Your Cool Home is supported by its readers. Please assume all links are affiliate links. If you purchase something from one of our links, we make a small commission from Amazon. Thank you!
Cleaning makeup brushes with coconut oil is a gentle, effective way to break down foundation, concealer, and waterproof formulas while conditioning the bristles.
Coconut oil lifts stubborn makeup and keeps brush fibers soft, so it’s a smart natural option when you want a deep clean without harsh chemicals.
If you’ve been wondering how to clean makeup brushes with coconut oil without ruining them, the method is simpler than you’d think and works for both synthetic and natural bristles.
In this post, we’ll walk through how to clean makeup brushes with coconut oil step by step, why coconut oil works so well, and the mistakes to avoid so your brushes stay soft and last longer.
Let’s get into it.
Why Coconut Oil Works to Clean Makeup Brushes
Coconut oil cleans makeup brushes effectively, and here’s why it deserves a spot in your routine:
1. Oil Dissolves Oil-Based Makeup
Most makeup products, especially foundation, concealer, and waterproof mascara, are oil-based.
Like dissolves like, which means coconut oil melts right through product buildup that water alone can’t touch.
That’s the core reason coconut oil cleans makeup brushes so well, since it breaks down stubborn residue on contact.
2. It’s Antibacterial and Antifungal
Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties.
That means when you clean makeup brushes with coconut oil, you’re not just removing product, you’re also helping reduce the bacteria that builds up in damp bristles.
Cleaner brushes mean less chance of breakouts or irritation on your skin.
3. It Conditions the Bristles
Many brush cleansers strip natural oils and leave bristles dry and scratchy.
Coconut oil does the opposite.
It moisturizes and conditions brush fibers, keeping synthetic bristles supple and natural hair brushes from becoming brittle, which is a big reason coconut oil for makeup brushes is so popular.
4. It’s Affordable and Accessible
You probably already have a jar in your kitchen.
Using coconut oil to clean makeup brushes saves you money compared to pricey brush cleansers, and you only need a small amount per wash.
How to Clean Makeup Brushes with Coconut Oil Step by Step
Here’s the exact process for how to clean makeup brushes with coconut oil without damaging them:
1. Start with a Small Amount of Coconut Oil
Scoop out about a teaspoon of coconut oil into a small dish.
If your coconut oil is solid, warm it between your fingers or in the microwave for a few seconds until it’s liquid but not hot.
2. Massage the Oil into Wet Bristles
Run your brush bristles under lukewarm water, then swirl them into the coconut oil.
Gently massage the bristles between your fingers, working the oil from the base to the tips, and be careful to keep water and oil away from the ferrule (the metal part) so the glue doesn’t break down.
3. Rinse and Repeat if Needed
Rinse the bristles under lukewarm water until the water runs clear.
For heavily soiled brushes, repeat the process once more, then follow up with a few drops of gentle shampoo or soap to remove any oily residue.
4. Reshape and Dry Flat
Squeeze out excess water with a clean towel, reshape the bristles with your fingers, and lay the brushes flat to dry with the tips hanging slightly over the edge of the counter.
Never dry brushes upright, since water can seep into the ferrule and loosen the glue.
Mistakes to Avoid When You Clean Makeup Brushes with Coconut Oil
Coconut oil for cleaning makeup brushes is safe, but a few missteps can ruin your brushes:
1. Using Too Much Oil
Overdoing it leaves a greasy film that’s hard to rinse out and can cause breakouts when you use the brush again.
Less is more, so stick to a teaspoon or less per wash.
2. Skipping the Second Soap Wash
Coconut oil alone can leave residue, especially on dense brushes.
Always follow with a mild soap or brush shampoo to fully remove the oil before drying.
3. Using Hot Water
Hot water can damage bristles and weaken the glue in the ferrule.
Stick to lukewarm water every time you clean makeup brushes with coconut oil.
4. Not Cleaning Often Enough
Even with coconut oil, you should deep clean brushes at least once a week to keep bacteria at bay and your skin clear.
So, Can You Clean Makeup Brushes with Coconut Oil?
Yes, you can clean makeup brushes with coconut oil, and it’s one of the gentlest ways to break down oil-based makeup while conditioning the bristles.
Just use a small amount, rinse thoroughly, follow up with a mild soap, and always dry your brushes flat.
With this simple routine, coconut oil for makeup brushes will keep your tools soft, clean, and ready for flawless application every time.