Certifications
Free From
Highlights
Vegan
Cruelty-free
Fragrance-free
Essential oil-free
Recyclable packaging
Refillable
Recycled materials
Liquid
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Best Non-Toxic Brush Cleaners
We vetted brush cleaners against the Welpr Standard and here are our top picks.
Cofounder & Product Curator
Medical Reviewer, PhD
Here's what we look for:
- Simple formulas with fully natural or safe synthetic ingredients
- No parabens, PEGs, phthalates, harsh sulfates, BHA/BHT, artificial dyes, formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing ingredients, or undisclosed synthetic fragrance (unless certified safe)
- Minimal, non-irritating preservatives
- EU-compliant brands with third-party certifications when available
- Full transparency around sourcing, ingredients, and manufacturing practices
Best Non-Toxic Brush Cleaners
On Welpr, terms like "non-toxic," "safer," "cleaner," "healthier," and "vetted" are editorial labels based on our own standard for product assessment. They are not guarantees, certifications, or medical claims. Learn more.
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WELPR15Certifications
Free From
Highlights
Vegan
Cruelty-free
Made in USA
No synthetic fragrance
Money-back guarantee
Solid
Manual cleaning
Certifications
Free From
Highlights
Mat cleaning
Certifications
Free From
Highlights
Food-contact safe
Electric cleaning
Certifications
Free From
Highlights
Vegan
Cruelty-free
Fragrance-free
Solid
Manual cleaning
Certifications
Free From
Highlights
Vegan
Cruelty-free
Made in USA
No synthetic fragrance
Spray
Manual cleaning
Quick dry formula
Certifications
Free From
Highlights
Vegan
Cruelty-free
Made in USA
Liquid
Manual cleaning
Certifications
Free From
Highlights
Vegan
Cruelty-free
Hypoallergenic
Liquid
Manual cleaning
How to Swap to Non-Toxic brush cleaners:
Here's how to swap to non-toxic brush cleaners:
What to know about brush cleaner
Brush cleaner is used to remove makeup, oil, and buildup from your brushes and sponges. Because it often touches your hands during cleaning and leaves residue on tools that later contact your face, the formula matters more than you might expect.
- Residue left on brushes after cleaning can transfer to your skin with every use, especially around your eyes, lips, and cheeks.
- Welpr looks at the full formula — including fragrances, preservatives, and surfactants — to make sure nothing unnecessary stays behind on your tools.
Check your current brush cleaner
Take a look at the brush cleaner you use now. Use the Welpr Personal Care and Cosmetic Scanner to snap a photo of the ingredient label and see if anything gets flagged.
- Look for "fragrance" or "parfum" on the label — these often indicate synthetic fragrance that isn't fully disclosed.
- Check the cleaner you use most often first, especially if you use it on brushes that touch your face daily.
Use your current brush cleaner more safely
If you're not ready to switch yet, a few small changes can reduce what ends up on your skin. A thorough rinse after cleaning makes a big difference.
- Rinse brushes and sponges under running water for longer than usual after cleaning to remove as much residue as possible.
- Clean brushes in a well-ventilated area, especially if your cleaner has a strong scent or comes in a spray format.
Choose a cleaner brush cleaner
Look for brush cleaners with simple, short ingredient lists built around plant-based oils or gentle plant-derived surfactants. Fragrance-free options are the best starting point since your brushes touch your face after every wash.
- Skip products listing synthetic fragrance, parabens, phthalates, or harsh sulfates — solid or liquid formulas with minimal ingredients tend to be cleaner choices.
- Click the button above to shop Welpr Approved brush cleaner.
Camille May
Cofounder & Product Curator
Camille May is the co-creator of Welpr and a guide for clean living. After selling her last company in the health food space, she went non-toxic while working to heal an autoimmune condition....
Olushola M. Awoyemi
Medical Reviewer, PhD
Olushola M. Awoyemi (aka Shola) is a board-certified toxicologist and a research scientist with a PhD in Environmental Toxicology. Shola's long-term ambition is to be recognized as a world-renowned expert in toxicology,...