How to clean makeup brushes, according to experts

Beauty experts may debate on whether a smokey eye is in or out this season, but most trendsetters and healthcare professionals are in agreement that dirty makeup brushes are definitely out.

In fact, experts agree that cleaning your makeup brushes on a regular basis is necessary multiple reasons, from ensuring smooth product application to preventing the spread of bacteria.

Shop TODAY spoke with a microbiology professor about importance of properly cleansing your makeup brushes. We also talked with a professional makeup artist who recommended some of her go-to cleansing solutions and products.

Thanks to bristle-friendly soaps and easy-to-use cleaning gadgets, caring for your makeup brushes is a lot easier than it sounds.

Should you clean your makeup brushes? | How to clean makeup brushes | Best makeup brush cleaners, according to experts | Other makeup brush cleaners to shop | How we chose | Meet the experts

Should you clean makeup your brushes?

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, you should be cleaning your makeup brushes regularly to help prevent bacteria growth within the bristles. 

Gail Tanksley, a professional makeup artist and licensed esthetician, tells us, “Product can get built up on the brush to where you can’t apply the makeup evenly.” She continues, “You also don’t want bacteria growing on them which can cause acne, redness and irritation of the skin.”

Science strongly agrees.  

“There are two primary reasons to regularly clean cosmetic application products,” says Jay Vornhagen, PhD, an assistant professor of microbiology and immunology at Indiana University. 

“The first reason is that many cosmetics and cosmetic applicators are colonized by bacteria and fungi, many of which have pathogenic potential. In this context, ‘pathogenic potential’ means that the microorganism in question (colloquially, ‘germ’) can cause infection in the right circumstances,” says Vornhagen.

According to Vornhagen, the right circumstances (or the perfect storm, as I call them), happens when:

• The germ has access to the site of an infection
• An amenable host that is susceptible to infection with that germ
• And the germ has the necessary tools to cause an infection

How to clean your makeup brushes

“There are a few items that you can use to help clean your brushes such as brush cleaner solutions, [a] brush cleaner pad or makeup brush mat,” says Tanksley.

Vornhagen continues, “As far as cleaning techniques, there are certainly a bevy of commercial products, but warm soap and water always works well.”

“One may want to consider a soap specifically for gentle cleaning, like bar soap as opposed to dish soap, to maintain the brush or applicator conditioning.” However, Tanksley does recommend dish soap for a deep bristle clean.

“Finally, make sure to rinse the product well and make sure it is completely dry before storage,” suggests Dr. Vornhagen. 

Plus, “there are brush holders for letting your brushes air dry afterwards,” says Tanksley.  

Best makeup brush cleaners, according to experts

For a deep clean: Dawn Original Scent Ultra Dishwashing Liquid Dish Soap

Something to note

• May damage bristles over time

Type of cleaner: Soap | Size: 28 oz.

“This is where you’re going to deep clean those brushes!” says Tanksley.  “Antibacterial Dawn dish soap and lukewarm water really gets in there and removes all the dirt, oil and product buildup. Dish soap can get out the grease and oil based makeup products. You don’t need a lot of soap, either. A little bit goes a long way.”

She continues, “Make sure to really rinse out all the product and soap then reshape your brush, and lay them down flat on a clean towel or paper towel to air dry.”

The aftercare: Amazon Basics 70% Ethyl Rubbing Alcohol First Aid Antiseptic

Type of cleaner: 70% ethyl rubbing alcohol | Size: 16 oz.

“After washing your brushes you want to spray the bristles with isopropyl alcohol 70%, not 99%,” says Tanksley. “Since the 70% has more water, it dissolves slowly, killing the bacteria whereas the 99% evaporates too quickly.”

The makeup artist adds, “Isopropyl Alcohol 70% will help reduce any risk of skin infections or breakouts.”

Alcohol free: Sephora Collection Mini Daily Brush Cleaner

What we like

• Not tested on animals
• Quick drying time

Something to note

• Some customers say it’s oily

Type of cleaner: Spray solution | Size: 2 oz.

“This is another quick-drying cleaner,” says Tanksley. “It is alcohol free, so good for sensitive skin. This cleanser can also help remove product buildup.”

Editor tested: Cinema Secrets Makeup Brush Cleaner

What we like

• Removes makeup without water
• Quick drying time

Something to note

• May be harsh for some brushes
• Some noticed chemical smell

Type of cleaner: Rinse-free solution | Size: 8 oz.

“This is a professional-quality cleaner that helps keep the brushes free of residue,” says Tanksley. “It’s fast drying and is an antimicrobial disinfectant.” Tanksley also says it’s recommended to be “used in between deep cleansing” of the brushes.

Danielle Murphy, a commerce writer at Shop TODAY, tested this makeup brush cleanser and was impressed by the results. She previously wrote, “The best part about this product is that you don’t have to rinse the cleaner off. No water, meaning less mess. Once all of the makeup is off — and it all comes off — just re-shape your brushes and let them air dry. 

Other makeup brush cleaners to shop

3-in-1 brush cleaner: GOLIKEE Makeup Brush Cleaner Mat

What we like

• Can hang up to dry brushes

Something to note

• No auto-cleansing feature

Type of cleaner: Manual cleaning mat | Size: 5.1″ diameter

This specific makeup brush cleaner wasn’t recommended by experts, but it can be used in conjunction with the cleaners that the pros recommend.

The design of this mat is simple, yet brilliant. Its silicone build is shaped like a bucket with four texture patterns at the bottom, making it easy to cleanse bristles of many shapes and sizes with some soap and water. Thanks to the bucket’s base, which is designed with various slots, the structure can be flipped upside to act as an air dryer for the brush (which our experts say is important).

Editor approved: Beautyblender Liquid BlenderCleanser

What we like

• Not a lot needed
• Cleanses old makeup off well

Something to note

• Some aren’t happy with price

Type of cleaner: Cleansing solution | Size: 3 oz.

Kamari Stewart, an associate editor at Shop TODAY, recommends this particular makeup cleanser. She says “A friend gave a huge bottle of this makeup brush cleanser years ago and I’m still working my way through it (probably because I don’t clean my brushes often enough, but that’s a different story).”

Steward adds, “She raves about it and I quickly came to love it! It doesn’t take much of this liquid cleanser to get my brushes super clean. I was surprised at how many of my brushes it was able to bring back to their original colors, especially foundation since my shade has more pigment to it that’s typically harder to get out.”

“I won’t buy or use another makeup brush cleaner until I finish this bottle because it’s the best (and even then, the next one I buy will probably be a restock of this one),” she continues.

Automatic cleaner: Senbowe Upgraded Makeup Brush Cleaner and Dryer Machine

What we like

• Simple to use
• Dries brushes quickly

Something to note

• Batteries don’t last long

Type of cleaner: Automatic, battery operated | Size: N/A

Now that you’ve got a handful of soap recommendations to choose from, you can upgrade your brush-cleaning routine even more with an automatic cleaner.

This device makes it simple to attach your makeup brush to a rotating handle before submerging it in soapy water for a spin. The set arrives with eight different grips for various brush sizes, so your entire collection will be covered (not in makeup, though).

How we chose

While choosing the best makeup brush cleaners, Shop TODAY gathered insight from experts along with personal recommendations. We also took into consideration information provided by verified purchasers of products recommended.

Meet the experts

• Gail Tanksley is an Indianapolis-based professional makeup artist and licensed esthetician. 
• Jay Vornhagen, PhD, is an assistant professor of microbiology and immunology at Indiana University.