How To Clean Your Makeup Brushes Without Harsh Chemicals Or Drying Them Out

Clean makeup brushes are essential for flawless application and healthy skin. Over time, bristles accumulate oils, bacteria, dead skin cells, and residual products that can clog pores, cause breakouts, and degrade brush performance. While many commercial cleaners contain alcohol, sulfates, or synthetic fragrances—ingredients that can strip natural bristles and irritate sensitive skin—it’s entirely possible to deep-clean your tools using gentle, non-toxic alternatives. The key is balancing thorough sanitation with care for the delicate fibers of each brush. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can maintain soft, supple bristles while ensuring hygiene without relying on harsh detergents or drying solvents.

Why Natural Cleaning Matters for Makeup Brushes

Makeup brushes, especially those made with natural animal hair like sable or goat, are porous and sensitive to chemical exposure. Harsh cleansers containing alcohol or strong surfactants may remove grime quickly but often compromise the integrity of the bristles over time. Repeated use of these products leads to fraying, shedding, and brittleness—signs of a brush that's prematurely aged. Synthetic brushes, though more resilient, aren't immune; aggressive cleaning can weaken their structure too.

Beyond material damage, residue from chemical cleaners can linger in bristles and transfer to your skin during application. For individuals with acne-prone, reactive, or sensitive complexions, this increases the risk of irritation and inflammation. Choosing mild, plant-based cleaning agents not only preserves your investment in quality tools but also supports long-term skin health.

“Brushes cleaned with natural ingredients retain their shape and softness far longer than those exposed to alcohol-based formulas.” — Lila Nguyen, Professional Makeup Artist & Skincare Educator

Safe, Effective Ingredients for Chemical-Free Brush Cleaning

The foundation of a gentle cleaning routine lies in selecting ingredients that dissolve makeup and kill bacteria without stripping moisture. Many household items double as excellent brush cleansers when used correctly:

• Castile soap: A plant-based liquid soap derived from olive oil, it effectively lifts oils and pigments while remaining pH-balanced and biodegradable.
• Coconut oil: Acts as a natural conditioner and helps break down waterproof makeup like mascara and eyeliner.
• Apple cider vinegar (diluted): Offers mild antimicrobial properties and helps remove product buildup without drying.
• Honey: Contains natural enzymes and antibacterial compounds; ideal for spot-cleaning or conditioning.
• Olive oil or jojoba oil: Excellent for deep conditioning after washing to restore suppleness.

These ingredients work synergistically to cleanse and nourish. Unlike synthetic detergents that aggressively emulsify oils, natural options lift debris gently, preserving the proteins within both natural and synthetic bristles.

Tip: Always dilute essential oils if adding them for scent—tea tree or lavender oil in small amounts ( e.g., 1–2 drops per ounce) add antibacterial benefits without irritation.

Step-by-Step Guide to Deep Clean Without Drying Out Bristles

Follow this weekly cleaning protocol to keep brushes pristine and flexible. This method works for all brush types, including eyeshadow, blending, foundation, and concealer brushes.

1. Prep Your Workspace: Lay down a towel near the sink. Gather castile soap, a small bowl, lukewarm water, a drop of coconut oil (optional), and a second bowl with diluted apple cider vinegar (1 part vinegar to 3 parts water).
2. Rinse Gently Under Lukewarm Water: Hold the brush at an angle under running water, keeping the ferrule (metal base) dry to prevent glue degradation. Swirl bristles lightly to loosen surface product.
3. Create a Gentle Cleansing Solution: Mix 1 tablespoon of castile soap with ½ cup of warm water in a bowl. Add 1 teaspoon of melted coconut oil for extra conditioning, especially for natural-hair brushes.
4. Swirl and Massage: Dip the bristles into the solution and swirl against the palm of your hand or a silicone brush-cleaning mat. Focus on creating a lather that pulls out pigment and oil. Avoid scrubbing the ferrule to protect the glue.
5. Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse under lukewarm water until the runoff is clear. Squeeze excess water gently from the base toward the tips using your fingers.
6. Disinfect Naturally (Optional): Soak bristles for 5 minutes in the diluted apple cider vinegar solution to neutralize bacteria. Do not submerge the entire brush.
7. Condition the Bristles: Apply a tiny amount of olive or jojoba oil (less than a pea-sized drop) to the tips of the bristles. Gently comb through with a clean spoolie or finger to distribute.
8. Reshape and Dry Properly: Reshape the brush head with your fingers. Lay flat on a towel with bristles hanging slightly off the edge to encourage drainage and prevent water from seeping into the handle. Never stand brushes upright in a cup while wet—this promotes mold and loosens the glue.

Drying typically takes 6–12 hours depending on humidity and brush density. Avoid heat sources like hairdryers or radiators, which accelerate evaporation and cause brittleness.

Do’s and Don’ts of Natural Brush Care

Do’s	Don’ts
Use lukewarm water—never hot	Soak brushes overnight or submerge ferrules
Clean brushes every 1–2 weeks (more often for liquid products)	Use dish soap or shampoo daily—they’re too alkaline
Lay brushes flat to dry with bristles overhanging the edge	Store damp brushes in closed containers
Condition with natural oils monthly	Apply oil near the ferrule where it can weaken adhesive
Spot-clean between deep washes with a spray of witch hazel and water	Use rubbing alcohol frequently—it dries out bristles rapidly

Real Example: How Sarah Revived Her Shedding Blending Brushes

Sarah, a freelance makeup artist based in Portland, noticed her premium kabuki and blending brushes were losing shape and shedding after six months of frequent use. She had been using a popular foaming brush cleanser marketed as “deep cleaning,” but found the bristles increasingly stiff and unresponsive. After switching to a homemade castile soap and coconut oil wash, followed by monthly conditioning with jojoba oil, she observed a dramatic improvement within three weeks. Not only did shedding decrease, but the brushes picked up and blended powder products more evenly. “I realized I was over-cleaning with something too strong,” she said. “Now I clean gently once a week and condition monthly. They feel like new again.”

Maintaining Long-Term Brush Health Between Washes

Deep cleaning once a week is ideal for heavily used brushes, but daily maintenance extends their lifespan and reduces the need for intensive washing. Consider these interim practices:

• Wipe after each use: Use a microfiber cloth or tissue to remove excess product from bristles immediately after application.
• Use a daily spritz: Fill a spray bottle with equal parts distilled water and witch hazel (alcohol-free), plus one drop of tea tree oil. Lightly mist bristles and wipe on a clean cloth to sanitize between uses.
• Rotate your brushes: Own multiple versions of high-use brushes (like foundation or blush) so each gets adequate rest and drying time.
• Store upright in breathable holders: Keep brushes in ceramic cups or open-air stands. Avoid sealed cases unless fully dry.

Tip: Never share makeup brushes directly—even among family members—to minimize bacterial cross-contamination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use baby shampoo to clean my brushes?

Yes, but sparingly. Baby shampoo is gentler than regular shampoo due to lower pH and fewer sulfates, making it suitable for occasional use. However, it still contains detergents that can build up over time. For regular cleaning, castile soap is a better choice because it’s plant-based and free of synthetic additives.

How often should I deep-clean natural vs. synthetic brushes?

Natural-hair brushes used for powders benefit from cleaning every two weeks. Those used with creams or liquids should be washed weekly. Synthetic brushes, commonly used for liquids and foundations, should be cleaned weekly regardless, as they trap more oils and preservatives. Conditioning should occur monthly for both types to prevent dryness.

Is vinegar safe for all brush types?

When diluted (1:3 with water), apple cider vinegar is safe for both natural and synthetic bristles and acts as a natural disinfectant. However, avoid using it more than once a month, as excessive acidity can degrade protein fibers in natural hair over time. Always rinse thoroughly afterward.

Checklist: Weekly Natural Brush Cleaning Routine

• ☐ Gather supplies: castile soap, coconut oil, two bowls, towel, jojoba oil
• ☐ Pre-rinse bristles under lukewarm water (keep ferrule dry)
• ☐ Mix cleansing solution: 1 tbsp castile soap + ½ cup warm water + 1 tsp coconut oil
• ☐ Swirl bristles in solution and massage palm to create lather
• ☐ Rinse until water runs clear
• ☐ Optional: soak in diluted ACV (1:3) for 5 minutes
• ☐ Condition tips with a tiny drop of jojoba or olive oil
• ☐ Reshape bristles and lay flat to dry overnight
• ☐ Store only when completely dry

Conclusion: Gentle Care for Lasting Beauty Tools

Your makeup brushes are an extension of your artistry and self-care ritual. Treating them with kindness—not just cleanliness—ensures they perform beautifully for years. By replacing harsh chemicals with thoughtful, natural solutions, you protect both the tools and your skin. The process doesn’t require expensive products or complicated steps; it simply asks for consistency and care. Start tonight by giving one heavily used brush a gentle wash using castile soap and let it air-dry properly. Notice the difference in texture and performance. When you invest in mindful maintenance, your brushes return the favor with smoother blends, truer color payoff, and lasting resilience.

💬 Have a favorite natural cleaning hack? Share your tip in the comments and help others keep their brushes soft, safe, and stunning!