Not all brushes are labeled correctly. Some look natural but aren’t. If you’re trying to make a smart sourcing decision, here are the ways I’ve learned to spot synthetic brushes over the years.

How to Tell If Makeup Brushes Are Synthetic?

When I get a sample from a new supplier, the first thing I do is check the bristle type. A few years ago, a client sent me her “cruelty-free” samples — but after testing, we found the glue was still animal-based.

Synthetic makeup brushes¹ are made from man-made fibers like nylon, taklon, or polyester. They usually look uniform, feel slippery, and perform best with cream or liquid formulas.

I’ve learned that synthetic brushes feel too smooth. They don’t grip the product. They often have a slick touch, almost like silk without the softness. When I press them into powder, they barely hold any pigment. Natural brushes absorb more because of their cuticles.

I also look at the bounce. Synthetic fibers spring back immediately. That’s great for blending liquid foundation, but not for powder pickup. Natural hair is softer, slower to return.

Here’s a quick reference I always use to spot the difference:

Clue	Synthetic Brush	Natural Brush
Feel	Smooth, slightly slippery	Soft, textured like real hair
Color	Evenly dyed (white/black/pink)	Slightly uneven, natural tones
Bounce	Snaps back fast when pressed	Softer return, more flexible
Powder Pickup	Picks up little product	Holds more pigment

What Does a Synthetic Brush Look Like?

Many synthetic brushes today look very refined — I’ve even had trouble telling at first glance. A Korean client once asked me to inspect a set her team sourced on Alibaba. They looked natural. But under strong light, we saw the truth.

Synthetic bristles reflect light evenly and look too ‘perfect’ — smooth tips, no split ends, no variation. Natural hair shows texture, taper, and soft irregularities.

The shine is a big giveaway. Natural hair is matte. Synthetic fibers glow slightly, especially when dyed in bright colors. Also, synthetic tips are machine-cut. They are all the same shape. Natural brushes vary — even in premium sets, you’ll see fine tapering.

If I’m unsure, I always ask the factory to send a macro photo². A close-up will show if the fibers are too straight, too even, too synthetic. This is one quick trick I’ve used for years.

I also consider the handle. Many budget-friendly synthetic brushes come with clear or colored acrylic handles. That’s not a guarantee, but when combined with glossy bristles, it’s a strong hint.

How to Tell a Synthetic Brush?

When visual checks aren’t enough, we go deeper. I’ve visited brush factories that use burn test³s as a standard check. And I’ve done it myself when testing unknown stock from suppliers.

Try a burn test. Synthetic bristles melt and smell like burnt plastic. Natural bristles burn slowly, leave ash, and smell like burnt hair. For safety and clarity, request MSDS and vegan proof from the supplier.

I take a few strands from the brush, hold them over a lighter, and see what happens. If they curl, melt, and form a hard bead — that’s synthetic. If they burn slowly and turn to ash, that’s natural. The smell is the clearest difference.

Still, I know not every buyer can do this. That’s why I always recommend asking for proper documents. The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)⁴ confirms the exact fiber composition. If your brush is made from nylon, the sheet will say so. If it’s taklon or a plastic blend, you’ll know.

You should also verify any vegan or cruelty-free claims. I once worked with a client who thought her “vegan” brushes were clean — until she learned the glue had collagen in it. We helped her replace the full set.

Here’s the checklist I suggest every client use when sourcing:

What to Ask	Why It Matters
MSDS (Material Safety Sheet)	Confirms fiber type (nylon, taklon, etc.)
Vegan / Cruelty-Free Certs	Verifies ethical claims
Fiber Source Statement	Ensures no hidden animal content
Sample Burn Test (if allowed)	Confirms synthetic vs natural under heat
Macro Brush Tip Photo	Lets you check tip shape + fiber consistency

How to Tell If a Brush Is Acrylic?

I’ve had buyers confused about this too. One told me she was avoiding “acrylic brushes,” thinking it referred to the bristles. But it usually doesn’t.

Acrylic is a material used for handles.⁵ It’s clear, shiny, and sometimes colored. Synthetic bristles may also be made from acrylic-based blends, but usually they are nylon or taklon.

Acrylic handles are common in budget sets. They’re light, durable, and cheap to produce. That doesn’t make the brush bad — but it’s important to know what part is acrylic.

Some brushes may have both acrylic handles and synthetic bristles. I see this a lot in private-label sets targeting beginners. The brush may feel stiff and overly shiny.

If your brand stands for quality, I suggest asking for alternative materials. At Brushino, we offer FSC-certified wood, recycled plastic, or aluminum options — all with clear spec sheets. When we say "synthetic," we define every part.

Conclusion

If you’re not sure whether your brush is synthetic, now you know how to find out. Ask the right questions, look at the details, and trust your instincts. And if you still have doubts, I’m here to help — so you don’t have to figure it out alone.