Natural vs. Synthetic Makeup Brushes: Which is Better?

Getting Started: As a seasoned designer in the makeup brush manufacturing industry, I hold no bias towards any type of brush bristle. From a designer's perspective, I aim to provide an objective and balanced explanation of the pros and cons of synthetic and natural hair, as well as their suitability for different types of makeup products. I hope this information will be helpful to you.

Conclusion First:Neither natural makeup brushes nor synthetic brushes are inherently better than the other. As with most things, it all depends on the specific characteristics of each type of bristle and how well they complement certain types of makeup products to deliver the best application results and makeup experience. Of course, your personal preferences matter greatly as well. Let’s dive deeper into understanding these two materials.

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Understanding Natural and Synthetic Bristles

• ‍Natural Hair
  Natural Hair are what we commonly refer to as animal hair, including goat hair, pony hair, squirrel hair, fox hair, and sable hair. There are also some less common types, such as badger hair, raccoon hair, mink hair, jade hair, rabbit hair, and dog spine hair.
• ‍Synthetic Fibers
  Synthetic fibers, as you guessed, are artificial bristles. Commonly used in makeup brushes are polyester fibers, nylon bristles, PBT, PET, microcrystalline fibers, BASF fibers, and some rare ones like PLA fibers, Taklon fibers, and rayon fibers.

Note: From our perspective as manufacturers, goat hair, depending on the environment, climate, diet, and the part of the body it is sourced from, can be divided into approximately eight grades. Most goat hair used today comes from by-products of the livestock industry, while some rare types of goat hair have become exceedingly scarce. Squirrel hair also comes in many varieties, such as Canadian white squirrel, Chinese yellow squirrel, red squirrel, and gray (blue) squirrel.

Synthetic fibers, on the other hand, are created through chemical reactions. Small molecular monomers (e.g., petroleum, natural gas, or plant-based raw materials) are polymerized into high-molecular polymers, which are then processed through drawing, heating, cooling, and other steps to form fibers. Differences in raw material composition and manufacturing processes give these fibers their unique physical, chemical, and mechanical properties.

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Natural Hair vs. Synthetic Fibers: Pros and Cons Analysis

Advantages of Natural Hair

1. ✅ Superior Powder Gripping Ability
   Natural hair has a porous surface structure, much like human hair, with rich cuticles that enable it to absorb and hold powder products such as blush, setting powder, and eyeshadow. This exceptional powder pick-up and release capability delivers outstanding results, whether you’re using a large setting powder brush or detailed eyeshadow and blending brushes.
2. ✅ Sharp and Soft Tips
   The translucent tip of natural hair, often referred to as the "hair peak," is both sharp and soft. This structure allows the hair to conform perfectly to the skin’s texture, reaching even the smallest creases and contours. It is particularly well-suited for detailed work in areas like the eyelids, creases, and corners of the eyes, especially when paired with finely milled powder products.
3. ✅ Soft and Luxurious Texture
   Many natural hairs, such as fox and squirrel hair, feel incredibly soft, akin to a baby’s skin. This luxurious texture provides a gentle, pleasant sensation on the skin, making it ideal for creating light and natural makeup looks.
4. ✅ Excellent Blending Capability
   Natural hair excels at blending colors seamlessly, resulting in more uniform, soft, and dimensional makeup. Its ability to effortlessly mix and diffuse colors makes it a preferred choice for achieving professional-looking finishes.

Disadvantagesof Natural Hair

1. ❌ Difficult to Clean and Maintain
   The porous nature of natural hair makes it prone to absorbing oils, product residues, and bacteria, requiring more time and effort for proper cleaning and maintenance. The right washing methods, drying techniques, and shaping treatments are essential for maintaining the performance of natural hair brushes. Improper cleaning can not only reduce effectiveness but also shorten the lifespan of the brush.
2. ❌ Ethical and Environmental Concerns
   Natural hair brushes are often criticized for their association with animal-derived materials. Many consumers question whether their sourcing and production adhere to ethical and environmental standards, prompting some to opt for cruelty-free synthetic alternatives.
3. ❌ Limited Customization
   Like human hair, natural hair are not well-suited for dyeing. Typically, only goat hair undergoes basic dyeing treatments, resulting in white or grayish-black tones. Other animal hairs are generally unsuitable for color treatment. This limits the variety of brush colors compared to synthetic fibers, which can be dyed in a rainbow of shades.‍
4. ❌ Higher Cost
   The complex process of obtaining natural hair, which relies on animal sourcing, makes it more expensive compared to the mass production of synthetic fibers. However, some high-end synthetic brushes with advanced technology and exceptional performance can be priced even higher than natural hair brushes.

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Advantages of Synthetic Fibers

1. ✅ Versatility
   Synthetic fibers, especially straight ones, have smooth, non-porous surfaces that do not absorb product, making them ideal for liquid and cream-based makeup such as foundations, concealers, and cream blushes. Curved synthetic fibers, with their evenly distributed high and low waves, can also pick up powders effectively and serve as powder brushes.
2. ✅ Easy to Clean
   The non-porous structure of synthetic fibers allows for easier and more efficient cleaning, reducing the risk of bacterial growth and eliminating the need for specialized cleaning agents.
3. ✅ Customizability and Durability
   Synthetic fibers are generally more durable, less prone to shedding or deforming, and highly resistant to chemical and physical wear. They can also be dyed in any color, offering endless design possibilities when paired with ferrules and handles.
4. ✅ Ethical and Sustainable Choice
   High-quality synthetic fiber brushes are free of animal-derived materials, making them a top choice for vegans and eco-conscious consumers.
5. ✅ Cost-Effective
   Synthetic brushes are easier to produce and therefore more affordable, making them highly competitive in the market.

Disadvantages of Synthetic Fibers

1. ❌ Weaker Powder Gripping
   Synthetic fibers rely on machine-created micro-waves to mimic the powder-gripping ability of natural hair. However, their performance in picking up and holding powders like setting powders or blushes is generally inferior to natural hair.
2. ❌ Lack of Sharp and Soft Tips
   While synthetic fibers can feature pointed tips through machine processing, they lack the natural sharpness and softness of natural hair, which limits their ability to handle fine details effectively, particularly in delicate areas like the eyelids.
3. ❌ Less Luxurious Feel
   Even high-quality synthetic fibers struggle to replicate the softness and luxurious feel of natural hair. While some rare and expensive synthetic fibers come close, most affordable options still fall short in comparison.
4. ❌ Inconsistent Quality
   The quality of synthetic brushes can vary greatly across brands, with lower-end products often delivering subpar performance. This inconsistency can lead to complaints from consumers unfamiliar with the properties of different synthetic bristles.

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Supplementary Discussion on the Controversial Points of Natural Hair Makeup Brushes

Ethical Criticism and Moral Choices

The ethical concerns surrounding natural hair makeup brushes have been a highly debated topic for years. Influenced by mainstream brands and environmentalist ideologies, some consumers automatically associate natural hair brushes with animal cruelty, even going as far as to equate using natural hair brushes with supporting animal abuse or testing. While this viewpoint stems from a desire to protect animal rights, it can sometimes be overly biased.

"Renowned brands like Hakuhodo and Chikuhodo adhere to strict ethical sourcing practices, ensuring that natural hair is collected without causing harm to animals."

In reality, many high-quality natural hair makeup brush brands adhere to strict ethical standards, ensuring that the sourcing of animal hair is humane and non-invasive. If you’re intrigued by the performance of natural hair brushes but hesitant due to ethical concerns, Referring to this article "Are Natural Hair Brushes Really UnethicalYou might find the answers you're looking for.

Sensitive Skin Friendliness

Many consumers have reported that natural hair brushes might not be as friendly to sensitive skin, but the underlying causes require deeper analysis.

1. Allergic Reactions
   If someone is allergic to goat hair or other animal hair, this is comparable to being allergic to mangoes, pollen, or other natural substances. For individuals with inherent sensitivities, simply avoiding the use of such brushes is sufficient. This does not detract from the performance of natural hair brushes for the majority of users.
2. Improper Cleaning
   If brushes are not cleaned properly, bacterial growth can occur, potentially irritating the skin. This issue is not exclusive to natural hair brushes—synthetic brushes can cause similar problems. The key lies in regular and proper cleaning and maintenance practices.
3. Skin Sensitivity to Texture
   Extremely sensitive skin may feel discomfort from the cuticle structure of natural hair, which could cause a prickly sensation. However, this is not exclusive to natural brushes; any brush bristle might cause mild discomfort on such skin. For these users, ultra-soft brush materials such as fox hair, squirrel hair, or high-quality BASF synthetic fibers are recommended to minimize discomfort.

Care and Maintenance

Is the lifespan of natural hair brushes shorter?
This is a point that warrants clarification. While natural hair brushes do require more meticulous care, such as proper cleaning techniques, avoiding excessive friction, and using suitable drying methods, this does not mean they have a shorter lifespan. With proper care, high-quality natural hair brushes (e.g., goat hair) can last over 10 years, a fact proven by countless real-life experiences. Interested in how to properly clean makeup brushes? Learn how to care for your makeup brushes correctly from a factory's perspective. Refer to "How to clean the makeup brushes?"

Although maintaining natural hair brushes demands more time and effort, the superior performance and luxurious experience they provide are long-lasting rewards. In contrast, synthetic brushes are easier to clean and maintain due to their lack of cuticle structure and resistance to changes in temperature and humidity. However, for those seeking premium results, natural hair brushes remain irreplaceable.

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How to Choose Makeup Brushes as an Average Consumer

Material Selection: Balance Between Product Compatibility and Budget

• Synthetic Fiber Brushes
  For creamy, liquid, or gel-based makeup products, synthetic fiber brushes are an excellent choice. They don’t absorb too much product, are easy to clean, and deliver an even finish. These features and performance are more than sufficient for daily makeup routines.
• Natural Hair Brushes
  If you primarily use powder-based products, natural hair brushes are a better fit due to their superior powder-gripping ability and soft texture. They are especially ideal for eye brushes, excelling in blending and color application.
• Specialized Function Brushes
  For specific needs like highlighter or blush brushes, squirrel hair and gray squirrel hair stand out due to their ultra-soft texture, delivering top-tier comfort and precision. However, choose according to your budget to ensure affordability.

Series Selection: Start with Essential Tools

It’s unnecessary to blindly pursue purchasing full brush sets, as everyone’s makeup techniques and habits vary. Buying a complete set often leads to unused brushes, resulting in waste.

• Start with the Essentials
  Begin with the most basic brushes, such as a foundation brush, blush brush, and eyeshadow brush. Gradually expand your collection based on your daily makeup needs.
• Upgrade Based on Practical Needs
  As you discover gaps during use, you can add more professional or specialized brushes. This approach not only prevents waste but also ensures that your makeup routine aligns with your habits and preferences.

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Brand Selection: A Combination of Reputation and Cost-Effectiveness

• Recommended Brands
  There are many high-quality makeup brush brands on the market, such as Sigma, Real Techniques, and Hakuhodo. These brands are renowned for their excellent performance and durability, making them perfect for consumers seeking premium quality.
• Focus on Cost-Effectiveness
  For the average consumer, a more practical option is to purchase good-performing brushes at a reasonable price. If you want high quality within your budget, consider trying our new makeup brush brand—AINOCHI. As a factory-owned brand, we offer professional makeup brushes with exceptional cost performance to meet your daily makeup needs. Contact us for an exclusive discount!

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Editor's Advice

Choosing between natural hair makeup brushes and synthetic fiber brushes has no definitive answer. It all depends on your makeup style, skin needs, and personal values. Controversy is always present, and so are misunderstandings. The only way to clarify them is to try it out for yourself—you’ll then discover which type of makeup brush suits you best.

Through this article, we hope you’ve gained a more comprehensive understanding of both synthetic fibers and natural hair, enabling you to choose the right makeup brush without any misconceptions. Our vision is to turn brush-making into an art and makeup into an enjoyment.