Best Dry Brush 2024: Top Choices for Your Skin

We all crave that radiant, healthy glow, don’t we? However, sometimes achieving it feels like a mystery. Dry brushing, a centuries-old practice, has surged in popularity as a holistic approach to skincare for its multiple benefits, including exfoliation, potentially improved lymphatic drainage, and cellulite reduction.

In this guide, we’re going to explore the benefits of dry brushing as well as the best dry brush picks in 2024, helping you unlock the secrets to glowing skin — one brushstroke at a time.

Best dry brushes: a shortlist

1. HigherDOSE — best dry brush in 2024 with premium materials
2. goop — best budget-friendly dry brush with FSC certification
3. Dr. Barbara Sturm — best dry brush for sensitive skin with soft bristles
4. Wildling — best dry brush with plant-based agave fibers
5. Elemis — best sturdy body brush with a long handle and detachable head

How we compiled our list of the best dry brushes

You can find a dry brush in almost every drugstore. However, there are some aspects to think about before making that purchase. To create this curated list of best body brushes, we focused on several aspects for you to discover a product that delivers results:

Price	Bristle type	Handle design	Brush firmness	Quality
$25–69	Natural, cruelty-free	Long handles, ergonomic short handle options	Soft to firm (according to skin type)	High-quality, durable materials

• Price. We picked dry brushes considering all types of users’ budgets — from budget-conscious to more pricey, premium options.
• Bristle type. Our priority was natural bristles, which are gentler and more effective for exfoliation than synthetic options.
• Handle design. Comfort and functionality matter! We considered handle length and grip for ease of use.
• Brush firmness. From sensitive to normal skin — we choose a brush firmness that suits various skin types and preferences.
• Quality. We prioritized the body brush that will last, meaning it’s made of high-quality material (like eco-friendly bamboo and canvas straps).

Best dry brushes: an overview

To help you find the perfect body brush for the job, we've combed through the options, considering things like bristle softness, handle design (long for easy back reach or short for better grip), and overall comfort - because let's be real, a body brush shouldn't feel like a chore to use. Explore our 5 top body brushes and discover the one that will buff you to healthier-looking skin.

1. HigherDOSE — best dry brush in 2024 overall

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The HigherDOSE Supercharge Copper body brush is the best premium-quality option we found, thanks to its natural horsehair bristles for soft stimulation to your skin without irritation.

This body brush is nicely designed and incorporates quality materials: ion-charged bristles combined with copper wire bristles, real leather strap, and iron grommets.

Most user reviews we’ve analyzed online praise this body brush as durable and top-notch quality. Plus, there’s prompt customer service and a handy how-to-use guide for tips on dry brushing.

However, while having quality materials, HigherDOSE dry brush also comes with a steep price tag of $69, which might not be friendly for budget-conscious users.

2. goop — best-value dry brush with FSC certification

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Another dry brush that landed on our list is the goop Ultimate — it comes at a very affordable price and has a curvy design for easy use.

This Forest Stewardship Council, FSC-certified wooden brush is designed to reach all areas with the extended easy-grip handle. Biodegradable sisal fibers are firm, and there’s a woven loop to hang your brush.

That being said, we’ve discovered that some users noted that the bristles can be too firm if your skin is sensitive.

For those who can work with a slightly rougher texture, the goop Ultimate brush could be a perfect pick. It costs $25, and there’s a 30-day return policy.

3. Dr. Barbara Sturm — best sensitive skin body brush for exfoliation

Try Dr. Barbara Sturm now

Dr. Barbara Sturm is an excellent body brush made for sensitive skin exfoliation. What sets this dry brush apart is that it comes in two types — soft and medium, which is great for users who want some customization.

It comes with natural bristles and a handle strap for easy grip and is a cruelty-free product.

Users online really appreciate the soft version of this brush, as it’s gentler on the skin and doesn’t irritate it as much as other firmer body brushes.

You can purchase Dr. Barbara Sturm's body brush for $40. While it might not be the most budget-friendly option, it delivers great value for money.

4. Wildling — best dry brush with plant-based agave fibers

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Wilding Aura Sweeper brush stands out as one of the best dry brushes thanks to its plant-based agave fiber bristles for gentle exfoliation.

This body brush is designed with an olive wood handle and an easy-grip top. Its bristles are agave fibers that provide the optimal bend to gently exfoliate the skin to help with the production of collagen and promote circulation.

Most users describe the brush as being of great quality and appreciate that it comes with a wood Knoxwille handle rather than a strap-style one. Other prefer the srap style, so it really depends on each person's taste and preference.

Wildling Aura Sweeper's price is $39, which is a good balance between value and quality. Besides, there are helpful and informative FAQs on their official website.

5. Elemis — sturdy body brush with a handle and detachable head

Try Elemis now

Elemis Body Detox dry brush also landed on our A list as a sturdy option with a handle and detachable head for users' convenience.

The long handle of this brush lets you reach all areas, like the back, without much effort. Most of the users appreciate this thoughtful design and the detachable head, which can be used if needed.

It features cactus bristles, and the handle has a loop in case you want to hang the brush. However, be aware that cactus bristles are the firmest type of bristle and might not be suitable for sensitive skin. Therefore, the user opinions are mixed with those that appreciate firm exfoliation, but sensitive skin users say it’s rather too harsh for the skin.

Elemix Body Detox body brush costs $45 and it offers versatility and overall great reviews.

Comparing the best dry brushes

Brand	Price	Best for	Bristle material	Cruelty-free	FSC-certified
HigherDOSE	$69	Exfoliation, preparation for sauna	2 rows of humane horsehair bristles and 4.5 rows of copper wire bristles	Yes	Not listed
goop	$25	Non-sensitive skin, budget-conscious users	Sisal	Yes	Yes
Dr. Barbara Sturm	$40	Sensitive skin	Natural	Yes	Not listed
Wildling	$39	Energizing skin	Agave fibers	Yes	Not listed
Elemis	$45	Hard-to-reach areas (long handle)	Cactus	No information	Not listed

What is dry brushing?

The dry brushing technique is an ancient self-massage method that uses a natural-bristled brush to gently buff dry skin in circular motions. This exfoliates dead skin cells, potentially improves circulation, and may even leave your skin feeling smoother and more radiant.

Think of it like a deep clean for your skin's surface, minus the water. All you need is a dry brush and a few minutes to invigorate your body and potentially boost your skin’s well-being.

The benefits of dry brushing

While no in-depth research backs up the health benefits of dry brushing, it may be attributed to numerous health improvements like better circulation, enhanced lymphatic flow, and more. Below, we will talk more about each of the benefits.

Exfoliation

​​Dry brushing's potential to exfoliate is a key benefit. Our skin naturally sheds dead cells, but dry brushing can help remove them more efficiently. Exfoliation can promote smoother, brighter skin by:

• Removing dead cells. This buildup can clog pores and make skin appear dull. Dry brushing or another manual exfoliation helps sweep dead cells away, revealing fresher, healthier-looking skin underneath.
• Promoting cell turnover. Exfoliation can also encourage the skin to produce new cells, potentially leading to a more youthful skin appearance.

Improved circulation

Dry brushing might give your circulation a welcome wake-up call. The gentle pressure from the bristles and massage techniques are thought to improve blood flow. Good circulation is vital for delivering oxygen and nutrients to your skin cells, promoting overall skin health and a radiant appearance.

While more research is needed on dry brushing specifically, studies have shown that massage techniques, which share some similarities with dry brushing, can potentially improve circulation.

Lymphatic drainage

Dry brushing might be attributed to one of the ways of draining your lymphatic system, but the research is still developing. The lymphatic system is a network of vessels that helps remove waste and toxins from the body. While dry brushing's effects on the lymphatic system haven't been extensively studied, the brushing motion and similarities with massage techniques on the skin may help enhance lymph flow.

Think of it as gently encouraging the lymphatic system to do its job more efficiently. More research is needed to definitively confirm this benefit, but dry brushing could potentially contribute to improved lymphatic drainage.

Cellulite reduction

Cellulite, the bumpy texture on the skin often seen on thighs and buttocks, is a common concern. While there's no miracle cure, dry brushing might offer some temporary help in its appearance. The theory is that the brushing action could improve circulation and potentially break down fat deposits, leading to a smoother look. However, scientific evidence on dry brushing specifically and cellulite reduction is limited.

We noticed some users reported trying the dry brushing technique to reduce cellulite's appearance, but more research is needed to confirm these anecdotal experiences. If you're looking to minimize cellulite, dry brushing might be worth trying alongside a healthy diet and exercise routine.

Stress relief

What we also found while researching body brushing is that it can be a surprisingly effective tool for stress relief. The act of brushing itself can be a calming ritual to practice mindfulness and focus your attention on the present moment.

Additionally, the article published by the Journal of Interprofessional Education & Practice suggests that massage techniques, similar to dry brushing, can balance the nervous system and help individuals relax.

While dry brushing specifically hasn't been extensively studied for stress relief, it can be a relaxing addition to your self-care routine.

Incorporating dry brushing into your routine

If you’re ready to incorporate dry brushing into your routine, we have narrowed down 4 tips for you:

• Frequency. Start slow and aim for one session a week, then you can gradually increase the number of sessions as your skin adjusts.
• Time of day. Many find dry brushing invigorating, making it a great morning ritual. However, evenings work well, too — it can be a calming routine before bedtime.
• Session length. Keep it between 3 to 5 minutes. Focus on starting at your feet and working your way up, brushing towards your heart to promote circulation.
• Listen to your skin. If you have sensitive skin or any existing skin conditions, like eczema or psoriasis, consult a dermatologist before dry brushing. Avoid brushing irritated or broken skin.

Remember, consistency is key. Regular dry brushing, along with a healthy skincare routine, can add up to smoother and more radiant skin — a natural body blur effect, minus the makeup.

Safety considerations

Dry brushing is generally safe for most, but there are some safety considerations to remember for a positive experience:

• Gentle movements. Avoid using too much pressure, as this can irritate your skin. Use light, circular motions and listen to your body — if it feels uncomfortable, ease up.
• Don’t over-exfoliate. While some may enjoy daily dry brushing, others might find it too much. It’s recommended to start with one session per week and adjust based on how your skin feels.
• Not for everyone. If you have any skin irritation, sunburn, eczema, psoriasis, or active acne, skip the dry brushing for now. These conditions can be worsened by exfoliation. Consult a dermatologist before starting, especially for those with sensitive skin or concerns.

Other ways to keep your skin healthy

Dry brushing is a great addition to your routine, but it's not the only way to get healthy skin. Here are some other key practices:

• Gentle cleansing and moisturizing. Avoid using harsh soaps and opt for gentle cleansers without added chemicals. Follow up with a moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and plump.
• Healthy diet. Nourish your skin from within. Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Consider incorporating omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish and flaxseeds, for their potential anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Hydration. Aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day. This helps flush toxins and keeps your skin looking supple.
• Sun protection. Shield your skin from harmful UV rays with a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher every single day.

Also, don’t forget that regular exercise, stress management and adequate sleep add up to overall skin wellness.

Best dry brushes: conclusion

Reflecting on this guide, you’ve learned about the different dry brush options and how they can buff away dead skin, improve circulation, and potentially boost the health of your skin. By offering a blend of natural, cruelty-free, and eco-friendly options, we’ve addressed the benefits of improved skin and lymphatic health, and how to choose the best dry brush for you.

We recommend you engage with mindful skincare practices, encouraging you to continue your journey toward achieving not just glowing skin but also a healthier relationship with the beauty products you choose to incorporate into your daily routine.

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