Brush hair choice directly impacts product payoff, hygiene, shelf appeal, and even refund rate. Let’s break down each option—and how to choose the right one for your brand.

What Material Are the Best Makeup Brushes Made Of?

Makeup brushes are made from either natural hair¹ (like goat, squirrel, pony), synthetic fibers (like PBT², nylon, or taklon), or blends of both. Each has different properties in how they hold, transfer, and diffuse product.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Bristle Type	Source	Best For	Texture & Feel	Key Consideration
Goat Hair	Natural	Powder foundation, blush	Firm, slightly porous	Not vegan, sheds if untreated
Squirrel Hair	Natural	Blending eyeshadow, highlight	Ultra-soft	Expensive, delicate
Pony Hair	Natural	Versatile powders	Balanced softness	Coarser than goat
PBT	Synthetic (DuPont™3)	Liquids, foundations	Smooth, holds shape well	Most common for OEM
Taklon	Synthetic	Concealers, cream eyeshadow	Soft, flexible	Mimics animal softness
Nylon	Synthetic	Detail brushes, eyeliner	Firm and precise	Can feel stiff if cheap

PBT, especially those sourced from DuPont™³, is increasingly becoming the gold standard in private label production because of its shape retention, skin feel, and compatibility with vegan claims.

What Is the Best Material for Face Brushes?

This depends on the product formula and user expectations. Natural hair is preferred for powders. Synthetic is better for creams, foundations, and hygiene.

Let’s match based on application:

Product Type	Best Bristle Type	Why It Works
Powder Foundation	Goat, Squirrel	Picks up and diffuses powder evenly
Liquid Foundation	PBT, Taklon4	Non-absorbent, hygienic, smooth
Cream Blush	Synthetic5 (firm)	Holds shape, easy to clean
Eyeshadow (matte)	Squirrel, Pony	Soft blending without harsh lines
Eyeliner / Brow Gel	Nylon	Precise, non-bending fibers

Natural hair⁶ may still outperform synthetics for powder blending due to its microscopic cuticle structure, which grips powder and releases it gradually. But modern synthetics are catching up fast—and outperform in consistency, cost-efficiency, and ethical alignment.

Which Is Better, Synthetic or Natural Makeup Brushes?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Synthetic brushes are better for liquids and ethical claims. Natural ones still excel with powders. Your brand promise should guide your choice.

Here’s a direct comparison:

Factor	Natural Hair	Synthetic Fiber
Powder pickup	✅ Excellent	⚠️ Moderate
Cream/Liquid application	⚠️ Absorbs	✅ Clean, efficient
Cleaning ease	⚠️ Needs care	✅ Easy
Vegan/ethical claims	❌ No	✅ Yes
Salon hygiene	⚠️ Porous	✅ Sterilizable
Batch consistency	❌ Variable	✅ High

If you’re building a vegan or clean beauty line⁷, synthetic PBT or Taklon is your safest option. If you’re catering to pro MUA⁸ or heritage luxury markets, high-end goat or squirrel may still appeal—though even pros now increasingly prefer synthetic for hygiene and ease.

What Are the Best Makeup Brushes Out There?

The best brushes aren’t just about bristle type—they balance application quality, hygiene, ethics, and post-sale reliability.

Here’s why brush material matters beyond makeup:

• Salon use: PBT resists alcohol and UV disinfection better than natural hair.
• Sensitive skin: Nylon and Taklon are hypoallergenic and non-porous.
• Retail returns: Synthetic brushes reduce complaints about shedding or product buildup.
• Brand trust: Offering true vegan claims helps prevent refund claims or negative reviews.

According to Mintel’s Clean Beauty Consumer Report 2025, over 60% of Gen Z shoppers prefer vegan-certified tools, even when the performance is similar. And as L’Oréal’s 2024 ESG Roadmap states, more global brands are phasing out animal-based brushes entirely.

We’ve helped many brands pivot toward PBT-based brushes without changing design or price—only material. In return, they gained certification, better DTC⁹ reviews, and fewer logistics headaches.

Conclusion

Choosing the right brush material doesn’t just affect makeup—it shapes your brand’s reputation. If you’re unsure where to start, I’m happy to help you match your brush materials to your formula, audience, and claims—so your product works, sells, and builds trust.