When to use micellar water in your routine

Should you use it morning or night?

In the morning, micellar water can be your cleansing step before applying facial care products. At night, use it to remove makeup, excess oil and the impurities that collect during the day. Evening cleansing still matters when you have not worn makeup: sweat, dirt and pollution residue do not require a cosmetics appointment.2

Daily use in the morning and evening is an option, not a reason to add micellar water on top of every existing cleanse. General cleansing guidance also includes washing after sweating. If a gentle cleanser already cleans your face thoroughly, a separate micellar step is unnecessary unless it helps you remove makeup.234

How to fit micellar water into your routine

1. 1Apply micellar water to a cotton pad or reusable microfiber cloth. Follow your bottle's directions for the amount; CeraVe Hydrating Micellar Water tells you to saturate the pad.
2. 2Gently wipe over your face to remove makeup and grime. Avoid scrubbing.
3. 3If you are removing sunscreen or cosmetics, follow with a gentle cleanser. Rinse that cleanser off and gently pat your face dry.
4. 4Apply your usual medication or treatment after cleansing. Micellar water belongs before this stage, not after it.
5. 5Apply moisturizer, then sunscreen in the morning. Makeup goes after your skincare.

Do you need to rinse micellar water off?

Micellar water typically does not need rinsing, but follow the directions on your bottle. Bioderma's micellar solutions and CeraVe Hydrating Micellar Water both have no rinse directions. A formula that needs no rinse can still be followed by another cleanser when you need help removing sunscreen or makeup.125

Micelles are tiny clusters of cleansing molecules that attract oily material. As you sweep a soaked cotton pad over your face, makeup, oil and other impurities transfer onto the pad. That is why micellar water cleans rather than simply wetting your face.7

When is another cleanser useful?

Heavy or waterproof makeup is the clearest reason to follow micellar water with another cleanser. Micellar water followed by a gentle water based cleanser is an alternative to the traditional double cleanse, which uses an oil based cleanser first.14

Micellar water is a gentle cleansing option for dry or sensitive skin. The application matters too: rubbing with cotton can irritate sensitive skin, so keep the movement gentle. Avoid harsh, excessively drying or fragranced cleansers, especially when adding a second wash. Overwashing can cause dryness, irritation and damage to the skin's protective barrier.124

Does micellar water replace toner or treatment?

Micellar water is a cleanser, not a toner. Toners are used on clean, dry skin and can hydrate or deliver ingredients for specific concerns. Micellar water removes dirt, oil and most makeup during cleansing; it does not treat acne or erase wrinkles. Expect cleaner skin from the cleansing step, not a treatment result that builds over weeks.1