9 Best Makeup Brush Cleaners Tested 2026, Approved by Makeup Artists

Earning the top spot because it’s everything a makeup brush cleanser should be, it’s easy to use, deeply cleanses, quick drying, and keeps brushes intact. Makeup artists recommend this cleanser because “it has antimicrobial disinfectant, which is super important when working with clients,” Pollara says. Kat Dorn, a makeup artist at LRN Beauty, recommends mixing this cleaning solution with a little lukewarm water and patting the brushes dry with a paper towel. A little goes a long way, as it can break the bristles down if you use it too much. Glamour reviewer Heather Cissel says this cleaner is quick drying, and she’s noticed fewer breakouts since she started using it.

Type: Liquid
Use if: You have acne and want to disinfect your makeup brushes
Skip if: You don’t wear a ton of makeup

Best Drugstore: E.l.f. Beauty Makeup Brush Shampoo

e.l.f. Beauty Makeup Brush Shampoo

Original video from Alanna Kilkeary testing e.l.f. Beauty Makeup Brush Shampoo.

Pros: Available at drugstores. Affordable
Cons: Mixed reviews—some customers report great results while others say it doesn’t fully clean brushes

Dorn recommends this affordable brush shampoo that you can snag for just $6. “It cleans and conditions really well,” she says, and it’s effective on even the toughest makeup brush stains (read: foundation and concealer buildup). It’s vegan and cruelty-free, and a favorite among reviewers, too. Glamour reviewer B.Mie has been using this brush soap formula for a decade, and loves the size (it’s not too big or too small) and gel-like texture, which doesn’t make it too heavy on bristles.

“Although it easily lathered up onto the brush, it took a while to fully wash out the soap. I thought I was finished washing, but there would be a few bubbles that needed more scrubbing out. Use a very tiny amount and don’t overdo it,” says Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary.

Type: Liquid
Use if: You’re on a budget
Skip if: You don’t have a ton of time to wash your brushes

Best Solid Cleaner: Beauty Blender Solid Charcoal Makeup Cleanser

Beauty Blender Solid Charcoal Makeup Cleanser

Original video from Alanna Kilkeary testing Beauty Blender Solid Charcoal Makeup Cleanser.

Pros: Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons: You can’t clean multiple brushes or sponges at once like you can with a liquid formula

“This charcoal makeup cleanser is my favorite for deep cleaning, and it lasts forever,” says Jonet Williamson, a NYC-based makeup artist. Simply swirl a wet brush or sponge onto the soap and lather for a deep clean. The cleanser itself contains aloe and coconut oil, which will leave bristles soft and flexible. Glamour reviewer Elismary Valle says that this cleanser is fast and tough, and brushes and makeup sponges are left as good as new after cleansing with it. Pro tip: Try the Beauty Blender Blendercleanser Solid if you’re looking to deep clean makeup sponges or a beauty blender.

“I was super impressed with how well it deep cleaned my brushes with a few swirls and lathers. The charcoal soap is intense and left my brushes smelling fresh and feeling silky. I’ll definitely use it again the next time my brushes need a wash,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.

Type: Solid
Use if: You travel a lot, because it’s solid, compact, and easy to transport
Skip if: You want to wash multiple brushes at once

Best Liquid: MAC Cosmetics Brush Cleanser

MAC Cosmetics Brush Cleanser

Original video from Alanna Kilkeary testing MAC Cosmetics Brush Cleanser.

Pros: Super gentle on brushes
Cons: Some reviewers feel it’s a little pricey for the size and how quickly it runs out

This tried-and-true cleaner is a favorite among experts because it’s quick drying and very gentle on bristles. “Harsh chemicals may break down the bonding in the base of the brush,” says Randall Intrabartola, a California-based makeup artist. That’s why it’s important to look for cleaners with fewer ingredients that can still disinfect, like this pick. Glamour reviewer A. Houston shares that makeup pigment in brushes simply pours out when using this and that it’s especially effective on white-bristled brushes.