Micellar water contains purified water, moisturizers and micelles, tiny clusters of cleansing molecules that attract and lift away dirt, oil and makeup. Its mild cleansing agents remove grime without stripping away much of the skin's natural oils. Expect cleansing, not acne treatment or wrinkle removal.2
How do you use micellar water as a cleanser?
- 1Apply a small amount to your hands, a cotton pad or a reusable microfiber cloth.
- 2Gently massage or wipe it over your face without scrubbing.
- 3If you are removing sunscreen or cosmetic products, follow with a gentle oil or water based cleanser.
- 4Apply any toner and spot treatments you normally use, then moisturizer. Finish with sunscreen in the morning.
Micellar water usually does not need rinsing. If it leaves a noticeable residue, rinse it off or follow with a gentle cleanser. With a rinse off face wash, use warm water, apply the cleanser gently with your fingertips, rinse completely and pat dry with a clean towel.13
You can use micellar water in the morning, before bed or both. General face washing guidance is to cleanse when you wake up, before bed and after sweating. The evening cleanse removes makeup and the grime that has settled on your face during the day.23
How does micellar water compare with cleanser?
Micellar water is already a cleanser, so the comparison is between cleansing formats, not cleansing and decorative water.2
| Feature | Micellar water | Rinse off cleanser |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Lightweight liquid that feels like water | Available as cream or foaming formulas |
| Removal | Usually no rinsing needed | Rinse off after gentle application |
| Best fit | Light cleansing or makeup removal before face wash | A thorough cleanse, including after makeup removal |
| Dry or sensitive skin | A gentle option | Choose a gentle, unscented formula; cream cleansers are less drying than foaming cleansers |
For minimal makeup and normal to dry or sensitive skin, micellar water alone may be enough. Oily or acne prone skin often does better with a water based cleanser afterward. Choose gentle, fragrance free formulas and patch test if your skin reacts easily. For acne prone skin, look for a cleanser labelled "oil free," "won't clog pores" or "noncomedogenic," meaning formulated not to clog pores.15
How does micellar water compare with oil cleanser?
An oil cleanser helps break down waterproof makeup, sunscreen and excess skin oil. In a traditional double cleanse, you massage it onto your skin, rinse with lukewarm water, then apply a water based cleanser to damp skin and rinse again. Micellar water followed by a water based cleanser is an alternative for makeup removal.4
Most people do not need two cleanses: one thorough wash with a gentle cleanser is adequate. Overwashing can cause dryness, irritation and damage to the skin barrier, the skin's protective outer layer. Oil cleansers can cause breakouts in acne prone skin, especially when used alone.4
Can you use micellar water as a toner?
Use micellar water for cleansing, not as a replacement for a toner's specific hydrating or targeted ingredients. Toner goes on clean, dry skin after cleansing and is optional. A watery texture does not make two products interchangeable, however similar their bottles look in a bathroom lineup.12
Where this answer comes from
- 1Micellar Water vs. Toner vs Cleanser Explainedgarnierusa.com
- 2Micellar Water: What It Is and How To Use Ithealth.clevelandclinic.org
- 310 skin care secrets for healthier-looking skinaad.org
- 4Double Cleansing Method Explainedhealth.clevelandclinic.org
- 5I have acne! Is it okay to wear makeup?aad.org
