We Break Down What Micellar Water Is and Why You Need It in Your Life
It's a skincare essential.
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Micellar water is one of those holy grail products that everyone loves, but not everyone understands. Is it a makeup remover? Is it a cleanser? Spoiler alert: It's both! Read on for more info on this amazing and often misunderstood skincare savior.
Q: Seriously, what even is micellar water?
A: Micellar water is a gentle combination of purified water, hydrating ingredients, and low concentrations of mild surfactants. Those surfactants have groups of molecules called micelles, which is where micellar water gets its name. It feels similar to regular water, just a bit silkier and softer.
Q: What's a micelle and why do I need it on my face?
A: Micelles are tiny groups of cleansing molecules that essentially act as magnets for dirt and oil on your skin. They can draw out impurities without irritating your skin, leaving it feeling soft and nourished.
Q: How do you apply micellar water?
A: There's more than one way to skin a cat! While you can get creative and experiment to see how you prefer to apply micellar water, we think the best way to go is to add the micellar water to a cotton ball or cosmetic pad (we love these!) and swipe over your skin as needed. We also recommend using a fresh pad if you go over your skin multiple times to avoid dragging makeup, dirt, and oil all over your face unnecessarily.
Q: If I use micellar water, do I need to use another cleanser?
A: We hate to break it to you, but especially if you wear makeup, it's recommended that you swipe on the micellar water first, then follow with another cleanser afterward. However, in the morning, after a night of sleep with cleansed skin, a swipe of micellar water can do the trick.
Now that you're all micellar water experts, we're happy to share our list of our editors' favorite micellar waters. Read on to discover the micellar water that's right for you!
Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Cleansing Water
Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Cleansing Water
Trust us on this one — Bioderma is the best in the micellar water category. They offer several different variations of their classic solution, but we think the Sensibio H2O is the best. Multitasking as a makeup remover and a cleanser, it's oil-free and suitable for even the most sensitive skin!
Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water
Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water
Garnier's SkinActive Micellar Water is great for your budget and even better for your skin, making this bottle an editor's fave. Saturate a cotton ball with the solution, and glide over skin to watch micellar technology scoop up cosmetics, dirt, and excess oils like a magnet.
Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water Makeup Remover
Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water Makeup Remover
Koh Gen Do's answer to micellar water is as amazing as it sounds, made exclusively with a mineral-rich formula derived from nature's finest elements. Infused with soothing hot-spring water, herbs, and white birch sap for its anti-aging properties, you'll never go to bed guilty when you wash away the day using this Cleansing Spa Water.
Yes to Cucumbers Calming Micellar Cleansing Water
Yes to Cucumbers Calming Micellar Cleansing Water
Slightly different than most other micellar waters on our list, we love that Yes To's micellar water is infused with cucumber extract. It's 95% natural and extremely gentle, so this one is perfect for anyone with irritated skin in search of a calmer complexion.
Lancôme Eau Fraiche Douceur Micellar Cleansing Water
Lancôme Eau Fraiche Douceur Micellar Cleansing Water
Everything Lancôme just feels luxurious, doesn't it? Each refreshing drop of the brand's micellar water has been infused with rose-flower extract to lift face, eye, and lip makeup from the surface without the need to scrub.
ELEMIS Smart Cleanse Micellar Water
ELEMIS Smart Cleanse Micellar Water
Elemis jumped on the micellar water bandwagon, producing this cleansing gem that's every bit the luxury you'd expect it to be. Infused with rosehip seed oil, apple amino acids, and organic English rose water, the solution bans oil-based grime from the skin while strengthening its natural barrier.
Origins Mega-Mushroom Skin Relief Micellar Cleanser
Origins Mega-Mushroom Skin Relief Micellar Cleanser
Melding with Dr. Andrew Weil's exclusive Mega-Mushroom blend and an antioxidant-rich berry complex, this micellar cleanser from Origins works by washing off makeup and impurities, while also actively fighting against environmental stressors.
Caudalie's micellar water is ideal to prep your skin for the no-makeup makeup look. It'll douse your skin in organic grape water, chamomile extract, and plant glycerin to moisturize, soften, and reduce redness on the skin.
For times when skin won't cooperate, Marcelle's 3-in-1 solution is just what you need. Featuring calming agents like aloe and witch hazel, not only does the micellar water clean off makeup and cleanse the skin, it soothes irritation in just a few swipes.
Simple Kind to Skin Cleansing Micellar Water
amazon.com
$6.10
One of our favorite budget-friendly brands, Simple's micellar water upholds its name. Formulated without artificial perfumes and harmful chemicals, the blend is rich in vitamins to ensure that its application won't irritate even the most sensitive of skin.
Katie McBroom is an award-winning content creator and freelance writer. Prior to contributing to Biography, she served as Content Editor for Google and Beauty Editor for Best Products. Her work has also appeared in publications including CNN, WWD, Business Insider, Forbes, and Men's Health, among others.
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