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The Best Micellar Water Cleanser

Last updated on March 21, 2022

We looked at the top 8 Micellar Water Cleansers and dug through the reviews from 18 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Micellar Water Cleansers.

Our Review Process

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Our Picks For The Top Micellar Water Cleansers

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Product Overview
Key Takeaway
Pros
Cons
 Top Pick

Garnier All Skin Types Micellar Cleansing Water, 13.5-Ounce

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Garnier

All Skin Types Micellar Cleansing Water, 13.5-Ounce

Garnier's 13.5-ounce micellar water is gentle on your skin and effectively removes makeup, oil and dirt, leaving skin feeling fresh and clean. Use it as a morning facial cleanser and a nighttime makeup remover.

Overall Take

A Double-Duty ProductThis multitasking product works well on all skin types, so every face can look healthy and well-moisturized.

Pros
" Not only does this popular product do a good job cleansing skin, but also leaves it feeling refreshed. Works on sensitive skin, and can be used in delicate areas including around the eyes and lips. Choice of a variety of..."
Cons
"I've got to be honest, my skin didn't feel 100 percent clean, but I'm also the type of person who triple-cleanses my face every night (obsessive, I know)."
 Runner Up

Burt’s Bees 3-In-1 Micellar Water Cleanser Towelettes, 30-Count

Burt's Bees

3-In-1 Micellar Water Cleanser Towelettes, 30-Count

The wipes inside this pack of 30 Burt's Bee’s 3-in-1 micellar cleansing towelettes contain rose water, and they work to remove makeup, cleanse the skin and hydrate your face in a few quick swipes. They are convenient enough to take almost anywhere.

Overall Take

Cool and RefreshingToss these wipes in your purse or travel bag, and grab one whenever you need to refresh your skin.

Pros
" In their past life, these face wipes were scraps from T-shirt makers (repurposing them, rather than using virgin cotton, saves 10 gallons of water per pack)."
 We Also Like

Simple Sensitive Skin Micellar Water Cleanser, 6.7-Ounce

Simple

Sensitive Skin Micellar Water Cleanser, 6.7-Ounce

Well-priced for 6.7 ounces, you can apply Simple's micellar cleansing water with a gentle touch. This water thoroughly removes makeup and dirt while washing and hydrating your skin.

Overall Take

Gentle Yet EffectiveTreat yourself to some TLC with this well-reviewed, high-performing facial cleanser.

Pros
" It has a unique light-as-air consistency that does feel uncannily similar to water — or to that of a featherlight serum. And it contains ingredients my skin loves, like hydrating glycerin and vitamin C, which keep the skin supple and..."
 Strong Contender

La Roche-Posay Oil & Alcohol Free Micellar Water Cleanser, 5.6-Ounce

La Roche-Posay

Oil & Alcohol Free Micellar Water Cleanser, 5.6-Ounce

Dermatologists recommend the LaRoche-Posay brand for its high-quality skincare line, which includes this oil-free micellar water makeup remover, cleanser and toner.

Overall Take

What the French UseYour skin will feel silky-smooth and rejuvenated each time you use this soothing wash.

Pros
" Works well for removing most types of makeup. Dermatologist tested, so it can be used on most skin types. Makes skin feel soft after repeated use. Also available in sensitive formula."

Buying Guide

Micellar water was invented in 1995 by the French skincare brand Bioderma, but you can trace its roots back to the earlier part of that century when there were water shortages in France. At the time, Paris was also known for having infamously hard water, which can strip the natural protective barriers from the skin.

Micellar water has seen a surge in popularity more recently. It is known as a great alternative to using tap water when cleansing one’s face, and many people claim to recognize its benefits immediately. Like glycerin, micellar water can improve skin permeability, increasing the effectiveness of other skin products. It is also thought to help people with acne because it helps unclog pores and clear up blemishes.

Fans of micellar water appreciate that it cleans and hydrates without stripping the skin of natural oils. Micellar water does not contain alcohol like toners and some facial cleansers, which is a benefit because alcohol can be harsh and even damaging to the skin.

Instead, it contains micelles — microscopic molecules made from surfactants in water solutions — which attract oil and dirt and help remove them from your face. Depending on the brand, micellar water can also contain other ingredients, like aloe vera and vitamins.

One of the best features of micellar water is that you don’t have to rinse it off. To use bottled versions, apply some of the water to a cotton pad and gently wipe your face, lips and eyes. With the micellar water wipes, pull one out and use it to clean your face. That’s it!

Never rub micellar water harshly into your skin; it does the work without a lot of effort. When you finish using it, your face should feel smooth and hydrated. Many skincare brands sell these products now, and you can find them in different price ranges, sizes and containers. The wipes will cost more because you have to pay for the added convenience, but they are great for when you are on the go.

Don't just take for granted what one reviewer says. Along with our own experts, DWYM analyzes the top expert reviews of the leading products and generates a score you can actually trust.
15

Products Considered

We identified the majority of the micellar water cleansers available to purchase.
8

Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

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18

Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources including: BestReviews, Allure, BuzzFeed, New York Post, InStyle.

123,306

User Opinions Analyzed

We also incorporate user reviews from the leading retailers including

Our experts reviewed the top 8 Micellar Water Cleansers and also dug through the reviews from 18 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Micellar Water Cleansers.

DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.

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The Best Bang For Your Buck

Burt’s Bees 3-In-1 Micellar Water Cleanser Towelettes, 30-Count

Key Takeawy

The wipes inside this pack of 30 Burt's Bee’s 3-in-1 micellar cleansing towelettes contain rose water, and they work to remove makeup, cleanse the skin and hydrate your face in a few quick swipes. They are convenient enough to take almost anywhere.

What other experts liked

In their past life, these face wipes were scraps from T-shirt makers (repurposing them, rather than using virgin cotton, saves 10 gallons of water per pack).
- Allure
In addition to the micellar technology that removes makeup and impurities, they also contain rose water, which is a calming, anti-inflammatory ingredient that shoppers say makes the wipes smell amazing.
- InStyle

What to Look For

  • Micellar water cleansers are generally recommended for sensitive skin, but if you have concerns, read the packaging to see if the product is dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-tested.
  • Unlike some makeup-removal products, micellar water does not burn the eyes.
  • You can find micellar water cleansers made with all-natural ingredients, free of things like parabens and phthalate.
  • If you use micellar water cleansing wipes, ensure that the package is closed tightly after pulling out a wipe. Otherwise, the wipes can dry out. 
  • You can always put the packs of wipes in zipper-seal plastic bags to keep the wipes moist.

More to Explore

Although micellar water cleansers are a more recent innovation, people have been wearing makeup for thousands of years. Archaeologists found makeup kits and canisters when excavating Egyptian tombs, and they found similar items with ancient Greek and Roman artifacts. Back then, people used ground-up minerals and stones, clay and water to paint their faces, chests and necks.

It is also believed that Cleopatra used lipstick made from ground carmine beetles and that Queen Elizabeth I painted her face white with ceruse, a mixture of vinegar and lead. Too bad they didn’t have micellar water back then!

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