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ByRachel Adler
Updated on Aug. 18, 2024
From The Georgia Review
These no-rinse and fuss-free products cleanse skin and remove makeup all in one step. Find out why everyone is raving about micellar cleansing water.
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In the quest for flawless skin, finding a gentle and effective cleanser is at the top of everyone’s list. That’s where micellar cleansing water comes in! This popular product helps to thoroughly refresh and cleanse skin. (It’s aces at removing makeup, too!) The main attraction here, the micelles (microscopic clusters of molecules) cling to dirt and dissolve it—without stripping the skin of its natural moisture barrier.
One of the best things about micellar cleansing water is that every skin type can benefit, notes Taylor Lewin, an esthetician for Odacite. These fuss-free non-irritating formulas are ideal alternatives to harsher facial scrubs or disposable makeup wipes. Lewin also points out not to confuse micellar water with toner. While they have a similar consistency that feels like water, they have different effects on the skin.
“Toners are used after cleansing to address a specific skin issue. They balance the skin’s pH, allowing products to penetrate better,” she says. “Micellar water aids in cleansing the skin either alone or as part of a double cleanse routine.” Here are the micellar cleansing waters you need to know about.
Best overall
Bioderma Soothing Micellar Water
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Best value
Simple Micellar Cleansing Water
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Best Splurge
Odacite Blue Aura Cleansing Water
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Best drugstore brand
Garnier Micellar Water
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Best for sensitive skin
La Roche-Posay Micellar Cleansing Water
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Best for oily or acne-prone skin
Vichy Mineral Micellar Water
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Pros:
- Beloved by experts and consumers alike
- Ideal for sensitive skin
- Cleanses and soothes without irritating
- Fragrance-free
Cons:
- If you're prone to clogged pores, applying too much without a second cleansing option can lead to breakouts
Beloved by makeup artists and skincare experts for years, this best-selling Bioderma micellar cleansing water refreshes and protects fragile skin. This non-sticky cleanser is free from oil, alcohol and parabens. Bioderma’s micellar formula carefully cleanses and soothes even the most sensitive skin. It removes makeup and impurities without the need for any harsh rubbing. The fragrance-free natural beauty product is also loved by consumers, as evidenced by its 34,000+ five-star reviews on Amazon.
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Pros:
- Best option for your budget
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Cleanses, soothes and hydrates skin
- Bottle lasts for up to 100 uses
Cons:
- Waterproof makeup may require a few applications to remove
If you’re just dipping your toes into the (micellar) waters, you can’t beat the price of Simple’s budget-friendly cleanser. It removes makeup (yes, even eye makeup!) while cleansing, hydrating and conditioning the skin. There are no artificial perfumes or harsh chemicals in the mix, so fret not if you have sensitive skin.
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Pros:
- Best option to spoil yourself
- Aloe vera hydrates and nourishes skin
- Salicylic acid helps to clear pores
Cons:
- Fragrance may not suit everyone
- Salicylic acid can irritate very sensitive skin
If you’re looking for a more luxe option, get Odacite’s Blue Aura Cleansing Water, which is cruelty-free and handcrafted in California. Powered by Ayurvedic herbs and micelles, the result is a refreshingly scented powerhouse. With hydrating aloe vera, anti-pollution holy basil and neem and refreshing grapefruit extract, the no-rinse formula quickly removes dirt and impurities. Plus, with the addition of salicylic acid, this micellar cleansing water also helps to unclog pores.
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Pros:
- One is sold every three seconds
- Affordable
- Dermatologist-tested
- No alcohol or fragrance makes it safe for sensitive skin
Cons:
- Overusing the product during application may cause breakouts
This all-in-one micellar cleanser is surprisingly powerful, while still being gentle on the skin. Garnier’s micellar water effectively cleanses and hydrates the skin, and removes stubborn makeup without needing to harshly rub. The multi-tasking drugstore beauty product is gentle enough for twice daily use—even on sensitive skin—and won’t leave any residue behind.
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Pros:
- Oil-free and paraben-free formula suitable for sensitive skin
- Can use on eyes and lips without irritation
- Recommended by more than 90,000 dermatologists around the world
Cons:
- Some reviewers note a slight fragrance
This gentle dermatologist-approved micellar cleansing water helps to remove 99% of long-wearing foundation, getting you to a cleaner canvas in no time. The face wash, toner and makeup remover strips dirt, oil and impurities from the skin, while leaving your face happy and hydrated. Plus, the oil-free formula won’t clog pores, making this a safe option for sensitive skin.
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Pros:
- Non-comedogenic formula won't cause breakouts
- Removes makeup and dirt without rubbing
- Made without alcohol, colorants, soap or parabens
- Non-drying and non-greasy formula
Cons:
- Some reviewers note waterproof eye makeup may require multiple applications to remove
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, looking for products that are non-comedogenic is key. Vichy’s micellar water is just that, and it’s free of parabens, alcohol and colorants, too. This multi-benefit solution is dermatologist and ophthalmologist-tested and approved, so you know it’s safe for breakout-prone skin. This hydrating formula is packed with 15 essential minerals to help sooth skin, strengthen its natural barrier and protect against damaging environmental factors like UV rays.
What to Look for When Buying Micellar Cleansing Water
Let your skin type dictate the best micellar cleansing water for your needs. If you have dry skin, look for nourishing and moisturizing formulas. Those with oily skin should opt for non-comedogenic products that won’t cause breakouts. Anyone with sensitive skin should steer clear of irritating ingredients or harsh chemicals—the formula should be primarily purified water and micelles. Seek out gentle products made without alcohol, fragrances and essential oils.
How We Chose the Best Micellar Cleansing Waters
As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.
FAQ
What is micellar water?
Micellar water is a gentle and effective facial cleanser made with purified water and micelles—clusters of molecules that bind to oil and remove impurities, makeup and excess sebum—without stripping the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
Do dermatologists recommend micellar water?
Yes! Dermatologists say that while all skin types benefit from micellar water, it can be especially useful for those with sensitive skin since it is so gentle.
Do I need to wash my face after micellar water?
There is no need to rinse off micellar cleansing water. Many people use micellar water as the first step in their double cleanse, but it is not required to wash your face after. The cleanser is designed to be a leave-on treatment, and formulated with ingredients to help nourish and soothe skin without clogging pores.
Is micellar cleansing water good for your skin?
“There are so many benefits to incorporating micellar water!” says Lewin. “It’s a gentle makeup remover, but it also cleanses like a face wash, without the need to rinse. It’s a great option for those who don’t have time to wash their face in the morning, are too tired at night, or if you need a quick refresh before and after going to the gym.” Lewin also says cleansing water is much more hydrating and gentle than makeup wipes, making it a superior (and more sustainable) quick removal option.
Source:
- Taylor Lewin, an esthetician for Odacite
Author
Rachel Adler
Rachel Adler is a beauty, fashion and lifestyle industry expert. With over 15 years of experience, Rachel’s digital media experience ranges from long-form editorial content to in-depth content strategy.
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