Micellar water makes removing make-up a breeze. Here are our favourites
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Micellar water is a go-to skincare step for many, but why does it work so well and which one is the best to buy?
When you hear the words ‘micellar water’, your mind might automatically drift to the inimitable Bioderma Sensibio H20 micellar water. This clever innovation saw many beauty aficionados and editors trek to French pharmacies just to get their hands on one. When it was finally released in the UK in 2013, the micellar water market blew up and took up significantly more space on high street shelves.
Since then, our love for micellar water has continued to grow. A report by Mintel found that 38% of British women use micellar water. But what exactly is it, and how does it work?
Micellar (pronounced my-sell-er) water is a type of cleanser that was invented by Jean-Noël Thorel, the French founder of Bioderma in 1991.
“Micellar waters have been on the cleansing circuit for some time now,” says Dr Anjali Mahto, consultant dermatologist. “They use tiny micelles (small balls of cleansing oil molecules) suspended in water to draw out skin impurities.”
Along with these micelles, you’ll find purified water that is gentle on the skin and a range of hydrating ingredients, such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid, too.
What is micellar water for?
While they’re effective at removing make-up, they don’t provide a thorough cleanse on their own.
“They can be useful for all skin types, but my feeling remains that they are most useful as a cleansing option when there is no water available,” says Dr Mahto. “To use these as a primary cleanser after removing make-up and sunscreen at the end of the day requires a lot of time and product.
“They can, however, be useful as a second cleanse to remove any excess grime after the main cleanse has been carried out with another product.”
Additionally, micellar waters are handy at breaking down stubborn eye make-up before you initiate a proper cleanse. Dispense some onto a reusable cotton pad and hold it over your eye to melt away mascara, eyeliner and eyeshadow. This will save you from harshly rubbing the delicate eye area when you go on to cleansing.
Eager to give it a try? Here, we run through our favourite micellar waters on the market.
Best micellar waters, picked by the Stylist beauty team
CeraVe Micellar Cleansing Water with Niacinamide and Ceramides
Gentle yet effective, CeraVe’s micellar cleansing water is suitable for all skin types and around the eye area. An excellent option for sensitive skin, it’s also fortified with essential ceramides to protect the skin’s natural barrier and retain moisture and hydration throughout the day.
Shop CeraVe Micellar Cleansing Water with Niacinamide & Ceramides at Boots, £13.50
Garnier Micellar Water, Gentle Face Cleanser and Make-up Remover for Sensitive Skin
Arguably the most beloved micellar water out there, this perfume-free formula removes make-up effectively, while soothing skin. Plus, it’s also hypoallergenic.
Shop Garnier Micellar Water, Gentle Face Cleanser & Makeup Remover for Sensitive Skin, £8.99
Dr Sam’s Flawless Cleansing Water
Like everything in Dr Sam’s range, this isn’t going to upset reactive skin. It features hydrating glycerin and a bunch of anti-inflammatory properties to restore the skin barrier as you cleanse.
S’able Labs Rooibos Micellar Water
Thought micellar water would leave the skin feeling stripped? Think again. This contains rooibos tea extract to soothe the skin, while babassu oil nourishes. It’s also vegan and fragrance-free.
Bioderma Sensibio H2O Make-up Removing Micelle Solution
The original micellar water, this Bioderma micellar water is an undisputed cult product. It gets rid of dirt and make-up without disturbing the skin barrier or stripping skin. It’s no surprise that one bottle sells every three seconds worldwide.
Perricone MD No:Rinse Micellar Cleansing Treatment
As well as providing a thorough clean, this micellar contains brightening l-carnitine (an amino acid) and vitamin b5 to hydrate skin.
Shop Perricone MD No: Rinse Micellar Cleansing Treatment at Lookfantastic, £36
La Roche-Posay Sensitive Skin Micellar Solution
Formulated specifically for those with sensitive skin – including skin types prone to redness, acne and inflammation – this micellar water contains thermal spring water and removes make-up with one easy swipe.
Shop La Roche-Posay Sensitive Micellar Water at Boots, £15.50
Drunk Elephant E-Rase Milki Micellar Water
More of a milk consistency than a water, this Drunk Elephant product contains ceramides to keep the skin barrier balanced, as well as antioxidants and fatty acids to protect and hydrate skin.
Shop Drunk Elephant E-Rase Milki Micellar Water at Cult Beauty, £27
Glossier Milky Oil
A combination of micellar water and weightless oil, shake the bottle to kick start the dual-phase formula. Once it has mixed together, squeeze it onto a reusable cotton pad and sweep it around the face.
Main image: Courtesy of brands
