The 13 Best Makeup Brush Cleaners of 2026

I’ll be honest, cleaning my makeup brushes is my least favorite chore. It’s right up there with folding laundry. But I know it has to be done. Dirty brushes are gross—they’re breeding grounds for bacteria, which can cause breakouts. And they just don’t apply makeup as well.

So, I went on a mission to find the best makeup brush cleaner out there. I wanted something that made the process faster, easier, and less of a drag. I tested liquids, solids, sprays, and even a little machine to see what actually works.

These are the ones that really stood out and got my brushes squeaky clean without a ton of effort.

 

 

Our Favorite Brush Cleansers of 2026

EcoTools Makeup Brush + Sponge Shampoo

This one costs about $7. For the price, you really can’t beat it. It’s a gentle, plant-based formula that works on both my brushes and my makeup sponges. It doesn’t have any weird fragrances and has been tested by dermatologists, which I appreciate.

It gets the job done without any harsh chemicals. I just use a little bit with warm water, and it lathers up nicely to break down foundation and eyeshadow.

The Downside: For brushes with really caked-on, old makeup, I sometimes had to wash them twice to get everything out.

 

 

Jenny Patinkin Luxury Vegan Makeup Brush Soap

At around $19, this solid cleanser feels like a little spa treatment for your brushes. It’s totally vegan and uses coconut milk, so it’s super gentle on bristles. I love that it’s naturally antibacterial and antimicrobial without any added fragrance.

You just swirl a damp brush in the tin, and it creates a soft lather. It rinsed out clean and left my brushes feeling soft, not stripped.

The Downside: Because it’s a solid soap, it takes a little more swirling to get a good lather compared to a liquid shampoo.

 

 

MAC Cosmetics Brush Cleanser

This cleanser is $20, and it’s my go-to for a quick clean. This is the one I use when I’m switching between dark eyeshadow colors or just don’t have time for a full-on deep clean. You don’t even need water.

You just pour a little onto a paper towel and swirl the brush in it. It dissolves makeup instantly and dries in a minute. It also has conditioners in it, so it keeps the bristles from getting stiff.

The Downside: It’s not meant for a deep wash. If your foundation brush is heavily saturated, this won’t replace a proper shampoo and water session.

 

 

NYX On The Spot Makeup Brush Cleaner Spray

For just $10, this spray is perfect for daily sanitizing. I keep this on my vanity to give my brushes a quick spritz after I use them. It helps kill any surface germs and removes light pigment so they’re ready for the next day.

It’s so easy—just spray and wipe on a tissue. It’s a great habit to get into to keep your brushes cleaner for longer between deep washes.

The Downside: It does have a distinct scent. It’s not bad, but if you’re sensitive to fragrances, it might be a little strong for you.

 

 

Beautyblender blendercleanser solid

The classic solid cleanser costs $18. Nothing gets stubborn foundation stains out of a Beautyblender sponge like this stuff. It’s specifically made to break down makeup without tearing up the delicate sponge material.

It also comes with a little silicone scrub mat that’s great for lathering up brushes. I just wet my brush, swirl it on the soap, and then scrub it on the mat to get deep into the bristles.

The Downside: The included scrub mat is a bit flimsy for really working the soap into a dense Beautyblender; it’s much better suited for brushes.

 

 

UVé Beauty Instant Makeup Brush Cleaner with Conditioner

This quick-dry spray is about $20. Its big claim is that it kills 99.99% of bacteria, which is awesome if you’re prone to breakouts. I was surprised at how fast it works—you spray it on, wipe the brush, and it’s dry and ready to use almost immediately.

It works equally well on my natural and synthetic bristle brushes and leaves them feeling soft, thanks to the built-in conditioner.

The Downside: The bottle is pretty small, so if you have a lot of brushes to clean regularly, you might go through it quickly.

 

 

IT Brushes for ULTA Brush Bath Purifying Solid Brush Cleanser

Priced at $23, this is another solid option for a really deep clean. It has a great, subtle scent and lathers up really well to dissolve stubborn makeup and kill germs. It feels like it purifies the brushes without being harsh.

It worked wonders on my dense foundation brushes and even got my beauty sponges looking almost new again.

The Downside: This is a traditional soap, so it absolutely requires water and a full rinse. It’s not a quick spot-clean solution.

 

 

Clé de Peau Beauté Brush Conditioning Cleanser

Okay, this one is a splurge at $30. But if you’ve invested in expensive makeup brushes, this cleanser treats them right. It cleans effectively while leaving the bristles incredibly soft and conditioned, helping them keep their shape.

It also helps brushes dry faster, which is a nice perk. It just feels very luxurious to use.

The Downside: The price point is obviously high compared to other options on the market.

 

 

Alyfini Electric Makeup Brush Cleaner Machine

This little gadget costs $26, and it’s honestly pretty fun to use. You attach your brush to the spinner, dip it in a bowl of water and cleanser, and turn it on. It spins the brush clean in about 10 seconds. Then you lift it out of the water and spin it again to dry it.

It’s ridiculously fast and gets the brushes about 95% dry, so you can use them again almost right away. It comes with different-sized rubber collars to fit all my brushes.

The Downside: It doesn’t come with a cleaning solution, so you still have to buy a brush shampoo to use with it.

 

 

Sigma Beauty Sigmagic Brushampoo Liquid

For $20, you get a shampoo from a brand that knows brushes inside and out. This liquid formula is 100% natural, antimicrobial, and free of alcohol, so it won’t dry out your bristles. It’s designed to get deep into the brush head to dissolve everything.

I found it was amazing at removing oily foundations and concealers without needing a lot of product. A little goes a long way.

The Downside: Since it’s a liquid, it’s not the most travel-friendly option. I’d be worried about it spilling in my bag.