Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.
Close Banner
Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.

13 Of The Best Dry Brushes For Head-To-Toe Exfoliation

Alexandra Engler
Author:
March 16, 2021
Alexandra Engler
mbg Beauty Director
By Alexandra Engler
mbg Beauty Director
Alexandra Engler is the beauty director at mindbodygreen and host of the beauty podcast Clean Beauty School. Previously, she's held beauty roles at Harper's Bazaar, Marie Claire, SELF, and Cosmopolitan; her byline has appeared in Esquire, Sports Illustrated, and Allure.com.
Best Dry Brushes for Head-to-Toe Exfoliation
Image by mbg Creative
March 16, 2021
We carefully vet all products and services featured on mindbodygreen using our commerce guidelines. Our selections are never influenced by the commissions earned from our links.

One of the biggest barriers to entry for a regular dry brushing technique is finding a brush that's right for you. Of course you'll want something that's simultaneously exfoliating, encourages lymphatic drainage, and is comforting to the touch—but that likely means different things for different people. And, thus, people will respond differently to various brush strengths.

Then there's the question of shape preference: do you like a handle or something handheld? Also, if you're vegan, you'll need to opt for a synthetic or natural plant-derived option, like sisal bristles, which are made from plant fibers. Then there's where you want to be doing the dry brushing, be it your whole body, just your face, or both. Lot's of options, no?

While some of these answers are obvious (face versus body, vegan versus non), some take some guessing-and-testing: You likely won't know what type of handle you like until you try, nor will you know what bristle strength you're looking for. But a good rule of thumb is beginners should default to softer bristles, as they don't know how their skin will react, while more advanced can feel comfortable experimenting with stiffer options.

Here, we gathered the best on the market, with a wide variety of variables, so you can find one that will work for you.

Dr. Barbara Sturm Body Brush

Consider this your gateway dry brush: The natural bristles are on the softer end of the spectrum, so it's nonirritating for most skin types (this is ideal as you get used to the technique and sensation). The classic oval shape comes with a strap on the back, too, so you can slip your hand in for easy brushwork. The brand also recommends using it in the shower on wet skin for an even gentler sensation.

Body Brush, Dr. Barbara Sturm ($35)

mindbodygreen

Savor Beauty Dry Brush

This brand marries Eastern traditions with update New York small batch practice—the result? A delightful, natural brand that is highly effective. Their dry brush is made with sisal bristles and beach wood. It's so easy to get the hang of, you'll find yourself using it daily in no time.

Dry Brush, Savor Beauty ($25)

savor beauty ayurvedic dry brush
mindbodgyreen

Bathing Culture Total Body Brush

This small body brush fits right in the palm of your hand. The bristles are made from sustainably sourced agave. (The agave bristles offer a vegan, natural option that aren't synthetic—major bonus.) We also adore the brand's body-centric ethos which is all about relishing in your hygiene ritual.

Total Body Brush, Bathing Culture ($25)

bathing culture dry brush
mindbodygreen

Saje In The Buff Natural Bristle Dry Brush

Some favor this multisided, rounded brush because it moves over curves with ease: You have to do less hand maneuvering around knees and armpits since the 360° bristles can hit all sides. These bristles, too, are made from natural sisal bristles, which are sourced from the cactus-like agave plant's large, fleshy leaves. Then the handle is wrapped in comfortable cotton.

In The Buff Natural Bristle Dry Brush, Saje ($15.95)

mindbodygreen

Biossance Dry Body Brush

An ideal in-between option for those who want a handle but nothing too lengthy. Grip it at its head when you need more precision and control; use the handle for harder-to-reach extremities, like the back. The bristles are vegan nylon, and the wood is certified by the Forest Wood Council, which is given to manufactories who use responsible harvesting practices.

Dry Body Brush, Biossance ($17)

mindbodygreen

Ecotools Dry Body Brush

This is an incredibly affordable option that's still perfectly durable and functional? Yes, please. The handle is made of bamboo, and the bristles are synthetic (or cruelty-free). These bristles are a bit stronger than other options out there, so it will provide a deeper exfoliation. Finally, it comes from one of our favorite environmentally friendly brush makers, of all kinds.

Dry Body Brush, Ecotools ($4.99)

mindbodygreen

Rosena Dry Brush Body Set

For the dry brusher who wants to tackle it all. This full set comes with a standard oval natural boar bristle brush—with a detachable long handle, so you can reach harder areas like your back. Further your ritual with the special massage tool, which can help target fascia. Then use the smaller brush for more delicate areas.

Dry Brush Body Set, Rosena ($18)

mindbodygreen

Prana Ionic Dry Brush

This is for expert-level dry brushers only: It's made with extra-fine ion-charged copper bristles, so it will provide a very intense exfoliation (and irritation if you're not accustomed to it, nor have the proper technique). But for those looking for a copper brush, this is one of the finest made out there: Each brush is handmade from sustainably harvested beechwood, the copper is sourced quality copper alloy, and the outer circle is made from all-natural and ethically sourced boar hair.

Ionic Dry Brush, Prana ($44.50)

mindbodygreen

Aveda Tulasāra Radiant Facial Dry Brush

So delicately soft and elegant, Aveda's nylon brush will sweep over your face for a very gentle exfoliation, lifting off dead skin cells for better skin care absorption. The oval shape and stem are designed to fit perfectly in the palm of your hand, and the rounded peaks and flows of the bristles give a very subtle massage-like feeling.

Tulasāra Radiant Facial Dry Brush, Aveda ($44)

mindbodygreen

Earth Shift Cedar Complexion Brush

This small, rounded-face dry brush is made with natural boar bristles—and, while it's still gentle enough for the face, is a bit more exfoliating. Plus, the small surface area allows for more targeted precision when going over the more nuanced curves of the face, neck, and hands.

Cedar Complexion Brush, Earth Shift ($9)

mindbodygreen

Esker Dry Brush

This unique option is made of grass tree wood, all natural bristles, and finely wound hemp twine at the handle. We love the combo of medium circular head and a short, easy-to-grip handle. Why? You can reach harder areas like the back, back of the legs, feet, and so on.

Dry Brush, Esker ($18)

Esker Dry Body Brush
mindbodygreen

Osea Plant-Based Body Brush

This delightfully soft brush has a cotton strap that fits neatly over your fingers to give you optimal control. (The brand also recommends this hack: Speed up the process by using one per hand, but we'll let you make the call.) We also love it for the medium-small size, which helps you hit the small spots, while covering decent space elsewhere.

Plant-Based Body Brush, Osea ($28)

osea body brush
mindbodygreen

Province Apothecary Daily Glow Facial Dry Brush

This is made from softer goat hair bristles (which come from a chain of reliable suppliers, according to the brand). The oak handle is also certified responsibly forested. This small, delicate brush also comes with the ease of a handle, if you prefer that to a handheld (think of it like holding a Clarisonic brush).

Daily Glow Facial Dry Brush, Province Apothecary ($52)

mindbodygreen

Watch Next

Enjoy some of our favorite clips from classes

Watch Next

Enjoy some of our favorite clips from classes

What Is Meditation?

Mindfulness/Spirituality | Light Watkins

Box Breathing

Mindfulness/Spirituality | Gwen Dittmar

What Breathwork Can Address

Mindfulness/Spirituality | Gwen Dittmar

The 8 Limbs of Yoga - What is Asana?

Yoga | Caley Alyssa

Two Standing Postures to Open Up Tight Hips

Yoga | Caley Alyssa

How Plants Can Optimize Athletic Performance

Nutrition | Rich Roll

What to Eat Before a Workout

Nutrition | Rich Roll

How Ayurveda Helps Us Navigate Modern Life

Nutrition | Sahara Rose

Messages About Love & Relationships

Love & Relationships | Esther Perel

Love Languages

Love & Relationships | Esther Perel

Related Videos (10)

What Is Meditation?

Box Breathing

What Breathwork Can Address

The 8 Limbs of Yoga - What is Asana?

Two Standing Postures to Open Up Tight Hips

How Plants Can Optimize Athletic Performance

What to Eat Before a Workout

How Ayurveda Helps Us Navigate Modern Life

Messages About Love & Relationships

Love Languages

Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.

More On This Topic

more Lifestyle
Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.
Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.