What Is Micellar Water?
Micellar water is a multipurpose skin care product and was developed in France during the ’90s. It is made of tiny micelles (cleansing oil molecules) suspended in soft water. These micelles attract dirt, impurities, and pollution from the skin, leaving it squeaky clean. Micellar water may also contain hydrating ingredients like glycerin, purified water, moisturizers, and mild surfactants for thorough cleansing. Micellar water is mild and skin-friendly and is specially formulated for dry, sensitive, and combination skin types. It cleanses without clogging the pores or drying and irritating the skin. Although micellar water cleanses the skin, it is different from the usual cleansers.
How Is Micellar Water Different From A Normal Cleanser?
A cleanser and micellar water differ in multiple ways.
Cleansers have a cream-like formula, while micellar water is oil suspended in a water-like cleanser. Cleansers provide deep cleansing and remove heavy makeup, while micellar water is good for soft makeup and general cleansing. Cleansers may strip the natural oils and leave the skin dry. Micellar water cleanses the skin without drying as it contains hydrating ingredients. Cleansers are rinse-off products and may come in forms like lotions, balms, and foam. Micellar water does not need to be washed off.
Let’s now check out the top 11 micellar waters available online.
Top 11 Micellar Waters For Clean Skin
1. Best Gentle Formula:Bioderma Sensibio H2O Make-up Removing Micelle Solution
The Bioderma Sensibio H2O Make-up Removing Micelle Solution is an oil-free cleansing water. It can remove waterproof makeup easily without much struggle and is best suited for sensitive skin. This product helps maintain your skin’s hydrolipidic film and contains active dermatological ingredients close to your skin’s composition. The extra-gentle formula gives your skin instant freshness and does not hamper your skin’s natural moisture barrier. The presence of natural and active ingredients makes it an ideal choice for everyday use. It is easy to use and gentle on your skin. Take a look at this video for an honest review and demo of the Bioderma Sensibio H2O Make-up Removing Micelle Solution. Pros
Dermatologically tested Maintains skin balance Ideal for sensitive skin Fragrance-free Non-greasy
Cons None
2. Best For Contact Lens Wearers:Marcelle Micellar Water
Cleanse your makeup and refresh your skin with the Marcelle Micellar Water. Its micelles absorb and clean all your makeup and everyday dirt without the need for any harsh rubbing. It is enriched with Aloe vera extract to keep your skin calm and hydrated. Additionally, it has been ophthalmologically and dermatologically-tested to be suitable for sensitive skin and eyes and also contact lens wearers, Pros
Non-greasy Removes stubborn makeup Fragrance-free Alcohol-free Hypoallergenic Non-comedogenic Oil-free Paraben-free Soap-free
Cons
None
3. Best Exfoliation:Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water
The Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water has a no-rinse formula that cleanses your skin without making it greasy. It contains thermal mineral water and botanical extracts that can take off the most stubborn makeup with ease. This product is a blend of six essential oils, including lavender, rosemary, and sage, which nurture your skin. It is infused with Japanese skin care technology and also contains lactic acid that provides gentle exfoliation. Click this video to check the clear demo of the Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water. Pros
No artificial colors No synthetic fragrance Alcohol-free Mineral oil-free Perfect for sensitive skin
Cons None
4. Best In Skin-Friendly Ingredients:Simple Micellar Cleansing Water
Simple is a brand that is known for its no-fuss and skin-friendly products. This Micellar Cleansing Water by Simple is no exception. It hydrates your skin while clearing all the dirt and gunk from your face. This product is made with triple purified water and contains a blend of natural ingredients that your skin will love. It can boost your skin up to 90%. If you have acne-prone skin or fungal acne, the Simple Micellar Cleansing Water is your best choice. Pros
Gentle No synthetic fragrance Hydrating formula No dyes No harsh chemicals Does not irritate your skin
Cons None
5. Best Hydrating Formula:Oriental Botanics Aloe Vera, Green Tea & Cucumber Micellar Water
The Aloe Vera, Green Tea & Cucumber Micellar Water by Oriental Botanics can remove dirt and waterproof makeup. It effectively clears residue from your skin without stripping the natural oils. This micellar water contains aloe vera, green tea, and cucumber that keep the skin hydrated, refreshed, and healthy. It has a gentle yet potent formula, so you do not need to rub vigorously to remove makeup. This product minimizes skin damage and irritation resulting from constant rubbing and rinsing. Pros
Alcohol-free Sulfate-free Silicone-free Mineral oil-free Suitable for all skin types Non-irritating Perfect for everyday use
Cons None
6. Best Gentle Formula:Lancome Eau Fraiche Doucher Micellar Cleansing Water
The Lancome Eau Fraiche Doucher Micellar Cleansing Water suits all skin types and is best suited for combination skin. The gentle formula of this micellar water takes your CTM (cleansing-toning-moisturizing) routine to the next level. It contains soothing rose extracts that improve the radiance of your skin. Pros
Gentle Non-greasy Does not dry out your skin
Cons
Expensive
7. Best Dermatologically Tested:Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water
The Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water can effectively remove makeup and skin impurities and is suitable for all skin types. It is enriched with skin-friendly ingredients and leaves your skin feeling refreshed. This micellar water is incredibly gentle on your skin and can also be used for removing eye makeup and waterproof makeup. This product is dermatologically tested and will not irritate your skin. Pros
Paraben-free Fragrance-free Affordable Silicone-free Sulfate-free Does not dry out your skin
Cons
May make oily skin oilier
8. Best pH-balanced Option:Christian Dior Hydra Life Micellar Water
The effective formula of the Christian Dior Hydra Life Micellar Water removes all your makeup instantly and tones your skin. This product contains soothing Echinacea flower extract. It improves skin elasticity and maintains its natural balance. The product also brightens your skin tone. Pros
Alcohol-free No artificial fragrance pH-balanced A little goes a long way
Cons
Expensive
9. Best Toning Product:La Roche-Posay Micellar Water
Remove dirt, makeup, and impurities with the La Roche-Posay Micellar Water. It is infused with glycerin humectant and La Roche-Posay thermal spring water that helps to keep your skin hydrated and refreshed. You can also use this water as face wash, toner, and makeup remover. In addition, the alcohol-free solution helps to soothe the skin and maintain the skin’s pH. Pros
Dermatologist recommended Oil-free Paraben-free Fragrance-free Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons None
10. Best Hypoallergenic Formula:Klorane Micellar water
Remove makeup and other impurities gently with the Klorane Micellar water. You can use this 3-in-1 product as a makeup remover, toner, and cleanser. This water effectively removes any traces of makeup from lips, eyes, and face making the skin soft and hydrated. It has organic cornflower water, a very gentle ingredient with a pH similar to that of tears. It does not irritate the skin and is ideal to be used on sensitive, allergy-prone skin. Moreover, it has been dermatologically and ophthalmologically-tested. Pros
Paraben-free Fragrance-free Alcohol-free Hypoallergenic Vegan Suitable for all skin types
Cons
None
11. Best For Skin Refreshing:L’Oreal Micellar Cleansing Water
The L’Oreal Micellar Cleansing Water is a waterproof formula infused with tiny micelle molecules that remove even the most stubborn makeup. It effectively removes trapped dirt, excess oil, and makeup without any harsh rubbing. It hydrates the skin, minimizes the appearance of pores, and calms redness, leaving your skin feeling fresh and purified. Click this video about the L’Oreal Micellar Cleansing Water to learn more about the product. Pros
Oil-free Soap-free Alcohol-free Dermatologist-tested Suitable for all skin types Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
May leave an oily residue on the skin
These are the 11 best micellar waters that you can buy online. Micellar water suits all skin types. However, check the label before picking a product to find out the suitable skin type.
What Skin Types Can Use Micellar Water?
All skin types can use micellar water. It is ideal for dry, irritated, and sensitive skin. However, there are formulas available for different skin types. You will also find products specifically formulated to remove heavy makeup. Micellar water comes in handy when you have limited access to water while traveling and camping. Micellar water can be used to tone the skin before you start your CTM routine and remove makeup residue. Here are the ways to use it effectively.
How Do You Use Micellar Water?
To Cleanse And Tone Your Face In The Morning
Before applying your skin care products or makeup, use micellar water to remove any dirt and residue. Saturate a cotton pad with micellar water, wipe it all over your face, and then follow up with your skin care products.
To Remove Makeup
Saturate a cotton pad with micellar water and wipe your face clean. To remove eye makeup, press and hold a saturated cotton pad on your eyelids for a few seconds and wipe.
To Touch Up Makeup Mistakes
Messed up your winged eyeliner or smudged your kajal? You do not need to remove it entirely to correct the mistake. Use a cotton swab saturated with micellar water to fine-tune makeup mistakes.
To Double Cleanse
If you want to deep-clean your face, use micellar water as the first step for a double cleansing routine. Saturate a cotton pad with micellar water and wipe away dirt and makeup. Follow up with a rinse-off facial cleanser. You can use micellar water whenever you feel the need to cleanse your skin. However, before you buy one, consider the following points.
How To Pick The Right Micellar Water: Buying Guide
Skin Type
Know your skin type before buying micellar water. There are products available for different skin types. Pick a formula that suits your skin.
Formula
Go through the list of ingredients. Before picking a product, ensure that it does not contain any ingredient you might be allergic to.
Quality
A good quality micellar water can improve the appearance of your skin. Go for products from a reputable brand and make sure the formula is enriched with high-quality ingredients to offer you the best results. Micellar water is easy to use, gentle, and keeps your skin soft, supple, and smooth. There is no doubt that any of the products on the list will be a great addition to your beauty box. Go ahead and make this cult French skin care must-have a part of your beauty routine.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Shiboli Chakraborti, the author of this article, is a certified skin care coach. Her skills and extensive knowledge of the topic have made her understand people’s requirements and needs regarding different skin care products. After extensive research, she compiled this list of the best micellar waters providing complete information on each one. She has also added a buying guide section to help you choose the best product. Can I just use micellar water to wash my face? No, micellar water is not a good supplement for your cleansers. It cannot be used to wash your face. Is it OK to use micellar water everyday? Yes, it is ok to use micellar water every day to remove dirt, oil, and makeup. Should micellar water be rinsed off? Although it is not necessary to rinse off micellar water, it is good to rinse it off to get rid of any residues. People with sensitive skin should rinse it off to avoid irritation caused by the surfactants used in the micellar water. Can micellar water damage your skin? Micellar water is generally safe for all skin types, but the surfactants in the formula can irritate dry and sensitive skin types if not rinsed properly. Is micellar water recommended by dermatologists? Yes, dermatologists recommend micellar water for its gentle cleansing action.
Recommended Articles
Best Micellar Waters For Sensitive Skin What Is Micellar Shampoo? Best Micellar Shampoos You Need To Try Right Now Best Drugstore Eye Makeup Removers
