Makeup Artist-Approved: 19 Best Makeup Brush Cleaners Of 2024
Always clean your makeup brushes to avoid skin issues, and get perfect makeup every time!
Alysha Tucker is a certified permanent makeup artist, specializing in brows and lips. She is also the owner of Blush Baby Los Angeles. After graduating in 2018 from Elite Permanent Makeup in Santa Monica, CA, Alysha, has worked alongside some of California's best permanent makeup artists and tattoo artists, and completed several rigorous apprenticeships.
Read full bio of Alysha Tucker
Baishali is a beauty and lifestyle writer and holds a master's degree in English from Assam University. She specializes in makeup and fashion and is also a certified Style and Image Consultant. Prior to this, she was a part of a digital marketing company in Kolkata where she wrote stories on travel, beauty, and home décor.
Read full bio of Baishali Bhattacharya
Experience: 2 yearsSrijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in English and Literature from the University of Calcutta, she has honed her writing skills and developed an in-depth understanding of the beauty and fashion world.
Read full bio of Srijita De
Experience: 3 yearsSrijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a certified style and image consultant.
Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
The right makeup tool does everything from smoothing, blending, and buffing all the excess from your face. Makeup brushes are necessary and used in almost every makeup routine. Unfortunately, unclean makeup tools have dirt and bacteria, and to keep them clean and ensure optimal makeup application, you need the best makeup brush cleansers. Makeup brush cleansers will effectively remove all the impurities, makeup, and oil from the brushes in no time. Never used a makeup brush cleanser before? Keep reading this post to find out about our top picks of the 19 most effective yet gentle makeup brush cleansers available right now and the effective brush cleaning methods to clean your makeup brushes like a pro.
In This Article
19 Best Makeup Brush Cleaners Available Right Now
1. Best Overall:Ecotools Makeup Brush Shampoo
Ecotools Makeup Brush Cleansing Shampoo is a dermatologist-tested cleansing shampoo for deep cleaning your makeup brushes. It removes more than 90% of makeup and dirt from your makeup brush without leaving behind any oily residue on the bristles. This cleansing shampoo is made from plant-based ingredients that gently wash away makeup, oil, and other impurities from your brushes to improve their performance.
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested
- Hypoallergenic
- Removes more than 90% of makeup residue
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Easy to use
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Unpleasant fragrance
"This brush cleaner helps me in regularly maintaining my brushes. It helps me clean the brushes that I use regularly. The best part is that it does not leave behind any greasy residue."
2. Best Quick-Drying Formula:Cinema Secrets Pro Cosmetics Professional Grade Brush Cleaner
Cinema Secrets Professional Grade Brush Cleaner is an instant-dry makeup brush cleaner. This rinse-free formula removes all pigments, creams, and glitters from your makeup brushes and dries almost instantly. It helps in disinfecting the brush cleansers by removing nearly 99.99% microbes and extends your makeup brushes’ life. This professional-grade brush cleaner can be used on both synthetic and natural brushes and is formulated with a delicate vanilla fragrance. It is not tested on animals and is a good fur-friendly choice.
Pros
- Quick-drying formula
- Cleans brushes instantly
- Rinse-free formula
- Easy to use
- Scented
Cons
- Unsatisfactory packaging
- Strong fragrance
"This brush cleaner is great. It cleans thoroughly and swiftly and leaves the brushes dry and ready for immediate reuse. The synthetic vanilla scent is strong but does not overwhelm me."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 2,465 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.
3. Best For Stubborn Makeup:Luxe Makeup Brush Cleaner
Luxe Makeup Brush Cleaner is a high-quality professional-grade makeup brush spinner. This brush spinner comes along with a charging station, 8 rubber collars, a glass bowl, a bowl splash guard ring, and a 140 ml bottle of Luxe Makeup Cleaning Solution. It instantly deep cleans and dries your makeup brushes. The Luxe Spinner uses high-speed momentum to ensure that your brush maintains its form and softness. The lightweight charging stand lets you rest your spinner in the power adapter whenever it is not being used. Furthermore, the cleansing solution removes stubborn and non-water-soluble makeup easily.
Pros
- High quality
- Retains brush softness
- Instant cleaning formula
- Removes stubborn makeup
- Travel-friendly
- Easy to use
Cons
- Average-quality charger
"I like this brush cleaner because it cleans white tips very well. Most of my brushes have white tips and they look unclean even with slight makeup on the tips. The product also cleans the brushes with smaller handles as effectively as the ones with longer handles."
4. Best Durable:Selene Makeup Brush Cleaner And Dryer
The expertly crafted Selene Makeup Brush Cleaner And Dryer is one of the most durable ones out there. This electric antibacterial brush cleaner can instantly wash and dry your brushes in seconds, so it ensures your brushes dry quickly after cleaning. It works with brushes of all sizes and cleans them in just 30-40 seconds, making it an efficient tool for deep cleaning brushes. This makeup brush sterilizer and cleaner has 3 speed settings and comes with 13 collars. It improves the longevity of your makeup brushes and helps you keep your skin healthy.
Pros
- Durable
- Washes and dries brushes instantly
- Suitable for deep cleaning brushes of all sizes
- Improves the longevity of brushes
- Easy to assemble
- Easy to use
Cons
- Mediocre design
"This makeup brush cleaner is handy and easy to use. It cleans my brushes, even the bigger ones, without any damage. It also dries them without me having to worry about drying the brushes properly. I like it because it is ideal for quick maintenance."
5. Best Professional-Grade Formula:BeautyBlender BlenderCleanser Solid Lavender + Silicone Scrub Mat
This BlenderCleanser is specifically made for cleaning beauty blenders and makeup sponges. That’s the primary rule of owning a beauty blender – clean it every time you use it! The professional-grade formula of this cleaner protects against 99.7% of the harmful germs for even up to 24 hours after cleansing. This cleanser does a great job of making your makeup sponge feel as good as new again. It does not cause the dye to run and allows your beauty sponge to retain its shape for much longer (as opposed to using soap). Most importantly, it keeps your blender free from bacteria, thanks to the brush cleaning mat!
Pros
- Professional-grade formula
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Sulfate-free
- Scented
- Easy to use
Cons
- Slightly expensive
"This cleanser helps me remove excess product, dirt, and oil from my brushes with ease. I like how it leaves my brushes fresh and residue-free. I use it during my vacations because it is perfect for packing."
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 2,430 customers have given the product positive reviews on Amazon.
6. Best Long-Lasting:RICRIS Premium Makeup Brush Cleaner
RICRIS Premium Makeup Brush Cleaner is a super-fast electric makeup brush cleaner designed to efficiently clean and help brushes dry quickly. This high-quality makeup brush cleaner and dryer is made of premium materials for precision and long-lasting service. The 2-in-1 formula of this brush cleaner cleans and dries brushes in less than a minute. It comes with 8 collars to accommodate brushes of all sizes. It has an ergonomic electric switch for easy operation. This cleaner kit includes a brush spinner, a spindle, a spinner bowl, 8 flexible brush collars, a collar stand, and a user manual.
Pros
- Works fast
- High quality
- Long-lasting
- Accommodates brushes of all sizes
- Easy to operate
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Does not dry brushes quickly
"If you are a heavy makeup user, I recommend this product. It cleans the brushes quickly without damaging any bristles in the process. It spins them dry without me having to worry about drying the brushes separately."
7. Best Travel-Friendly:Norate Brush Cleansing Mat
Norate Brush Cleansing Mat is a portable makeup brush washing tool. It helps clean through all the bristles of your brushes. It is made of eco-friendly silicone that causes no damage to brushes. It comes with a strong suction cup at the bottom that fits perfectly between your fingers. This makeup brush cleaner has 4 kinds of cleaning textures that are suitable for cleaning various makeup and eye brushes.
Pros
- Easy to hold
- Durable
- Easy to clean
- Easy to use
Cons
- Not suitable for big brushes
"This silicone mat makes cleaning brushes very easy for me. I like how it takes care of the bristles while removing stubborn makeup from them. It helps in deep cleaning without any unnecessary frills."
8. Best For All Brushes:Michael Todd Beauty Sonicblend Makeup Brush Cleanser
Michael Todd Beauty Sonicblend Makeup Brush Cleanser is a specially formulated cleanser used to clean Sonicblend makeup and eye brushes. The design of the bottle looks similar to a hair spray bottle. It is packed with powerful ingredients that help remove the oil, powder, dirt, and other impurities from the makeup brush. This liquid cleanser is in a concentrated form and does not require diluting before use. You can spray the cleanser onto the brush directly. It conditions the bristles.
Pros
- Easy-to-use
- Liquid formula
- Cost-effective
- Dries fast
- Suitable for all brushes
Cons
- None
"This brush cleaner is easy to use. It keeps my brushes in top shape without making them rough or bent. I mostly use this cleaner because it has an unscented formula that is great for my sensitive nose. It keeps my brushes fresh."
Pro Tip9. Best Easy-To-Use:Real Techniques Brush Cleansing Gel
Real Techniques Brush Cleansing Gel is an easy-to-use makeup brush cleansing gel. It helps remove makeup, oil, and impurities from your makeup brushes and extends their life. This cleansing gel is alcohol-free and proven to gently and effectively remove all makeup residues from your makeup brushes, earning it multiple positive reviews on the internet.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Alcohol-free
- Dermatologist-tested
- Does not dry out the brushes
Cons
- Unpleasant fragrance
- Not suitable for all brushes
"This cleanser effectively refreshes my makeup brushes, particularly when I pair it with a textured cleansing tool. I patiently use it and make sure my brushes don't get bent out of shape. I like how it carefully cleans the bristles without any shedding."
10. Best Electrical Brush:DOTSOG PRO 2024 Makeup Brush Cleaner
DOTSOG PRO 2024 Makeup Brush Cleaner is an electric makeup brush cleaner that causes no damage to your brushes. It has a built-in powerful motor that works at a speed of 12,000-14,000 RPM to clean makeup brushes deeply and quickly. This automatic cleaner cleans the brushes within 10 seconds and is suitable for almost all types of brushes that are available in the market. It is made with environmentally friendly material that is strong and elastic. This kit also includes an ergonomic electric switch for easy operation and helps in easy makeup brush maintenance.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Durable
- Suitable for all brushes
- Ergonomic design
- Cleans and dries brushes in seconds
Cons
- Average quality
"This makeup brush cleaning device fits all my brush sizes and speeds up drying time. I like how it leaves my brushes feeling renewed. It is great for home and on-the-go use."
11. Best Gift For Women:Senbowe Upgraded Makeup Brush Cleaner And Dryer Machine
Senbowe Upgraded Makeup Brush Cleaner And Dryer Machine is an electric brush cleaner. The upgraded version of this cleaner just takes 10 seconds to clean and dry brushes. It comes with 8 rubber collars that are suitable for most brush sizes – 3 mm, 5 mm, 7 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, 18 mm, 24 mm, and 30mm. It has an ergonomic switch for switching between cleaning and drying modes.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Cleans and dries quickly
- Suitable for most brushes
- 1-year replacement warranty
Cons
- Average quality
"This brush cleaner can dry the brushes very quickly. It cleans all my brushes, even the ones that are not conventionally shaped. It does not damage my brushes or cause any splashes during cleaning. It's handy and easy to use, especially when I need to clean my brushes faster."
12. Best For Synthetic Brushes:Lilumia 2 Makeup Brush Cleaner Device
Lilumia 2 Makeup Brush Cleaner Device is a hi-tech beauty appliance. It cleans up to 12 brushes at a time and works with natural and synthetic brushes. The enhanced wash cycle reduces the amount of cleaning time by 50%, and the additional rinse cycle removes all leftover makeup. The synthetic brush cleaner comes with a removable cleaning disk for eliminating stubborn build-up. The improved base design acts as a vacuum to funnel dirt from the cleaning surface.
Pros
- Enhanced wash cycles
- Removes stubborn makeup
- Cleans up to 12 brushes at a time
- Easy to use
Cons
- Expensive
"This brush cleaner is actually great for removing heavy makeup. It performs well on both smaller and larger brushes. It does not dry the bristles or my hands when I clean with it. Moreover, it keeps my brushes in good shape."
13. Best Multipurpose:TAO Clean Sonic Makeup Brush Cleaner
TAO Clean Sonic Makeup Brush Cleaner is a quick and easy makeup brush cleaner. This system can wash up to 6 brushes at a time. It uses sonic technology that removes dirt, oil, and grime from brushes. This cleaner accommodates makeup brushes ranging from 5-18 mm in diameter and 4-9″ in length. Each kit includes a Sonic Makeup Brush Cleaner, 6 multi-use cleaner soap pods, a power adapter, and a cable.
Pros
- Cleans 6 brushes at a time
- Fragrance-free
- Phosphate-free
- Chlorine-free
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Expensive
"This brush cleaner removes heavier makeup from the brushes within no time. It also tackles uniquely shaped brushes quite well. It does not cause any damage to the bristles, which is a major plus for me. I also like how handy it is. I can store it easily."
14. Best Convenient:Rayocon ELectric Makeup Brush Cleaner
The Rayocon Electric Makeup Brush Cleaner offers high rotation speed and low vibration that deeply cleanses makeup brushes and dries them instantly. The product has enhanced features for exceptional results. It has a PET bowl with an easy-to-remove splash-proof neck that is more durable and convenient than glass bottles. The makeup brush cleaner removes all cosmetic residue, sebum, and dust, leaving your makeup brushes thoroughly clean, making them last longer.
Pros
- Quick-drying
- Instant cleansing
- Rinse-free formula
- Easy to use
Cons
- May not suit all brushes
"This electric brush cleaner has made it easier for me to clean my brushes after a tiring day. I like how it softens the bristles and keeps them true to their collective shape. The cleaner is great for all my brushes. It makes cleaning stubborn makeup out of the brushes quite effortless."
15. Best Travel-Friendly:Sigma Beauty Spa Express Silicone Brush Cleaning Mat
Sigma Beauty Spa Express Silicone Brush Cleaning Mat is a portable makeup brush scrubber. It removes makeup residue and bacteria from makeup brushes effectively. This cleaning mat has 7 textures for washing, rinsing, and refining brushes of any size. It is compact and travel-friendly. Also, it features firm-hold suction cups for easy and hands-free brush cleaning.
Pros
- Compact
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Made of high-grade silicone material
- Easy to use
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- Expensive
"This brush-cleaning mat maintains my makeup brushes without ruining their quality after a deep wash. I like how it securely attaches to my sink and makes it easier for me to clean the brushes. I use it to clean both short and long brushes."
16. Best Durable:Hangsun Makeup Brush Cleaner And Dryer Machine
Hangsun Makeup Brush Cleaner And Dryer Machine is a portable and durable makeup brush cleaner. This fast makeup brush cleaner and dryer can deeply clean and dry your brushes in just 30 seconds. It accommodates almost all types of brushes with the 8 collars it comes with. It also has an ergonomic switch for easy operation. This cleaner has a low-vibration design and is made from eco-friendly and waterproof material. It is powered by 2 AAA batteries and is easy to carry.
Pros
- Durable
- Portable
- Eco-friendly
- Low-vibration design
- Easy to use
- Cleans and dries brushes quickly
- Trave-friendly
Cons
- None
"I use this device because it cleans and dries my makeup brushes. It has a great speed and uses the spin method to clean! I use it carefully to avoid splashing. I think it is ideal for a quick but deep clean."
17. Best Waterproof:Urban Butterfly Electric Makeup Brush Cleaner
Urban Butterfly Electric Makeup Brush Cleaner is a deep cosmetic brush cleaner. You can achieve 99% cleanliness by removing dirt and oil from your makeup brushes with this cleaner. It comes with 8 different collars to fit brushes of all sizes and a hygienic plastic bowl which is powered by 2 AAA batteries. This cleaner is made of premium waterproof material for long-lasting service. It cleans all impurities from brushes within seconds.
Pros
- Deep cleanses brushes
- Easy to use
- Long-lasting
- Flexible rubber holders
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Unsatisfactory packaging
"This brush cleaner helps me quickly clean very dirty brushes. I like how it makes the bristles appear softer and much more refreshed. It can be great for those who prefer doing heavy makeup at all times."
18. Best Affordable:STYLPRO Makeup Brush Cleaner And Dryer
This revolutionary product uses high-tech centrifugal spin technology to give your brushes the equivalent of a trip to the dry cleaners. It is particularly fantastic for cleaning eyeshadow powder brushes as it gets rid of powder residue effectively. It helps you avoid wasting a lot of time at the bathroom sink washing your brushes and then waiting for them to dry.
Pros
- Cleans and dries your eye shadow brushes instantly
- Easy to use
- Great quality
- Suitable for most makeup brushes
Cons
- Leaves the bristles of the brushes slightly splayed
"This brush cleaner quickly cleans makeup brushes and leaves them nearly dry. I use it whenever I see that my brushes have too much residue in the bristles. It does not damage the brushes and maintains their hygiene while cleaning."
19. Best For All Brushes:Lilumia Makeup Brush Cleanser
Lilumia Makeup Brush Cleanser deeply cleans your makeup brushes. It smoothens and protects old and frayed makeup brush hairs. This liquid cleanser is scientifically developed to clean and condition brushes of all types. It is a combination of conditioning agents coupled with hydrolyzed proteins that penetrates even the toughest bristles. The silk amino acids in this cleanser hydrates and helps in conditioning the brush bristles to make them soft.
Pros
- Softens the brushes
- Cruelty-free
- Revives old brushes
- Suitable for all types of brushes
Cons
- None
"This Lilumia brush cleaner really revitalizes my brushes and leaves them appearing fresh. I like how it cleans stubborn makeup without making the brushes look rough. Moreover, I use it sparingly as a little goes a long way!"
Now that you have a bunch of great options to choose from, let me give you a few tips on what to keep in mind before you pick a makeup brush cleaner. Effective brush cleaning not only ensures the longevity of your brushes but also plays a crucial role in maintaining the hygiene necessary for flawless makeup application.
How To Choose The Best Makeup Brush Cleaner – Quick Tips
- Since brushes are usually expensive, pick a high-quality makeup brush cleaner that is gentle to avoid damaging them. Your makeup brush cleaner should form gentle foam that will help in removing makeup buildup and dirt.
- Use a cleaning pad along with your cleanser to scrub and deep clean your makeup brushes.
- Your makeup brush cleaner should be easy to rinse off because if it leaves any residue on the brush, it may just lead to the accumulation of more dirt.
- Make sure you purchase a travel-friendly cleaner as they are more convenient to store and carry around.
Cleaning your brushes is not as tedious as it seems. Just follow the brush cleansing tips and steps given in the next section to get squeaky-clean brushes!
How To Clean Makeup Brushes
- Wet the brush bristles with lukewarm water.
- Squeeze a dollop of gentle shampoo or makeup cleanser into a mug.
- Swirl your brush under water and gently massage the bristles.
- Rinse off the foam with clean water and carefully squeeze the water out.
- Squeeze out the remaining moisture with a clean paper towel or a brush-cleaning cloth.
- Lay the brushes flat to dry.
How Often Should You Clean Your Makeup Brushes?
It totally depends on your usage and purpose. Some beauty experts recommend cleaning makeup brushes every 7 to 10 days to maintain the cleanliness and hygiene of your brush bristles. Cleaning them will remove all makeup and impurities and prevent breakouts and infections. Regular brush cleaning is especially important to avoid any adverse effects upon contact with the skin as well as to ensure a clean and healthy application of makeup.
Infographic: Common Makeup Brush Cleaning Mistakes To Avoid
Makeup brushes are essential for easing the application process. They also play a crucial role in developing the final look. But many times, we fail to maintain and clean them well, which compromises their quality and durability. Below is an infographic that lists some common cleaning mistakes we commit. Check it out!
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
A brush set is the most valuable accessory in every woman’s vanity because it helps achieve a flawless look. However, dirty makeup brushes can be harmful to your skin, and that is why you need the best makeup brush cleaners for maintaining the cleanliness of your brush bristles. Opt for the Ecotools Makeup Brush Shampoo for its gentle yet effective formula, the Cinema Secrets Pro Cosmetics Professional Grade Brush Cleaner for hard-to-remove products like glitters, and the Luxe Makeup Brush Cleaner for its supreme design that comes with a spinner. The best brush cleaners are tools that collect dust, grime, makeup residue, dead skin cells, and sebum in no time. They are easy to use and suitable for cleaning all types and sizes of brushes. We recommend you clean your makeup brushes every 7-10 days!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best thing to clean makeup brushes with?
The best thing to clean makeup brushes is makeup brush cleansers. They contain mild cleaning agents that soften the makeup particles and remove them from the bristles.
Can you use Dawn dish soap to clean makeup brushes?
Yes. Dawn dish soaps are effective in de-greasing your makeup brushes that are covered with oil-based makeup. But, do not always clean your brushes with soap to prevent damaging the bristles.
What do you soak makeup brushes in?
Soak your makeup brushes in a bowl containing a solution of lukewarm water and gentle shampoo, makeup cleanser, or natural brush cleaning solutions.
How can I clean my makeup brushes without a cleanser?
Here are a few steps from a brush cleaning technique that you need to follow if you do not have a cleanser at home:
• Add a few drops of olive oil to a small cloth.
• Rub the bristles of the brush onto the cloth until all the dirt gets transferred onto the fabric.
• Rinse the brush under clean water.
Can you use micellar water to clean makeup brushes?
Yes. Saturate a cotton pad with micellar water and rub it against the brushes’ bristles. Do not rub the saturated cotton pad on the metal part of the brush to prevent damaging the handles.
Can I clean makeup brushes with vinegar?
Yes. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant that deep cleans your makeup brushes and removes any bacterial buildup. Add one part of vinegar to two parts of clean water, then dip the brush in the solution to clean it.
How do makeup artists clean their brushes?
Professional makeup artists use mild makeup cleansers to clean and disinfect the brushes so as to maintain makeup brush hygiene. Then, they use a clean paper towel to squeeze the excess moisture out of the brushes and let them air-dry. Also, they often use brush cleaning sprays to clean the makeup brushes like a pro.
What soap can I use to clean makeup brushes?
Ivory soaps are great for cleaning stubborn makeup from the bristles. They slowly break down the accumulated makeup particles and dissolve the oil particles from the makeup brushes.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Baishali Bhattacharya, the author of this article, is certified in makeup techniques. Her expertise in the domain has motivated her to try out different makeup brush cleansers and also read many online product reviews for the same. The insights she gained have helped her to curate the best ones available. The listed products can effortlessly remove the impurities and oil from your makeup brushes without consuming much time.
Read full bio of Alysha Tucker
Read full bio of Baishali Bhattacharya
Read full bio of Srijita De
Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
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