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Best Dry Brushes

Updated October 2023
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Belula Premium Dry Body Brush
Belula
Premium Dry Body Brush
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Premium Quality
Bottom Line

A spa-quality set that comes with not only a long-handled dry brush, but also a facial brush and exfoliation gloves.

Pros

Body brush includes a detachable long handle for comfortable use on all areas of the body. Quality boar bristles offer a firm, relaxing brushing effect that rejuvenates the skin. Facial brush includes softer bristles for sensitive facial skin. Exfoliation gloves are ideal for milder exfoliation.

Cons

A few issues keeping the handle attached to the body brush head.

Best Bang for the Buck
Beauty By Earth Dry Brushing Body Brush
Beauty By Earth
Dry Brushing Body Brush
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Simple yet Solid
Bottom Line

This double-sided brush is versatile, well-made, and comes at an excellent price.

Pros

Long-handled brush features natural boar bristles that gently invigorate skin and promote lymph function. The reverse side is made with gentle massage nodes for additional body-soothing treatment options. Stimulates blood flow and promotes smoother skin.

Cons

Some reports of minor bristle shedding.

Ithyes Dry Brushing Bath Brush
Ithyes
Dry Brushing Bath Brush
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Conveniently Designed
Bottom Line

An affordable exfoliating dry brush for great skin every day.

Pros

This dry brush is made entirely of boar bristles and bamboo and comes with a canvas tote bag to store it conveniently. It’s a small size that can easily be held in your hand, and it dries quickly after use.

Cons

Some buyers say the bristles are too rough, so it might not be the best product for everyone.

C.S.M. Body Brush
C.S.M.
Body Brush
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Most Versatile
Bottom Line

This multi-textured design is over 4 inches wide for an ideal balance of coverage and control.

Pros

Features a combination of all-natural bristles and soft massage nodules. The palm-sized design makes it easy to manipulate. Not tested on animals. Effective at minimizing ingrown hairs.

Cons

A few reports that the natural bristles are rather coarse.

EcoTools Exfoliating & Smoothing Dry Body Brush
EcoTools
Exfoliating & Smoothing Dry Body Brush
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Bargain Pick
Bottom Line

A simply designed round brush that is comfortable to hold for full body exfoliation.

Pros

This dry brush is made with bamboo material. It has soft bristles that will brush away dead skin cells and help with detoxing the body. The brush is vegan and cruelty-free. Available at a great price.

Cons

Molds quickly if it gets wet.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

30
Models
Considered
98
Consumers
Consulted
8
Hours
Researched
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Buying guide for Best dry brushes

Want smooth, glowing skin? If you visit a spa, you can ask for a dry brush treatment. The process is exactly as it sounds: a dry, sturdy brush is moved over your body to exfoliate dead skin and stimulate blood flow.

However, you don’t have to pay spa professionals for this treatment if you do it at home. DIY dry brushing feels good, and you can achieve the same beauty results at home that you would at a spa. The key is choosing the right dry brush.

Now, it may seem like a fairly simple purchase, but if you’re new to dry brushing, you might not have the information you need about dry brush bristles and handles. A comprehensive buying guide can help you choose which design will work best for you.

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Dry brushing can help energize you as you start your day. Consider doing it first thing in the morning.

The benefits of dry brushing

Exfoliation

By running a firm dry brush over your skin, you loosen and remove the top layer of dead cells to naturally exfoliate your body. With continued use, your skin will be softer and smoother.

Detoxification

The lymphatic system plays a significant role in the immune system and helps remove toxins from the body. Dry brushing can help stimulate lymph flow throughout the body so it naturally detoxifies itself.

Fewer blemishes

Using a dry brush can help clear dirt and oil from the pores, resulting in fewer blemishes.

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Did you know?
Though it’s mainly supported by anecdotal evidence, it has been suggested that dry brushing can help reduce the appearance of cellulite by removing toxins from the skin and smoothing away the “lumps.”
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How to use a dry brush

How do you use a dry brush? Follow these steps for success.

  1. Stand in your bathtub or shower stall. This will allow you to easily wash skin flakes away when you’re finished brushing.

  2. Starting at your feet, sweep the dry brush over your skin in long strokes, moving toward your heart. Overlap the strokes as you go, and move over each section a few times. For sensitive areas, be sure to use lighter pressure.

  3. Once you’ve brushed your entire body, turn on the shower and wash as you normally would.

  4. After your shower, apply a body oil or other moisturizer to your skin to hydrate it properly.

Factors to consider when selecting a dry brush

Bristle type

Dry brushes are available with two types of bristles: synthetic and natural.

  • Brushes with synthetic bristles are usually less expensive, but they’re often too rough on the skin. It’s best to avoid them.

  • We recommend that you opt for a brush with natural bristles. You can usually choose from either boar bristles or vegetable fiber bristles.

"If you’re looking for a vegan dry brush option, choose a dry brush with vegetable fiber bristles. "
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Bristle strength

Choosing a dry brush with the appropriate bristle strength for your skin is very important to avoid irritation.

  • Soft-bristle brushes are ideal for beginners because you can learn the proper techniques for dry brushing without irritating your skin. As you grow more comfortable with dry brushing, you can expand your collection to include firmer bristles. For sensitive areas of the body such as the face, neck, chest, stomach, and breasts, use a brush with extra-soft bristles.

  • Medium-bristle brushes are great for general body brushing. However, this type of brush should not be used on the face.

  • Firm-bristle brushes are best used by experienced dry brushers. An extra-firm brush also works well for removing dirt from beneath your nails.
"If your skin is not accustomed to dry brushing, do not use a brush with extra-firm bristles right away. Ease yourself into the practice with a soft-bristle brush."
STAFF
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Handle

Some dry brushes don’t have a handle. Instead, they feature a small strap across the back of the brush head that fits securely around your hand. Due to the lack of a handle, you’ll have trouble reaching all areas of your body with these types of brushes.

Many dry brushes do have handles, but the length varies. To ensure that you’ll be able to access even the most hard-to-reach spots on your body, consider a dry brush with a handle that is at least 16 inches long.

If you want the best of both worlds, look for a dry brush with a detachable handle. You can leave the handle in place when you’re brushing your back and other areas, and you can remove it for more control when you’re going over your legs or arms.

"Will you be traveling with your dry brush? If so, a brush with a detachable handle would probably be easier to pack."
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Extras

Some dry brushes come as part of a set that includes more than just one brush.

  • If you want to brush your face in addition to your body, look for a set that offers a soft-bristle brush for your face and a medium or extra-firm brush for your body.

  • You can also find dry brush sets that include a wet brush. This can be used with soap or shower gel for additional exfoliation.
     

Some dry brushes come with a box or bag for storage as well, so you don’t have to worry about your brush collecting dust between uses.

Dry brush prices

Dry brushes vary in price based on their size and the accessories that come with it, but you can typically expect to spend between $4 and $35.

  • For a small dry brush without a handle, you’ll usually pay between $4 and $8.

  • For a single dry brush with a long handle, you’ll usually pay between $8 and $15.

  • For a dry brush with a long handle that comes with additional brushes and accessories, you’ll usually pay between $15 and $35.

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For your safety
Dry brushing isn’t a good idea if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, eczema, psoriasis, or any skin infections. If you have any doubts or concerns about dry brushing, discuss them with your doctor.
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Tips

  • Pain is a signal that something is wrong. You should never feel pain when you use a dry brush. If you do, lighten the pressure.

  • Never dry brush over areas of your body that have a rash, broken skin, or other irritations.

  • To avoid irritating your skin, use your dry brush only two to three times a week.

  • Dry brushing should take approximately five to 10 minutes per session. Avoid brushing your skin for too long, as the prolonged exposure to friction could cause irritation.

  • Dry brush before you shower or bathe, not after. That way, you can rinse away the skin flakes when you’re done.

  • Apply a hydrating body lotion or cream to your skin after you’ve finished brushing and have rinsed your skin well.

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It’s normal for your skin to be slightly pink after you dry brush. However, if your skin is red, you’re brushing too hard.

FAQ

Q. Can I use a dry brush every day?

A. It’s best to use a dry brush only a few times a week to avoid irritating your skin. However, when you’re first getting used to the technique, you may want to use it every other day until you get the hang of it.

Q. What’s the most important feature in a dry brush?

A. Having bristles that are firm but not too hard on the skin is very important. However, most people also appreciate having a brush with a handle that is long enough to easily reach all areas of the body.

Q. How do you clean a dry brush?

A. To keep a dry brush clean, wash it with soap and warm water. Rinse it well to remove the soap residue, and then set the brush in a sunny spot to air dry.