The Lazy Beauty Hack You Need: 12 Best Micellar Waters (2025)

TL;DR

Our favorite micellar water that we tested is the Bioderma H2O Micellar Water. It effectively removes makeup while hydrating the skin and comes in a generous bottle. For a product that purifies, cleanses and tones, we recommend the La Roche Posay Effaclar Micellar Water.

Our Top Picks

Ingredient Highlights: Water, micelles, cucumber extract | Size: 16.7 oz | Scent: Fresh

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 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.

Amy, tester: "Though the product was very lightweight, my skin was instantly refreshed after usage. It didn't seem to brighten my skin, but did a good job removing all the makeup gunk off my face."

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

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.

Tannon, tester: "This micellar water was extremely effective. It left my skin very clean as if I washed my face. When looking back on the cleansing pad, I was able to see all the dirt that was removed from my face to the point where it seems almost better than washing my face. I believe it may have taken some of my blackheads out which is amazing."

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

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, Elena, was hooked, sharing that she couldn’t stop touching her face after because it felt like velvet. We also love how this micellar water doubles as an eye makeup remover, effortlessly removing our eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara.

Elena, tester (not pictured): "It was absorbed easily in my skin, and didn't feel greasy at all. There was no waste of the water, from the cotton pad was transferred to my skin smoothly. LOVE the moisture after hours. My skin feels super soft."

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

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.

Mads, tester: "The micellar water cleansed my skin quite well, removing dirt, buildup, and makeup without overstripping or drying out my skin."

Ingredient Highlights: Water, glycerin, citric acid | Size: 6.76 oz | Scent: Fragrance-free

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 it leaves behind a lovely glow effect.

Lamont, tester: "I'm giving this product a 5 because it did what was advertised and helped clean my skin while also leaving it hydrated. It left no film residue and it left the left side of my face with more of a glow, stripping away any dead skin and impurities that I usually have.”

Ingredient Highlights: Thermal spring water, hydrogenated castor oil | Size: 6.76 oz | Scent: Delicate perfume smell

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.

Nasya, tester: "I would definitely recommend this product to family and friends because it is a fantastic product! Not only did it cleanse my face from any impurities, but it also hydrated and freshened up my whole face. It has a nice, gentle, and soothing smell that is very pleasant and not too overpowering."

Ingredient Highlights: Water, glycerin | Size: 13.5 oz | Scent: Unscented

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.”

Tannon, tester (not pictured): "My skin felt a HUGE difference. It definitely looks more hydrated. It unclogged my pores for sure and got rid of any dryness on my face. It gave me a glow afterward and the roughness was removed from my face."

Ingredient Highlights: Reishi mushroom, organic essential oils | Size: 6.7 oz | Scent: Spa-like

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 while smoothing out any rough spots. 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.”

Nasya, tester: "The micellar water perfectly cleansed my skin! I had no makeup on and I commuted to the set using the subway so I expected that there would be some dirt/grime/oil on my face and the product removed those impurities from my face without drying out my skin."

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

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.

Sunita, tester: "This product worked extremely well as a cleanser and micellar water as a duo. It took off my face makeup with ease leaving my skin with a clean and hydrated feeling.”

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

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.

Naomi, tester: "This product left my face looking extremely glowy. There was a significant difference from my skin before I used the product to after I used it. My skin looks more refreshing and hydrated than it has ever looked."

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

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 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.

Alec, tester: "It definitely made my skin feel way more refreshed and softer and I noticed a loss in redness and irritation for my skin and there was no residue or dryness even after sitting with the product for a longer amount of time."

Ingredient Highlights: Thermal spring water, glycerin | Size: 13.52 oz | Scent: Unscented

If you’re on the hunt for a micellar water that can not only remove dirt, makeup, and impurities, but also purify, cleanse, and tone the skin, look no further than La Roche Posay’s Effaclar Micellar Water. Dirt-encapsulating micelles work to remove dead skin, dirt, makeup, and even oils in a calm and nonirritating manner, resulting in a clean and hydrated feel. And while our tester notes that absorption isn’t the best, meaning you might need to use more product than you’re used to, it’s still well-worth it and gets the job done perfectly.

Monique, tester: "My skin definitely looked refreshed and after-glowed. No flakiness, soft and there was a matte finish (not shiny at all). It looks dry but not ashy."

FAQ

• What is micellar water used for?

  “Micellar water is primarily used to remove makeup, dirt, and excess oil while providing a quick, gentle cleanse. It’s perfect for a double-cleansing routine, post-workout refresh, or even as a travel-friendly cleanser,” says Dr. Collins. 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. “Micellar water effectively lifts away dirt, makeup, and impurities due to the action of the micelles,” shares Dr. Sajic. “However, it may not always remove heavier, waterproof makeup as effectively as an oil-based remover. For everyday use and light makeup removal, micellar water can be sufficient on its own. For those wearing heavy, long-wear cosmetics or sunscreen, it may serve best as the first step in a double cleansing routine.”

• 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's the difference between 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, minimize the look of pores, and balance the skin PH. “At this time, toner is not a product I go out of my way to recommend, because skincare has become so advanced in maintaining the skin PH that the step of toner is no longer needed,” says Dr. Habashy-Hakim.