After the brand's loyal customers' initial shock, what followed was an online shopping frenzy that resulted in a massive sell-out of Clarisonic's brushes, brush attachments, and accompanying products. And, compared to other soft bristled brushes, the Michael Todd was relatively gentle on skin, making it more suitable for a wide range of skin types. Frankly, I felt like the task was a bit intrusiveI didnt necessarily want to give my information to the company just to use their cleansing brush properly, but you cant use the device unless you do so. Read More, Though it comes with both bristled and silicone heads, this brush uses disposable batteries and doesnt have the same power as true silicone brushes. You can also flip it over and give your skin a firming massage that temporarily lifts and plumps. Is your skin easily irritated and prone to redness? Many of todays facial cleansing devices feature a more compact design, like the FOREO Luna Mini 3 Facial Cleansing Brush, making them easy for travel. The wider bottom tapers into a very thin wand with a circular silicone brush on the top, which encourages the user to hold the whole thing upright like you might hold a lollipop. Check out our top picks from their collection below: A classic best-seller, the Clarisonic Mia Prima is your practical, no-fuss face cleansing brush that delivers effective skincare. I was immediately drawn to the slim profile of this particular device. I used the same cleanser with each devicemy beloved Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanserto slough off any remnants of makeup, plus any dead skin cells, dirt, and grime that had built up throughout the day. The most important thing to note about facial cleansing brushes is that there are two main types of brush heads: bristles and silicone. We scoured reviews to find the most-loved devices on the market, and tried each one over two weeks of rigorous testing. As someone who has long struggled with hormonal breakouts, I try to be as diligent as possible about washing my face at the end of each day. Cost: Finally, we also considered each devices true cost for a year of ownership. If you dont mind digging out a magnifying glass or hunting down the online manual, this might not bother you. The motor is rather weak, especially considering its powered by four AA batteries (not included). Did the brush head glide over my skin, cleaning but not tuggingor, was it abrasive and uncomfortable? With this attachment, you can apply your foundation, concealer, and a wide range of makeup products on your skin effortlessly. And although it comes with two facial cleansing heads designed for different skin types, I couldnt discern much of a difference between the two. Best paired with: Clarisonic Anti-Blemish Cleansing Brush Head, $19.00, Click here to buy the Clarisonic Pore & Blemish Gel Cleanser for $5.00. Click here to buy the Clarisonic Firming Massage Head for $19.00. Getting started took a little longer than I would have liked, as the rechargeable device has four modes but comes with very limited instructions about how to use them. Are the buttons intuitive? The brush delivers a clear buzz when its time to move from one section of your face to another. It also comes with a little standup case that makes it easyand more sanitaryto stash the brush on the counter or on a shelf. This brush is very different from other options on the list, because it does not take a charge and does not require batteriesits a simple brush that you manually move around your face to cleanse. Namely, the brush is very bulky and heavy. Whats more, some of our least favorite devices are just asif not moreexpensive. Can putting ice on your face really prevent wrinkles. Thinking about spoiling yourself or a loved one with some skincare essentials? Best paired with: Clarisonic Sensitive Brush Head, $35.00 (twin pack), Click here to buy the Clarisonic Refreshing Gel Cleanser for $5.00. As a former Clarisonic user, I can say that the shape of this device is similar and the functionality just as intuitive. The ones at the top of our list are silicone brushes, as opposed to bristled brush heads. Click here to buy the Clarisonic Foundation Blending Brush Head for $19.00. This silicone face brush is also considered to be 35 times more hygienic than a traditional face cleansing brush. Though a popular brush, the device ended up towards the bottom of our list because it was very difficult to set up. Shes a new mom, runs an Instagram account full of the most delicious food she can find, and loves to hate a good barre class. Absorption of your favorite facial serums and moisturizers is increased. This device (the first on the list with a bristle brush) is a suitable alternative to the highly beloved and discontinued Clarisoniceven at a drugstore price. Because the brush is made of silicone, its also very easy to clean and easy to pack. The Clarisonic Mia Smart Gift Set is the complete package to achieve smooth, flawless skin. My other initial (but positive) observation was that the device has quite a nice aesthetic. The right facial cleansing brush not only rids your face of any lingering makeup and grime, but gently exfoliates leaving the skin feeling fresh. The brush lost points for the annoying and counterintuitive setup process, but I had other complaints beyond that. The problem: Though the brush head feels very soft to the fingers, I found them highly abrasive on my face when powered on. As skin care research progressed, face cleansing brushes became equipped with additional anti-aging benefits. Due to the manual nature of the brush, a big pro is that the device is entirely silent. And, although I preferred the feeling and convenience of the silicone brush overall, I definitely needed the power of the higher speed to get the cleansing power I was looking forand still it didnt compare to that of true silicone devices. to give bristled brushes the TLC they need; if the latter, dont bother with bristlesyoull end up feeling burdened by the responsibility. Finally, its worth considering how the device is powered: via a rechargeable battery (whether a USB cord or a charging dock) versus disposable batteries. Overall, this is a great value and a worthy long-term investment. Whats more, both need to be used at the higher speed to feel even remotely effective. Right off the bat, I was bothered by the fact that this device didnt come with batteries. Amongst a wide range of devices, their latest innovation, Mia Smart is the ultimate 5-in-1 device that cleanses, firms, tones, exfoliates and applies make-up. Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission. Brigitt Earley is a freelance writer and editor based in NJ. Its also very slim and portable because the design doesnt have to dedicate any extra space to batteries and there are no cords or charging docks involved. The only confusing part was that the timer splits your face into six sections, rather than the standard four (forehead, each cheek, and chin). If the brush was uncomfortable for me to use, I couldnt imagine how unpleasant it would be for someone with sensitivity issuesthe demographic the brush claims to be made for. When it comes to care, this brush requires a fair amount of TLC, too. While the handle should last a while, some brush headsparticularly bristled brushesshould be replaced every three months, or as soon as they begin to show visible dirt or wear. How? (Our top pick in the previous test was the Clarisonic Mia Smart.) It means a truly purified complexion free of pore-clogging and blemish-creating bacteria. Our team is here for one purpose: to help you buy the best stuff and love what you own. Large pores and fine lines appear reduced. We're now the only official retailer to stock Clarisonic devices and accessories. The Art of Shaving Power Brush is an innovative device for those suffering from in-grown hairs and Jill is a content writer for LovelySkin. When you factor in replacement heads, youre looking at a yearly cost thats comparable to much better options. Read More, Though a definitive cult favorite, this device did not top our list, mainly because we found the setup process overcomplicated. Whats more, you need access to the app to change the settings on your device. Though a significant item to stash, everything tucks neatly inside to make storage as convenient as possible. While this factor didn't impact scores, it is important to consider before buying. Youll also need to replace the two AAA batteries every so often, though those areof coursemuch easier to come by. Unlike the way you may test, though, I noted the usability and performance of each device in order to score each brush using a scientifically calibrated rubric. Silicone brushes do not need to be replacedunless of course, they get damaged or stop working. Unfortunately, these options fell short. Id argue that most people wouldnt look through the manual that intensely and would instead go with what seems intuitive while looking at the device and dock. Founded by a group of scientists in Seattle, USA, the brand continues to develop innovative solutions to transform the natural look and feel of your skin. Clinically proven to visibly reduce signs of aging after 12 weeks of twice-a-day usage, the massage head can naturally perk up your face in just three minutes per day. If you're into multipurpose skincare, then the Clarisonic Mia Smart is a great solution. In fact, our top pick is more than $60 cheaper than the next best alternative. So how do you know which one is worth your time and money? Because of this, I walked away from the experience feeling neither here nor there about the brush. To test the best face scrubbers and cleansing brushes, we first evaluated the tons of products on the marketeach one with more bells and whistles than the last and with prices all over the mapfrom less than $20 to upwards of $150. Aesthetically, it looks more like a blush brush of sorts than a cleansing brush. Recommendations are independently chosen by Revieweds editors. And, perhaps most importantly, did my face look and feel cleaner after using the device? Clarisonic facial cleansers revolutionized the skin care industry by offering the first face cleansing brush system. Though not a deal breaker, its an inconvenience. The pumice stone was too weak to really make a dent on rough feet or even elbows. Includes multiple heads for different applications, Various applicator heads are abrasive or weak. All rights reserved. The PMD Clean Pro Gold is yet another great option for Clarisonic alternatives. Click here to buy the Clarisonic Mia Prima for $69.00. Upon the first use, here are some of the face cleansing brush benefits you can experience with regular use: Skin appears immediately cleansed with the look of a smoother, brighter and more radiant complexion. This makes maneuvering the brush very intuitive. Does the device come with a mount or holder to keep it off germy counters or shower shelves? The device has 12 speed settingsthe widest range of speed in any device I tested. Its suitable for all skin types and offers three different speed options for a more personalize cleanse. From prepping your skin for makeup, applying foundation, and finally, removing your makeup and cleansing your skin at the end of the day. Because of this, it not only occupies ample real estate in the bathroom, but its also a bit cumbersome to hold. Formulated with 2% salicylic acid and lipo hydroxy acid, this helps target pesky pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads to leave your skin smooth, clear, and evened out. Because the head is made of bristles, you have to rinse it well and let it dry adequately before stashing. CurrentBody Skin Tone & Cleanse Essentials Travel Kit, Sarah Chapman Get Set & Glow Skincare Gift Set, Sarah Chapman The Elixir Collection Gift Set, CurrentBody Skin X FOREO Cleanse and Brighten Set (worth $488), DERMAFLASH DERMAPORE Pore Extractor & Serum Infuser, CurrentBody Skin Face & Neck Kit (worth $615), SmoothSkin Bare+ Ultrafast IPL Hair Removal Device, Braun Silk-Expert Pro 5 PL5124 IPL Hair Removal Device, SmoothSkin Pure Fit IPL Hair Removal Device, vFit Gold - Pelvic Floor Toning and Vaginal Rejuvenation Therapy, CapillusUltra Laser Cap for Hair Regrowth, LELO SORAYA Wave G-spot and Clitoral Vibrator. "The devices clean a little more aggressively than your hands," says Kelly Viavattine, senior esthetician at Kate Somerville in Los Angeles. Be first to hear about our beauty device launches, exclusive promotions and expert advice. Until a few years ago, nearly all cleansing brushes on the market had bristles, the most popular of which were from the now-defunct brand Clarisonic. I also appreciated the built-in timer, which helped ensure I devoted equal attention to all areas of my face. As an upgrade from your beloved Clarisonic, this device uses Bluetooth technology and advanced 24k gold skin sensors to read your skins moisture levels which allows you to truly customize your cleansing routine to create a sophisticated profile of your skin type. Unfortunately, the gray color (from the charcoal) makes it difficult to assess just how clean the brush is after rinsing. You can purchase bristled or silicone facial cleansing brushes. No matter which type you prefer, prices vary wildly. The body brush showed the most promise at exfoliating away dead skin, but it doesnt tip the scales enough to outweigh the cons of this device. Email us and we'll compare notes. But experts say theyre a worthy investment if youre looking for a deeper clean in your skincare routine. During a previous round of testing with a different tester, this brush secured our Best Value spot. Overall, they were gentler on skin, easier to clean, and more portable. It has a long, slim handle with a larger bristled brush on the end. Clarisonic Skin Renewing Peel Cleanser, 1. In order to use the rechargeable device, you need to register it, which entails using Bluetooth to pair it with your smartphone, downloading a designated app, and giving the company a wide range of personal info, including your birthday, sex, and email. Enjoy $10 off your first order when you sign up. Its also very comfortable to hold. Almost like a DIY spa-at-home treatment, the Clarisonic Skin Renewing Peel Cleanser promotes cell regeneration with its glycolic acid and lipo hydroxy acid formula. I previously tested both drugstore mascaras and waterproof mascaras for Reviewed, but have also tested dozens of cosmetics and personal care products for other lifestyle publications. This also limits portability, as theres no easy way to cover brush heads to keep them contained and sanitary enroute. Yes, that means even those with sensitive skin. This takes the guesswork out of the cleansing process and ensures you spend equal time on each section, leaving my face feeling thoroughly clean. Cleanse and firm your complexion with the FOREO Luna 3 Combination. According to a PR statement, the retailer "worked closely with Clarisonic's owners to reach a global stock agreement that would allow CurrentBody to meet the anticipated significant demand for both devices and brush heads." Get the best deals and the best advice dropped right in your inbox. When I ran into the same issue with the replacement, I figured this had to be user error, so I did some serious sleuthing in the instructions. Included in the box is the award-winning best Clarisonic brush that has a three-in-one function and four head attachments to target every skincare need. Because I dont have sensitive skin and had very few blemishes during testing, this concerned me. Thats another reason to skip the bristles in favor of the gentler silicone options. What's more, after four weeks of frequent use, the Clarisonic Mia Prima can help reduce your pores' appearance and improve the texture of your skin. Paired with a Charcoal Brush Head, the device is equipped with two cleansing intensities to help pull up dirt, oil, and sweat on and under your facial hair to help you achieve a clean, flawless shave. As the newest model, this device features a waterproof design with increased battery life (ninety minutes versus sixty minutes) and two speed options for a customized experience. We may earn a commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Read More, A facial cleansing device may seem like a superfluous purchase when you have fingers or a washcloth that can do the job just fine. Fortunately, LovelySkin offers a range of comparable face cleansing devices that not only provide the benefits of a great Clarisonic cleanse but also feature additional perks like anti-aging, massaging and gentler exfoliation. Though there's no built-in timer guiding movements around your face, this isnt a deal breaker because theres no recommended minimum time for washing your face. The brush doesnt need to be replacedever!unless its damaged or stops working. I much prefer the convenience that silicone offers of rinsing and stashing. Clarisonic's patented sonic technology plus the blending brush attachment equals smooth and full coverage over blemishes and scarsthe perfect airbrushed canvas for a bombshell look. Another issue: The brush heads need to be replaced every few months, but I found it difficult to find replacement heads. But, as a mom of two toddlers (with twins on the way! An added bonus? It turns out, the brush needs to sit on the cradle backwards in order to chargesomething that was not at all clear unless you really looked closely at the picture in the instruction booklet. Click here to buy the Clarisonic Mia Smart Gift Set for $150.00. The massaging head tugged uncomfortably on my facial skin, causing it to feel like it was doing more harm than good. As such, its inherently smaller than all of the other brushes tested. Read More, This is a relatively affordable dupe for the beloved, now-discontinued Clarisonic thats easy to use. Without ample information, youre left to make guesses about why you might want to use one mode over the other. Today, theres a growing number of silicone options that address the pitfalls of the first generation of face scrubbers. However, the device fell toward the bottom of my list because it doesnt seem all that powerfulthe motor sort of hums and squeaks, leading me to believe it may wear out easily. Though a definitive cult favoritethis is probably the silicone cleansing brush you picture in your headthe device did not top my list, mainly because I found the setup process overcomplicated. The power button cycles you through just three speeds: high, medium, and low. And, finally, how noisy is the device? For an upgrade, consider the DERMAFLASH LUXE Anti-Aging Exfoliation Device. Made of ultra-hygienic silicone, this top rated facial cleansing brush harnesses the power of 7,000 pulses per minute to cleanse the skin, while helping to lift, tone, and firm skin. This charcoal-infused deep cleansing brush promises to be gentle enough for acne-prone skin. My biggest problem with the device is the bristlessomething that clearly wouldnt bother those who prefer this type of face brush. After two years of owning one and two weeks of testing the field, I concur. The more frequently you use the cleansing brush, the more effective it becomes in reducing visible pores, improving skin firmness, and depuffing your eyebags. For me, the high was too abrasive, the low was too gentle, but the medium was my Goldilocks settingjust right. These devices also serve as some of the best exfoliating tools for face. These are the best facial cleansing devices we tested ranked, in order: The PMD Smart Facial Cleansing Device is our Best Overall winner with its silicone brush and easily portable build. While this provides a deeper clean and greater exfoliation than just using your fingers, the simplicity presents some issues. Ultimately, the price isnt good enough to justify the pitfalls. Transform your cleansing brush to a blending brush with Clarisonic Foundation Blending Brush Head. Its an ideal choice for those with sensitive skin or those looking for more anti-aging benefits. A suitable perk-me-up for dull and tired complexions, the Clarisonic Radiance Firming Milk Cleanser is enriched with brightening botanicals that help to deeply cleanse aging skin, smoothen fine lines, and even out your skin tone. If youre still searching for just the right replacement for your beloved Clarisonic face cleansing brush, we can help by answering questions such as: What are the benefits of using a face cleansing brush? However, if you prefer the traditional nylon bristle face cleansing devices over silicone facial cleansers, you might try The Art of Shaving Power Brush. This cleanser gently exfoliates dead and dull skin to improve tone and overall appearance while cleaning out clogged pores and excess oil. T&Cs apply. Though it comes with a plethora of attachments, the set doesnt include any sort of storage pouch of case, so youre destined to end up with spare parts littering your drawer. Clarisonic Foundation Blending Brush Head, Buy your Clarisonic skincare favorites from, Clarisonic Anti-Blemish Cleansing Brush Head. She loves reading up on the latest beauty trends, going to concerts with her husband and baking with her three kids. Best paired with: Clarisonic Exfoliating Brush Head, $19.00, Click here to buy the Clarisonic Skin Renewing Peel Cleanser for $5.00. Believing I had received a defective device, I ordered a replacement. Ideally, it would be nice to have a third middle option.