These Micellar Waters Cleanse and Remove Makeup in One Easy Step (2024)

Our Top Picks

Ingredient Highlights: Water, micelles, cucumber extract | Size: 3.38 oz

This micellar water is a French pharmacy staple—for good reason. Ideal for sensitive and easily irritated skin, it’s formulated to soothe while it cleanses skin and removes eye and face makeup in one step. Even after wiping a micellar water-drenched makeup remover pad across her sensitive eye area, our tester, Sheila, shared that she experienced no stinging or discomfort in the slightest. The formula contains fatty acid esters, which are similar to lipids (aka fats) already present in your skin. These help repair the skin’s protective layer, effectively treating irritation. After using this micellar water, you’ll walk away with soft, smooth skin—and no flakiness or redness in sight.

Ingredient Highlights: Water, vitamin B3, vitamin C | Size: 6.7 oz

Get serious bang for your buck with this budget-friendly micellar water. It’s chock-full of good-for-your-skin ingredients—including vitamin B3, vitamin C, and triple purified water—while still being completely lightweight. Our tester, Tannon, explained that it felt “light and calming” and didn't leave behind any residue. Best of all, sensitive skin types can rejoice at the fact that this micellar water is free of potential irritants, such as perfumes, dyes, and strong chemicals. It’s even been specifically ophthalmologist-tested for use around the eyes. “My skin was really clean after using the micellar water. In fact, it felt rejuvenated and as smooth as a baby’s bottom,” Tannon notes.

Ingredient Highlights: Water, ceramide blend, melon seed oil | Size: 8 oz

For those who enjoy the finer things in life, please turn your attention to this splurge-worthy micellar water from beloved skincare brand Drunk Elephant. What makes it different from other formulations on the market is its barrier-supportive ingredients, which include a milky ceramide blend and plant-derived oils. Our tester, Shannon, was hooked, sharing that she couldn’t stop touching her face after because it felt like velvet.

Ingredient Highlights: Water, hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, chamomile, cornflower | Size: 3.3 oz

Waterproof mascara, liquid lipstick, and full-coverage foundation sure go the extra mile to ensure a makeup look stays put for hours but (annoyingly) requires a little extra effort to take off. When you’re wearing a full face of heavy, long-wearing makeup, you need a makeup remover that can cut through without forcing you to harshly rub or tug at your skin. This micellar cleansing water from Medik8 dissolves every last trace of waterproof makeup (thanks to a formula fueled by hydrators like vitamin B5, hyaluronic acid, chamomile, and cornflower) and doesn’t leave behind any yucky residue.

Ingredient Highlights: Water, glycerin, citric acid | Size: 6.76 oz

Those in favor of a minimalistic approach (or those with fragrance allergies) will love this micellar water from Typology. The formula contains seven ingredients that work hard to remove oil, makeup, and bacteria with ease. You can expect your skin to feel smooth, slightly dewy, and really clean. Best of all, according to our tester, Heather, it leaves behind a lovely glow effect.

Ingredient Highlights: Cornflower water | Size: 13.5 oz

Even if you aren’t in close proximity to a sink, the Klorane Micellar Water ensures a fresh cleanse every single time. Thanks to the star ingredient, organic cornflower water, this formula gently removes makeup, cleanses, and tones the skin all at once. Even though the micellar water is working overtime to get three things done at once, it still feels comfortable and lightweight on the skin. There’s one thing to note: Our tester, Kait, says that the formula has a subtle alcohol smell, so if that is a turnoff for you, you might be better off with a fragrance-free option.

Ingredient Highlights: Thermal spring water, hydrogenated castor oil | Size: 6.7 oz

If you have sensitive skin, then you know that finding a cleanser that won’t leave you beet red is quite the struggle. Enter this micellar water designed specifically for those with easily irritated skin. It’s formulated with the brand’s thermal spring water to calm inflamed skin and glycols to hydrate. The micellar water can be used on the face, eyes, and lips to remove makeup, cleanse, and tone.“This product makes it feel like you’re putting a nice lotion on your face without you noticing it’s actually there," notes our product tester, Nasya.

One thing to keep in mind: Although it’s ideal for sensitive skin, this micellar water does have a subtle fragrance. According to Nasya, it has a “pleasant” smell that isn’t too overpowering, but if your skin is triggered by fragrance, you may want to steer clear of this one.

Ingredient Highlights: Water, glycerin | Size: 3.4 oz

Those with oily skin will do best with mattifying micellar water, like this one from Garnier. It’s gentle enough to use on the face, eyes, and lips yet powerful enough to effectively absorb and control excess oil. Our tester, Tannon, raved about how quickly it worked on his skin. He shared that his skin felt refreshed and more awake almost immediately after use: “I noticed a huge difference in my skin. I look glowy and bright and feel like my skin drank a fresh cup of coffee.”

Ingredient Highlights: Reishi mushroom, organic essential oils | Size: 6.7 oz

Say goodbye to dry, lackluster skin by cleansing with this micellar water. It’s formulated with a variety of glow-boosting ingredients (such as reishi mushroom and essential oils) to instantly calm skin, help reduce redness, and amp up hydration. Our tester, Samantha, shared that prior to the test, she had dry patches all over her face. After cleansing with the Origins micellar water, however, she noticed a “significant difference” in the texture and feel of her skin. In fact, she said her face felt “hydrated and refreshed.”

Ingredient Highlights: Thermal mineral water, vitamin B5 | Size: 6.7 oz

No matter your skin type, sometimes our skin craves a little hydration. Quench your skin’s thirst with this micellar water from Vichy. Formulated with the brand’s signature volcanic mineral water, this formula cleanses, removes makeup, and soothes skin, all in one step. You can expect impurities to melt away, leaving behind hydrated, refreshed skin. Plus, our tester, Kim, kept raving about how comfortable her skin felt after using a micellar water-soaked cotton pad. Since it’s mostly thermal water, some found it to be very runny. Be careful when dispensing the product so you don’t waste any.

Ingredient Highlights: Matcha tea extract, almond oil | Size: 8.4 oz

Designed to remove makeup and deeply cleanse the skin, this micellar water contains micelles that completely eliminate residue. Ingredients such as matcha tea extract, almond oil, and hyaluronic acid help restore elasticity, provide hydration, and give the skin a nice, healthy glow. Even our tester, Sarah, said that her face looked “extremely glowy” and “more hydrated than it has ever looked.” Keep in mind that if you have a nut allergy, this formula contains almond oil, which might trigger a reaction.

Ingredient Highlights: Water, glycerin, avocado fruit extract, aloe | Size: 10.14 oz

Micellar water can be used by anyone—including the little ones in your life. This one from Mustela gently (and safely) cleans and softens all skin—including face, body, and diaper area—without irritation. According to the brand, the formula is great for quick and easy cleanups in between baths. Plus, with the sealable pump, it works well for travel, too. Our tester, Alec, shared that the micellar water came out of the bottle very smoothly and found it easy to apply all over his face. Like all skincare products, be sure to perform a patch test before applying it to your face or your baby’s face. “I’m a guy, and I genuinely think I’m going to buy this because of how effective it is. It changed the overall feel of my skin in a matter of seconds,” Alec added.

FAQ

• What is micellar water used for?

  Micellar water is used to break down and remove oil, makeup, and dirt from the skin. It uses tiny fat molecules to degrease and remove impurities from the skin's surface, leaving behind a refreshed and clean face without harsh soaps, detergents, or stripping ingredients.

• Does micellar water really clean your face?

  Micellar water really does clean your face by using tiny molecules to break down and wash away makeup, sweat, sunscreen, and grime from your skin without water.

• Does micellar water need to be rinsed off?

  While micellar water does not need to be rinsed off, you might wish to do so. Some people will experience breakouts if there is a film left on the skin after applying and wiping away micellar water. You can double-cleanse by using micellar water before your normal face cleanser.

• What is micellar water vs. toner?

  Micellar water breaks down and removes makeup, sunscreen, and grime on the skin. It’s usually the first step in your skincare routine. Toner, on the other hand, is typically used after cleansing to mop up any residual product, restore balance to your skin, and minimize the look of pores.