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Best Non-Toxic Makeup Brush Cleaner in 2025
Updated:
Aug 28, 2025
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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
Find Non-Toxic Makeup Brush Cleaner
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Pure Castile Liquid Soap - Dr. Bronner's
Welpr Rating
4.95
/5
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$7.49
Product Details
- Made with over 70% certified organic and fair trade ingredients.
- No synthetic detergents or foaming agents; gentle and eco-friendly.
- Versatile uses include body wash, dish soap, and pet wash.
- Concentrated formula means less waste and more value.
- Packaged in 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Made with organic oils and free from synthetic ingredients.
- Extremely versatile for various cleaning tasks, from personal care to household cleaning.
- Gentle on sensitive skin and ideal for those with skin sensitivities.
- Eco-friendly and safe for the environment.
- Concentrated formula means you use less and it lasts longer.
- Unscented option available for those sensitive to fragrances.
Cons
- Some users recommend diluting the product as it is very concentrated.
- Not suitable for those who prefer thicker consistency in soaps.
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Aqua, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Potassium Hydroxide, Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Kernel Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Cannabis Sativa (Hemp) Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Citric Acid, Tocopherol
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
BLENDERCLEANSER Unscented Solid Cleanser - beautyblender
Welpr Rating
4.85
/5
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$18.00
Product Details
- Award-winning aqua-activated sponge ensures smooth and even makeup application.
- Minimizes product absorption, ensuring more formula reaches your skin.
- Versatile tool suitable for applying highlighters, foundations, and concealers.
- Includes a solid cleanser to remove dirt and oil, promoting a clean makeup application.
- Comes with a protective, shatterproof case for convenient storage and travel.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Highly effective at cleaning makeup brushes and sponges.
- Leaves brushes looking and feeling like new, without damage.
- Travel-friendly size and design makes it easy to bring along.
- Pleasant lavender scent adds a calming touch to your cleaning routine.
- Simple to use with no need for additional solutions or mixes.
Cons
- Some users may find the size smaller than expected for the price.
- A few users experienced sponge tearing if not used with enough soap.
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Sodium Palmate, Sodium Palm Kernelate, Aqua/Water/Eau, Glycerin, Coconut Acid, CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Palmitic Acid, Sodium Chloride, Tetrasodium EDTA, Tetrasodium Etidronate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Maltodextrin
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Liquid BLENDERCLEANSER - beautyblender
Welpr Rating
4.85
/5
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$20.00
Product Details
- Maintains the integrity of makeup sponges and brushes while removing excess residue.
- Infused with lavender, coconut, and sustainable palm oils for pleasant conditioning.
- Earth-friendly, soy-based, low-suds formula that rapidly breaks down.
- Free from parabens, phthalates, and sulfates, ensuring a gentle cleanse.
- Easy to use for a thorough cleanse, leaving applicators ready for fresh use.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Cleans makeup brushes and sponges effectively, leaving them like new.
- Easy to use with a pleasant lavender scent.
- Compact design makes it travel-friendly.
- Gentle formula prevents damage to brushes and sponges.
- It can double as a stain remover for fabrics.
Cons
- Some users may find the product smaller than expected, which could affect those needing larger quantities.
- A few users noticed that a pink dye may run off upon initial use, which could concern those wary of color transfer.
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Potassium Palm Kernelate, Potassium Oleate, Glycerin, Potassium Cocoate, Maris Salts, Potassium Citrate, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Citric Acid
The Brush Cleanser - Ogee
Welpr Rating
4.8
/5
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$30.00
Product Details
- Breaks down residual makeup and debris on brushes for a deep detox, lifting away skin-irritating impurities.
- Super-concentrated formula re-conditions brushes to reveal soft bristles without damaging their integrity.
- Encased in an easy-to-use jar, making it a convenient option for travel and storage.
- Made with 85% organic ingredients for skin-safe, effective cleaning.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Cleans makeup brushes effectively and effortlessly.
- Leaves brushes soft and without residue.
- Contains no harsh chemicals, making it gentle and safe.
- Has a pleasant and subtle fragrance.
- Encased in aesthetically pleasing packaging.
Cons
- Some users prefer a container that allows better drainage for quicker drying.
- A few users may find it necessary to ensure the product dries completely after use.
Ingredients
Ingredients: Sodium Palmate (made with Organic Palm Oil), Sodium Cocoate (made with Organic Coconut Oil), Aqua/Water, Glycerin (made with Organic Palm and/or Coconut Oil), Organic Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Sodium Citrate (†Corn), Glyceryl Caprylate (†Vegetable Sources), Sodium Gluconate (†Fermentation), Glyceryl Undecylenate (†Vegetable Sources)
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Sigmagic Brushampoo Liquid Makeup Brush Cleaner - Sigma Beauty
Welpr Rating
4.8
/5
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$19.20
Product Details
- Dissolves makeup build-up and residue for clean brushes and sponges.
- Penetrates bristles to remove tough pigment and foundation stains without oily residue.
- Made from high-quality, natural ingredients that are 100% hypoallergenic.
- Fragrance-free and free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates.
- Easy to use for deep and effective cleaning of makeup tools.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Effectively cleans makeup brushes and sponges with minimal effort.
- Eco-friendly ingredients ensure a safer cleaning experience.
- Gentle formula protects bristles, keeping brushes in good condition.
- Requires only a small amount for a thorough clean, making it long-lasting.
- Compatible with cleaning mats for enhanced cleaning results.
Cons
- Some users experience pump malfunctions, making dispensing difficult.
- May cause bristles to shed for a few users, particularly on older brushes.
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Cocos Nucifers (Coconut) Oil, Elaeis Fruit (Palm) Oil, Potassium Hydroxide
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Makeup Brush Cleaner Mat - Golikee
Welpr Rating
4.8
/5
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$9.99
Product Details
- 3-in-1 design allows for cleaning, drying, and storage of makeup brushes, helping keep your cosmetic tools clean.
- Made from superior silicone material, ensuring it's soft, durable, and reusable, protecting your brushes from damage.
- Features multi-textured surfaces suitable for different types of brushes, promoting thorough cleaning without residue.
- Prevents water spills with high and thickened sides, making it mess-free and practical.
- Ideal for home use, allowing brushes to dry upside down, maintaining their shape and integrity over time.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Efficiently cleans and dries brushes, preventing water damage.
- Multifunctional use as both a cleaner and drying stand.
- Compact design ideal for small spaces.
- Sturdy and durable material ensures lasting use.
- Highly recommended for keeping brushes clean and in good condition.
Cons
- Some larger brushes may not fit into the drying slots, which could matter to those with broader brush collections.
- A few users noted the handle or strap might be missing, impacting the hanging functionality.
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Silicone
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Botanical Brush Cleaner - Jane Iredale
Welpr Rating
4.8
/5
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$20.00
Product Details
- Quick-drying formula removes makeup, oil, and grime in seconds without water.
- Made with grapefruit oil and seaweed extracts for a fresh, non-toxic clean.
- Witch hazel and alcohol sanitize brushes without harsh chemicals.
- Ideal for both natural and synthetic brushes when you're short on time.
- Keeps brushes soft, fluffy, and ready for immediate use.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Helps prevent acne and keeps skin clear.
- Smells great with a pleasant, natural fragrance.
- Easy and quick to use for in-between brush cleaning.
- Conditions brushes, leaving them soft and ready to use.
Cons
- Some users find the fragrance a bit strong.
- May use up quickly due to the fine spray dispensing.
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Sd Alcohol 39-C, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Extract, Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan) Extract
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Electric Makeup Brush Cleaner - Abnaok
Welpr Rating
4.7
/5
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$18.99
Product Details
- Cleans 99% of makeup residues, oils, and dust to keep your brushes spotless.
- Features two modes: auto mode for cleaning multiple brushes and handheld mode for targeted cleaning.
- USB charging for convenient, travel-friendly use with any cellphone adapter or portable charger.
- Compatible with all sizes of makeup brushes, allowing you to clean multiple brushes at once.
- An ideal gift for makeup enthusiasts and professionals, perfect for various occasions.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Easy to use, making makeup brush cleaning a breeze.
- Includes a scrubby pad for deep cleaning, enhancing thoroughness.
- Loved by makeup enthusiasts, making it a great gift option.
Cons
- Some users may find it less effective on stubborn residues, requiring additional manual cleaning.
- Brush holder sizing might not fit all brush types well, particularly larger ones.
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Metal, Silicone
Our Product Rating System
First, Camille (co-creator of Welpr) hand picks cleaner product options from a variety of sources.
Next, we collect information about each product's safety, consumer satisfaction, and eco-ethical standing.
Finally, we run all this information through an algorithm that calculates the Welpr Rating.
Welpr Rating:
5.0/5
Part 1: Product safety
We evaluate safety information from 3rd party organizations (e.g. EWG, Made Safe, etc.). Instead of relying solely on any one of these companies for safety information, we assess all of them.
Part 2: Consumer satisfaction
We scour the web for consumer ratings and reviews to verify products are not only cleaner options, but also effective. Products can either be Above Average, Average, or Below average for their respective category (e.g. cleaning products).
Part 3: Ethics & Environment
When you buy a product, you’re supporting that company with your dollars. We believe it’s important to support ethical companies, so we pool together certifications that verify a company's ethics and environmental impact.
Common Harmful Chemicals in Makeup Brush Cleaner
Chemical Name
Why it’s harmful
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is recognised as a skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant according to ICSC. It may cause allergic reactions and eye irritation as stated by the HSDB. Exposure may even result in eye burns, as per CAMEO. Depending on its form - which may range from a solid (90-98% purity), to a paste (30-41%), or an aqueous solution (28-50%) - it can significantly irritate skin and eyes, with adverse effects escalating with increased concentration. Despite these hazards, it is not a skin sensitizer according to CHEMINFO, while eChemPortal: ERMA and MSDSonline endorse its classification as an irritant.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Sodium laureth sulfate, derived from ethoxylated lauryl alcohol, is a surfactant used in sudsy products like toothpaste, detergents, and shampoos. While it acts as a cleansing and emulsifying agent, it can sometimes contain toxic impurities such as 1,4-dioxane. This chemical has raised health concerns due to its potential to cause skin, lung, and eye irritation, organ toxicity, and, primarily because of contamination by 1,4 dioxane, cancer.
Sources:
The Dirty Dozen: Sodium Laureth Sulfate, 15 Toxic Trespassers, SKIP PRODUCTS MADE WITH SLES (AND SLS, TOO!), Campaign for Safe Costmetics: 1,4-DIOXANE, WHAT IS SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE: CHEMICAL FREE LIVING, A new formula for a mild body cleanser: sodium laureth sulphate supplemented with sodium laureth carboxylate and lauryl glucoside,
Phthalate
Phthalates, linked to endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity, and cancer, are banned in the European Union but remain prevalent in U.S. cosmetics. They are widely used in personal care products, such as nail polish, fragrances, and eyelash glue and other products. A significant loophole allows phthalates to be added to fragrances without disclosure. Health concerns include endocrine disruption, developmental and reproductive toxicity, and potential carcinogenicity.
Sources:
Campaign for Safe Cosmetics: Phthalates, Product Profile: Hand Sanitizer, Phthalates in Cosmetics, Phthalates in cosmetic and personal care products: concentrations and possible dermal exposure, A Survey of Phthalates and Parabens in Personal Care Products from the United States and Its Implications for Human Exposure, Phthalates Factsheet, BPA and Phthalates: Chemicals found in our homes
Butylparaben
Butylparaben, a chemical used in various products, has been shown to cause skin irritation in humans and potential sensitization in dermatitis patients. Animal studies indicate that it has low to moderate oral toxicity and can cause damage to the liver, spleen, and thymus. It can also lead to cell proliferation in rats' stomachs, though it was not found to be carcinogenic or mutagenic. However, it may negatively impact sperm viability and activity, as demonstrated in different in vitro and in vivo studies. Lastly, it proposed weaker aquatic toxicity compared to parabens with longer alkyl chains, but still showed estrogenic effects in certain fish species.
Ethylparaben
Ethylparaben is a chemical used as a preservative in various products including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and adhesives. It exhibits low toxicity in humans and animals, but can cause skin irritation, particularly when applied to damaged skin, and may worsen pre-existing skin conditions. Despite causing cell proliferation in rats' forestomachs and chromosomal aberrations in a hamster ovary cell test, it has shown no evidence of causing cancer. However, it was found to be toxic to fetuses at doses toxic to the mother, though it did not cause malformations (nonteratogenic). Interestingly, while it impacted sperm viability in lab conditions, it showed no negative effects on mouse sperm in actuality.
Sources:
Campaign For Safe Cosmetics: Parabens, Product Profile: Hand Sanitizer, Parabens At A Glance, What to Know About Parabens, The effects of ethylparaben and propylparaben on the development and fecundity of Drosophila melanogaster, Ethylparaben, Amended Safety Assessment of Parabens as Used in Cosmetics, WHAT ARE PARABENS: CHEMICAL FREE LIVING, Biomonitoring Summary
Methylparaben
Methylparaben is an antimicrobial preservative used in food, drugs, and cosmetics. Some individuals can develop contact dermatitis on skin exposure, and allergic reactions have been reported on ingestion, though the evidence is not conclusive. Data from animal studies suggest that methylparaben is practically non-toxic and non-irritating in normal skin conditions, with high thresholds for observed adverse effects. However, it showed chromosome aberrations in a cell assay and variable results in different uterotrophic assays. An ecotoxicity study found changes in the expression of certain genes at specific concentrations in male medaka, a type of fish.
Propylparaben
Propylparaben is a stable, non-volatile compound utilized as an antimicrobial preservative in food, drugs, and cosmetics. Human exposure can cause sensitization especially if applied to damaged skin and may cause contact sensitivity with high concentrations. Extensive animal studies reveal that propylparaben is relatively non-toxic, yet it can mildly irritate skin, affect sperm counts in substantial levels, and trigger cell proliferation in the forestomach of rats. However, it is not carcinogenic, mutagenic, or clastogenic, and a significant no-observed-adverse-effect level was reported in rats. Ecotoxicity studies show that it can lead to an increase in plasma vitellogenin levels in rainbow trout and a significant decline of vitellogenin production in zebrafish at varying concentrations.
Isobutylparaben
Isobutylparaben belongs to the paraben family of preservatives used in the food, pharmaceutical, and personal care product industries. Parabens mimic estrogen and have been found in breast cancer tumors in some studies. Parabens are commonly found in various personal care products and foods and have been associated with endocrine disruption, skin cancer risk, developmental and reproductive toxicity, and potential behavioral changes in offspring when exposed during gestation.
Isopropylparaben
Isopropylparaben belongs to the parabens family of preservatives utilized in the food, pharmaceutical, and personal care sectors. Parabens have estrogen-mimicking properties and pose a potential risk as endocrine disruptors. Research has detected parabens in the breast cancer tumors of a significant number of studied women, raising concerns about their safety and hormonal effects.
Authors
Camille May, Product Curator
Olushola M. Awoyemi, Medical Reviewer
