Let’s talk brushes—your trusty tools that help you create flawless looks, day in and day out.
But here’s the truth: brushes get dirty. All that makeup, oil, and dirt builds up, making your tools a breeding ground for bacteria. Yikes! And what’s worse? Most store-bought cleaners are packed with harsh chemicals that can irritate your skin and aren’t great for the planet either.
So, what’s the solution? We’ve got your back! Welcome to our DIY Makeup Brush Cleaner, a gentle and effective way to clean your brushes in minutes—using ingredients that are as kind to your skin as they are to the environment. No chemicals, no harsh scents, just pure, natural goodness. Ready to give your brushes a spa day? Let’s dive into how you can whip up this simple yet powerful cleaner with just a few easy ingredients.
Here’s the deal: not only will your brushes get a fresh start, but you’ll also be doing a good thing for your skin and the planet! Let’s break it down.
Why DIY is Better

We’ve all been there—picking up a bottle of makeup brush cleaner, only to be hit with a long list of unpronounceable chemicals. Many store-bought cleaners contain harsh ingredients like parabens, sulfates, and alcohol, which can strip your brushes of their natural softness and even irritate your skin. 😬 Let’s not even talk about the synthetic fragrances, which can trigger allergies or sensitivity. Yikes!
But it doesn’t have to be this way! Here’s why going the DIY route is the better choice for both your brushes and the environment:
✨ Gentle on Your Skin
When you opt for natural ingredients you’re giving your skin a break from harsh chemicals. These ingredients are soothing, non-irritating, and ideal for sensitive skin—goodbye, redness and irritation!
🌱 Eco-Friendly and Sustainable
Store-bought brush cleaners often come in plastic bottles, contributing to waste. By making your own cleaner at home, you’re reducing packaging waste and supporting sustainability. Plus, many of the ingredients, like essential oils, are biodegradable and safer for the environment.
🌿 Natural and Nourishing Ingredients
Say hello to ingredients like witch hazel and essential oils. These natural powerhouses don’t just clean—they nourish and protect your brushes (and your skin!).
💚 Control Over What’s in Your Products
One of the best parts about DIY is that you know exactly what’s going on your brushes (and your face!). No mystery chemicals or surprise ingredients—just the pure, clean goodness of nature.
So, why not treat your brushes—and your skin—with the love they deserve? Let’s keep it natural, safe, and simple. Ready to make your own brush cleaner? Keep reading!
What’s in This Brush Cleaner Recipe?

Let’s take a closer look at the magic ingredients that make this DIY brush cleaner not just effective, but also soothing and gentle on your skin and brushes.
🌹 Rose Hydrosol
Rose Hydrosol is a water-based byproduct of steam-distilling rose petals, and it’s packed with calming and soothing properties. When used in this recipe, it helps to hydrate and balance both your skin and brushes. It’s the perfect ingredient to gently refresh your brushes while giving them a natural, fresh scent.
🌿 Witch Hazel
Witch Hazel isn’t just for skincare—it’s a powerhouse for your brushes too! When used in this cleaner, it helps remove makeup residue while keeping your brushes feeling soft and refreshed. It helps maintain the cleanliness of your brushes without drying them out.
🧼 Castile Soap
This gentle, plant-based soap is the secret to an effective yet non-toxic cleaner. Castile Soap effortlessly breaks down makeup, oils, and dirt while being kind to both your brushes and your skin. Its mild formula doesn’t strip your brushes of their natural softness, which means your bristles stay silky smooth and in tip-top shape for longer.
🍃 Tea Tree Essential Oil (Optional)
Tea Tree Essential Oil‘s antibacterial and antifungal properties make it the perfect addition to your brush cleaner. It helps fight off any bacteria or mold that may lurk in your brushes, keeping them fresh and sanitary. If you love the scent of tea tree, adding a drop to your cleaner can leave your brushes smelling clean and crisp.
💧 Distilled Water
Distilled water is the unsung hero of this recipe! It dilutes and balances the ingredients, creating the perfect consistency for your brush cleaner. Since it’s free of minerals and impurities, distilled water ensures that your solution stays fresh and doesn’t leave any unwanted residue on your brushes.
Each of these ingredients plays a crucial role in making this brush cleaner safe, effective, and oh-so-gentle. By using natural ingredients, you’re not only keeping your brushes clean, but you’re also treating your skin to some TLC. Ready to give your brushes the best cleaning they’ve ever had? Keep reading for the recipe!
Things To Remember When Using This Recipe

Always dilute an essential oil when using it on the skin. This essential oil recipe is unlikely to cause skin irritation when diluted properly. If the oil has oxidized (been left with the cap off for long periods of time), it is more likely to cause skin irritation. Check out this dilution chart for diluting this essential oil properly.

Some essential oil recipes are not generally safe to use if you are pregnant. Consult your doctor prior to use.

This recipe is safe to use with kids aged 2+.

For more information on using essential oils with cats, check out this blog post.

For more information on using essential oils with dogs, check out this blog post.
We don’t recommend ingesting essential oils unless directed by a doctor certified in aromatherapy. For more information on why we don’t ingest essential oils, check out this blog post.
*Please note: This post is a compilation of suggestions made by those that have extensively used essential oils and has not been verified scientifically with clinical tests nor reviewed by medical experts. It is anecdotal information and should be treated as such. For serious medical concerns, please consult your doctor. The statements given in this blog post have not been verified by the FDA
DIY Makeup Brush Cleaner Recipe
DIY Makeup Brush Cleaner Recipe
Ingredients
- 📦 FROM Simply Earth
1oz Rose Hydrosol
1oz Witch Hazel
1oz Castile Soap
1 drop Tea Tree Essential Oil (optional)
- 🏠 FROM YOUR HOME
1oz distilled water
Directions
- Mix all ingredients in glass jar or bowl.
- Wash brushes in solution, gently squeezing and working out make up residue.
- Flick dry and gently dab with a paper towel.
- Fluff occasionally while drying.
Let’s Keep Those Brushes Fresh and Clean—Naturally!

And there you have it! A simple, natural, and effective way to keep your makeup brushes sparkling clean without the harsh chemicals. Not only will your brushes thank you, but your skin and the environment will too. 🌍✨
By choosing this DIY Brush Cleaner, you’re also choosing a more sustainable path. Every bottle of store-bought cleaner you don’t buy means less waste and fewer chemicals in your beauty routine. So, why not take this small step to make a big difference? 🌱
Happy cleaning, and here’s to keeping your brushes—and the planet—fresh! 🌟
📸 Show off your creation!
Post your finished balm using the hashtag #IMadeThis for a chance to win a $100 Simply Earth gift card. We love seeing your creations, and who knows—you might inspire someone else to get started, too!
✨ Want more DIY beauty inspiration?
Download our Free Natural Makeup Guide and explore even more ways to make your routine clean, fun, and totally you.
📦 Ready to keep creating?
Subscribe to the Simply Earth Recipe Box to get new essential oil DIYs delivered to your door every month—easy, fun, and toxin-free.