If you’ve spent any time in the makeup or skincare aisle of the store in the past couple of years, then you’ve probably already encountered various brands and forms of micellar water. And if you’re anything like me, you’ve also probably asked yourself, “What the heck is micellar water anyway?” ;-)
But a few weeks ago, I finally gave in and decided to look it up online to get to the bottom of this mysterious liquid. And what I learned about it was enough to convince me to try using it as a makeup remover. I now use micellar water to remove my makeup almost every night, and I am seriously loving it!
So today I thought I could shine some light on micellar water, and give you guys the inside scoop about what this product is, what you can do with it, and which brands you may want to try. By the end of this post, I’m sure you’ll agree that this is one beauty product that definitely lives up to the hype! :-)
What Is Micellar Water?
While micellar water looks and feels just like regular water, it’s packed with cleansing oil molecules called micelles. Micelles attract dirt and other impurities naturally, which helps cleanse your skin without stripping it of its natural oils.
Micellar water has been popular in France for many years and has become an important part of French skincare routines. And just within the past few years, it has been increasing in popularity and availability worldwide!
How To Use Micellar Water
To use micellar water, simply apply it to a round cotton pad. Then gently wipe your face with the saturated pad to cleanse the skin.
You can also use it to clean up makeup application mishaps by adding a few drops to a cotton swab!
Many people use micellar water as the first step in a “double cleanse.” In the context of a double cleanse, you would use it as described above to remove your makeup, then you would follow up with another gentle cleanser to remove any lingering impurities.
Need a good gentle cleanser for the second step of a double cleanse? Click here for a great homemade cleanser for dry and combination skin, and click here for a cleanser recipe for oily skin.
Which One Should I Buy?
Interested in giving micellar water a try? Here are a few product options to consider!
The Affordable Option: Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water ($6)
This option from Garnier is really affordable, which is great if you want to try micellar water without making a big investment. It’s also free of fragrances and sulfates, both of which can aggravate sensitive skin. Garnier also makes micellar water wipes, which can make it a simple transition if you’re currently using makeup remover wipes.
The Dermatologist-Approved Option: La Roche-Posay Micellar Cleansing Water ($14)
If you’re willing to spend a few more dollars, this option from La Roche-Posay is another great choice. This brand uses clinical testing to ensure the efficacy of their products, and avoids using ingredients like parabens.
More Ideas You'll Love
The Fan-Favorite Option: Son & Park Beauty Water ($30)
Fans of Korean skincare products love this “beauty water” by Son & Park. In addition to cleansing micelles, this formula also contains mild exfoliants like willow bark and papaya extract to reveal smoother, brighter skin.
Have you tried any micellar water products so far?
I actually use Garner miscellar water and I love it.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Yes, have used Caudalie Micellar cleansing water for years!! Absolutely love it. I have somewhat sensitive skin and have never had any issue with Caudalie. It cleans well and makes your skin feel awesome after using.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’ve been using the Neutrogena brand for the past six months. I love it because it doesn’t dry my skin out. I’ve noticed a difference in the amount of closed comedones I get as well.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I just use witch hazel with aloe vera
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’ve been using the Garnier Micellar Water for a few months now and really like it. Sometimes I follow up with a gentle cleanser. I recently added back the coconut milk/honey cleanser that I made from one of your posts. I used that mixture for several months, and I’m not really sure why I stopped using it because I like the way it makes my skin feel. Anyway, I got an area of dermatitis at one of my nasal creases that was really painful and red. I remembered that the formula was antimicrobial, so started using it again and it, along with antibiotic ointment, took care of the problem in no time! So thank you for helping me with that! I enjoy your posts and use many of your ideas and formula!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I guess I’m a weirdo. I’ve used baby wipes to clean my face for at least 20 years. I might be willing to try this water also though. I do sometimes use witch hazel as a toner/cleaner.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I used Garnier than switch to Biore because they have the charcoal cleansing micellar water for super oily skin which is what I have. I used the Garnier micellar wipes for traveling when I need to refresh.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Avon has a very nice micellar water product: no animal testing, 10 oz @ $14 when not on sale.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank you for making me take a look at these products. I was hoping they may have finally come up with one that might follow the oil-cleansing method maybe with only one preservative or something, but no luck. Always check the ingredients in over the counter products. Here’s the link to this one in the EWG Skin Deep database. The higher the number, the greater the concern with an ingredient. https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/product/764114/Garnier_SkinActive_Micellar_Cleansing_Water%2C_All_Skin_Types/
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank you for this link. There is a lot of information that we need to know in one place and the research done for you. Awesome!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’m retired, so I don’t do full make-up very often…just for special occasions. When I do I use a wipe 1st to take off most of the make-up & then use the Garnier to remove any left over make-up. The others are correct that it really doesn’t take the mascara off (& I even have the waterproof mascara version). I use it both morning & night to cleanse my skin & follow up w/moisturizer in the morning & a skin cream at night. I love it! I have oily skin & it does a great job of removing all the oil. Thanks Jillee for all your tips. I have passed many of them on to family & friends.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I have use the Garnier with the green top and label for oily skin for quite a while. I use it in the evening before bed especially if I have showered a few hours before after working in the yard. The label says you can use it to remove eye makeup and I think that means eye shadow, brow pencil the easier makeup like foundation but trying to remove waterproof mascara with anything other than a specific remover is next to impossible.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.They actually make a version specifically for waterproof makeup! https://amzn.to/2XU833W
Please log in or create a free account to comment.This product has detergent in it so I needs to be rinsed off your skin :)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thanks for this post, Jillee…. I have been wondering about this product but have not researched it yet. I will try the Garnier first for obvious reasons to see if I like it. I love all your great tips:)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’m trying to remember if I’ve tried this. I would have to do a double cleanse. Just using this alone wouldn’t be enough to make my oily skin feel clean. I’ve tried other cleansers that are supposed to remove everything. I still end up using baby oil to take off my waterproof mascara. I have been using the makeup remover cloths to take my makeup off. One thing I love is that Target stores have a small section by their beauty stuff where you can buy small bottles of stuff like the witch hazel with rose petals for about $3.I think their small trial size bottles of the garner brand is about $4.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I find that it doesn’t take off the waterproof mascara. I use baby oil first to remove the mascara then follow up with the water
Please log in or create a free account to comment.They actually make a version specifically for waterproof makeup! https://amzn.to/2XU833W
I love the YesTo brand of skin care and I recently discovered YesToCotton micellar water. I have very dry skin and it cleans my makeup but doesn’t make it feel tight and dry.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.All the brands mentioned test on animals. Is there a cruelty free option for this wonder water?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Here’s one! https://amzn.to/2WeZ3po :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank you so much Jillee for that info and thanks to F.S…. I’m excited to try it!! I have been using the micellar water from another brand but so very pricey… Thx again!!
Thank you for the link!
I also use it on my hair,( like a clarifying shampoo but as a rinse ) awesome for cleansing the oil, impurities, dirt, and product out of your hair . Brilliant stuff!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.That’s a great idea Debbie! Thanks:)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I totally agree, Jillee! Micelles Water does a great job cleaning off eye make up and then for cleaning my face. I apply a moisturizer afterward as part of my morning and evening routines. Great stuff! I use Garnier and am very pleased with the results!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hi Jillee! Hi everyone! I’ve been using the Garner SkinActive for sensitive skin for about two years now. I use it at night to take off my makeup, and I usually do not do a second step cleanse. The micellar water has always been enough, and I probably go through two or three pads to make sure I got it all. It leaves my skin feeling very clean then I follow up with a night cream. I’d like to try the Son and Park Beauty Water with the mild exfoliants as soon as the budget allows.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.We have twins that are going through puberty. Unfortunately acne has come with this change. We have been using witch hazel but this has not really helped. Does anyone have a safe different option?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Here’s a post all about acne solutions! http://bit.ly/2Y0B8L9
I don’t have any magical solutions for acne.My sisters and I all wound up going to a Dermatologist for our acne. Luckily for my parents our insurance covered it. I’m sure acne is unfortunately probably inherited. My nieces have had to see the derm for their acne.