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Best Non-Toxic Makeup Brush Cleaner in 2024
Written by Camille May
Cofounder & Product Curator
Medically reviewed by Olushola Awoyemi
PhD Environmental Toxicology
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What you should know when choosing non-toxic makeup brush cleaner on Welpr:
- Only the cleanest products make it onto Welpr.
- We use a score called the Welpr Rating to rank each product.
- The Welpr Rating is based on math, not opinion, ensuring it's free from human bias.
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
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$9.66
Product Details
- Made with over 70% certified organic and fair trade ingredients, promoting ethical working conditions and fair prices.
- Contains organic and fair trade palm kernel oil from smallholder farmers in Ecuador, ensuring sustainable harvesting and benefits to local communities.
- Free from synthetic preservatives, detergents, and foaming agents, making it environmentally friendly and suitable for sensitive skin.
- Highly concentrated formula allows for multiple uses including laundry, mopping, dishwashing, and more, reducing packaging waste.
- Packaged in 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles, supporting waste reduction and environmental sustainability.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Mild
- Refreshing
- Versatile
Cons Mentioned
- Pricey
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.
Sigmagic Brushampoo Liquid Makeup Brush Cleaner - Sigma Beauty
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$10.89
Product Details
- Dissolves makeup build-up and residue on brushes and sponges
- Penetrates deep into brush bristles for effective cleaning
- Free from oily residue post-use
- Made with high-quality, natural ingredients
- 100% hypoallergenic and free from harsh chemicals
- Fragrance-free and formulated without parabens, sulfates, and phthalates
- Prevents growth of residue for up to 2 weeks after use
- Simple application: requires 1-3 pumps, use of a brush cleaning tool, and rinsing with warm water
- Ready-to-use liquid formula provides deeper cleaning than traditional sprays
- Suitable for various types of brushes including foundation, beauty blender, and eye brushes
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Effective
- Quick
- Gentle
Cons Mentioned
- Soapy
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 and Sponge Shampoo - EcoTools
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$6.96
Product Details
- The EcoTools brush shampoo effectively removes makeup, dirt, oil, and other impurities from makeup tools.
- Formulated without harsh chemicals, ensuring a gentle cleanse.
- Suitable for maintaining the good condition of brushes and makeup sponges, promoting smooth makeup application.
- Simple application process: wet brushes or sponges, apply a small amount of cleanser, rinse, and lay flat to dry.
- Free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and petroleum-based ingredients.
- Dermatologist tested, hypoallergenic, and fragrance-free, safe for sensitive skin.
- 100% vegan and cruelty-free.
- Designed to be eco-friendly as part of EcoTools’ commitment to sustainability.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Eco-friendly
- Effective
- Convenient
Cons Mentioned
- Inconsistent
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, Eau), Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate, Lauryl Glucoside, Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Phytate, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate
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 Lavender Solid for Cleaning Makeup Sponges, Brushes & Applicators - beautyblender
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$15.30
Product Details
- Removes excess product, dirt, and oil from makeup sponges and brushes for a cleaner application.
- Infused with lavender, coconut, and sustainable palm oils, which conditions and leaves a pleasant scent.
- Protects against 99.7% of harmful germs for up to 24 hours after cleansing.
- Vegan and cruelty-free formula, free from parabens, phthalates, and sulfates.
- Equipped with a textured, pink silicone pad to enhance deep cleaning by helping the cleanser penetrate more effectively.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Effective
- Easy
- Durable
Cons Mentioned
- Pricey
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
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$20.00
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Effective
- Gentle
- Fragrant
Cons Mentioned
- Pricey
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.
Liquid BLENDERCLEANSER for Cleaning Makeup Sponges, Brushes & Applicators - beautyblender
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$17.00
Product Details
- Cleanser supports the integrity of the beautyblender by removing excess residue and germs for a clean makeup application.
- Infused with lavender, coconut, and sustainable palm oils to condition the foam while removing buildup and providing a pleasant scent.
- Features a soy-based, low-suds formula that is earth-friendly and biodegrades quickly.
- Free from parabens, phthalates, and sulfates.
- Vegan and cruelty-free, ensuring no harm to animals and adherence to ethical standards.
- Easy-to-use instructions: wet the sponge or brush, swirl the cleanser onto stains to lather, rinse, and squeeze out excess water, then allow to dry completely.
- Professional-grade formula protects against 99.7% of harmful germs, ensuring effective sanitation.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Effective
- Convenient
- Long-lasting
Cons Mentioned
- Pricey
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.
Dry Brush Cleaner - e.l.f.
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$4.00
Product Details
- Reusable and suitable for on-the-go and in-between regular cleaning sessions
- Effectively removes stubborn makeup and pigment residues from brushes without soap or water
- Designed for daily use without altering or damaging the brushes
- Simple usage: swipe brush bristles on the sponge in circular motions to clean
- Made from skin-loving, vegan, and cruelty-free ingredients
- Leaping Bunny Certified
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Effective
- Convenient
- Reusable
Cons Mentioned
- Small
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 3 in 1 Silicone Makeup Brush Cleaner Bowl - Golikee
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$9.99
Product Details
- 3 in 1 design functions for storing, cleaning, and drying makeup brushes.
- Features a bowl side with a multi-textured bottom for effective brush cleaning, and a separate side designed with various shaped and sized mesh sections for drying brushes upside down.
- Made of premium silicone and PP materials that are soft, durable, and reusable, ensuring no damage to the brushes while using.
- Incorporates four different textures to accommodate and thoroughly clean various types of brushes including those used for powder, sponge, and makeup eggs.
- Designed to prevent water spillage with heightened and thickened sides of the bowl.
- Detachable makeup brush holder enhances convenience, allowing for easy use, washing, and reassembly.
- Mesh structure securely holds multiple brushes of different sizes, suitable for both drying and everyday storage.
- Easy cleaning process by adding cleaning solution, brushing gently in the bowl, rinsing, and then allowing to dry in a well-ventilated area.
- Ideal as a gift, boasting an elegant and trendy appearance suitable for friends, family, or as a thoughtful thank you gift.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Efficient
- Convenient
- Innovative
Cons Mentioned
- Limited
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.
Beauty Tool & Makeup Brush Cleaner - Skin Gym
Highlights
Est. Price
$18.00
Product Details
- Removes dirt and oil on sponges, applicators, and skincare accessories.
- Formulated with lavender, tea tree, and rosemary extracts.
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
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$17.99
Product Details
- Features a powerful motor delivering 7000 rotations per minute for effective cleaning.
- Incorporates two cleaning modes: auto mode for cleaning multiple brushes simultaneously, and a handheld mode optimized for foundation and concealer brushes.
- Includes a USB charging capability, allowing connection to any cellphone adapter or portable charger.
- Comes equipped with a removable silicone container for hand washing brushes if preferred, enhancing its portability.
- Offers a complete package including an electric makeup brush cleaner, a silicone cleaning mat, a USB charging cable, and a user manual.
- Ideal as a gift for occasions like Mother's Day, birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine's Day, suitable for professional makeup artists and makeup enthusiasts.
- Designed with a brush holder to automatically clean makeup brushes hands-free.
- Utilizes a simple one-touch start function for ease of use.
- Operates on plug-in power with no battery required, promoting environmental friendliness and energy efficiency.
- Engineered with plastic pillars that provide all-round cleaning coverage to bristles of every size.
- Supports automatic cleaning for most small and medium-sized brushes and manual cleaning for larger brushes.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Easy
- Gentle
- Fun
Cons Mentioned
- Ineffective
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.
Daily Brush Cleaner - e.l.f.
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$5.99
Product Details
- Quick cleaning in-between makeup applications
- Disinfects brushes to ensure a fresh and clean application every time
- Helps to keep brushes lasting longer for extended use
- New and improved leak-proof design for easy travel on-the-go
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Effective
- Affordable
- Convenient
Cons Mentioned
- Fragrant
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: Alcohol, Water (Aqua), Fragrance (Parfum)
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.
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