable brush heads so you can deep-cleanse your skin from head to toe. It is suitable for all skin types, whether you have normal, oily or dry skin, but it’s advertised to be best for sensitive and those with combination skin types.

PROS

  • 05mm brush bristles for extra-soft bristles
  • upgraded motor with 2 speeds (low speed for gentle cleansing, high speed for exfoliation)
  • cordless
  • cute pastel colors
  • IPX6 waterproof

CONS

  • Powers with batteries

Is it Worth Your Money?

Lavany’s facial cleansing brush is one of the more affordable ones in this list, at only around $30. If you’re after an all-in-one face scrub tool for your sometimes-dry, sometimes-oily skin, you should check this out. The 2018 model also fixed the weak motor of its former version.

Wrap Up: The Best Facial Cleansing Brushes for Acne-prone Skin?

Aside from Mia 2 and ProX, All the other facial cleansing brushes on this list are fair game. The main problem I see on cheaper models is the strength of the motor, and in turn, how soft or hard the pressure these brushes would go when digging into your skin’s dirt and oils. The other problem is battery life, since most of them use AA batteries, but this problem can easily be solved by buying rechargeable batteries.

The best facial cleansing brushes for acne-prone skin depends on who you ask. Are you looking for the original makers of this awesome device? Then go for Clarisonic Mia 2, but it will cost you a whopping $170. If you’re in need of a reliable device that works as it claims, I’d recommend Olay’s ProX Advanced Cleaning System instead and it’s only around $40.

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