Makeup brushes touch your face, including your open pores and blemishes just as much as your hands do. Plus if you wear makeup every day, the oils in your skin are transferred to the bristles, and most of the time, the makeup pigments are left on there too. That's why it is important to get an effective makeup brush cleaner to prevent residue build-up that can lead to a breeding ground for bacteria and germs.
When left unwashed, dirty makeup brushes can result in acne breakouts, pink eye, and skin infections. Make a habit of washing your makeup brushes regularly. Make choosing easier by reading through our buying guide—reviewed by Ida Siasoco, a makeup artist along with our top 10 recommendations.
Quick List - Top Makeup Brush Cleaners
Ellana Mineral Cosmetics
The Best Tea Tree Oil Spray Cleaner for Everyday Use
Makeup artist and hairstylist since 2017 and has worked on various commercial and editorial projects. Likes to put glitter on everything and believes that "you can never put too much blush".
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
Here are some key points to consider:
For more information, read through our buying guide below.
To avoid any pigment build-up on your makeup brushes, spot clean them whenever you are free to do so. You can pick between a dry brush cleaner and a no-rinse spray cleanser to remove excess pigments. This way, your brushes are clean and ready-to-use for the next day.
A dry brush cleaner, also called a color-switch sponge, is a gritty-textured black sponge that usually comes in a tin can. When you're in the middle of putting on makeup, just wipe off the bristles onto the black sponge to quickly remove the current pigment on your brush.
This allows you to change shades or colors using the same brush without washing it with soap and water. This works for both synthetic and natural brushes.
A no-rinse cleanser meanwhile is more appropriate for spot cleaning after putting on your makeup. This liquid cleanser allows you to remove makeup residue from your brushes while sitting on your vanity table – no water and sink needed. Most cleansers are available in spray bottles for easy application. They are designed for everyday use and are perfect for traveling.
Just spray it onto the bristles and rub the brush over a paper towel. This cleanser dries fast so you can store your makeup brushes right away. Remember to check the brush cleanser’s ingredients and go for cleansers with at least 70% alcohol to disinfect the brushes as well.
Though most no-rinse cleansers have alcohol content to disinfect your makeup brushes, the most ideal way to sanitize them is by deep cleaning. Like normal hair, makeup brush bristles need to be shampooed once a week so you can completely remove any dust and pigment. You can either go for manual cleaning by using bread pads or do it quicker through electric brush cleaners.
Using the manual washing method, you can deep clean your brushes using a textured silicone mat to scrub off the dirt. Just pair it with an antimicrobial shampoo or cleanser and remove the makeup residue under running water.
These silicone mats have embossed dots, ridges, and lines on its surface. You can wipe or swirl the makeup brushes against these patterns to remove product build-up, grime, and other stains. These come in different designs and sizes that are perfect for foaming and lathering. These silicone mats also help to re-align the bristles without shedding them.
Deep cleaning with silicone brush mats is quicker compared to swirling your brushes on your palm. Its textured surface does the job for you, mimicking the effect of washing bristles with your fingers. Besides, these mats have suction cups to help you secure them to the sink for a more stable cleaning surface.
If manual deep cleaning is too much for your hands, you can opt for an automatic brush cleaner. This gadget washes and dries your makeup brushes in half the time. It consists of a battery-operated brush holder or spinning tool and a clear bowl where you pour the water and liquid soap. It also has a set of brush collars to accommodate different sizes and types of brushes.
To operate, simply attach your makeup brush to the brush collar, then connect it to the brush holder or spinning tool, submerge the bristles into the clear bowl and press the ON button. It will start rotating rapidly to remove stains. Spin it once more above the water to dry your brush in just minutes.
However, some brushes are not compatible with this setup. Such include dual-ended brushes and other odd-shaped brush handles that may not fit in any of the brush collars. Also, electric makeup brush cleaners may deform the brush shape and frizz the bristles, so use with caution.
Whether you're going for the manual washing method or opting for electric brushes cleaners, you'll need a cleansing agent to completely remove the grimes and makeup residue on your brushes. This lathering component will help in "breaking" the stains and oil that may have hardened up.
You can stick with the standard makeup brush shampoo that is specifically designed for washing makeup brushes. This contains the best blend of ingredients to maintain the softness of the bristles and to disinfect makeup brushes. Other makeup enthusiasts also use household items in the kitchen and bath essentials for their brushes. If you want a gentler formula, go for baby shampoo.
Your other options include anti-bacterial hand soap, which removes 99.9% of the bacteria in your brushes; dish-washing liquid, which is raved for its oil-removing capability that is best for foundation brushes; and facial wash as nothing beats cleaning your makeup brush with the same trusted brand you use for your face.
Solid brush cleaners are best known for combining the benefits of liquid cleansers and essential oils to break down stubborn makeup stains. Most brands use argan oil to gently remove residue from the brushes while keeping the bristles soft when it dries.
These 2-in-1 brush cleaners come in a small tub and are ideal for traveling because the lid already has built-in embossed ridges, similar to a brush silicone mat. These will help you wipe off the makeup pigment. These mess-free tubs are perfect for both synthetic and natural hair bristles and can be used daily.
To use, simply wet the bristles under running water and start lathering it onto the solid brush cleaner. Right away, you’ll see pigments melting and being washed away from the brush. As a bonus, some solid brush cleaners come with a fresh scent.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Anne Clutz Beauty Solutions Makeup Brush Cleaner | ![]() | The Bestselling, All-Natural Solid Brush Cleaner | |
2 | PRO STUDIO Beauty Exclusives i-Heart Brush Cleaning Pad | ![]() | The Ergonomic Brush Pad for a Better Grip | |
3 | Ellana Mineral Cosmetics Makeup Sanitizing Spray and Instant Brush Cleaner | ![]() | The Best Tea Tree Oil Spray Cleaner for Everyday Use | |
4 | Mermaid Dreams Makeup Brush Cleaner | ![]() | The Travel-Size Brush Cleaning Mat | |
5 | Anne Clutz Beauty Solutions No Rinse Professional Makeup Brush Cleaner | ![]() | Spot Cleanser With a Quick-Dry Formula & Non-Sticky Feel | |
6 | PRO STUDIO Beauty Exclusives Express Color Switch Brush Cleaner | ![]() | Textured Sponge for Switching Shades and Pigments | |
7 | Gladking Antibacterial Sponges and Brushes Deep Clean Detergent | ![]() | Antibacterial Brush Shampoo From an Affordable Brand | |
8 | Electric Makeup Brush Cleaner | ![]() | Clean Your Brush in Just 10 Seconds! | |
9 | PRO STUDIO Beauty Exclusives Brush Cleaning Glove | ![]() | Deep Clean Several Brushes at Once | |
10 | Johnson’s Baby Shampoo | ![]() | Gentle Formula From the All-Time Favorite Liquid Brush Shampoo |
Beauty vlogger Anne Clutz has successfully created her own line of makeup brushes and other beauty solutions, including this bestselling makeup brush cleaner. And her fans and followers have given this solid brush cleaner their thumbs up with over 12,000 pieces sold by this startup brand!
Best for deep cleaning your brushes, it is all-natural, combining the benefits of virgin coconut oil to keep your brushes soft and tea tree essential oil for the anti-bacterial properties. This will prevent any bacteria from creating a breeding ground in the brushes. As a nice bonus, it has a peppermint fragrance and also works great in cleaning your sponges.
To use, just wet the bristles with water and rub them on the tub in a circular motion. Then using a brush pad or your palm, gently remove the residue by massaging the tips. Rinse the bristles and squeeze out the excess water using a clean towel.
This silicone brush pad has an ergonomic heart-shaped design that allows a better grip while cleaning makeup brushes. You can hold it using 2-3 fingers for comfortable handling. It does not take too much space on your vanity or sink.
It features a textured surface with smaller knobs at the bottom for foaming and lathering and 2 kinds of embossed patterns at the top to “agitate” the bristles to effectively rub away the makeup residue.
To use, pour a small amount of liquid cleanser onto the silicone pad and start swirling your wet makeup brush to remove stains and dirt. It is also compatible with solid brush cleaners and bar soaps. It is easy to clean and will fit in most makeup bags and vanity drawers. This silicone brush pad is available in 3 colors – Lovely Peach, Pink Lover, and Lovely Blush.
This no-rinse spray cleaner is perfect for spot cleaning your makeup brushes every after use. It can instantly remove makeup pigment, oil, dead skin, and other build-ups that are stuck on your tools. It is formulated with tea tree oil extract, which has antiseptic and antimicrobial properties that can fight acne-causing bacteria.
To use, spray onto the brush, then gently wipe it back and forth against a dry towel or cloth. This cleaner can also “revive” broken palettes and dry cream products like gel eyeliners, mascara, and brow pomades. Simply spray it to the deformed product then pat it down lightly.
You can also use this cleanser to switch between pigments when using a single brush. This no-rinse spray cleaner is available in 2 variants – Cucumber Melon and the Fragrance-Free makeup brush cleaner. It also has a long shelf life and is good to use for 36 months.
This silicone brush mat is very portable, so you can easily stash it inside any bag, whether you're going for short or month-long trips. It is shaped like an egg to make room for your fingers when gripping the brush mat.
It has embossed ridges to thoroughly clean your makeup brushes. For example, it has small knobs that are perfect for thinner eye makeup brushes, while the straight-line patterns work best for foundation and blush brushes and other thicker variants.
This brush mat is safe to use with any lathering cleanser, both liquid and bar soap. To use, simply wet the makeup brush under running water and put a small amount of cleanser. Swirl your brush against the ridges of the brush pad until all the makeup residue is washed away. Rinse with water and squeeze the excess water from the brush.
Another product from Anne Clutz Beauty Solution is this brush cleaner with a quick-dry formula! It can cleanse and disinfect your makeup brushes without the need for water and a sink. It is highly recommended for professional makeup artists who often switch between different pigments and products when working with a client.
It effectively removes dirt and oil instantly. Plus, it has a non-sticky feel. To use, simply spray the cleanser on the brush bristles and gently rub the brush on a paper towel. It's quick to use and, best of all—no rinsing required!
This dry brush cleaner allows you to clean a makeup brush without having to leave your vanity table to wash and dry the bristles. Just tap and swipe your brush onto the textured black sponge to remove the current shade or pigment. It removes the color instantly so you can move on to a different shade or makeup product.
This way, your palettes will stay clean—no more mixing of residues and different pigments! This is ideal when you have a limited number of brushes. This dry brush cleaner is easy to store and hygienic since it comes in a tin can with a lid.
If you prefer a liquid lathering agent that is specifically designed for makeup brushes, then check out this antibacterial cleaning detergent from Gladking. Popular for their affordable cosmetic tools, Gladking now offers a shampoo perfect for deep cleaning your large collection of makeup brushes and sponges.
It can easily remove makeup residue and dirt from your beauty tools, plus rinsing it all off will not be a hassle. Many makeup enthusiasts recommend washing your brushes at least once a week, so this 250ml bottle will surely last you a long time. Just make sure to store it in a cool place to avoid direct sunlight.
This automatic brush cleaner will wash and dry your makeup brushes in half the time. You'll get a battery-operated brush spinner and a clear cleaning bowl. It also has a set of 8 brush collars with different sizes to fit 98% of the brushes available in the market.
It can effectively remove cosmetic residue, dirt, and oil in your makeup brushes to prevent acne breakouts and skin irritation. Don't worry about ruining your brushes! This electric cleaner can preserve the quality of the bristles while drying them quickly. It is also easy to maintain as it only requires disposable batteries to function.
To operate, put some water and soap into the clear bowl and attach a suitable collar to your brush. Insert this into the spinner tool, then dip the bristles in the bowl and turn the spinner on. Change the water to rinse the brush and spin it again. Spin it once more above the water to dry your brush in just 30 seconds.
This brush cleaning glove allows you to deep clean multiple brushes at the same time. Since your whole hand will be covered by a textured glove, you can remove residue, dirt, and oil using the full force of your hand without worrying about the mess directly touching your skin.
You can also avoid pruning your palms and fingers when washing them for an extended time. Scrub your brushes thoroughly using varying grooves and knobs on the brush mat's surface. It's very versatile as it works effectively with all kinds of brushes.
You can use either a liquid cleanser or a solid bar soap – both will lather just fine. It is easy to clean and is foldable as well, so storing it will not be a problem. It is available in 2 colors: Sweet Mint and Pink Coral.
This baby shampoo has been a long-time go-to liquid cleanser among makeup enthusiasts. Thanks to the brand’s “No More Tangle” attribute, your brushes' bristles will remain soft and smooth.
It is well-known for its gentle formula that is perfect for babies. Well, your brushes can enjoy the same benefits and care as this baby shampoo can clean your makeup brushes without ruining the bristles. It will also leave a fresh scent, just like a newly bathed baby.
It is pH balanced which is beneficial to your skin as well. To use, simply pour a small amount on top of a brush mat and start swirling your wet makeup brush in a circular motion. Gently lather and rub off any residue, dirt, and oil.
Time to test out your newly washed makeup brushes! Add some new palettes to your collection by clicking the article links below. Check out our recommended blushes, face powders, bronzers, and eye shadow that you can add to your cart right now.
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Author: Ayeza Mangulabnan
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Anne Clutz Beauty Solutions|Makeup Brush Cleaner
No. 2: PRO STUDIO Beauty Exclusives|i-Heart Brush Cleaning Pad
No. 3: Ellana Mineral Cosmetics|Makeup Sanitizing Spray and Instant Brush Cleaner
No. 4: Mermaid Dreams|Makeup Brush Cleaner
No. 5: Anne Clutz Beauty Solutions|No Rinse Professional Makeup Brush Cleaner
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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