If you are wondering how to sanitize lipstick, here you will find different ways to do so. In this article I’m sharing with you how to do it on different occasions.
Why To Sanitize Lipstick?
Makeup artists need to sanitize their makeup all the time as they are always in touch with many different people, it is important to safely conduct their work material.
But sometimes you want to do it periodically because as the time goes by, it is possible that impurities may occur. Also, when you share your lipstick with someone, then you should sanitize it, to avoid possible contamination.

How to sanitize lipstick
To perform this task, you will need a bottle of 70% isopropyl alcohol, cottonwood, paper tissue, a little cup, and possibly a tupperware with a lid. Take a look at these different methods.
Method 1
If you want to sanitize a lipstick that is only used by you, and for some reason you need to clean this up, for example, let’s say it fell off, or it has been sitting there for a long time, then you can take these following steps:
- Make sure to get a 70% isopropyl alcohol
- With the help of a cottonwood wipe the lipstick package
- Then open it up and swipe the damp cottonwood on the internal area of the cap
- Now that you cleaned up the lipstick tub, use a paper towel to remove one layer of the lipstick you can also do this with a clean sanitized knife
- Then go ahead, find a small cup, fill it with 70% isopropyl alcohol and leave it there for 30 to 60 minutes.
- Once you remove the lipstick from the alcohol, let it dry completely before using it again. I would use it again after one hour.
Method 2
I think this method is safer to do, because we will leave the lipstick in the fridge which is great for killing any possible herpes viruses that may be present in your lipsticks.
Additionally, it is more practical if you want to sanitize more than one lipstick at the same time.
It is very similar to method 1, as you will sanitize the entire lipstick tube including the internal part of the lid. There difference here is that after doing this, you should follow these steps:
- Find a tupperware with lid and fill it with 70% isopropyl alcohol
- Place all your lipsticks there, close the lid of the tupperware and leave it in the fridge for 30 minutes to one hour.
What’s The Best Method To Sanitize Lipstick?
If you just want to clean up your lipstick following a periodical cleaning routine, or because it was exposed to dust and never shared it with anyone, then you could easily opt to try method 1.
However, if you share your lipstick with others, you should opt for method 2, because by placing the lipsticks in the fridge you have the possibility to prevent herpes contamination.
How to clean lipstick without alcohol
If you are running out of alcohol or cannot use it for some reason, you can still sanitize your lipsticks by placing them on the freezer overnight.
How To Sanitize Liquid Lipstick or Gloss
Try not to share liquid lipstick or gloss, because once someone used it and places the applicator back, it is not possible to go back in time to reverse any bacteria.

So, be extra careful with these products and use a disposable applicator in case you need to apply the same liquid lipstick in more than one person.
If you need to sanitize them for your own use, then use a paper towel and dump it with alcohol 70. Swipe all the tube from outside, then open it up and do the same with the internal part of the cap, all the way down to the applicator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can bacteria grow on lipstick?
Yes, for this reason it is important to be constantly cleaning and sanitizing your makeup, even if you don’t share it with one, because it can accumulate microorganisms.
Can lipstick be washed off with water?
It is better not to wash off your lipstick with water, because it will not be as effective as the methods that I’ve shared with you here.
Should I sanitize Lipstick on the beauty shop?
As you will not be able to properly sanitize the lipsticks in the beauty shop, you can remove the outer layer of the lipstick with a paper tissue. But in my opinion, this is still very risky. Try testing the lipstick on the wrist, and sanitize the area with alcohol once you are done.
How To Sanitize Lipstick Final Takes
In this article you learned a few simple methods to clean your lipstick and get it free from bacteria. But have in mind that you should never share your lipstick with anyone, especially with strangers!