Makeup Brush Hair Types: Synthetic vs Natural Guide for Brands

Hair fiber is the single biggest driver of brush performance — and the easiest place to overspend. Here's the no-fluff breakdown.

Synthetic fibers

PBT (polybutylene terephthalate)

The workhorse. Most "vegan" brushes use PBT. Hand-tapered tips mimic natural hair feel.

• Cost: $$
• Best for: Foundation, concealer, cream products, full vegan ranges.
• Pros: Hygienic, easy to wash, cruelty-free, won't shed pigment.

Nylon

Stiffer than PBT, slightly cheaper.

• Cost: $
• Best for: Eyeliner, brow, detail brushes.
• Cons: Less soft; not ideal for face brushes.

Premium synthetic (Taklon, microfiber blend)

PBT with conditioned tips that feel near-natural.

• Cost: $$$
• Best for: Premium vegan lines competing with Hourglass / IT Cosmetics.

Natural fibers

Goat hair

The most common natural fiber. Soft tips, holds powder well.

• Cost: $$$
• Best for: Powder, blush, highlighter, kabuki.
• Cons: Not vegan; some sheds expected on first use.

Squirrel hair

Ultra-soft, light pickup, premium feel.

• Cost: $$$$$
• Best for: High-end eyeshadow, blending, highlight.
• Cons: Expensive, fragile, ethical sourcing concerns.

Sable hair

Smallest, finest. Used for precision liner and lip.

• Cost: $$$$
• Best for: Detail eye, lip, gel-liner brushes.

Choose by product, not by trend

Sustainability and certification

For vegan / cruelty-free positioning, request:

• PETA Beauty Without Bunnies certification (factory-level).
• OEKO-TEX Standard 100 for fibers.
• FSC for wooden handles (often paired with vegan claims).

A practical rule

If your brand is under $30 retail per brush, synthetic wins on cost, ethics and durability. Above $50 retail, customers expect natural — especially for face brushes.

Send us your line plan and we'll spec the right hair for each brush, with quotes per option.