The 9 Best Makeup Brush Cleaners of 2021 — Expert Recs

Did you know that you should be cleaning your makeup brushes and sponges at least once a week? Yep, that’s right. Dermatologists recommend that scrubbing down our tools regularly in order to prevent bacteria buildup, which can lead to breakouts. Furthermore, legendary makeup artist Bobbi Brown says that the cleaner the brushes, the better they will work on your face — especially bigger, base-makeup tools like sponges and foundation brushes. 

To get those tools squeaky-clean, you first need to find the right brush cleaner. What makes a brush cleaner truly effective specifically on brushes and makeup tools starts with the ingredient list. According to cosmetic chemist Ginger King, the common thread in most formulas is surfactants, which are also found in shampoos. 

King says that some cleansers, like Tom Ford’s Brush Cleanser, also have silicones to create a coating on brush bristles to maintain softness, and esters, which, she explains, are ideal for removing stubborn debris like foundation and brightly pigmented eye shadows. The esters break down powders and creams to be washed away effortlessly. 

If you’re looking for a deep clean after going too long between washes or just a quick weekly cleanse, we’ve got you covered. We narrowed down the best formulas for whether you want to dip the same eye shadow brush in two hues for one look, or just really need to scrub away all the debris from your Beautyblender. 

Here, you’ll find options for every type of format, price, and more. Get ready to scrub-a-dub-dub.