The 16 Best Makeup Brush Cleaners to Shop in 2023

December 27, 2022
Christie Rotondo
By: Christie Rotondo | Makeup.com by L'Oréal
Four makeup brushes on an orange background.
Sigma Sigmatic Brush Shampoo Liquid

Kiehl’s Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash

Your foaming face washes are designed to remove makeup and provide your skin with a deep clean, while still being gentle. If you don’t have a specialty brush soap on hand, a small nickel-sized amount of a deep-cleansing face wash will work in a pinch. We love this pick from Kiehl’s.

Kiehl’s Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash

Sephora Collection Deep-Cleaning Brush and Sponge Shampoo

This deep-cleaning shampoo can be used on both brushes and makeup sponges. When you follow the rinse, brush sweep, rinse process as directed, you won’t have to worry about any leftover cleanser residue either.

Sephora Collection Deep-Cleaning Brush and Sponge Shampoo

BlenderCleanser Solid Fragrance-Free

For those times when you’re on the go, a bar cleaner will be your best friend. The BlenderCleanser Solid Fragrance-Free is TSA-friendly, portable and easy to use.

BlenderCleanser Solid Fragrance-Free

IT Cosmetics Brush Bath

The IT Cosmetics Brush Bath comes in a solid bar and is designed to be especially gentle on your tools. Simply wet your brushes, swirl them over the bar and rinse.

IT Cosmetics Brush Bath

ZOTE Laundry Soap

For a budget-friendly option, many TikTokers are turning to ZOTE Laundry Soap for cleaning stains out of blenders and brushes. The soap is a staple throughout Central and Latin America, and is about $1 a bar.

ZOTE Laundry Soap

Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap

Sometimes the best product for the job is a multi-purpose beauty hero, like liquid soap. This option is a favorite for Lerma, too: “The organic liquid soap is gentle enough to deep clean your brushes often and will not alter the quality of your brushes.” Just be sure to rinse your brushes thoroughly.

Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap

NYX Professional Makeup Brush Cleaner

Using a gentle liquid soap, like NYX Professional Makeup Brush Cleaner, ensures your brushes keep their shape without drying them out. To use this brush cleaner, pour some in a bowl, dip your brushes in the liquid and swirl them around. Then, rinse the bristles with water and repeat the entire process until your brushes are free of makeup.

NYX Professional Makeup Brush Cleaner

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

A daily facial cleanser you likely already have on hand, like CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser, is also effective at removing makeup and providing a deep clean without over-drying your brush bristles.

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Waterproof Makeup Remover

Micellar water, like Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Waterproof Makeup Remover, has no oil, fragrances or alcohol, so if you use it in your daily skincare routine, it can also be used to give brushes a gentle clean.

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Waterproof Makeup Remover

NYX Professional Makeup On The Spot Makeup Brush Cleaner Spray

A spray brush cleaner, like the NYX Professional Makeup On The Spot Makeup Brush Cleaner Spray, is great for quick washes in between makeup applications — if you’re doing someone else’s makeup, or if you are traveling and only have one brush to complete your entire face. You can use it to disinfect and clean your tools between steps.

NYX Professional Makeup On The Spot Makeup Brush Cleaner Spray

IT Cosmetics Your Brush Love Makeup Brush Cleaner

This super convenient spray cleaner is a favorite from Lerma, too. “It’s the best makeup brush cleaner for your quick-dry and in-between makeup uses,” she says. “It can be sprayed directly onto the brush and cleaned on a paper towel or microfiber towel.”

IT Cosmetics Your Brush Love Makeup Brush Cleaner

Glo Skin Beauty Brush Cleaner

Reviewers rave about how this spray cleaner is particularly easy to use and perfect for adding to a morning routine.

Glo Skin Beauty Brush Cleaner

Anisa Beauty The Wash

This naturally-powered cleaner not only removes impurities from bristles but also helps improve overall skin health with its probiotic-rich formula. Best of all, it comes in a travel-friendly size so you can keep your brushes clean even on the go.

Anisa Beauty The Wash

Jane Iredale Botanical Brush Cleaner

For those who prefer products with plant-based, natural ingredients, the Jane Iredale Botanical Brush Cleaner uses witch hazel with grapefruit and seaweed extracts to dissolve makeup grime in a spray formula.

Jane Iredale Botanical Brush Cleaner

Garnier Fructis Hair Reset Clarifying Shampoo

Shampoos, especially those without harsh chemicals like dyes or parabens, can be a good alternative for a quick wash. This clarifying shampoo is designed to lift and clear build up for your hair, without drying it out, and can provide similar results to your brushes.

Garnier Fructis Hair Reset Clarifying Shampoo
Photographer: Chaunte Vaughn Visual Designer: Juliana Campisi

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