As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Affiliate links do not affect our ratings. Learn more.

Best Non-Toxic Dry Brushes

We vetted dry brushes against the Welpr Standard and here are our top picks.

Camille May

Cofounder & Product Curator

Olushola M. Awoyemi

Medical Reviewer, PhD

Here's what we look for:

Natural bristles like boar, horsehair, sisal, or vegetable fibers
Solid wood or bamboo handles
Synthetic alternatives free from bisphenols
Transparent sourcing, materials, and manufacturing practices

Best Non-Toxic Dry Brushes

On Welpr, terms like "non-toxic," "safer," "cleaner," "healthier," and "vetted" are editorial labels based on our own standard for product assessment. They are not guarantees, certifications, or medical claims. Learn more.

Top Pick

Primally Pure

Body Dry Brush

Highlights: Made in USA, Money-back guarantee, Long handle, Firm bristles, For Full body

8.7

Performance score

Where to buy

Primally Pure
See price

Dry brushing is an Ayurvedic practice (called Garshana) where you brush dry skin with short, light strokes toward the heart before showering. The friction stimulates blood flow and lymphatic drainage, and physically exfoliates dead skin at the surface.
The bristles are firm, built for body use. Primally Pure sells a separate facial brush with softer bristles for delicate skin, so this one is specifically sized and stiffened for arms, legs, and torso.
Meant to be used on completely dry skin with no water or product. You brush first, then shower and follow with oil or butter, which absorbs more readily into freshly exfoliated skin.
As a non-toxic dry brushes option, the handle and body are bamboo rather than plastic, and the bristles are natural hair rather than synthetic.
Primally Pure sources from small family farms and got its start on the founders' own certified organic regenerative farm. Made in the USA.

Free email mini-course

Welpr Blueprint: Go Non-Toxic Mini-Course

The 80/20 guide to going non-toxic the easy way.

Budget Pick

Bare Botanics

Dry Body Brush

Certified: FSC Certified
Highlights: Cruelty-free, No handle, Medium bristles, For Full body

8.7

Performance score

Where to buy

Amazon
See price

Pros

Bristles are firm enough to exfoliate effectively while still feeling comfortable on skin, according to most users.
The palm size and elastic strap give a secure, comfortable grip that works well for both adults and kids.
Leaves skin noticeably smoother after consistent use, with multiple people noting improved texture within a few weeks.
Well-constructed and sturdier than expected for the price point.

Cons

Bristle shedding is a recurring issue; several people reported bristles falling out starting from the first use.
Bristle firmness is polarizing: a few people found them too stiff for comfortable dry brushing, while others felt they needed a light touch.
One person reported mildew developing on the brush after about 45 days of use in a shower environment.

Palm-sized with an elastic strap that slips over your hand, so you brush with your palm flat against your body rather than gripping a handle. The compact shape makes it easy to control pressure and reach most areas yourself.
Intended for use on dry skin before a shower, brushing in circular strokes from your extremities toward your heart. The idea is to physically exfoliate dead skin while promoting circulation and lymphatic movement.
Can also be used wet with soap in the shower if you want a gentler scrub, so it pulls double duty as both a non-toxic dry brush and a shower exfoliator.
Bristles land in a medium-firmness range: firm enough to actually exfoliate but not so stiff that they scratch. The feel is noticeably different from synthetic-bristle brushes, which tend to be either too soft or too harsh.
Bare Botanics is a small team in Madison, Wisconsin that makes its skincare products in small batches. The brush itself uses sustainably sourced natural bristles on a wood base.

goop

Beauty Dry Brush

Highlights: Made in USA, Long handle, Firm bristles, For Full body

8.3

Performance score

Where to buy

Amazon
See price

Pros

Noticeably smoother, softer skin after just a few uses, especially on rough areas like legs and knees.
Bristles are firm enough to exfoliate effectively without feeling harsh for most people.
The curved handle shape is comfortable to grip and easy to maneuver during use.
Works well as a pre-shower step; helps skin absorb lotions and products better afterward.

Cons

Multiple people received brushes with loose or missing bristles right out of the box.
Bristle stiffness is polarizing; a few people found it too stiff for comfortable use.
Several people reported packaging that arrived damaged or appeared previously opened, raising concerns about whether the brush was new.

Sisal-bristle body brush meant to be used on dry skin before showering. The bristles provide light exfoliation, sweeping away dead skin cells as you brush upward toward your heart.
Sisal is stiffer than boar bristle, which is the other common option for non-toxic dry brushes. Expect a firm, scratchy feel rather than a soft sweep.
The handle is contoured and angled, which makes it easier to reach your back and legs with one hand. It's shaped for right-handed use, though.
Designed as a pre-shower ritual rather than something you use with water. Keeping the brush dry between uses also helps the natural fibers last longer.
Made in the USA with an FSC-certified wooden handle and biodegradable bristles, so the whole thing is compostable at end of life.

ICDI Beauty

Dry Brushing Body Brush

Highlights: Money-back guarantee, Long handle, Firm bristles, For Full body

8.2

Performance score

Where to buy

Amazon
See price

Pros

Bristles are noticeably stiffer than most body brushes, which is exactly what people looking for deep exfoliation want.
Effective at removing dead skin and stimulating circulation, with visible results within the first week.
Bristles are densely packed and hold their shape without bending or shedding during use.
The hand strap fits comfortably and the brush feels solidly constructed with a quality wood finish.
Bristles do soften slightly after a few uses, making the initial intensity more manageable over time.

Cons

Too intense for thinner or more delicate areas like the stomach, inner thighs, and chest; best suited for legs and larger muscle groups.
The included suction hook doesn't hold well on tile surfaces.
One person had the tack holding the hand strap come loose after a few months of use.

Dry brushing is done on bare, dry skin before showering, using long strokes toward the heart to exfoliate and stimulate circulation. This brush is strictly dry-use; the wood handle and natural bristles aren't designed for water exposure and will deteriorate quickly if used wet.
Bristles on this one are notably stiff, made from agave cactus fiber (also called tampico). If you've found most non-toxic dry brushes too soft to feel like they're doing anything, this is on the opposite end of the spectrum.
The oval handle has a strap across the back so it sits flat against your palm rather than requiring you to grip it. Curved bristle placement is shaped to follow body contours rather than lying flat.
Comes with a travel bag, which also doubles as storage to keep the bristles from getting crushed or splayed in a drawer.
Needs to be hung up to air dry in the shade after each session. Even residual moisture from skin contact can cause issues with the wood over time if it's stored damp.

Yerba Prima

Skin Brush

Highlights: Detachable handle, For Full body

7.7

Performance score

Where to buy

Amazon
See price

Pros

Bristles are stiff enough to provide a thorough exfoliation, leaving skin noticeably soft and smooth.
The handle is long enough to easily reach your entire back.
Works well as part of a morning routine; multiple people describe the bristle stimulation as genuinely energizing.

Cons

Bristles shed or fall out over time; one person saw sections detach within a month, another after 6 to 9 months of daily use.
The wood construction can split, particularly where the handle meets the brush head.
The bristles are rough enough that first-time dry brushers may find initial sessions uncomfortable until skin adjusts.

Meant for dry brushing only, not use in the shower. You brush your whole body before bathing to exfoliate dead skin and stimulate blood and lymph circulation, then rinse off in the shower afterward.
Bristles are made from tampico, a plant-based vegetable fiber. Synthetic bristle brushes are more common but can irritate skin; natural fiber tends to be firmer without being scratchy.
The handle detaches from the brush head, which makes it easier to pack for travel and lets you switch between long-handled back brushing and handheld use on arms and legs.
The whole routine takes about two to three minutes, so it's easy to add to a daily pre-shower habit. Among non-toxic dry brushes, this one is specifically oriented toward lymphatic support and is often paired with internal cleansing programs.
Yerba Prima has been making fiber and wellness products in Ashland, Oregon since 1980. The skin brush is part of their broader detox-focused product line, not a standalone beauty item.

Therasage

TheraBrush Vegan Dry Brush

Free From: Plastic Free
Highlights: Vegan, Detachable handle, For Full body

8.2

Performance score

Where to buy

Therasage
See price

Most dry brushes use boar bristles. This one uses plant-based Japanese Sisal infused with copper, making it a vegan option in a category where that's uncommon.
The copper in the bristles is the key differentiator: as you brush, the friction between copper-infused sisal and skin is claimed to release ions that help with energetic grounding, similar in concept to earthing.
Meant to be used on completely dry skin, brushing upward toward the heart to support lymphatic flow and exfoliation. People often pair it with a sauna session or use it as a morning ritual before showering.
Not for sensitive or broken skin, and the brand specifically warns against using it on the face, neck, chest, or areas with eczema or psoriasis. It's a body-only brush for non-fragile skin.
Therasage is primarily known for infrared saunas and red light therapy devices. Among non-toxic dry brushes, this one comes from a brand rooted in bioenergetic wellness rather than skincare or beauty.

Originature

Round Dry Body Brush

Highlights: Cruelty-free, No handle, For Full body

8.2

Performance score

Where to buy

Originature
See price

Dry brushing works by sweeping a stiff-bristled brush across dry skin before showering, which exfoliates dead skin cells and stimulates blood circulation and lymphatic flow.
The round shape with a central knob on the back is meant to sit in your palm, which can feel more natural for circular brushing motions on larger areas like the stomach, thighs, and back.
Bristles are vegan (synthetic rather than boar hair), so this is one of the non-toxic dry brushes that works for people avoiding animal-derived materials.
Originature is a small-batch, California-based brand that started in the founders' kitchen. Their focus is on simple, nature-oriented personal care tools and formulas.

Originature

Japanese-style Dry Body Brush

Highlights: Cruelty-free, Plastic-free packaging, For Full body

8.2

Performance score

Where to buy

Originature
See price

Japanese-style dry body brush made with sisal fibers from the agave plant, used on dry skin before showering to exfoliate dead cells and stimulate circulation.
Dry brushing is primarily about lymphatic support: the brushing motion encourages lymph flow, which is part of the immune system, not just a skin-smoothing technique.
Sisal is a stiff, coarse natural fiber, so expect a firm, scratchy texture rather than something soft. If you have sensitive skin, lighter pressure is key, especially on the chest and abdomen.
The brush is fully compostable at end of life, with no plastic components. Among non-toxic dry brushes, that makes disposal straightforward.
Originature is a California-based brand that makes products in small batches; the brush itself is a simple two-material construction with sisal bristles and a cotton rope handle.

How to Swap to Non-Toxic dry brushes:

Here's how to swap to non-toxic dry brushes:

What to know about dry brushes

Dry brushing involves sweeping a bristle brush across your skin before bathing. Because it covers large areas of bare skin and is used regularly, the materials the brush is made from matter. Welpr focuses on the bristles, handle, and any coatings or treatments applied to the brush.

Natural bristles (like sisal, jute, or boar hair) are the standard for dry brushes, but some use synthetic bristles that may be treated with coatings or finishes.
Handles and bases can be made from untreated wood, bamboo, or plastic — and some are sealed with varnishes or adhesives worth noting.

Check the brush you already have

Look at your current dry brush to see what it's made of. Check the packaging, product listing, or brand website for details on bristle type, handle material, and any finishes or adhesives used.

Look for terms like "natural bristles," "untreated wood," or "plant-based" — and watch for vague descriptions that don't specify materials.
If the brush has a strong chemical or plastic smell out of the box, that can be a sign of synthetic coatings or adhesives.

Use your current dry brush more safely

If you're not ready to replace your brush yet, a few simple habits can help. These are especially worth trying if you're unsure about the materials in your current brush.

Wash new brushes with warm water and a mild soap before first use to help remove surface residues from manufacturing.
Avoid dry brushing over broken, irritated, or freshly shaved skin, since direct contact on compromised skin increases what your body absorbs.

Choose a cleaner dry brush

Look for brushes made with natural, untreated materials throughout — bristles, handle, and base. Simple construction with minimal adhesives and no synthetic coatings is a good sign.

Prioritize brushes with natural plant-based bristles (like sisal or jute) and untreated wood or bamboo handles with no varnish.
Click the button above to shop Welpr Approved dry brushes.

Camille May

Cofounder & Product Curator

Camille May is the co-creator of Welpr and a guide for clean living. After selling her last company in the health food space, she went non-toxic while working to heal an autoimmune condition....

View full profile

Olushola M. Awoyemi

Medical Reviewer, PhD

Olushola M. Awoyemi (aka Shola) is a board-certified toxicologist and a research scientist with a PhD in Environmental Toxicology. Shola's long-term ambition is to be recognized as a world-renowned expert in toxicology,...

View full profile