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The Ultimate Guide to 7 Top Makeup Brush Cleaners: Best Picks for 2025

product reviews
The Ultimate Guide to 7 Top Makeup Brush Cleaners: Best Picks for 2025
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Sarah

Makeup Artist & Beauty Expert

The Ultimate Guide to 7 Top Makeup Brush Cleaners: Best Picks for 2025

Introduction

Every makeup enthusiast has faced the question: how do you effectively clean those pricey makeup brushes? Using regular soap can damage bristles, while neglecting cleaning leads to bacterial buildup that harms skin health. As dermatologist Howard Sobel notes, 'Using dirty makeup brushes can cause rashes and skin flare-ups.' In this guide, we've tested the top makeup brush cleaning products of 2025 to help you choose the best for your needs, whether you're a professional or an everyday makeup lover.

Our Testing Methodology

To ensure fairness, we enlisted three professional makeup artists and two makeup enthusiasts. Our testing criteria included:

  • Cleaning Efficacy: Thoroughly removes all makeup residue
  • Bristle Protection: Avoids damage or shedding
  • Drying Time: Time until brush is reusable
  • Ease of Use: Straightforward process
  • Value for Money: Price vs. performance
  • Versatility: Works for various brush types

Top Makeup Brush Cleaning Products of 2025

1. Best Overall: EcoTools Makeup Brush Cleansing Shampoo

This dermatologist-tested shampoo removes over 90% of makeup and dirt without oily residue, earning the highest score in our tests.

**Price: $12.50**

Pros

  • Plant-based, gentle ingredients
  • Suitable for sensitive skin
  • Eco-friendly, chemical-free formula
  • High value with rich lather
  • Non-irritating scent

Cons

  • Drying time of 8-12 hours
  • Multiple washes for stubborn foundation
Testers praised its balance of cleaning power and bristle care. A professional makeup artist said, 'This product is perfect for regular brush maintenance, leaving no greasy residue.'

2. Best Fast-Drying: Cinema Secrets Professional Makeup Brush Cleaner

This no-rinse formula removes pigments, creams, and glitters, drying almost instantly while sanitizing brushes.

**Price: $22.00**

Pros

  • Dries in minutes
  • Removes waterproof makeup
  • Works on synthetic and natural bristles
  • Pleasant vanilla scent
  • Ideal for quick cleaning

Cons

  • Higher price
  • Alcohol-based, may dry natural bristles
  • Strong scent for sensitive users
Ideal for professionals needing quick brush turnaround. One enthusiast said, 'It's thorough and fast, perfect for eyeshadow brushes needing color switches.'

3. Best Budget: e.l.f. Makeup Brush Shampoo

This affordable shampoo gently removes oils and dirt, keeping bristles soft and smooth.

**Price: $6.25**

Pros

  • Very affordable
  • Vegan, cruelty-free formula
  • Gentle for sensitive skin
  • Generous size
  • Maintains bristle softness

Cons

  • Less effective on waterproof makeup
  • Longer drying time
  • Basic packaging
Ideal for beginners or those on a budget. It provides sufficient cleaning for most brushes, especially those used with powder products. One tester said, 'It makes my brushes feel brand-new, even older foundation brushes.'

4. Best Electric Cleaner: Norate Electric Makeup Brush Cleaner

This silicone electric cleaner suits all brushes and sponges, offering a time-saving solution.

**Price: $27.75**

Pros

  • Easy to use (4.8/5)
  • Strong cleaning power (4.5/5)
  • Compact storage (5/5)
  • Wide applicability (4/5)
  • Overall rating 4.8/5

Cons

  • Higher cost
  • Requires solution refills
  • May be harsh for delicate brushes
Perfect for those with large brush collections or professionals who need to clean multiple brushes quickly. The electric rotation makes deep cleaning effortless. It cleaned tough brushes effortlessly. Testers loved its simplicity and speed, making it ideal for large collections.

5. Best for Beauty Sponges: Beautyblender Liquid Cleanser

Designed for sponges, this cleanser also works on brushes, removing deep-set dirt and bacteria.

**Price: $15.50**

Pros

  • Ideal for sponges and brushes
  • Deep-cleans porous materials
  • Gentle, non-irritating formula
  • Maintains sponge elasticity

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Requires effort for sponges
  • Scent may not suit all
If you use beauty sponges regularly, this cleanser is essential for maintaining hygiene. It effectively removes stubborn foundation while preserving the texture of your sponges. A must for sponge users. It removed stubborn foundation while preserving texture. A pro said, 'It keeps my sponges hygienic.'

6. Best Portable: Fenty Beauty Dry Brush-Cleaning Sponge

This water-free sponge instantly cleans powder brushes, ideal for quick color switches.

**Price: $9.50**

Pros

  • No water or cleanser needed
  • Instant cleaning
  • Travel-friendly
  • Great for eyeshadow switches
  • Reusable

Cons

  • Not for liquid products
  • Not a deep-clean substitute
  • Needs eventual replacement
Keep this in your makeup bag for on-the-go use, especially when creating multi-color eyeshadow looks with limited brushes. Perfect for multi-color eyeshadow looks. One tester said, 'It solves my color-mixing issue with one brush.'

7. Best Solid Cleanser: Beautyblender Solid Cleanser

This vegan solid cleanser with palm oil, aloe, and lavender scent is portable and long-lasting.

**Price: $18.00**

Pros

  • Travel-friendly
  • Lasts months
  • Deep-cleans all brushes
  • Gentle for sensitive skin
  • Includes scrubbing pad

Cons

  • Higher initial cost
  • Needs careful storage
  • Extra drying time
Store this cleanser in a well-ventilated container between uses to prevent it from becoming soft or dissolving. Great for travel. Testers loved its ease and professional results. A pro said, 'It's compact and delivers pro-grade cleaning.'

[Expert Tips for Brush Cleaning](http://localhost:3000/blog/how-to-clean-makeup-brushes)

Dermatologists and makeup artists stress regular brush cleaning for skin health. Foundation brushes need weekly cleaning, while others can be cleaned biweekly. Proper drying is key—brushes should be fully dry before reuse, which may take 6-12 hours, per professional makeup artist Kuhl.

Conclusion

Our top recommendations for 2025 are:

  • Best Overall: EcoTools Makeup Brush Cleansing Shampoo - Balances cleaning and care
  • Fast-Drying: Cinema Secrets Professional Makeup Brush Cleaner - Pro favorite
  • Budget Pick: e.l.f. Makeup Brush Shampoo - Affordable quality
  • Electric: Norate Electric Makeup Brush Cleaner - Time-saving tech
  • Sponge Specialist: Beautyblender Liquid Cleanser - Best for sponges
  • Portable: Fenty Beauty Dry Brush-Cleaning Sponge - Eyeshadow savior
  • Solid Cleanser: Beautyblender Solid Cleanser - Travel-friendly performance

Investing in a quality brush cleaner not only extends the life of your makeup tools but also protects your skin from bacteria and breakouts. Whether you prefer the convenience of Cinema Secrets' quick-dry formula, the eco-friendly approach of EcoTools, or the budget-friendly e.l.f. option, regular cleaning is essential for maintaining both your brushes and your skin's health. Remember that even the best cleanser needs proper technique—always dry brushes with bristles pointing downward and never soak wooden handles.

Have you tried any of these brush cleaners? Share your experience and favorite cleaning methods in the comments below!

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