The 10 Best Dry Brushes for Smooth, Glowing Skin

This Goop pick is a cult favorite thanks to its high–quality natural materials and ability to thoroughly sweep away dead skin. As the detox-inspired name suggests, this dry brush delivers an intense and invigorating exfoliation that leaves your skin smooth and glowing.

Melanie Abeyta, NP, owner of Harmony Aesthetics Center in Los Angeles, says the ideal dry brush should have “natural bristles that are firm but not overly harsh, and a comfortable handle for hard-to-reach areas.” This brush checks both of those boxes, with sisal bristles sourced from agave plants and a gently curved handle that extends your reach just enough. The handle is also made from wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), which verifies that it comes from responsibly managed forests.

The handheld design makes it easier to control pressure and target specific body parts, which can be helpful for dry-brushing beginners. Just be aware that, based on our research, occasionally the wood handle can have an unfinished feel, which may make it more susceptible to water damage.

The namesake behind this beauty brand, Alicia Keys, has said that dry brushing is one of her favorite self-care practices. And this brush, developed with the help of a board-certified dermatologist, is designed to make it a daily habit. The soft bristles are densely packed to help prevent scratching and irritation, even with frequent use.

Less than 6 inches long, the brush is compact enough to pack in your travel bag, so you can bring your self-care routine on the road. The woven strap gives it a secure grip, though the fixed sizing may not work for everyone.

Most dry brushes are meant to stay dry — water can warp the wood and damage the bristles over time. But this handheld brush can be used before or during your shower. Use it dry to boost circulation and slough off dead skin, or take it into the shower and lather it up for a deep, exfoliating clean. (The bristles will feel a bit softer in the shower, but you should still avoid scrubbing any sensitive areas.)

Like other handheld brushes, this dry brush makes it easy to apply the perfect amount of pressure. But it’s also more foolproof than other options — the tiny rubber nodules not only gently massage the skin, but also help to limit how much pressure you can apply, so you don’t overdo it. One issue, though, is that the brush may lose some bristles if you use it often in the shower.

If you really want to get your blood flowing, this is the best dry brush for the job. Stiff, plant-based Tampico bristles (a type of fiber derived from agave plants) offer a seriously invigorating experience — although if you’re new to dry brushing, it may feel a tad abrasive.

“I love this brush because the firm, yet gentle, natural bristles and long handle make it easy to use all over the entire body at a great price,” Abeyta says. The brush head is a bit smaller than other dry brushes, though, so it may take a little longer to brush large areas.

This drugstore dry brush is a cult favorite for good reason — despite its budget–friendly price tag of under $20, it feels surprisingly luxe. And our research found that it performs far better than you’d expect for the price.  

The vegan–friendly nylon bristles are soft and densely packed. So, the sensation is more plush than painful, but it still delivers effective exfoliation and a noticeable glow. The compact design won’t take up precious storage space in a small bathroom, and the bamboo handle is durable and easy to grip — although the fixed woven strap won’t be a fit for everyone.

Barely bigger than your palm, this dry brush is as portable as it gets. Hannah Kopelman, DO, a dermatologist at Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery in New York City, says the EcoTools brush is also readily available at major retailers. So, it’s easy to replace when you need a new one, even if you’re on the road.

The small, round, handheld design lets you target every nook and cranny while applying whatever level of pressure you’re comfortable with — and that’s especially important with this brush, since the stiff nylon bristles can feel a bit rough for some. The payoff is a thorough exfoliation and pore cleaning, which is clutch after a long day of travel.

The unique 360-degree design of this dry brush makes it the ideal choice when you want an all-over glow. Unlike the standard flat-brush design, the sisal bristles on this brush wrap entirely around the oval head. So, you can brush from any angle and exfoliate even the hardest-to-reach spots. The short handle offers the best of both worlds: control and reach.

The soft rope handle is also easy to grip, so you don’t have to worry about fumbling the brush. If you find other dry brushes hard to handle, this one may make the task feel a little easier. Just keep in mind that the stiff sisal bristles may feel too rough on sensitive skin. Also, this product can occasionally shed bristles. But with a 360-degree head, it has a lot more bristles in the first place.

“I like Tek brushes because they’re well-crafted with natural bristles,” Gmyrek says. This Italian-made vegan option is one of her top recommendations thanks to stiff Tampico fibers that provide a deep, energizing scrub. It’s certified VeganOK to the European vegan standard, so you know it contains no ingredients of animal origin and was not tested on animals.

Made from FSC–certified ash wood, the long handle makes it easier to exfoliate your back and legs. It’s also marketed as a bath brush, so it can be used wet or dry. Just brace yourself for the steep overseas shipping cost — although that can be waived by meeting an order minimum.

Boar bristles typically feel less coarse than stiff plant-based bristles. So, if you have sensitive skin, you may find that you can tolerate more firmness from a boar brush. The natural bristles on this Amazon favorite provide medium firmness to brush away dead skin and boost circulation without causing irritation.

The FSC-certified wood handle and cotton strap provide a comfortable grip, although the strap may not fit everyone. (It’s not adjustable.) As an added bonus, the brush comes with a suction-cup hook, so you can hang it to dry between uses, preventing moisture buildup and prolonging its lifespan.