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Byrdie / Alli Waataja
Washing your face is a must, especially if you wear makeup and sunscreen daily. Though there’s nothing like a soapy face wash and water, we don’t always have access to a sink—and sometimes lack the energy—honestly—to wash away the day. Enter: Micellar water. These soap-free, no-rinse cleansers contain tiny micelles (aka molecules) that sop up dirt, makeup, and oil, leaving you with clean skin.
Micellar waters remove makeup and cleanse the skin in one simple step, making it ideal for minimalists or people who don’t have time for a multi-step skincare regimen. That said, you can use micellar water as the first step in a double-cleanse routine—simply pour some out on a cotton pad, wipe the pad across your eyelids and face, and follow up with your cleanser of choice.
To narrow down the best micellar waters on the market, we tested 31 formulas in The Lab, our Manhattan testing facility. Testers evaluated each micellar water based on feel, absorption, efficacy, hydration, and appearance post-cleanse to determine the products worth your money.
Best Overall
Bioderma H2O Micellar Water
Dermstore
Absorbs quickly
Gentle on skin and eyes
Nondrying
It comes out fast if you’re not careful
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.
Best Lightweight Formula
Simple Micellar Cleansing Water
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Amazon
Skin-loving ingredients
Ophthalmologist-tested
Great for sensitive skin
Some say the formula is different than it used to be
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.
Best Splurge
Drunk Elephant Micellar Water
Sephora
Fresh and fragrance-free
Skin stays hydrated after several hours
Easily removes makeup
Can take several pumps to clean entire face
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.
Best Makeup Remover
Medik8 Eyes & Lips Micellar Cleanser
Dermstore
Gently removes face, eye, and lip makeup
Milky consistency
Hydrates and soothes skin
Those allergic to ragweed should patch test
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.
Best Fragrance-Free
Typology 7-Ingredient Micellar Water
Typology
Simple and effective
Seven ingredients
Dewy
Might be too shiny for oily skin types
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.
Best Multipurpose
Klorane Micellar Water
Amazon
3-in-1 makeup remover, cleanser, and toner
Made with organic ingredients
Absorbs easily
Subtle alcohol-like fragrance
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.
Best for Sensitive Skin
Avene Eau Thermal Micellar Lotion
Amazon
Gentle on easily irritated skin
Cost effective
Soothing
Subtly fragranced, which may irritate sensitive skin
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.
Best for Oily Skin
Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water
Target
Lightweight consistency
Dries easily
Refreshing
Needs to be shaken to experience full results
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.”
Best for Dry Skin
Origins Skin Relief Micellar Cleanser
Sephora
Hydrating
Refreshing
Improves skin softness
Contains essential oils, which can irritate sensitive skin
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.”
Best Hydrating
Vichy Mineral Micellar Water
Amazon
Contains volcanic mineral water
Alcohol-Free
Calming
Runny consistency
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.
Best Natural
Kumiko Skincare Matcha Micellar Water
Thirteen June
Absorbs easily
Energizing
Glow-inducing
Contains nut oil, a popular allergen
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.
Best for the Whole Family
Mustela Cleansing Water
Amazon
Ideal for all ages
Works on full body
Packaging is great for travel
Requires a patch test
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.
Testing Micellar Water for All Skin Types
What to Look for in Micellar Waters
- Nonirritating ingredients: Micellar waters are known for providing a gentler cleansing option. Look for micellar waters that are not irritating to the skin, with no harsh ingredients such as soaps and alcohol. They should primarily consist of tiny oil molecules with extra components that provide additional skin-soothing and cleansing properties. Since micellar waters can be used to remove makeup, including around the eyes, they should not be harsh or full of chemical fragrances or strong ingredients that can irritate the delicate and sensitive eye area.
- Beneficial ingredients: If you want your micellar water to provide even more benefits than cleansing and makeup removal, look for ones that contain additional ingredients, such as antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, oils, and plant extracts.
- Skin type: Look for micellar water that is designed for your skin type. Those with oily, acne-prone skin will benefit from purifying micellar waters, while those with dry skin should look for formulas that offer hydration. If you have sensitive skin, look for a minimalist product that cuts back on the ingredient list.
Why Trust Byrdie
Caitlyn Martyn is an experienced beauty writer and product tester. She has tried dozens of micellar waters—including several on this list like, Bioderma, Garnier, Simple Skincare, and Vichy. Caitlyn has been a writer at Byrdie since 2022, where she covers all things beauty and style.
According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough micellar water from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com, and we will evaluate the product ASAP.
