I'm in Awe—This Easy-to-Use Tool Leads to Super-Smooth Skin in Seconds
Strawberry legs, who?
Of all the splashy bodycare treatments on the market—from advanced in-office services to body retinol and skin-tightening cream—one of the easiest, most budget-friendly, and downright effective is body brushing. It doesn't require the purchase of a pricey serum that you halfway believe will work, and it's a meditative, relaxing process that can aid your wind-down routine. Plus, you only need to do it two to three times a week to see a difference, according to the experts.
Though you may be quick to dismiss this practice as another TikTok fad, it actually has roots in Ayurvedic medicine and ancient Egyptian grooming practices. "Dry brushing is essentially manual exfoliation—it helps slough off dead skin cells sitting on the surface, which can leave the skin feeling softer, smoother, and looking more even-toned," board-certified dermatologist Jenna Queller, MD, FAAD, tells Who What Wear. Accomplished with either a handheld or long-handled brush with natural or plant-based bristles, the process is thought to not only exfoliate the skin but also improve lymphatic drainage and lessen the appearance of cellulite. "It also temporarily increases blood flow to the area, which is why you may notice some flushing afterward," Queller adds.
Keep reading for the top dry brushes on the market, according to dermatologists, aestheticians, and beauty editors, plus a few pointers for proper dry brushing. Yes, there's a whole process.
The 13 Best Dry Brushes of 2026, at a Glance
- Best Overall: Esker Beauty Dry Brush
- Best Budget: Popchose Dry Brush
- Best Luxury: Tronque Ionic Body Dry Brush
- Best With Handle: Goop Ultimate Dry Brush
- Best Massaging: Complete Skin Makeover Dry Body Brush
Best Overall: Esker Beauty Dry Brush
Pros: Pliable, natural bristles, ergonomic handle, reasonable price
Cons: No complaints here
Bristle type: Natural | Base: Wood
When it comes to the perfect dry brush, Credo Beauty expert Lacie Duffy recommends something with "an ergonomic handle and firm yet gentle bristles." The answer to her body-brushing prayers? The Esker Beauty Dry Brush. This wrapped-handle brush makes it comfortable, and the natural bristles gently slough rather than irritate the skin. Plus, the small handle allows you to comfortably reach any area you want to exfoliate without overexerting yourself.
Customer review: "Nice soft bristles. If you have sensitive skin, this is your dry brush. Great value."
Best Budget: Popchose Dry Brush
Pros: Cost-effective, easy to grip, sensitive skin–friendly bristles
Cons: None
Bristle type: Boar | Base: Wood, cotton
Dermatologist Dara Spearman explains that dry brushing is a great way to achieve "a glowing look," and this is certainly the result that I achieved after using this budget-friendly brush from Amazon. This handheld tool proves that you don't need to spend more than $10 to achieve smooth, stimulated skin thanks to its natural boar bristles and secure cotton strap. The bendy bristles are just enough to stimulate blood flow while not irritating my sensitive skin, and it leaves me glowing before a shower. For just $7, you can't beat the price.
Customer review: "I'm very into dry brushing and lymphatic-style massage, and I do it consistently as part of my routine, so I've tried a few. This is a really nice brush, especially for the price. The quality is better than expected. The natural bristles have the right texture—firm enough to be effective, but not overly harsh on the skin. The handle feels solid and easy to grip, and the overall construction is simple but well-made. There's no odd smell, and it arrived clean and ready to use. It gives that invigorating, exfoliating feel you want without scratching or irritating the skin. It fits easily into a daily routine and feels like something you'll actually keep using. Honestly, there's no need to spend more. This does exactly what a good dry brush should do."
Best Massaging: Complete Skin Makeover Dry Body Brush
Pros: Includes rubber nodules that offer a soft massage
Cons: Some shoppers cite light shedding
Bristle type: Natural boar hair, rubber | Base: Bamboo, canvas
While you could book yourself a costly visit to the spa, you could also just start using Complete Skin Makeover's Dry Body Brush to get glowy, even skin in the comfort of your own home. This one is a personal favorite of former associate beauty editor Maya Thomas, using soft and firm natural boar bristles to promote circulation.
Customer review: "Now that I've started dry brushing, I never skip that in my morning routine, no matter how late I am. It makes my whole body feel like I just got a massage, and this brush isn't overly scratchy. I think the massaging heads make a difference. The strap is a tad long for me, but it doesn’t impede its function. I also appreciate the QR code for the instruction guide."
Best Drugstore: Kitsch Body Dry Brush
Pros: Buffs skin while stimulating healthy blood circulation, budget-friendly
Cons: May be too abrasive for very sensitive skin
Bristle type: Nylon | Base: Bamboo, canvas
Kitsch's palm-sized Body Dry Brush was designed with budget in mind, and cruelty-free bristles stimulate blood flow and smooth the skin. In addition to the brush being used to buff away dead skin cells, improve circulation, and detoxify the skin, it can improve the appearance of the skin and promote lymphatic drainage.
Customer review: "I have tried all sorts of products in the shower for dry skin. I read the reviews and decided to try the dry before shower brush and was pleasantly surprised to see a difference on the first day. Skin was softer and smoother already."
Best Luxury: Tronque Ionic Body Dry Brush
Pros: Ion-charged bristles and brushing motion double as a grounding practice
Cons: On the pricey side
Bristle type: Ion-charged copper | Base: Beechwood, leather
This dry body brush is made from extra-fine ion-charged copper bristles to create negative ions with natural friction. Thomas is also a fan of this luxe brush, which delivers the appearance of smoother, brighter skin and softened cellulite while improving the flow of lymphatic drainage and reducing inflammation.
Best Gentle: Aromatherapy Associates Revive Body Brush
Pros: Bristles are soft enough for sensitive skin, still effective enough to see results
Cons: None we can think of
Bristle type: Agave cactus | Base: Wood, canvas
This Aromatherapy Associates dry body brush quickly sweeps away dead skin cells, increases circulation, and gets rid of impurities while promoting firmness. It's crafted with round-tip natural bristles from agave cactus that are gentle yet firm on the skin. The result is ultra-glowy-looking skin in mere minutes.
Customer review: "I bought this because I have lymphedema and I wanted to try a dry body brushing technique to see if it made an impact. The brush is great: firm bristles but not hard, so it gives the right pressure when brushing. It looks good too, and it has the desired effect, as well as exfoliating all the dead skin cells."
Best Medium Intensity: Dr. Barbara Sturm The Medium Body Brush
Pros: Comes in different bristle types for a range of intensities
Cons: Moderately priced
Bristle type: Natural | Base: Wood, canvas
This multipurpose brush can be used both in the shower and on dry skin to promote tight, smooth skin with its nonaggressive natural bristles. If you have tender or pressure-sensitive skin, consider snagging the softer version rather than this medium one.
Best With Handle: Goop Ultimate Dry Brush
Pros: Ergonomic handle, easy to scrub hard-to-reach spots
Cons: Bristles may be too tough for sensitive skin
Bristle type: Biodegradable agave sisal plant | Base: Wood, cotton
The Ultimate Dry Brush offers intensive exfoliation, leaving the skin looking and feeling refreshed and invigorated. The brush is made with natural, biodegradable sisal fibers taken from the agave plant and features an easy-to-use ergonomic handle.
Customer review: "Absolutely wonderful! I use this every morning! It helps me so, so much with the little tiny bumps on my arms and thighs that seemed to have never gone away! This has helped to alleviate it so much that now, after 3 months, they have nearly gone away! I can't write enough wonderful things about this brush. If you are on the fence, this is your sign to buy it! Also, it doesn't irritate my skin at all from the exfoliating; it only helps make my skin smooth."
Best Ergonomic: Skin Gym Dry Body Brush
Pros: Bristles are gentle enough for daily use
Cons: Nothing we can think of
Bristle type: Agave sisal plant | Base: Wood, cotton
If you ask any beauty editor which bodycare line offers the best tools to support skin health, there's a high chance Skin Gym will be raised as one of the best. My favorite from the brand is the Dry Body Brush, as it's made with natural cactus sisal bristles that are gentle enough to be used daily to exfoliate and polish the body.
Customer review: "Love the curve of the handle. Sometimes the long handled dry brush that I already have is awkward. This dry brush is much easier to use for some areas on the body due to the shape of the handle. The description does say soft but the bristles are definitely firmer. I just use with a lighter touch. As of now there has been no bristle fallout. Definitely would recommend this one!"
Best for Hyperpigmentation: ESPA Skin Stimulating Body Brush
Pros: Bristles lightly stimulate circulation and soften skin
Cons: On the expensive side
Bristle type: Mexican cactus | Base: Wood, canvas
Smoother and more radiant skin is made possible with this skin-stimulating body brush by ESPA. Crafted from Mexican cactus plant bristles, this brush buffs away dead skin cells while prompting circulation and reducing uneven skin tone. I've found this one extremely comfortable to use before hopping in the shower.
Customer review: "I've been using this dry body brush for a few months now every day before a shower. It is fabulous; I no longer have dry skin, especially on my legs. Highly recommended."
Best for KP: Osea Body Brush
Pros: Preps the skin for optimal product absorption, suitable for KP
Cons: No complaints here
Bristle type: Plant-based sisal fibers | Base: Wood, canvas
Osea has been a favorite brand of mine since the earliest days of the COVID-19 pandemic, and its Body Brush has made the biggest difference in my "strawberry legs." Its bristles are made of plant-based fibers that buff away dead skin and prep it for hydration. That said, if you have sensitive skin, you might want to skip this one.
Customer review: "I've only used this once so far to begin my dry brushing routine before showering, and my skin feels amazing! I can see why some people say the brush is rough, but I thoroughly enjoyed it, especially on my legs. You may want to skip sensitive areas or be extra gentle at first. Would highly recommend!"
Best Glow: Keys Soulcare Energizing Dry Body Brush
Pros: Promotes gentle exfoliation and skin cell renewal, clears dead skin cells for a more radiant surface
Cons: Nothing to add here
Bristle type: Vegan | Base: Wood, canvas
The Keys Soulcare Energizing Dry Body Brush can be used to gently exfoliate dead skin cells and boost cell renewal to reveal the luminous, even-looking skin below. This would be my top pick for anyone with pressure-sensitive skin who wants instant results without having to put their skin through the wringer.
Customer review: "This is a gentle exfoliating brush, and I found it felt quite nice on my skin. It was not too tough or rough, but also not too soft. The strap on the back makes it easy to hold in hand (it was not elastic, though it fit my hand OK). It looks quite nice and would be giftable as well, with the elegant wood and nice packaging."
Best Set: Complete Skin Makeover Dry Brushing Body Brush Set
Pros: Comes with brushes for body and face, budget-friendly
Cons: Has a tendency to shed
Bristle type: Natural boar hair | Base: Bamboo, canvas, cotton
Can't get enough of Complete Skin Makeover's Dry Body Brush? It's offered in a set with its Mini Body Brush for only $20! The boar bristles of these brushes are soft and firm and won't fall out with repeated use. In addition to helping renew your skin cells, it encourages collagen production and deeply cleanses the pores.
Customer review: "I wouldn't say this brush is for sensitive skin, but it does feel good and feels like it's actually working. The bristles are stiff enough to make a difference but not too stiff where your skin hurts after using. My skin feels 'brushed' after using it but not raw. I love to use it."
What to Look for in a Dry Brush
- Natural bristles: "I recommend natural plant-based-bristle dry brushes, as they can be less abrasive on the skin than synthetic bristles," says aesthetician Michelle Ventresca. "Boar bristle is the classic choice because they tend to be firm enough to exfoliate and stimulate the skin without being so harsh that they cause irritation or micro-tears," Queller adds.
- Ergonomic design: "I also suggest choosing a dry brush with a handle, which makes it easier to reach areas like the back and shoulders," says Ventresca. Some come in small, handheld designs that can fit into the palm of your hand, while others have handles for scrubbing hard-to-reach areas. "Consider storing a wooden brush in a dry location so that it does not get warped by water or moisture," says double board-certified dermatologist Brendan Camp, MD.
What to Avoid
While there are several things to consider when looking for the best dry brushes, derms and aestheticians also have their fair share of warnings to keep in mind. "You want bristles that are firm but not stiff or scratchy; your skin shouldn't be red, raw, or burning afterward," says Queller. "Most importantly, remember that more aggressive brushing is not necessarily better. I would avoid dry-brushing over irritated, sunburned, broken, or inflamed skin, including areas with active eczema or other conditions where the skin barrier is already compromised. If your skin is persistently red or irritated afterward, you're doing too much."
The dermatologist also instructs us to avoid cocktailing body brushing with other types of exfoliants, like body retinols or chemical exfoliants in the shower. "Dry brushing is already a form of physical exfoliation, so combining it with an aggressive chemical exfoliant can easily leave you with irritated skin instead of better skin," she explains.
How to Dry-Brush Properly
Dermatologists recommend dry-brushing one to three times a week, but no more than that. This isn't to scare you—it's so your skin has time to rest and reset in between. But it's worth remembering that frequency, consistency, and proper practice are the only way you'll see real results.
"Always brush on dry skin before you shower, using light pressure and long, gentle, upward strokes toward the heart—starting at your feet and moving up your legs, then from your hands toward your shoulders," says Queller. Duffy recommends starting out with two minutes of dry brushing before eventually graduating to five, using quick, fast strokes. "You don't need to press hard; let the bristles do the work. You're exfoliating—not sanding down your skin," she adds.
What should I do after dry-brushing?
After brushing, Spearman says that the immediate next step is the shower. "This is an important step, as it allows your body to remove any dead skin that was previously loosened through the brushing process," she explains. Duffy recommends using a "rich, luxurious bodywash," like Credo's Serenity Mineral-Rich Body Wash, to add to the in-shower sensorial experience. ("Make sure that you clean your brush periodically to remove buildup and prevent contamination with microorganisms," Camp reminds us.) After toweling off, it's imperative to moisturize your freshly sloughed skin.
"Between freshly exfoliated skin and steam from the shower, replenishing moisture is key to preventing dehydration," says Ventresca. The aesthetician then recommends following up with Clinique's Deep Comfort Body Butter due to its rich, thick formula and deeply hydrating ingredients, including shea butter, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid. "I love this for someone who may experience a little pinkness after dry-brushing and wants the luxe feel of a thicker cream without an oily residue," she explains.
For a less expensive option, she recommends going for Neutrogena's Hydro Boost Hydrating Fragrance-Free Body Cream. "I especially like this for anyone who is prone to body breakouts or prefers a lighter moisturizer without sacrificing hydration," she explains. If you're a body-oil lover, Duffy suggests adding a touch now. "After drying off, I'll add a favorite body oil, like the Iota Diamond Truffle Contour Body Oil, for an even more firming effect and ultimate body glow."
How We Found the Best Dry Brushes
To determine the best dry brushes, our team of beauty editors tested a variety of designs, comparing bristle materials, handle styles, ergonomics, and overall performance. We also consulted leading dermatologists, aestheticians, and beauty experts to corroborate our testing criteria, offer personal recommendations, and instruct us on how to properly use these tools. This selection reflects our top-performing picks, which we will continuously update as we continue to test and research new dry brushes on the market.
Meet Our Experts
- Jenna Queller, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of DermWorks in Boca Raton, Florida.
- Michelle Ventresca is an aesthetician and the founder of Live by Skin in Woburn, Massachusetts.
- Dara Spearman, MD, is a dermatologist and the founder of Radiant Dermatology Associates in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
- Lacie Duffy is a Credo Beauty expert and store manager in Portland, Oregon.
Why Trust Who What Wear
At Who What Wear, we know that beauty isn't one-size-fits-all. Over the years, our editors have tested thousands of products—including skincare, makeup, haircare, and nails—while also working closely with trusted experts, like renowned dermatologists, celebrity makeup artists, and other leading industry insiders. Together, this ensures every guide is well-researched, inclusive, and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they're affordable favorites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how, and what we'd truly recommend to our closest friends and family members.
This story was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
