Is a makeup brush cleaner worth it?

Definitely! Provided you use your brushes regularly, of course. If makeup brushes live in the back of a drawer and you bust them out on rare occasions, decide for yourself—but if you use one or more brushes on a daily or weekly basis, you'll be best served by owning a brush cleaner. It's best to clean your makeup brushes with a gentle cleanser specifically meant for them, as opposed to a harsh cleanser like dish soap that can strip your brushes and leave them damaged and scratchy over time.

What is the easiest way to clean makeup brushes?

For liquid makeup cleaners, Rebecca instructs users to massage the product "into the hair [of the brush], move it back and forth on the mat to really work the product into the brush, then rinse under water until it runs clear and there's nothing left to get out."

How often should you clean makeup brushes?

It's recommended that you clean your makeup brushes every two weeks , ideally. If you use your brushes less often, you can probably clean them monthly instead, without issue. You can also use a spray cleaner in between formal washings.

Can vinegar clean makeup brushes?

Vinegar may help remove some of the bacteria from makeup brushes. However, it might not do much to remove heavy buildup. It's often used as a single step in a multi-step brush cleaning process for extra disinfecting.

The 13 Best Makeup Brush Cleaners of 2023

Best Makeup Brush Cleansers — Byrdie / Kristin Kempa

If you’re anything like us, cleaning your makeup brushes often falls into that “eh, I can probably skip it” category of tasks. But here’s the thing: Keeping your brushes clean is essential for the health of your skin and the efficacy of your brushes. The hard truth of the matter is that dirty brushes and sponges can quickly become a breeding ground for all kinds of bacteria, oil, dead skin cells, and other grime—all of which consistently get transferred onto your skin (and into your products) every time you use them. Plus, dirty brushes simply don’t work as well. “Clean makeup brushes will give you the best application possible,” says expert Anisa Telwar Kaicker, since built-up product and pigment on dirty brushes can leave your makeup looking streaky and discolored.

So, how often should you actually be cleaning your brushes? Kaicker says it depends on how frequently you use the brush and the type of formula you’re using it with. “Cream and liquid formulas tend to pick up and hold on to oil and dirt more so than powder products,” she explains. As a general rule of thumb, she suggests cleaning your complexion brushes at least once per week and other ones (eye shadow, highlighter, etc.) every two to three weeks.

Here’s the good news: There’s a litany of different makeup brush cleansers on the market that make it easier than ever to get your brushes (and sponges) squeaky clean with minimal effort required. We combed through the selection, evaluating each on size, active ingredients, lather, and how soft they keep brushes feeling. After consulting with a makeup brush expert and professional makeup artist, and considering dozens of options, we landed on these top-rated choices.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

MAC Cosmetics Brush Cleanser at Nordstrom

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

e.l.f. Cosmetics Daily Brush Cleaner at Target

Jump to Review

Best Drugstore:

Real Techniques Brush Cleansing Gel at Ulta

Jump to Review

Best Antimicrobial:

Cinema Secrets Makeup Brush Cleaner at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Sensitive Skin:

EcoTools Makeup Brush Cleansing Shampoo at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Mat:

Sigma Beauty Brush Cleaning Mat at Beautifiedyou.com

Jump to Review

Best Spray:

Anisa Beauty Brush Cleaner Spray at Anisabeauty.com

Jump to Review

Best Solid:

Jenny Patinkin Vegan Makeup Brush Soap at Dermstore

Jump to Review

Best Wipes:

Artis Brush Cleansing Wipes at Byartis.com

Jump to Review

Best for Sponges:

Beautyblender Blendercleanser Solid Pro at Ulta

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What To Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Byrdie

4.8

Nordstrom

View On Nordstrom View On Belk.com View On Dillards.com

What We Like

Pretty packaging
Works quickly
Keeps brushes soft

What We Don't Like

Not for deep cleaning

There’s a good reason why this is a long-time best-seller. It’s super easy to use—you can apply a bit directly to the brush or onto a towel and rub the brush against the towel—and it helps condition bristles while getting them nice and clean. It’s a top pick for Kaicker, who says that it’s extremely effective at removing debris from brushes.

Price at time of publish: $20

Active Ingredients: Sodium trideceth sulfate, hydrolyzed wheat protein | Size: 7.9 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

e.l.f. Cosmetics Daily Brush Cleaner, Small

Walmart

View On Target View On Walmart View On CVS

What We Like

Travel-friendly
Can be used daily
Dries quickly

What We Don't Like

Doesn't come in a larger size

Not only is this a super affordable pick, but it’s also very portable, making it the ideal addition to any makeup bag. Mist the quick-drying spray onto your brushes after each use to ensure they’re fresh and ready to go for the next day.

Price at time of publish: $5

Active Ingredients: Alcohol denat | Size: 2 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

ULTA

View On Ulta View On Walmart View On Bed Bath & Beyond

What We Like

Lathers well
Lightweight gel texture
Removes powder residue well

What We Don't Like

Contains parabens

The gel formula of this wallet-friendly pick lathers extremely nicely. It also pairs beautifully with a brush cleaning mat (keep reading for our favorite one of those). And since it’s alcohol-free, you don’t have to worry about it drying out your natural bristle brushes.

Price at time of publish: $7

Active Ingredients: Sodium lauryl sulfoacetate, glycerin | Size: 4 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Sephora

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Walmart

What We Like

Dries quickly
No rinsing required
Smells nice

What We Don't Like

Contains parabens

This is a staple among many pro makeup artists, largely because it’s not just a cleanser. It’s a 99.99 percent antimicrobial disinfectant, making it the choice for anyone who wants to ensure their brushes are completely bacteria-free. The pro-grade formula works equally well on synthetic and natural bristles alike, and it comes in three sizes.

Price at time of publish: $24

Active Ingredients: Isoparaffin hydrocarbon, hydrotreated heavy naptha | Size: 8 fl. oz. and 32 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Ulta View On Walmart

What We Like

Gentle formula
Budget-friendly
A little goes a long way

What We Don't Like

Can leave a slight residue

Cleaning your brushes regularly is even more imperative if you have sensitive skin, but making sure you do so with a gentle cleanser is also paramount. The last thing you want is a formula that’s potentially going to elicit more irritation, which is why this pick is ideal. It’s gentle, plant-based, free of potentially-irritating fragrance and parabens, and dermatologist-tested. Just FYI, it’s meant to be used for a weekly deep clean rather than a daily freshening.

Price at time of publish: $8

Active Ingredients: Decyl glucoside, sodium lauryl sulfoacetate | Size: 6 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Nordstrom

View On Beautifiedyou.com View On Ecosmetics.com View On Forever21.com

What We Like

Cleans multiple brushes at once
Fun color

What We Don't Like

Doesn't include a cleanser

Up your cleansing game by pairing your fave cleanser with this mat. Pop it in your sink, and you can effectively clean all your makeup brushes in one fell swoop; it touts seven different textures that will get the residue out from all of your tools. Just swirl your brushes against the mat and let the silicone nubs do the hard work for you.

Price at time of publish: $38

Size: 9 x 6.5 in. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Anisa Beauty

View On Anisabeauty.com

What We Like

Dries quickly
Alcohol-free formula

What We Don’t Like

Not for deep cleaning

Spray cleaners are ideal for quick, on-the-go freshening, and this is one of our all-time favorites. Yes, it immediately removes residue from bristles, but more importantly, it dries pretty much instantaneously, meaning you can even use it right before putting on your makeup without having to wait for your brushes to dry. Per that point, happy reviewers refer to it as a dry shampoo for your brushes.

Price at time of publish: $12

Active Ingredients: Disiloxane | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Credo Beauty

View On Dermstore View On Belk.com View On Cosbar.com

What We Like

Natural formula
Travel-friendly

What We Don’t Like

Coconut oil can be comedogenic for some

Solid cleansers are the choice for travel since there’s no stressing about spills. This one is not only our favorite solid, but it’s also a great option for anyone who wants a totally clean and natural cleanser. It contains just three ingredients: coconut milk, vegetable glycerine, and coconut oil. Still, it’s naturally antimicrobial and antibacterial (thanks to the coconut oil) and also deeply conditioning for your bristles.

Price at time of publish: $19

Active Ingredients: Coconut milk | Size: 2.6. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Artis

View On Byartis.com

What We Like

Easy to use
Travel-friendly
Locking-lid

What We Don’t Like

Contains alcohol
Contains fragrance

As is the case for face cleansing wipes, you shouldn’t necessarily rely on this format all of the time or for a deep clean, but if you’re in a rush or on the go, this brand provides a very easy alternative. All you have to do is gently massage the bristles with these wipes, let the brush dry for a few minutes, and you’re good to go.

Price at time of publish: $24

Active Ingredients: Alcohol | Size: 30 wipes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Blendercleanser Solid Charcoal Scented Sponge & Brush Cleanser

ULTA

View On Ulta View On Dermstore View On Walmart

What We Like

Works on brushes and sponges
Comes with a built-in mat

What We Don’t Like

Not for use on the go

Brushes aren’t the only tools that need to be cleaned regularly. Reach for this option for your makeup sponges. The solid cleanser is a revamped formula of the brand’s best-selling wash. Now it contains charcoal to further help pull out gunk and grime from both sponges and brushes. While it is pricey, it does come with a silicone scrubbing mat to aid in the cleaning process and double as a convenient drying stand.

Price at time of publish: $45

Active Ingredients: Sodium palmate | Size: 5.3 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

RICRIS Makeup Brush Cleaner and Dryer Machine Deep Clean Fast Dry, Make up Brush Cleansers Tools with 8 Elastic Rubber Connector Fit Most Cosmetic Brushes

Amazon

View On Amazon

What We Like

Cleans and dries
Works on many different size brushes

What We Don’t Like

Still need to purchase a cleanser

If you really want to make the brush cleaning process easier and more foolproof than ever, this electric device will do all of the hard work for you. Attach your brush to the electric spinner (it features attachments for eight different sizes), add some water and the cleanser of your choice to the bowl, turn on the spinner, and watch in amazement as the gunk and residue immediately come off. Dump out the liquid and spin again to get your brushes dry.

Price at time of publish: $18

Size: Package, 5.63 x 5.51 x 4.21 in. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

ULTA

View On Ulta View On Macy's View On Macy's

What We Like

Nice scent
Can be used dry

What We Don't Like

Not for deep cleaning

When you need to clean your makeup brushes in between applying shades, reach for this handy spray. It dries quickly and doesn't need to be rinsed, making it great for using on the go or when you're going to be using a lot of different shades and don't want them to mix them up. This lightly scented option from NYX cleans and disinfects brushes, and leaves them feeling soft.

Price at time of publish: $10

Active Ingredients: Cetylpyridinium Chloride | Size: 4.05 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Nordstrom

View On Amazon View On Dermstore View On Target

What We Like

Helps remove stains
Simple ingredient list

What We Don't Like

Must rinse nozzle after use

There's something to be said for getting a nice lather to clean your brushes. When you use a foaming brush cleaner like this one by Sigma Beauty, it just feels satisfying to scrub away all that residue from your brushes and know that they're squeaky clean. Sigma Beauty's Sigmagic Brushampoo Foam lathers up nicely thanks to coconut oil, not sulfates, so bristle softness and quality is maintained. It even helps get rid of tough foundation and blush stains. This nicely-sized bottle should last quite a while, as a little goes a long way.

Price at time of publish: $19

Active Ingredients: Coconut oil | Size: 6.76 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Final Verdict

Yes, you do need to be cleaning your makeup brushes regularly. The MAC Cosmetics Brush Cleaner is one of our top picks, an effective formula that also leaves your brush bristles nice and soft. For a great budget buy, pick up the e.l.f. Cosmetics Daily Brush Cleaner, an easy-to-use spray that's gentle on brushes. If you’re in a rush or just want to quickly freshen up brushes before use, try the quick-drying Anisa Quick Dry Brush Cleaner Spray. And when your tools require an extra deep clean, consider using the antimicrobial Cinema Secrets Makeup Brush Cleaner along with the Sigma Spa Express Brush Cleaning Mat, which features textured silicone nubs to effectively break down and remove all kinds of gunk and grime.

Meet the Expert

• Anisa Telwar Kaicker is a makeup brush expert and the founder & CEO of ANISA Beauty and Anisa International.

• Ashley Rebecca, professional makeup artist in New York City and Byrdie contributing writer.

What to Look for in a Makeup Brush Cleaner

Gentle, Non-Damaging Formula

With proper care, your makeup brushes should last for years. Byrdie writer and makeup artist Ashley Rebecca notes that "if you don't wash your brushes and take care of them, you will start to see over time that they become very stiff in texture, usually resulting in them just needing to be thrown out." Because it's so important to wash them regularly, you'll want to choose a gentle formula that will not damage your brush's bristles, like Real Techniques Brush Cleansing Gel, which is free of alcohol.

Solvents

As much as you don't want to overdo it with harsh chemicals that will make your brushes lose bristles quickly, a cleaner should contain some type of solvent to help break down any buildup of product. You can even choose one that doesn't require any water, like NYX Professional Makeup On The Spot Makeup Brush Cleaner Spray.

Ease of Use

Ideally, you'll have plenty of time in front of a sink to do a thorough wash. But for those times you don't, a spray cleaner that air dries is a great bet. Choose a brush cleaner based on what your daily habits and beauty routines are and how often you're in a place where you can do a thorough cleaning that involves a sink and running water. Choose a spray option like Anisa Beauty Quick Dry Brush Cleaner Spray for an option you can use while traveling or away from the sink.

FAQ

Is a makeup brush cleaner worth it?

Definitely! Provided you use your brushes regularly, of course. If makeup brushes live in the back of a drawer and you bust them out on rare occasions, decide for yourself—but if you use one or more brushes on a daily or weekly basis, you'll be best served by owning a brush cleaner. It's best to clean your makeup brushes with a gentle cleanser specifically meant for them, as opposed to a harsh cleanser like dish soap that can strip your brushes and leave them damaged and scratchy over time.
What is the easiest way to clean makeup brushes?

For liquid makeup cleaners, Rebecca instructs users to massage the product "into the hair [of the brush], move it back and forth on the mat to really work the product into the brush, then rinse under water until it runs clear and there's nothing left to get out."
How often should you clean makeup brushes?

It's recommended that you clean your makeup brushes every two weeks, ideally. If you use your brushes less often, you can probably clean them monthly instead, without issue. You can also use a spray cleaner in between formal washings.
Can vinegar clean makeup brushes?

Vinegar may help remove some of the bacteria from makeup brushes. However, it might not do much to remove heavy buildup. It's often used as a single step in a multi-step brush cleaning process for extra disinfecting.

Why Trust Byrdie

Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. After years of not cleaning her makeup brushes regularly, she recently committed to making it a weekly activity. The Jenny Patinkin cleanser on this list is her current go-to.

The 7 Best Makeup Brushes of 2023, Tested and Reviewed