What Is Micellar Water? Usage Tips + The Best Products

There are plenty of different ways to remove makeup, but some are better for your skin than others. Many skin experts agree that chemical-packed makeup wipes may not be the healthiest choice, but the best option is up for debate. 

First question, what exactly is micellar water? According to cosmetic chemist team and founders of Chemist Confessions Gloria Lu and Victoria Fu, “Micellar water is more of a marketing term that has involved into several formats, the main two being: water-based cleansing water and also as a fancy name for a bi-phase makeup remover.”

Lu and Fu note that these formulas, “Contain ‘micelles’, or little balls of surfactants with a water-loving part and an oil-loving tail.” When micells touch the skin, they effectively remove makeup and grime (SPF included). 

This form of makeup removal originated in France but has grown in popularity worldwide over the past decade or so, mainly due to the gentle and hydrating nature of micellar water and the ease of use. 

The first and most popular choice: Use micellar water to remove your makeup. Simply apply micellar water to a cotton round or cotton ball (or opt for reusable ones) and swipe it across your face. 

It’s best to avoid adding pressure to the skin during this process, so just let the cleansing agent do it’s job. Remember, you’ll follow up with a second cleanse afterward, so it’s okay if your skin isn’t squeaky clean. 

If you go straight from work to the gym, micellar water can be a quick way to remove makeup before you start sweating, Murphy-Rose notes. 

After you remove your makeup, rinse off your face. Not everyone will be sensitive to the surfactants used in micellar water, but some can be. “My recommendation is to always rinse the micellar water off just to be safe,” Nazarian says. 

If you are one to skip face washing in the morning and opt for a toner instead, you can certainly consider micellar water a simple option. Since it lifts off excess oil, it's great for those who want to refresh a shiny T-zone in the morning, without the use of alpha- or beta-hydroxy acids. 

Look, I understand the appeal of makeup wipes: They’re easy, they work well, and you’ve probably been using them forever without a problem. However, they simply are not sustainable for the environment, so let that be one reason to switch to micellar water. 

The good news is that micellar water is fairly well tolerated for most people. Still, Lu and Fu agree it should always be rinsed off, even if it claims to be a “no-rinse” formula. This step will ensure any residue left behind is washed away. 

While micellar water can remove most basic makeup, it’s not necessarily going to melt away super stubborn products. For anyone who wears heavy foundation or tacky mascara, you may want to opt for oil-cleansers instead. 

Some people claim that micellar water is classified as a toner, others say it’s a cleanser. To be fair, both are true. See this ingredient does effectively cleanse the skin of makeup and dirt, but it can also be used as a gentle toner. 

However, to use micellar water as a toner you’ll want to make sure you find a formula that doesn’t leave behind a residue. Lu and Fu note that “bi-phase” micellar waters generally do leave behind some grime, so don’t use those if you’re going to leave it on the skin. 

To be frank, it’s a good idea to find a product that’s actually formulated to be left on the skin as a toner (or an essence). Not sure where to look? Here’s our curated list of the best clean toners on the market right now. 

Micellar water is generally the first choice people reach for when quitting makeup wipes, but is this whole process actually more sustainable? The truth is that it can be, if you use reusable cotton rounds or super gentle towelettes. 

Micellar water is a gentle ingredient used to remove makeup, dirt, and grime from the skin. Be sure to rinse micellar water off and cleanse afterward with a traditional, water-based cleanser.