Developed in France, but sweeping the globe, micellar water is a soap-free skin cleanser and makeup remover you simply wipe on, and then wipe away with no rinsing. This product is pronounced variously as “Mice-Ler” or “My Celler,” but properly as “Me-sell-air,” (you earn extra style bonus points if you can add a lovely French accent.) Originally, this was a cleansing product designed for Parisian women who live with very hard, mineralized water. Parisian water is so hard, it makes it difficult to rinse away dirt and makeup and to really feel clean. It can also be quite harsh and irritating to the skin.
Micellar water is a 90’s era technology based on an ancient and proven makeup removing technique, using oil for skin cleansing. In a nut-shell, Micelles are tiny balls of cleansing oil molecules suspended in softened water. When you apply micellar water to the face, the micelles bond with the dirt, lifting makeup and oil from the skin. The water rinses as you go, leaving your skin smooth and clean. Micellar waters are free of soaps, detergents, and alcohol, making them quite gentle even for the most sensitive skin types.
The international cult favorite brand is Bioderma from France. But fortunately for us, micellar water is now available from companies worldwide and at nearly every price point. However, not all brands perform the same, so be prepared to test drive a few and shop around for the perfect balance of performance and price.
Benefits of using a Micellar Water
- Travel – So, this is a killer product to travel with. You can cleanse your face anywhere. You don’t need to rinse the product off, so no sink is needed. This makes it perfect for “Glamping” out in the wilderness or for keeping your skin clean on a long-haul flight.
- Quick Changes – Doing a photoshoot and need a variety of looks? You can use micellar water to very quickly wipe off your makeup without leaving residue that will interfere with your next makeup application.
- Combating Sensitivity – I have super sensitive eyes. Practically every makeup remover burns and makes them watery, red, and irritated. I have found that using micellar water to remove the bulk of my eye makeup reduces irritation and, frankly, stinging pain.
Downsides to Micellar Water
- Best for normal, combo, and dry skins. Oily skinned users may not find it as effective as a traditional makeup remover.
- Not always effective against water proof makeup. I personally use the bi-phase Garnier micellar water that includes silicone and is more effective against the waterproof makeup I wear for performance.
- Not all formulations are the same. If you are having so-so results trying out micellar water, you might want to switch to another brand or formulation. Every skin is different, so what works for your best buddy, may not work perfectly for you.
- Product may leave a film. Because the micelles are oil, products with more micelles held in suspension will sometimes leave a slightly oily film to the skin. While dryer complected people might enjoy this result, normal to oily skin types might find the need to rinse with water or even do a second cleanse with a more traditional product.
Using Micellar Water
- Saturate a disposable cotton pad, cotton ball, or cotton bud.
- For eye makeup removal – hold the saturated pad against your eyes for a with a gentle press. Gently wipe the makeup away.
- For face cleaning, use the saturated pads like a wipe to cleanse all the skin.
- Repeat if needed, especially if you’re tackling stage makeup.
More Info on Micellar Waters:
- 10 Best Micellar Waters at Vogue UK –
- Micellar Cleansing Water: The Guilt-Free Alternative to Cleansing Wipes at Marie Claire UK
- Can Micellar Water Replace Your Whole Skincare Routine? at Elle
In the US, Micellar waters are available in both drugstore and department store brands. Shop around and pick one to try and see if you like the results! Below are a list of links to some of the top ranked brands if you need a spring board for shopping.
Dawn Devine
Feb. 23, 2016
Affordable Drugstore Micellar Waters
- Garnier SkinActive Bi-Phase Micellar Cleansing Water *My Favorite* – At Ulta
- Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water – At Ulta
- Simple Cleansing Micellar Water – At Ulta
- Boots – Simply Sensitive Gentle Micellar Water – At Ulta
- La Roche-Posay Physiological Micellar Solution, Sensitive skin – At Ulta
Higher End Brands
- Vichy Laboratoires Purete Thermale Beautifying Cleansing Micellar Oil – At Drugstore.com
- Avene Micellar Lotion – At Drugstore.com
- Bioderma Sensibio H20 – At Beautylish.com
- Caudalie Micellar Cleansing Water – At Sephora
