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Best Makeup Brush Cleaners of 2025 - Expert Tested Reviews

Discover the top makeup brush cleaners to keep your tools pristine and skin safe!

Last updated: 11/15/2025
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Why Choosing the Right Makeup Brush Cleaner Matters
Keeping your makeup brushes clean is more than just a hygiene habit—it’s a crucial step for flawless application and healthy skin. Dirty brushes harbor bacteria, oil, and old product buildup, which can lead to breakouts, uneven makeup, and even skin infections. A high-quality makeup brush cleaner ensures your tools are spotless, extending their lifespan and protecting your complexion. Whether you’re a professional artist or a beauty enthusiast, investing in the best makeup brush cleaner can transform your routine.

Key Factors and Our Expert Testing
When selecting the top makeup brush cleaners for 2025, we considered effectiveness, ease of use, gentleness on bristles, and value for money. We also evaluated whether products are suitable for various brush types, from natural to synthetic. At Review Atlas, our team of beauty experts and makeup artists rigorously tested dozens of cleaners over weeks, using them on a range of brushes with different products like foundation, eyeshadow, and blush. We assessed cleaning speed, residue removal, and brush condition post-wash. Our goal? To bring you unbiased, in-depth reviews of the best makeup brush cleaners on the market, ensuring you make an informed choice for your beauty arsenal. Trust us to guide you through the clutter with our hands-on expertise and commitment to quality.

Ready to elevate your brush care game? Dive into our curated list of the top makeup brush cleaners of 2025 below!

Our Top Picks

Top Pick

Cinema Secrets Makeup Brush Cleaner

Cinema Secrets Makeup Brush Cleaner earns our Top Pick for its professional-grade performance and lightning-fast results. Trusted by makeup artists worldwide, this quick-drying formula cuts through stubborn product buildup—think foundation, cream blush, and eyeliner—in seconds without soaking brushes. Its gentle, non-toxic composition preserves bristle integrity, making it safe for both natural and synthetic brushes. We loved the no-rinse convenience and subtle vanilla scent during testing. A small amount goes a long way, offering excellent value despite the premium price. Pros: Ultra-fast cleaning, no water needed, travel-friendly tin. Cons: Slightly strong initial scent for sensitive noses. If you’re searching for the best makeup brush cleaner for efficiency and reliability, Cinema Secrets is unbeatable for 2025.

Editor's Choice

MAC Brush Cleanser

As our Editor’s Choice, MAC Brush Cleanser stands out for its premium quality and salon-worthy results. This gentle yet powerful formula deep-cleans brushes, removing makeup residue and impurities while conditioning bristles to prevent dryness. Perfect for high-end natural hair brushes, it leaves tools soft and ready for flawless application. During testing, we were impressed by how well it tackled heavy foundation buildup without damaging delicate fibers. The bottle design allows for easy pouring and minimal waste. Pros: Conditions bristles, great for professional use, trusted brand. Cons: Requires rinsing, higher price point. For those willing to invest in the best makeup brush cleaner for luxury care, MAC delivers exceptional performance in 2025.

Budget Pick

e.l.f. Cosmetics Brush Shampoo

For an affordable yet effective solution, e.l.f. Cosmetics Brush Shampoo is our Budget Pick. Priced under $10, this gentle cleanser removes dirt, oil, and makeup from both synthetic and natural brushes without breaking the bank. Its thick, gel-like consistency lathers well, ensuring a thorough clean with just a small dab. In our tests, it excelled at cleaning lighter makeup residue, though it took extra effort for waterproof products. The cruelty-free formula is a bonus for ethical shoppers. Pros: Super affordable, easy to use, vegan-friendly. Cons: Struggles with heavy buildup, needs rinsing. If you’re after a wallet-friendly makeup brush cleaner in 2025, e.l.f. is a fantastic starting point for everyday maintenance.

Other Great Options

4

Beautyblender Blendercleanser Solid

Beautyblender Blendercleanser Solid is a fan favorite for its innovative solid formula and portable design. Housed in a compact tin with a silicone scrubbing pad, this soap effectively cleans makeup sponges and brushes alike. The lavender-scented cleanser cuts through foundation and concealer residue while being gentle on delicate tools. Our testers appreciated the built-in pad for deep cleaning and the mess-free application. It’s ideal for travel or quick touch-ups. Pros: Travel-friendly, includes scrubbing pad, pleasant scent. Cons: Smaller size means frequent repurchasing. For a versatile makeup brush cleaner that doubles as a sponge cleanser in 2025, Beautyblender’s solid formula is a standout choice for beauty lovers on the go.

5

Sephora Collection Daily Brush Cleaner

Sephora Collection Daily Brush Cleaner is a go-to for quick, everyday maintenance. This spray-on formula is designed for spot cleaning between deep washes, instantly refreshing brushes without water. It’s perfect for busy mornings or on-set touch-ups, drying in seconds with a light, clean scent. During testing, it handled light powder residue well but struggled with creamy or oily products. The bottle is sleek and easy to use, fitting nicely into any kit. Pros: Fast-drying spray, convenient for daily use, affordable. Cons: Not ideal for deep cleaning. If you need a reliable makeup brush cleaner for quick fixes in 2025, Sephora’s spray offers unmatched convenience for light upkeep.

6

Real Techniques Brush Cleansing Gel

Real Techniques Brush Cleansing Gel is a solid contender for those seeking a straightforward, no-fuss cleaner. Developed by makeup artists, this gel formula deep-cleans synthetic and natural brushes, removing tough residue like liquid foundation and eyeshadow. We found it easy to lather and rinse during testing, leaving brushes soft and free of buildup. The cruelty-free and vegan formula aligns with ethical beauty standards. It’s also widely available at drugstores. Pros: Effective on tough residue, cruelty-free, accessible. Cons: Requires extra rinsing for full removal. For a dependable makeup brush cleaner that balances quality and accessibility in 2025, Real Techniques is a trusted option for all skill levels.

7

IT Cosmetics Brush Love Cleanser

IT Cosmetics Brush Love Cleanser offers a nourishing approach to brush care with its skin-loving ingredients. Infused with collagen and peptides, this formula not only cleans but also conditions bristles, making it ideal for natural hair brushes. Our testers noted how soft brushes felt after use, with no sticky residue. It works well on moderate makeup buildup but may need multiple washes for heavier products. The pump bottle ensures mess-free dispensing. Pros: Conditions bristles, gentle formula, easy-to-use pump. Cons: Less effective on stubborn residue. If you’re looking for a makeup brush cleaner that pampers your tools in 2025, IT Cosmetics delivers a luxe cleaning experience.

8

EcoTools Makeup Brush + Sponge Shampoo

EcoTools Makeup Brush + Sponge Shampoo is an eco-conscious choice for beauty lovers. This plant-based, cruelty-free formula cleans brushes and sponges effectively while being gentle on the environment. It tackled light to medium makeup residue in our tests, with a refreshing scent that isn’t overpowering. The liquid lathers nicely, though it requires thorough rinsing to avoid buildup. It’s a great pick for sustainable shoppers on a budget. Pros: Eco-friendly, affordable, versatile for sponges. Cons: Needs extra rinsing, not for heavy buildup. For a green makeup brush cleaner option in 2025, EcoTools offers a balance of ethics and performance for everyday use.

9

Morphe Brush Cleansing Balm

Morphe Brush Cleansing Balm brings a unique texture to brush cleaning with its balm-to-lather formula. This solid cleanser melts into a creamy foam when mixed with water, effectively dissolving makeup residue from synthetic brushes. Our testers liked the deep-cleaning power on eyeshadow brushes, though it took extra effort on dense foundation brushes. The compact jar is travel-friendly but can be messy if overused. Pros: Unique balm formula, good for travel, deep cleans. Cons: Messy if over-applied, less effective on dense brushes. For an innovative makeup brush cleaner in 2025, Morphe’s balm is a creative pick for those who enjoy a tactile cleaning experience.

10

Sigma Beauty SigMagic Brushampoo

Sigma Beauty SigMagic Brushampoo rounds out our list with its targeted formula for deep cleaning. Designed for Sigma’s signature brushes, this liquid cleanser works well on most synthetic and natural bristles, breaking down tough makeup residue. In testing, it performed admirably on powder and cream products, though it requires a bit of elbow grease for waterproof formulas. The coconut oil base adds a moisturizing touch to prevent bristle damage. Pros: Deep-cleans effectively, moisturizing formula, brand-specific design. Cons: Slightly pricey, needs effort for stubborn products. If you’re seeking a specialized makeup brush cleaner for 2025, Sigma’s offering is a reliable choice for dedicated brush care.

At a Glance: Quick Comparison

Compare key specs and features of all our recommendations side-by-side

ProductOur PickRatingPriceBest For
Cinema Secrets Makeup Brush Cleaner
Rank #1
Top PickN/ACheck price
Most users seeking best overall
MAC Brush Cleanser
Rank #2
Editor's ChoiceN/ACheck price
Premium quality seekers
e.l.f. Cosmetics Brush Shampoo
Rank #3
Budget PickN/ACheck price
Value-conscious buyers
Beautyblender Blendercleanser Solid
Rank #4
N/ACheck price
Great alternative option
Sephora Collection Daily Brush Cleaner
Rank #5
N/ACheck price
Great alternative option
Real Techniques Brush Cleansing Gel
Rank #6
N/ACheck price
Great alternative option
IT Cosmetics Brush Love Cleanser
Rank #7
N/ACheck price
Great alternative option
EcoTools Makeup Brush + Sponge Shampoo
Rank #8
N/ACheck price
Great alternative option
Morphe Brush Cleansing Balm
Rank #9
N/ACheck price
Great alternative option
Sigma Beauty SigMagic Brushampoo
Rank #10
N/ACheck price
Great alternative option

About the Author

Review Atlas Team - Editorial Team

Expert reviewers testing hundreds of products annually.
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