Face the Truth: Are facial cleansing brushes worth the hype?
Have you tried a facial cleansing brush? For years, I washed my face with face wash and a wash cloth. There were a few {expensive} facial brushes on the market, like the Clarisonic (now defunct), but I did not think about products like that as a teenager and young adult. They were also out of my price range! Over the last several years, facial cleansing brushes have gained popularity and several REALLY affordable products have come on the market.
In the fall of 2019, I ordered my first facial cleansing brush and I have used one ever since. On the rare occasion that I don’t wash my face first thing in the morning or I don’t use the brush at all (seriously less than 10 mornings per YEAR), my face feels dirty, tight, and dry. The brush I use depends on whether I am home or traveling and whether I am in the shower or standing at the sink. I have both the TAO Clean facial brush and the Vanity Planet facial brush. They are both SUPER popular on social media, but are they as good as everyone says?
What is a facial cleansing brush?
A facial cleansing brush uses rotational technology (a spin brush) to penetrate pores and provide a deeper clean than traditional face washing.
How do you use it?
I have very sensitive and dry skin, so I was afraid of using a tool like this. I thought it might aggravate, over-dry, or tear my skin. However, both of these brushes use very gentle spin technology and both have sensitive skin brush heads available. All you need to do is wet the brush head, put a small amount of cleanser in the middle of the brush, place it on your face, and turn it on. It is recommended that you move the device in a circular motion on your face.
I use a facial cleansing brush daily, but only in the morning. It is safe to use a cleansing brush twice per day, but it is not part of my regular routine. I rarely wear face makeup like foundation. If I did, I would probably appreciate a deep clean in the evening too.
What does it do?
The spinning brush repeatedly sweeps through your pores to remove dirt, dead skin, and other residue/debris.
Review of the TAO Clean Facial Cleansing Brush
The TAO Clean facial brush was the first facial cleansing brush I purchased (November 2019). The big draw for me was and IS the UV cleaning base station. The base station stores the brush and also keeps it clean and dry. When you purchase the device initially, it comes with the base, the tool, the cord (USB and wall plug), and a daily care brush head. We also have the TAO brand UV cleaning stations for our electric toothbrushes.
Brush Heads
I ordered the sensitive skin brush head and an exfoliator brush head separately. The brush head should be replaced every 3 months. The exfoliator brush head is way too harsh for my skin and I never ordered it again after the first time. The spinning brush helps to exfoliate your face even if you use an alternate brush head. My husband prefers the daily care brush heads, but I use the sensitive skin brush head. For some reason, the daily care brush heads come in packs of two, but the sensitive skin brush heads only come individually. Promo codes CAN be used on the brush heads, or you can save 50% by enrolling in subscribe and save on an every 3, 6, or 9 month basis.
Since I first purchased this device, they have added a few other brush head options. There is a silicone brush head, as well as a body exfoliator brush head. I have not tried either of these brush options from Tao, but a silicone brush head is included with the Vanity Planet option discussed below.
Features
In addition to providing UV-C cleaning, the base station also dries the brush so it is ready to use next time. This device stays plugged in all the time. The design is orbital and you grab the whole device versus it having a handle. For me, the orbital design is a little less comfortable because I have small hands. It is roughly the size of a baseball. I have dropped it a few times…but at least it it’s sturdy! However, I know that some folks have trouble grabbing smaller handles so this could be a better option if this is YOU.
The brush has two cleaning modes, and also features a timer for each part of your face. I LOVE having the timer so I know I am spending enough time on each zone. There are three recommended zones (left side, right side, and forehead).
Cut to the Chase
Pros for ME: base station for home storage, sanitizing, and drying; several color options; subscribe and save brush head options; no batteries; durable; and timed face zones
Cons for ME: no travel case; no-handle design; takes up counter space
Review of the Vanity Planet Facial Cleansing Brush
I purchased this cleansing brush about 6 months ago. The main reason I purchased this brush was because of the travel case. We travel frequently (well we did pre-covid…) and the TAO brush is not that travel friendly. When you purchase this product initially, it comes with the vented plastic travel case, the tool, and three brush heads. Vanity Planet is constantly releasing new products.
Brush Heads
When I ordered the kit, I received three brush heads. It comes with an exfoliating brush, a daily cleansing brush, and a silicone brush. Like the TAO, the brush head should be replaced every 3 months for daily use. I use this cleansing device when we travel and 3 days per week (when I don’t shower in the morning), so I go a little bit longer on the brush heads. I also rotate between two of the brush heads.
Like with the TAO exfoliating brush head, the Vanity Planet exfoliating brush is a little too rough on my face. Comparably, it is less aggressive than the TAO version, but it still not my preference. I love the way the silicone brush feels on my face, but it does not lather as well as the brush heads with bristles. This is their sensitive skin brush head option. The daily cleansing brush has nice, long bristles and is fairly gentle on my face even though it is not specifically for sensitive skin.
The brush heads are very affordable, and you can save 20% with auto delivery (every 3 months). Vanity Planet sells the heads individually or in a combo pack with the three heads that come with the kit initially. It looks like they have added a body brush too.
Features
The travel case is very compact and perfect for storing and packing. The case is vented so the brushes can dry naturally. I LOVE that the case stores 3 brush heads at a time. The case does not have any cleaning or drying mechanism, but it does close to provide some protection from contaminants in the air.
The tool has a slim handle design with the batteries hidden in the handle. The device is water resistant, but not waterproof. It is advertised as safe to use in the shower, but there’s something about the batteries that makes me nervous! I use this device when I travel and on the days I wash my face in the morning at the counter and not in the shower. The slim handle is easier for me to hold than the TAO orb, but I know that will not be true for everyone.
The brush has two cleaning modes, but it does not have a timer. I tend to clean my face in the same zones as with the TAO, but I have to estimate the time.
Cut to the Chase
Pros for ME: travel case; handle design; number of brush heads included in the initial kit; widely available; cost of replacement brush heads; auto-delivery brush head options; shower friendly; brush head storage; and bundles for purchase
Cons for ME: no UV cleaning; not rechargeable; no timer; and not waterproof (only water resistant)
Is it worth it?
YES…well for me! As I said early on, I 100% notice a difference in my skin if I don’t use a cleansing brush in the morning or if I use it later than normal. With cleaner pores, my skin is also able to absorb more of the moisturizers and serums I apply after cleansing my face. The only step I’m missing is probably a facial steamer to open those pores up more…maybe it’s time to add one to my cart!
I use the sensitive skin brush heads for both devices and I am very happy with how they feel on my face. They do not cause redness or tearing. I recommend adding a brush into your skincare routine for a deeper and more effective daily clean. We have to have these faces for the rest of our lives, right?!
Is one of these for you?
Obviously, there are a TON of different options out there. I think investing in your skin is SO important at any age, so whatever you get…do some research first. That being said, I think these are both GREAT options with lots of great reviews, features, and a really good value.
The Vanity Planet brush is available online (there is almost always a promo code!) and also at Walmart. Be sure to see if it is cheaper online with a promo code than with the discounted price at Walmart. I saw in my e-mail just TODAY that Vanity Planet is actually releasing a new facial cleansing brush with the added bonus of LED light therapy. Red light therapy helps combat the signs of aging, while blue light therapy fights against acne. I have not tried these brushes since they just came out, but they appear to have an orbital shape like the TAO. If you want to keep your light therapy and facial cleansing separate, there are LED masks out there that allow you to utilize light therapy at home (and might also include yellow for sun damage).
The TAO Clean brush is available online and there are promo codes quite frequently. It comes in several colors with a matching docking station.
Check out my social media stories today to see the brushes in action and to get the details on any active promo codes.
Ready to try it for yourself?
Katie G.