Lab 08 · Facial cleansing devices

Facial cleansing devices: FOREO LUNA 4, PMD Clean Pro, Soniclear

A cleansing device moves your cleanser across the skin with fast pulsations. Most current models use soft silicone touch-points instead of nylon bristles: they are gentler, dry fast and need no replacement heads.

By The Beauty Tech Lab · Updated November 2026

At a glance

DevicePositionBrushSold by
FOREO LUNA 4The flagshipSilicone touch-pointsFOREO (official store)
PMD Clean ProThe warming pickSilicone, no replacement headsAmazon.com
Michael Todd SoniclearThe bristle pickAntimicrobial bristle headsMichael Todd (official store)
FOREO LUNA 4View onAmazon ↗
The flagship08.1

FOREO LUNA 4

FOREO's silicone cleansing brush with 16 intensities. The back has firming ridges for app-guided and manual massage treatments.

Brush
Silicone touch-points
Intensities
16
Extras
Firming massage, app
Sold by
FOREO (official store)
Choose it ifYou want a silicone brush that never needs a new head, plus a massage mode.
Think twice ifThe app-guided treatments are optional; the cleansing mode works without it.
Check price on Amazon
PMD Clean ProView onAmazon ↗
The warming pick08.2

PMD Clean Pro

A silicone cleansing brush (7,000 vibrations per minute, per PMD) with four modes and a heated massage surface on the back.

Brush
Silicone, no replacement heads
Modes
4
Extras
Heated massage (ActiveWarmth)
Sold by
Amazon.com
Choose it ifYou like a warm massage after cleansing and want a brush that is waterproof.
Think twice ifThe stone and metal finishes are a style choice; PMD's claims for the stones are not something we can measure.
Check price on Amazon
Michael Todd SoniclearView onAmazon ↗
The bristle pick08.3

Michael Todd Soniclear

A sonic (not rotating) brush with soft bristles, four speeds and a 20-second zone timer. It comes with a cleansing head and an infusion head.

Brush
Antimicrobial bristle heads
Speeds
4
Battery
2+ hours per charge
Warranty
3 years (maker)
Sold by
Michael Todd (official store)
Choose it ifYou prefer the feel of bristles and want a timer to cover the face evenly.
Think twice ifBristle heads need replacing about every 6 months, per the maker.
Check price on Amazon
Lab 08 · the wider range

18 more facial cleansing devices on Amazon

Listings from Amazon, best sellers first: new, in stock and sold with a featured offer, one per product family. They are not individually reviewed by us; names, photos and feature notes come from each listing and are refreshed daily. Our three picks are above.

What actually matters

Silicone or bristles

Silicone touch-points are easy to keep clean and need no replacement heads. Nylon brush heads scrub harder but must be replaced every few months and hold on to water.

Intensity settings

Several speed or pulsation levels let you go gentle on sensitive skin and firmer on oily areas.

Extra modes

Some models add a firming or massage mode, a warming function or an app. Nice to have, but cleansing is the core job.

Battery and waterproofing

Look for a long run time per charge, USB charging and a fully waterproof body so it can go in the shower.

Lab 08 · test plan

How we're testing

These are the measurements we are running on every device in this guide. Results will replace the "queued" labels as they come in. Full method →

  • Pulsation frequency per setting (accelerometer)queued
  • Run time from full chargequeued
  • Surface temperature of warming modesqueued
  • Water resistance after a week of shower usequeued

FAQ

How often should I use a cleansing device?

Most makers suggest once or twice a day for about a minute. If your skin feels tight or irritated, use it less often or on a lower setting.

Can it replace exfoliation?

No. A cleansing device lifts dirt and make-up; it does not remove dead skin the way an exfoliant or dermaplaning does. Avoid using it on broken or inflamed skin.

More to explore