Can I use micellar water every day?

How often should you use it?

For most people, cleansing morning and evening is a reasonable routine. That includes oily and combination skin. Daily use does not mean repeatedly wiping your face whenever it looks shiny: frequent washing can irritate skin, and every cleanse removes some natural oils. If you only cleanse once, choose the evening, after the day's buildup. Washing your face in the shower already counts as cleansing, so you do not need to repeat the same job at the sink. After exercise, wash away sweat rather than leaving it on your skin.23

What does micellar water actually do?

Micelles are tiny clusters of cleansing molecules that lift dirt, oil and makeup. Micellar water removes most makeup with mild cleansing agents and is less likely than some cleansers to strip natural oils. Micellar water belongs in the cleansing step, not the toner step, despite the bottles looking qualified for the same job. Toners serve other purposes, such as hydration or delivering ingredients for particular concerns; they are not interchangeable with a cleanser.1

How to use micellar water

1. 1Follow your bottle's directions. Apply micellar water to a cotton pad or reusable microfiber cloth, or use your hands if the directions allow.
2. 2Gently pass it over your face without harsh scrubbing. For CeraVe Hydrating Micellar Water, shake the bottle and saturate a cotton pad first.
3. 3For eye makeup, follow the product's eye area directions. CeraVe tells you to hold the saturated pad over a closed eye for a few seconds, then gently wipe away makeup.
4. 4Follow with a gentle cleanser when removing sunscreen or cosmetics, especially heavy or waterproof makeup.
5. 5Apply your usual treatments after cleansing, then moisturizer. Finish your morning routine with sunscreen.

Do you need to rinse or double cleanse?

Micellar water typically does not need rinsing, but follow the directions for your formula. CeraVe Hydrating Micellar Water specifically requires no rinse and can be used morning and evening. A second cleanser after makeup removal is a separate decision from whether the micellar water itself needs rinsing. Double cleansing is for removing what you wore, not for giving your routine a more impressive job title. Without makeup or sunscreen to remove, adding another cleanser can mean unnecessary washing and more dryness.24

What if your skin is sensitive or gets irritated?

Choose a mild, fragrance free cleanser for daily use. Micellar water is an option for dry and sensitive skin, but cleansers can still cause irritation or reactions to particular ingredients. Stop using a cleanser that causes burning, itching, redness or swelling rather than continuing the same routine. If cleansing leaves skin dry or irritated, reduce unnecessary washing and switch to a gentler cleanser. Be particularly careful with cleansers containing acne treatment ingredients if you also use acne products that stay on your skin: combining them can cause excessive dryness and irritation.235

What results should you expect?

The main result is clean skin, not an acne treatment or wrinkle treatment. Some users of Bioderma Sensibio H2O reported fewer unpleasant sensations, including tightness, itching, tingling and burning, from two days onward, with further improvement through 28 days. Those were users' reports about that particular formula. For persistent discomfort, a pharmacist or dermatologist can help with choosing suitable skincare. If acne is widespread or painful and pharmacy treatments have not helped, see a GP rather than increasing how often you cleanse.136