




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

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.
Every mybest article is crafted with hours of in-depth research and interviews with experts. Each month, we are continually expanding our database of products based on our research. By emphasizing user insight and reliable information, we deliver trustworthy content to readers.
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 | Details | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Use for | Type | Inclusion | |||||
1 | Happy Skin Makeup Brush Cleaner | ![]() | Revive Your Tools in Seconds | Wet Cleaning, Disinfecting | Solid Solvent, Cleaning Pad | Silicone Mat | |
2 | Real Techniques Brush Cleansing Palette | ![]() | Effortless Deep Clean Magic | Wet Cleaning | Cleaning Pad | ||
3 | Anne Clutz No Rinse Professional Make Up Brush Cleaner | ![]() | Quick Refresh Without the Wait | Dry Cleaning, Disinfecting | Liquid Solvent | ||
4 | Nippon Dual Purpose Makeup Brush & Sponge Cleaner | ![]() | Tackles Brushes, Sponges, All at Once | Wet Cleaning | Liquid Solvent | ||
5 | Strokes Makeup Brush Cleaner & Sanitizer By Emman C. | ![]() | Glow-Up Sanitizer for Daily Pros | Dry Cleaning, Disinfecting | Liquid Solvent | ||
6 | Anne Clutz Make-Up Brush Cleaner | ![]() | Sprinkle Freshness, Shake Off Old Makeup | Wet Cleaning | Solid Solvent | ||
7 | EcoTools Makeup Brush + Sponge Shampoo | ![]() | Luxe Lather Restores Velvet Touch | Wet Cleaning | Liquid Solvent | ||
8 | Gladking Sponges And Brushes Detergent | ![]() | Germ-Busting Wash Keeps Tools Pristine | Wet Cleaning, Disinfecting | Liquid Solvent | ||
9 | Moxxipro Makeup Brush Cleaner | ![]() | Zesty Spray Revives Your Full Kit | Dry Cleaning, Disinfecting | Liquid Solvent | ||
10 | KIKO Milano Brush Cleansing Pad | ![]() | Pad Magic Delivers Expert-Level Clean | Wet Cleaning | Cleaning Pad | ||
| Use for | Wet Cleaning, Disinfecting |
|---|---|
| Type | Solid Solvent, Cleaning Pad |
| Inclusion | Silicone Mat |
| Use for | Wet Cleaning |
|---|---|
| Type | Cleaning Pad |
| Inclusion |
| Use for | Dry Cleaning, Disinfecting |
|---|---|
| Type | Liquid Solvent |
| Inclusion |
| Use for | Wet Cleaning |
|---|---|
| Type | Liquid Solvent |
| Inclusion |
| Use for | Dry Cleaning, Disinfecting |
|---|---|
| Type | Liquid Solvent |
| Inclusion |
| Use for | Wet Cleaning |
|---|---|
| Type | Solid Solvent |
| Inclusion |
| Use for | Wet Cleaning |
|---|---|
| Type | Liquid Solvent |
| Inclusion |
| Use for | Wet Cleaning, Disinfecting |
|---|---|
| Type | Liquid Solvent |
| Inclusion |
| Use for | Dry Cleaning, Disinfecting |
|---|---|
| Type | Liquid Solvent |
| Inclusion |
| Use for | Wet Cleaning |
|---|---|
| Type | Cleaning Pad |
| Inclusion |
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.
10 Best Blushes in the Philippines 2025 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Visual and Makeup Artist
10 Best Face Powders for Dry Skin in the Philippines 2025 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
10 Best Bronzers in the Philippines 2025 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Visual and Makeup Artist
10 Best Eyeshadow Palettes in the Philippines 2025 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Professional Makeup Artist
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: Happy Skin|Makeup Brush Cleaner
No. 2: Real Techniques|Brush Cleansing Palette
No. 3: Anne Clutz|No Rinse Professional Make Up Brush Cleaner
No. 4: Nippon|Dual Purpose Makeup Brush & Sponge Cleaner
No. 5: Strokes|Makeup Brush Cleaner & Sanitizer By Emman C.
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.

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