12 Best Makeup Brush Cleaners, According to Makeup Artists 2024

We hate to break it to you, but you really should be using a makeup brush cleaner at least once every two weeks. “Makeup brushes can harbor dirt and bacteria, so washing them is not only important for maintaining them, but it’s also key for good hygiene,” says Brielle Pollara, a New Jersey-based makeup artist. Dermatologists also recommend washing your brushes to help minimize pimples, especially if you have acne-prone skin. So, what exactly is the best type of brush cleaner to go with? We polled professional makeup artists and beauty editors to find out what they use to keep their brushes clean, and put those tools—soaps, cleansers, mats, and even sprays—to the test.

The best makeup brush cleaners, at a glance

Your makeup brush cleaner questions, answered

What makeup cleaners to professionals use?

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Makeup pros typically spot-clean with sprays to quickly sanitize their brushes in between each client, says Jonet Williamson, a NYC-based makeup artist. The Sephora Daily Makeup Brush Cleaner Spray is a favorite amongst the artists for this reason, or the Parian Spirit Brush Cleaner in a spray bottle. For quick drying, makeup artists recommend using a paper towel or reusable cleaning pads that can be thrown out or washed in between uses. “At the end of the day, we deep clean all of our makeup brushes with an antibacterial soap,” she adds, which is where a deep-cleaning formula comes handy like Dawn Dish Soap, or the Johnson & Johnson Baby Body Wash. Ultimately, the best makeup brush cleaners are the ones you actually use.

What should you not clean makeup brushes with?

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You should avoid using alcohol or any harsh chemicals that may break down the glue that bonds the bristles to the brush. “Alcohol can dry out and damage brush hairs, and similar to your hair, most makeup brushes are made of natural hairs that need to be nourished,” says Williamson.

Makeup artists also recommend not to soak brushes completely in water, as this might trap moisture in tiny areas where the bristles meet the handle. “These things can damage the bonding in the base of the brush and cause hairs to shed, or even cause the entire brush head to fall off,” says Randall Intrabartola, a California-based makeup artist. She also recommends always air-drying brushes and sponges on a flat surface.

How often should you clean makeup brushes?

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While pro artists clean their brushes in between every client, they recommend that the everyday makeup user should use cleaning tools or cleansers on makeup brushes and sponges every one to two weeks. If you struggle with acne, try cleaning them once a week to see if this helps minimize breakouts.

“We know that makeup brushes grow bacteria and fungus,’ says Loretta Ciraldo, MD, FAAD, a dermatologist and founder of Dr. Loretta skin care previously told Glamour. That bacteria paired with any dirt, oil, or residue on your face can lead to breakouts and even dermatitis in some cases.

Meet our experts

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Brielle Pollara, New Jersey-based makeup artist
Jonet Williamson, NYC-based makeup artist
Randall Intrabartola, California-based makeup artist
Kat Dorn, makeup artist at LRN Beauty

Best Overall: Cinema Secrets Makeup Brush Cleaner

Three of the artists I spoke to recommended this cleanser because “It has antimicrobial disinfectant, which is super important when working with clients,” Pollaras says. Kat Dorn, makeup artist at LRN Beauty recommends mixing this cleaning solution with a little lukewarm water and patting the brushes dry with a paper towel. A little goes a long way with this one, as it can break the bristles down if you use it too much. Glamour reviewer Heather Cissel says this cleaner is quick-drying, and she’s noticed fewer breakouts since she started using it.

Pros: Recommended by multiple makeup professionals
Cons: Very strong, experts warn not to use this every day
Type: Liquid
Use if: You have acne and want to disinfect your makeup brushes
Skip if: You don’t wear a ton of makeup

Best Drugstore: e.l.f. Beauty Makeup Brush Shampoo

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e.l.f. Beauty Makeup Brush Shampoo

Amazon

Dorn recommends this affordable brush shampoo that you can snag on Amazon for just $5. “It cleans and conditions really well,” she says, and it’s effective on even the toughest makeup brush stains (read: foundation and concealer buildup). It’s vegan and cruelty-free, and a favorite amongst reviewers, too. Glamour reviewer B.Mie has been using this brush soap formula for a decade, and loves the size (it’s not too big or too small) and gel-like texture, which doesn’t make it too heavy on bristles.

I tested this one, and although it easily lathered up onto the brush, it took a while to fully wash out the soap. I thought I was finished washing, but there would be a few bubbles that needed more scrubbing out. Let my experience forewarn you: use a very tiny amount of this one and don’t overdo it.

Pros: Available at drugstores; affordable
Cons: Mixed reviews; some customers reporting great results while others say it doesn’t fully clean brushes
Type: Liquid
Use if: You’re on a budget
Skip if: You don’t have a ton of time to wash your brushes

Best Solid Cleaner: Beauty Blender Solid Charcoal Makeup Cleanser

“This charcoal makeup cleanser is my favorite for deep cleaning, and it lasts forever,” says Williamson. Simply swirl a wet brush or sponge onto the soap and lather for a deep clean. The cleanser itself contains aloe and coconut oil which will leave bristles soft and flexible. Glamour reviewer Elismary Valle says that this cleanser is fast and tough, and brushes and makeup sponges are left as good as new after cleansing with it. Pro tip: try the Beauty Blender Blendercleanser Solid if you’re looking to deep clean makeup sponges or a beauty blender.

I was super impressed with how well it deep-cleaned my brushes with a few swirls and lathers. The charcoal soap is intense and left my brushes smelling fresh and feeling silky. I’ll definitely use it again the next time my brushes need a wash.

Pros: Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons: You can’t clean multiple brushes or sponges at once like you can with a liquid formula
Type: Solid
Use if: You travel a lot, because it’s solid, compact, and easy to transport
Skip if: You want to wash multiple brushes at once

Best Soap: Dawn Dishwashing Soap

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Dawn Dishwashing Soap

Amazon

We know what you’re thinking: dishwashing soap doesn’t exactly seem like an obvious choice when it comes to cleaning your makeup brushes, but the artists share that this is the best soap to break down buildup on foundation brushes, blush brushes, eyeshadow brushes, you name it. “After washing the brushes with soap, make sure to rinse with lukewarm water until there are no bubbles, and do your best to squeeze out all the water before you set them out to dry,” Pollara says.

As someone who has had to wash my makeup brushes in a pinch, I can attest that dishwashing soap has come in clutch for me. I would, however, recommend using very little and gently scrubbing out any excess soap before drying to ensure that no soap coloring (like this very blue formula) gets left behind.

Pros: Available at your local drugstore; convenient
Cons: Can take a while to wash all the soap out of the bristles, since it’s a bit thicker in consistency
Type: Liquid
Use if: All your brushes need a deep clean
Skip if: You prefer the shorter process of using a brush cleaner versus regular soap

Best Liquid: MAC Cosmetics Brush Cleanser

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MAC Cosmetics Brush Cleanser

$20

Nordstrom

This tried and true cleaner is a favorite amongst experts because it’s quick drying and very gentle on bristles. “Harsh chemicals may break down the bonding in the base of the brush,” says Randall Intrabartola, a California-based makeup artist. That’s why it’s important to look for cleaners with fewer ingredients that can still disinfect, like this pick. Glamour reviewer A. Houston shares that makeup pigment in brushes simply pours out when using this and that it’s especially effective on white-bristled brushes.

Pros: Super gentle on brushes
Cons: Some reviewers feel it’s a little pricey for the size and how quickly it runs out
Type: Liquid
Use if: You use a lot of colored makeup products that stain your brushes
Skip if: You don’t want or need to disinfect your brushes

Best Machine: Brushdoc Makeup Brush Cleaner

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Brushdoc Makeup Brush Cleaner

$75

Brushdoc

Jonet Williamson, an NYC-based makeup artist is a fan of this electric brush cleaner tool that takes the guesswork out of cleaning your brushes altogether. Simply tip the brushes in, add water or soap—Williamson particularly loves the Brushdoc Cleansing Oil for this—and then let the machine take care of the rest. “After washing your brushes, be sure to lay them flat or hang them upside down so that they dry properly,” she says. Real talk: It’s a bit pricey so if you’re unsure about investing in this machine cleaner just yet, we recommend opting for a similar one you can find on Amazon to test out how you like it. This Ricris Electric Makeup Brush Cleaner Machine has over 4 stars and is a third of the price.

Pros: Quick and easy to use
Cons: Definitely an investment, compared to other brush cleaners on the market
Type: Machine
Use if: You have no time to manually wash your brushes
Skip if: You prefer not to spend money on a machine

Best for Sponges: Sephora Collection Deep Cleaning Brush and Sponge Shampoo

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Sephora Collection Deep Cleaning Brush and Sponge Shampoo

$16

Sephora

Both Pollara and Dorn recommend this makeup brush and sponge shampoo. “It’s deep cleaning, and works well if you need to remove excess product,” says Pollara—and it’s especially useful for cream formulas stuck on sponges, like cream blushes and highlighters. The formula itself contains plant extracts, olive oil, and centella asiatica to nourish your cleaning tools, so they’re skin care-friendly. It doesn’t leave any residue behind, either, and Dorn recommends picking up the travel size for your next trip.

Pros: Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons: Contains fragrance, albeit a small amount (less than 1%)
Type: Liquid
Use if: You use a lot of cream products
Skip if: You only use brushes—this one cleans sponges better

Best Mat: Sigma Beauty Makeup Cleaning Mat

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Sigma Beauty Makeup Cleaning Mat

$39 $37

Amazon

Pollara recommends this cleaning mat if you’re looking to deep-clean brushes in a snap. “The texture of this mat really helps get into every bristle, it works much better than just using your hands,” she notes. It is important to not rub your brushes too hard, as this can cause you to lose bristles or detach the head from the handle. “When using a mat, work your brush into it in small circles and rinse in between, until the brush is clean,” says Dorn. Glamour reviewers like using the mat over your hands because of all the shapes.

Pros: Ideal for traveling
Cons: Cleanser not included
Type: Silicone mat
Use if: You want a deep clean
Skip if: You don’t have a sink nearby

Most Gentle: Johnson & Johnson Head-to-Toe Gentle Baby Body Wash

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Johnson & Johnson Head-to-Toe Gentle Baby Body Wash

$11 $8

Amazon

If you want to give your brushes some extra TLC, Dorn loves using this baby wash as a brush cleaner. She likes to mix this with warm water when washing her makeup brushes for extra soft bristles. This formula is gentle enough to use on your brushes multiple times a week, and won’t dry them out thanks to its ultra-nourishing glycerin formula.

Personally, I’ve used this cleanser, as well as the Johnson & Johnson Baby Shampoo, to wash my brushes for years, thanks to the suggestions of many YouTube beauty vloggers circa 2014 (IYKYK). It has never once dried my brushes out, and is so good that I still have and use many of the brushes I bought during that time, with all bristles still intact!

Pros: Available at the drugstore; best value
Cons: Not actually meant for brushes
Type: Liquid
Use if: You want to be extra gentle on bristles
Skip if: You prefer a cleanser actually made for makeup brushes

Best Splurge: Bobbi Brown Brush Cleanser

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Bobbi Brown Brush Cleanser

$21

Nordstrom

If taking care of your brushes or makeup sponges is already an established ritual for you, Dorn is a fan of this splurge-worthy makeup brush cleanser to level up your routine. It removes tough makeup stains and conditions bristles so that they’re flexible and fresh post-wash. Glamour reviewer Amy Bear shares that brushes are soft, clean, and like new again after using this cleanser.

Pros: Cleans more thoroughly than a spray cleanser according to reviewers; a little goes a long way
Cons: Pricey
Type: Liquid
Use if: You want bristles that are soft to the touch
Skip if: You don’t want to spend a ton on a brush cleaner

Best Multi-tasking: Dr. Bronner’s Baby Pure Castile Soap

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Dr. Bronner’s Baby Pure Castile Soap

$14

Amazon

“Gentle cleansers will help maintain the bristles, and anything too harsh like alcohol can cause brushes to shed and not last long,” says Pollara. That’s why she’s a fan of this unscented soap that contains pure essential oils, making it great for sensitive skin types. Glamour reviewer Rebecca James shares that it gets rid of oil, dirt, or grease that you come into contact with and that it can also be used in your skin care or hair regimen. Pro tip: Intrabartola also uses Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Lavender Bar Soap to cleanse and condition brush hairs at the same time.

Pros: Multi-tasking cleaning solution, can be used to clean items and yourself
Cons: Some reviewers say that the formula is drying
Type: Liquid
Use if: You prefer clean ingredients
Skip if: You want to disinfect your brushes

Best for Spot-Cleaning: Parian Spirit Brush Cleaner

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Parian Spirit Brush Cleaner

$32

Amazon

For spot-cleaning in between clients, Intrabartola often opts for this makeup brush cleanser. “I like to pour a small amount into a bowl or jar and dip the tip of the brush in, hold for a few seconds, and wipe it off onto a clean towel,” she says. Even better, this cleaner will give you soft, nourished bristles and leaves behind a pleasant citrus scent. “I always get told my brushes smell good!” says Intrabartola. Glamour reviewer Scott Patrick shares that this cleaner is equally effective on both synthetic and natural brushes, too.

Pros: Quick-drying
Cons: Some reviewers share that the smell is too overpowering; mixed reviews on how strong it is on brush glue
Type: Liquid
Use if: You want to spot clean brushes while you do makeup
Skip if: You don’t like fragrance

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