What skincare category is micellar water in?

Why is micellar water a cleanser?

Micellar water contains purified water, moisturizing ingredients and micelles, tiny clusters of cleansing molecules that attract and lift away dirt, oil and makeup. Those cleansing molecules give the liquid its job. Plain water alone does not remove oily dirt as effectively: surfactants, the cleaning agents in cleansers, have parts that attach to oil and parts that interact with water. Cleansers come in liquids, gels, creams and bars, so a watery texture does not put a product outside the cleansing category.12

Is micellar water a toner?

No. Micellar water removes grime; toner goes on skin that has already been cleaned. Modern toners often hydrate or deliver ingredients aimed at specific concerns, rather than doing the main cleansing. Both can look like water, but matching outfits do not give them the same job. If you use both, micellar water comes first and toner follows on clean, dry skin.1

How do you fit it into your routine?

1. 1Apply micellar water gently with your hands, a cotton pad or a reusable microfiber cloth, following the bottle's directions.
2. 2Follow with a gentle oil or water based cleanser when removing sunscreen or cosmetics. Heavy or waterproof makeup can need this additional cleansing step.
3. 3Use your usual toner and spot treatments after cleansing, if they are part of your routine.
4. 4Finish with moisturizer and, in the morning, sunscreen.

You can use micellar water in the morning, before bed, or both. Limit routine face washing to twice daily, with an additional wash after heavy sweating. When using a cleanser that needs rinsing, use lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft towel. Avoid scrubbing: extra friction irritates skin rather than improving the cleansing routine.13

Does micellar water need rinsing?

Micellar water typically does not need rinsing, but follow the directions for your formula. For example, Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water All in 1 is a cleanser and makeup remover for the face, eyes and lips. Garnier tells you to soak a cotton pad, press it onto skin for 3 to 5 seconds, then wipe gently until the pad comes away clean. For eye makeup, hold the soaked pad on closed lids and lashes before wiping. This formula requires no rinse; that does not replace the additional cleanser used when removing sunscreen or cosmetics.4

Which formula should you choose?

Micellar water is a gentle cleansing option for nearly all skin types, including dry and sensitive skin. Choose a gentle, nonabrasive cleanser without alcohol. Formulas within the category differ: Garnier's original All in 1 is free of alcohol and fragrance, while its Mattifying version contains denatured alcohol. Some versions add salicylic acid, vitamin C or hydrating ingredients. Those additions do not move the bottle out of the cleanser category, even if its name starts applying for several jobs at once.135

Expect cleansing, not acne treatment or wrinkle removal. Cleansers can still cause irritation, and washing too often can leave skin excessively dry. If you already use leave on acne products, be careful with cleansers designed to treat acne: combining them can cause excessive dryness and irritation. Ask a dermatologist about persistent cleansing related skin concerns.123