The Best Clarisonic Cleansing Brush Alternatives

Say it ain't so! Much to many a beauty lover's disappointment, cleansing brush brand Clarisonic is closing shop. As per CNN, fans of the brushes are freaking out, scouring resale sites in search of replacement brush heads to last a lifetime. While Clarisonic's inventory sold out the day they announced the brushes were being discontinued, according to Allure, it's almost impossible now to find defunct Clarisonic's products online. An eBay search shows that some are reselling Clarisonic brushes and accessories for hundreds of dollars, prompting skincare expert and Topicals founder Olamide Olowe to tell Beauty Independent, "It's the death of an era." As many die-hard Clarisonic fans can attest to, Olowe explained that the brushes were "a huge cultural mainstay in the beauty world," but the brand was growing too slowly for parent company L'Oreal to keep it running. Still, the devices were loved by the skincare-obsessed and dermatologists alike — so consider us shocked.

Clarisonic was adored by celebrities and us mere mortals, with actress Kristen Bell telling Bustle that she is "absolutely addicted" to the brushes. She explained, "the Clarisonic allows me enough turnover of my skin cells each day without it being irritated," and that, "if it ever breaks, I'll have to buy it on the black market — hell or high water, I will have one of them in my hands." Well, then! While you can always check out a resale site for the now-discontinued products, we've found cheaper, incredible dupes that are so good you won't have to.

Let's say you do want a facial brush that's lightweight and great for jetting off to your latest destination — but you can't let go of Clarisonic-style traditional brush attachments. The silicone versions might pique your interest, but maybe you fear missing out on classic bristle brush foam-action and the deepest of cleans. Not to fret — we've found the best options.

Clarisonics are amazing and will always have a place in our hearts as the tools that finally got rid of our high school breakouts (hallelujah!) and unclogged our pores to perfection. Still, we must admit that the brand's tools are kind of clunky, heavy, difficult to travel with, and aren't very convenient as a facial brush for on-the-go purposes. That's why we love Magnitone London's First Step Skin-Balancing Compact Cleansing Brush ($47.70), a positively-tiny tool that fits in the palm of your hand (via Bustle). This brush is soft and just the thing for daily cleansing, delivers powerful pulses, features silver ions that prevent 99.9% of bacteria from forming on the bristles, can be used in the shower, and is easily charged with a USB cable.

If you have really sensitive skin, you might want to try a non-vibrating tool instead. Shiseido's Cleansing Massage Brush ($25) is a high-quality manual option made out of super-smooth, gentle bristles. According to Clothed Up, this tool makes sure you never strip skin of crucial oils, and Spy says the handle is comfortable to hold, too.

You might prefer cleansing brushes that feel super luxurious, almost like you graduated from Clarisonic college and are off to bigger, more glamorous things. We'll always love our Clarisonic days, but new tools on the market protect your skin from over-exfoliation, feel sturdier, and are majorly aesthetically-pleasing to boot. 

As recommended by Life Savvy, Michael Todd's Beauty Soniclear Petite Facial Cleansing Brush System ($119) is pricey, but effective. As per the outlet, this is the best Clarisonic dupe money can buy, featuring an unbeatable 18,000 pulses a minute and a three-mode vibration speed system. Got back from a trip and dealing with clogged pores? Rev up the engine! Feel like your skin is getting irritated by simply existing? This tool's gentle option is so soft you'll never have to give it up no matter what your skin's state is. Moreover, this tool emits a sound when you've cleaned one area for too long, preventing aggravating your complexion. You also receive an infusion head to massage in serums and moisturizers, a USB charging cable, and a travel case.

Although at a lower price point, My Life My Shop Ultimate Spin Facial Cleansing Brush ($29.99) feels downright-opulent with a travel case, adjustable speed modes, and three brush heads: Use the soft nylon attachment for cleansing, the rougher-bristled one for exfoliation, and the silicone one for massaging in your skincare routine. La Passion Voûtée says this product is comparable to much more expensive facial tools.