By Jesa Marie Calaor , Marci Robin , and Jennifer Hussein
Peek inside the medicine cabinets of models, celebrities, and makeup artists, and chances are you'll see a bottle of one of the best micellar waters on the market. Long popular in France, this skin-care product that looks and feels just like regular water is finally a stateside staple because of its ability to remove makeup, cleanse, and tone with just a few light swipes of a cotton ball. makeup packaging wholesale
Micellar (pronounced my-sell-er) water is a combination of purified water; hydrating ingredients, such as glycerin; and low concentrations of extremely mild surfactants, according to cosmetic chemist Joseph Cincotta. "The molecules of those mild surfactants naturally group together to form microscopic spheres called micelles, which act like magnets for dirt and oil," Cincotta explains.
When you wipe a cotton ball soaked with the cleanser along your face, the micelles adhere to the cotton while pulling makeup, sebum, and any other daily unpleasantness off the skin. The formulas are so light and gentle that there's no need to rinse them off, which means that the moisturizing ingredients can stay behind to be absorbed.
With micellar waters, even the toughest waterproof makeup melts cleanly off skin with zero irritation. They contain no alcohol and are comprised of only dirt-loving micelle molecules that attach to makeup and debris to break it down, according to New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Debra Jaliman, MD.
When it comes to skin types, micellar water is a universally friendly product, with formulas made for dry, sensitive, and combination skin. New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Francesca Fusco, MD, says they're especially great for acne-prone skin types. "They remove trapped debris from the skin but don't dry it out," she says. "I also tell my patients to use a micellar cleanser between reapplications of sunscreen during the summer to avoid clogged pores."
If you're ready to pare down your skin-care routine, check out some of our favorite micellar cleansers.
All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Why It's Worth It: Mraz Robinson calls La Roche-Posay's Micellar Water Ultra her go-to for sensitive skin because it's gentle, effective, and fragrance-free. Fellow board-certified dermatologist Dhaval Bhanusali, M.D., agrees. "It's a great option that has glycerin, so it's great for dry skin types," he tells Allure. Furthermore, its alpha hydroxy acid — citric acid, to be exact — adds a little exfoliation to the mix, sweeping away dead skin cells and excess oils while brightening the complexion and helping skin absorb other products like toners, serums, and moisturizers.
Editor Tip: Since this formula is safe to use around your eyes, feel free to dab a Q-tip in its formula to give your daily eyeliner look a cleaner, sharper finish.
Key Ingredients: Glycerin, citric acid, micelles, poloxamer (cleansing agent) | Who It's For: Any skin type, especially sensitive and dry skin.
Why It's Worth It: Dry and oily skin types alike will love CeraVe's Hydrating Micellar Water for its grime- and makeup-removing formula. Its gentle yet effective formula contains ceramides to moisturize and reinforce your skin barrier as niacinamide cleanses, tones, and soothes all at once.
Editor Tip: Sensitive skin types, rejoice: CeraVe's micellar water has a seal of approval from the National Eczema Association. Feel free to swipe this formula on with a gentle cotton pad to remove impurities like dirt, makeup, and oil without irritating your skin.
Key Ingredients: Ceramides, naicinamide, glycerin | Who It's For: All skin types
Why It's Worth It: Although it has had some tweaks and upgrades over the years, Simple Micellar Cleansing Water remains a classic. The winner of multiple Best of Beauty Awards, the gentle, unscented formula is a favorite of those with sensitive, reactive skin. "It never, ever stings my skin or burns my eyes," says Allure contributor Kaleigh Fasanella. "Instead, it leaves my complexion calmer and softer with a refreshing clean-but-not-stripped feel."
Editor Tip: This pick won't sting your wallet, either. It only costs $5, which is less than the average oat milk latte.
Key Ingredients: Glycerin, vitamin C, micelles | Who It's For: All skin types, including reactive like our tester's complexion.
Why It's Worth It: Available for decades at French pharmacies, Bioderma has long been a must at Paris Fashion Week. Makeup artists would stock up on this legendary micellar water because it's great to use backstage (where sinks are hard to find) and perfect for models whose skin has become sensitized after four weeks of five shows per day. Dermatologists here in the U.S. love it, too. "It's simple and effective, and I've never had a patient not tolerate it, which is important, especially for those with rosacea or even just sensitive skin," Dr. Bhanusali says of Sensibio H2O.
Editor Tip: Experts and pros aren't the only fans of this micellar water. Selena Gomez has also shouted out Bioderma's fan-favorite micellar water, and if it's good enough for her flawless complexion, it's definitely good enough for ours.
Key Ingredients: Micelles, cucumber extract, glycerol (lipids) | Who It's For: All skin types
Why It's Worth It: If you're already familiar with Caudalie, it should come as no surprise that its Vinoclean Cleansing Micellar Water features grape water — one of the brand's go-to ingredients. The antioxidant-rich extract means skin feels fresh and plump after cleansing, not stripped or thirsty. And thanks to chamomile, your complexion looks calm as can be.
Editor Tip: This pick does contain fragrance, so sensitive skin types may want to opt for another formula on this list.
Key Ingredients: Grape water, chamomile extract, glycerin | Who It's For: Normal, dry, oily, and combination skin types
Why It's Worth It: Isdin is best known for its super-sophisticated skin-care products — its Isdinceuticals K-Ox Eyes won a Best of Beauty Award in 2021 — but its simpler formulas deserve a spot on your bathroom counter, too. The brand's Micellar Solution is touted as a four-in-one because it removes makeup, cleanses skin, hydrates, and tones (without alcohol, to boot). It's made with fewer than 10 ingredients, but it's all you need to totally refresh your face.
Editor Tip: This pick is free of perfumes, alcohol, and soaps, so it's a wonderful pick for sensitive skin types.
Key Ingredients: Micelles, glycerin, betaine (derivative of salicylic acid) | Who It's For: All skin types
Why It's Worth It: The Best of Beauty-winning Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water was designed for all skin types, including the most sensitive skin. Allure associate beauty director Sarah Kinonen loves using it after sweaty workouts to remove dirt and debris.
Editor Tip: Kinonen noted in her review that the only makeup product that didn't come off while using this micellar water is her waterproof mascara. For a more intensive cleanse, we recommend the Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water for Waterproof Makeup.
Key Ingredients: Glycerin, poloxamer | Who It's For: Anyone who wants a rinse-free cleanser that removes sweat, dirt, and oil.
Why It's Worth It: Mraz Robinson says she especially enjoys Drunk Elephant E-Rase Milki Micellar Water. "This is a great ceramide-based micellar water that's perfect for removing makeup pre-wash," she tells Allure. The gentle formula is perfect for literally every skin type, sparing your complexion any irritation with its soothing and moisturizing omega fatty acids.
Editor Tip: Although micellar water is the single cleansing step many people use, Mraz Robinson says this micellar water serves well as the first step in a double cleanse, too.
Key Ingredients: Ceramides, wild melon seed oil, sweet almond oil | Who It's For: All skin types
Why It's Worth It: Micellar technology can come in oil form, too, and Fig.1's Micellar Oil Cleanser is one of the best examples. It glides over skin with an incredible smoothness, so you never feel the need to scrub or tug to remove every last bit of the day's debris. In addition to leaving skin clean, it imparts so much softness and moisture with grapeseed oil, squalane, evening primrose oil, and more.
Editor Tip: This cushiony cleanser still needs to be washed away, so make sure you wipe it away with a damp face cloth or rinse with warm water to see the best results.
Key Ingredients: Grapeseed oil, squalane, evening primrose oil, micelles | Who It's For: All skin types
Why It's Worth It: OK, so, Neutrogena Makeup Melting Nourishing Micellar Milk isn't technically micellar water — but it's not technically milk, either. Technicalities. What it is is good enough to be included on this list, because its gentle, pH-balance formula is fantastic for especially sensitive skin — eyes, too. The emollient formula features vitamins E and B5 so skin is left moisturized and antioxidant-protected.
Editor Tip: If you want more proof that this pick is sensitive skin-friendly, it's free of soaps, parabens, phthalates, alcohol, mineral oil, and dyes — need we say more?
Key Ingredients: Vitamin B5, vitamin E | Who It's For: Sensitive skin
Why It's Worth It: Cornflower is Klorane's go-to soothing ingredient, so it's no surprise that it's the star of the brand's micellar water. What is a surprise, however, is another way the formula promises gentleness: Its pH is similar to that of your own tears. This vegan, fragrance-free, and oil-free makeup eraser never needs elbow grease to fully cleanse skin, and it even tones skin, letting you skip a step in your routine.
Editor Tip: The brand claims this micellar water is safe for contact lens wearers, but we still recommend removing your lenses before swiping off eye makeup.
Key Ingredients: Conflower water, poloxamer, glycol | Who It's For: All skin types
Why It's Worth It: If you have especially thirsty skin, you may benefit from a micellar water that leans a little creamier than the typical formula. Clinique's All About Clean All-In-One Cleansing Micellar Milk & Makeup Remover — the one with the purple cap — is made for very dry skin, conditioning as it cleanses with glycerin, vitamin E, and algae extract. You'll also find botanical extracts like cucumber and barley, which soothe skin and provide it with antioxidant protection.
Editor Tip: Though it has a denser, milkier texture than most micellar waters, a tissue or cotton pad is all you need to effortlessly wipe its formula away.
Key Ingredients: Glycerin, vitamin E, algae extract, cucumber extract, barely extract | Who It's For: Dry skin, sensitive skin, combination skin
Why It's Worth It: Neogen's Calming Cica Tree Micellar Cleansing Water is quite the overachiever with its multifaceted cast of characters (read: ingredients). Its titular cica and aloe aim to keep skin soothed as its salicylic acid and tea tree leaf extract work to clarify. Hydration is a given with multiple types of hyaluronic acid. But most importantly, it thoroughly removes your most stubborn long-wear foundation.
Editor Tip: To effectively remove eye makeup with Neogen's micellar water, the brand suggests applying a soaked cotton pad over your eyes for one to two minutes and wiping away in a sweeping down motion.
Key Ingredients: Cica, aloe vera extract, salicylic acid, tea tree extract, hyaluronic acid | Who It's For: All skin types
Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder
Tata Harper Skincare Resurfacing Body Serum
Juvia's Place Culture Duochrome Liquid Eyeshadows
One/Size Cheek Clapper 3D Blush Trio Palette
beauty jars Cetaphil Moisturizing Relief Body Wash