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Byrdie / Kevin Liang
Those seeking that elusive lit-from-within glow may fuel their bodies with juices, greens powders, and supplements. While we love that for them, there’s one wellness practice that doesn’t require ingestibles and takes a maximum of three minutes out of your day: Dry brushing. Yes, it’s an extra step in your daily routine, but it’s worth adding. The ancient Ayurvedic practice (which involves brushing your body with a natural bristle brush) offers a host of health benefits, including physical exfoliation and lymphatic drainage.
By taking a dry brush directly to the skin daily, you may notice smoother skin (goodbye, dry, dead skin) and a reduction in the appearance of cellulite. Plus, it’s a nice little moment of self-care, which we could all benefit from.
We conducted hours of research on the best dry brushes, evaluating dozens of models based on design, material, quality, and bristles. After consulting with three board-certified dermatologists who are experts in the relationship between the skin and overall health, we narrowed down our picks.
Best Overall
Esker Dry Brush
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Anthropologie
Soft yet firm bristles
Long handle allows for easy grip
High-quality craftsmanship
Small size doesn’t cover a large surface area
Material: Natural bristles and wood handle | Dimensions: 8 x 3 x 1.12 inches
In our opinion, this brush has the best bristle texture, especially for dry-brushing newcomers who are new to the feel of rough bristles on their skin. The tips of the natural bristles are soft to the touch yet firmer underneath for an effective massage that doesn’t scratch your skin. We also appreciate that the grass wood handle comes wrapped in hemp twine for easy gripping and great control. For hard-to-reach areas, such as the back and behind the thighs, its long handle allows you to target every section with flexibility. Just keep in mind that the brush is on the smaller side, so you’ll have to spend a little extra time on larger areas of skin (like the legs and back).
Best Overall, Runner-Up
Pursoma Beauty Body Brush
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Revolve
Ideal for larger areas of the body
Built-in loop for in-shower hanging
U-shape design great for brushing quickly
Brush doesn't have a handle
Material: Jute fiber and wood handle | Dimensions: 6 x 4 x 3 inches
Ideal for anyone seeking a vegan alternative to natural bristles, this brush is made with ethically harvested jute fibers. We also like its unique U-shape, which features said fibers on both sides, making it great for quickly running over large body areas like your legs, arms, mid-section, or back. Bonus points for a built-in loop for in-shower hanging.
Best Budget
EcoTools Dry Body Brush
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Walmart
Features handcrafted bamboo handle
Eco-friendly construction
Bristles made of nylon
Can be slightly too rough for those with very sensitive skin
Material: Synthetic bristles and bamboo handle | Dimensions: 4 x 1.75 x 5.38 inches
The handheld, palm-size brush has synthetic bristles (a boon for vegans) set in a renewable bamboo base, making this an excellent eco-friendly and affordable pick. It’s resourceful for those who are in the experimental phase of getting familiarized with the motion of dry brushing, though if you have sensitive or easily irritated skin, the bristles on this brush might be too rough on your skin texture.
Best for Sensitive Skin
Dr. Barbara Sturm The Body Brush
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Sephora
Soft and medium bristles available
Handheld with a cotton band for control
Smooth glide
Can get moldy if left wet
Material: Natural bristles and wood handle | Dimensions: N/A
Team Byrdie loves pretty much any and every product this German aesthetic doctor launches, and this dry brush is the perfect extension of Dr. Barbara Sturm’s skincare emporium. As the top choice for those with easily irritated or sensitive skin, we like the soft strength variation of this brush for smooth and gentle exfoliation. While it can be used in the shower, it's best to store this dry brush in a cool place as the brush bristles and wood base tend to mildew if left in a wet vicinity.
Best Set
Belula Dry Brushing Set
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Amazon
Kit comes with body brush, face brush, and exfoliating gloves
Body brush has detachable handle and hand strap
Soft bristles on face brush ideal for delicate skin
Boar bristles not vegan-friendly
Material: Boar bristles and wood handle | Dimensions: Large brush: 14.96 x 3.4 x 1.77 inches, Small brush: N/A
If you’re ready to fully jump on the dry brushing bandwagon, pick up this set. For less than $20, you get both a long-handled body brush and a smaller face brush. The former boasts wild boar bristles and a detachable handle (the brush head also has a hand strap) if you prefer to use it as a handheld. The face brush has much softer bristles, ideal for use on the delicate skin on your face. Rounding out the trio is a set of exfoliating gloves, great for using in the shower.
Best Vegan
Goop Beauty G.Tox Ultimate Dry Brush
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Sephora
Curved handle helps reach lower back
Made with biodegradable bristles derived from agave plants
Wood handle is sustainably sourced
Bristles can easily shed when used too aggressively
Material: Sisal fibers and wood handle | Dimensions: 10.67 x 3.11 x 1.5 inches
You better believe Gwyneth is all about dry brushing. Her take on the tool is completely vegan, using sisal fibers derived from the agave plant in place of natural bristles. Its wood handle is FSC-certified (meaning it comes from responsibly sourced and managed forests), and we also appreciate the slightly curved angle of the head, which makes it easy to reach areas like the mid-back.
Best Vegan, Runner-Up
Keys Soulcare Energizing Dry Body Brush
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Keys Soulcare
Made with biodegradable bristles
Developed in partnership with a board-certified dermatologist
Gentle on the skin
Not for intense exfoliation
Material: Vegan bristles, wood base, and woven textile strap | Dimensions: 5.5 x 3 inches
If you're new to dry brushing or have very sensitive skin, you'll want to start out easy, and this gentle brush is the perfect introductory tool to do so. You'll get a gentle exfoliation with its biodegradable vegan brush bristles, and the fairly small handle size enhances your control within every stroke. The handle is wooden with a woven textile strap that fits into your hand just right. Because it goes easy on skin, you can use it several times a week, adding value and ritual to your wellness routine.
Best Splurge
Gilded Body Marble Body Brush
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thirteen lune
Byrdie Beauty Award-winning tool
Comes in various aesthetically-pleasing marbled designs
Easy to grip handle
The marble makes the product heavier than other options on this list
Material: Natural fibers, marble base, canvas strap | Dimensions: 4.72 x 0.98 x 2.76 inches
If you’re looking to treat yourself to a super luxurious body brush, make it this one. It’s a favorite of Byrdie’s editorial director Holly Rhue, who says this majorly upgrades her dry brushing game. Rather than a standard wooden or bamboo handle, this tool is made of beautiful marble. Although it’s a bit heavier as a result, we think it’s so gorgeous that you’ll want to have it on display in your bathroom. The streamlined oval shape and snug strap ensure it fits comfortable in the palm of your hand while the natural bristles polish skin to perfection.
Best for Cellulite
C.S.M. Body Brush
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Amazon
Dual-textured head for versatility
Compact size great for travel
Affordable price and easily accessible
Doesn’t offer as much exfoliation as other options
Material: Boar bristles, rubber nodes, wood base, canvas strap | Dimensions: 4 x 4 x 2 inches
Listen, there’s no treatment or lotion you can use at home that will eliminate the look of cellulite. Still, dry brushing can help minimize the look of dimples as long as you’re doing it regularly. If that’s your goal, use this brush on your booty and legs. This tool gives you even more bang for your buck, as small, flexible massaging nubs are nestled in among natural bristles, offering double the lymphatic drainage (which helps your skin look smoother). Also nice: The round size and no-slip canvas hand strap make using this one a breeze.
Best Long Handle
Cleanlogic Sport Wooden Handle Bath Dry Brush
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Cleanlogic
Long handle helpful for those with shaky hands
Packaging has Braille literacy for accessibility
Bristles infused with charcoal
Brush must be replaced after 30 uses
Material: Charcoal-infused synthetic bristles and wood handle | Dimensions: 2.75 x 1.5 x 16.5 inches
The extra-long handle on this brush makes it ideal for hard-to-reach spots like your back. It’s also a great option for those who have shaky hands or need extra space to grip onto. Speaking of accessibility, like all tools from Cleanlogic, this dry brush has Braille packaging to assist those who are visually impaired. The synthetic bristles—which are cruelty-free and vegan—are infused with charcoal, a unique element that helps ward off bacteria and other grime that can build up on a dry brush, especially if you store it in the shower. The wallet-friendly price is a nice touch, too.
Best Handheld
Elemis Body Detox Skin Brush
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Dermstore
Detachable handle
Easy to grip, even when wet
Has canvas strap gives options
Bristles can be scratchy for some
Material: Cactus fibers and wood | Dimensions: 5 x 15 x 16 inches
A wide, easy-to-grip handle makes this a great compact and handheld option (not to mention great to use on smaller targeted spots like elbows and knees). But it’s a good pick to use anywhere on your body since there’s also a detachable handle that easily pops on and off in case you also want to use it on your back. FYI, the cactus bristles are pretty stiff anf firm, so go easy if you have sensitive skin. Pro tip: Make sure you store it outside of the shower to avoid warping.
Best for Face
Primally Pure Facial Dry Brush
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Primally Pure
Handcrafted tool gentle enough for use on delicate facial skin
Soft bristles glide across the skin
Exfoliates and massages
Can shed easily if bristles become loose
Material: Goat hair bristles and wood handle | Dimensions: N/A
While dry brushing for the face may not be as popular as it is for the body, it is just as beneficial, offering many of the same properties (like increased circulation, effective exfoliation, and lymphatic drainage) for the skin barrier. The big caveat here is ensuring you use a brush with super-gentle bristles to not tear, scratch, or irritate the more delicate skin on your face. This one fits the bill, with ultrasoft natural goat bristles that gently slough and massage skin in one fell swoop. As with your body, use it on dry skin, cleanse, then follow with a facial moisturizer.
Best for Very Dry Skin
Osea Plant-Based Body Brush
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Oseamalibu
Strong bristles are exceptional at exfoliating dead skin cells
Made from natural materials
Strap for easy handling
Brush cannot get wet
Material: Beechwood, cotton, and sisal fibers and canvas strap | Dimensions: N/A
With stiff bristles, this plant-based brush from Osea Malibu does some serious exfoliating. Just note: If you’re new to dry brushing, the bristles may feel a tad rough at first as your skin adjusts. But we love that this beechwood and cotton brush with sisal fibers sloughs off dead skin without causing redness. Like others, it has a convenient strap on the back that makes it easy to handle.
Best for Gentle Exfoliation
Kitsch Body Dry Brush
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Kitsch
Soothes and softens skin
Doesn’t scratch the skin during the process
Made by a woman-owned brand
Handle strap stretches beyond the size of the hand which may cause it to easily slip off
Material: Nylon bristles, wood base, and woven strap | Dimensions: N/A
Don’t get carried away with a rough and abrasive scrubbing session in the name of exfoliation. This dry brush keeps things in check with dense vegan bristles that don’t scratch the skin’s surface. They’re soft enough to massage the peaks and valleys of the body as you work your way toward the heart. Tip: It is not meant to be used in the shower, so avoid getting it wet to
Best for Sculpting
Joanna Czech Skincare The Dry Massage Body Brush
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Joanna Czech
Great for targeting small areas on the body
Made of vegan and vegetable-derived bristles
Designed by a woman-owned brand
Doesn't feature a handle
Material: Tampico fibers and wood base | Dimensions: N/A
We’re always down to take a page from an aesthetician’s book. And this dry brush, developed on behalf of renowned aesthetician Joanna Czech’s skincare brand, is just the right size to tone targeted areas on the body. Buffing out cellulite, enhancing the definition of the arms and thighs, and stimulating the circulation around the decolletage with medium-length bristles made of Tampico is exactly what this dry brush was meant for. The only downside is that it doesn’t come with a strap or handle, so you’ll have to hold onto the sides firmly as you brush.
Best for Muscle Soreness
Murchison-Hume Heales Apothecary Fascia Brush
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Murchison-Hume
Shape allows you to target large sections of the body
Long, wooden nubs feel great on the skin
Handheld
Cannot be used in-shower
Material: Birchwood nubs and base | Dimensions: 1.75 x 5.5 inches
Consider a fascia brush rather than a classic dry brush. Why? This item will help massage out any lingering soreness and muscle tension that you may be experiencing. With wooden nubs coating the entire base of the brush, the design is unique in that it curves vertically rather than featuring rounded-out bristles. It is not meant to exfoliate the skin, but will in fact help increase blood circulation without the sensorial texture of packed and dense bristles.
What to Look for in a Dry Brush
- Bristle Type: Finding that ideal medium of bristles that are stiff yet soft might sound a lot like a self-care version of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. But the variety of bristle types on the market—veering between synthetic and natural—offer a ton of options. You want to find bristles that are firm but don't feel scratchy on your skin. If your skin is particularly sensitive, try a brush with gentle bristles. If you want to dry brush your face, be sure to use a brush designed for facial use. You can also choose from plant-derived bristles, synthetic, or natural, meaning they're derived from some kind of animal.
- Style of Brush: Determine whether you want a dry brush with a long handle to target any hard-to-reach areas such as your back or if you'd prefer a more compact, handheld option. Many handheld options include a strap to make the brush easier to hold.
- Material and Design: Consider a material that is durable enough to handle everyday use, since dry brushing is a daily practice. We like wood for this, but since it can get warped, we recommend storing it outside of the shower. There are also several options on this list made from materials like marble and plastic, which can last a long time if cared for properly.
Why Trust Byrdie
Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. She recently made dry brushing a regular part of her daily pre-shower routine and loves it. She has used (or is currently using) many of the options featured on this list.
Chelsea Avila is a contributing commerce writer at Byrdie who reports on the beauty, fashion, and wellness market. She educates herself on the self-care rituals that stimulate the lymphatic and nervous system, and as one who practices sound meditation and dry brushing herself, Chelsea updated this article by seeking out the tools that are gentle enough for sensitive skin types and the consumer insights that confirm a dry brushes’ bristle and handle’s duality for ease of motion.
Byrdie discussed the benefits of dry brushing with three board-certified dermatologists:
- Dr. Dendy Engelman, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist, Mohs surgeon, and media expert. She's experienced in both medical and cosmetic dermatology and is an expert in how the skin relates to overall health, and values dry brushing as an integral part of your skin wellness routine.
- Dr. Michele Green, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in the NYC area with a practice that focuses on medical and cosmetic dermatology. She is highly experienced in the connection between wellness and skin health, and is a supporter of dry brushing.
- Dr. Alicia Zalka, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in western Connecticut who specializes in holistic skincare.
According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough dry brushes from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com, and we will evaluate the product ASAP.
