How micellar water became a cleansing hero product – and which one to pick
Where would be be without our beloved micellar water?
Prized for its toning, refreshing benefits, this lightweight product has become such a mainstay in our cleansing regimes in recent years that we can hardly remember a time without it. But cast your memory back to a few years ago, when micellar waters were a niche insider secret among the skincare elite, that were stocked in few places in the UK.
Having originated in France, this product was once only available in pharmacies across the Channel – so it wasn't unheard of for beauty junkies to take a pilgrimage to Paris just for top-ups of their favourite micellar water.
Then in 2013, the French staple was made available in the UK for the first time with the introduction of Bioderma's Sensibio H2O Micellar Water into British pharmacy John Bell & Croydon, much to the relief of every beauty editor and skincare junkie in town. Since then, the humble cleansing product has reached stratospheric heights as well as the shelves of every high street drug-store nationwide.
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Not only that, but micellar water has become almost ubiquitous in every insider's skincare routine, and has secured its spot as a shelfie staple. Every skincare brand from specialist cosmeceutical labels to drug store heroes have their own version, some brands even offering many different variations with added ingredients for different skin types.
This is how to cleanse properly.
So the hype is real, but we wanna know: does micellar water really live up to the high standards it's credited with – and what's all the fuss about?
It's a resounding yes from our beauty team. The reason being its ability to remove deep-set makeup and gently cleanse our complexions in seconds. Here's your everything-to-know guide on what micellar water is and why is it so special…
What is micellar water?
Pronounced "my-sell-or", micellar waters are effective makeup removers. Micellar water is made from purified water (to counter the minerals and heavy metals found in tap water), which is then infused with hydrating ingredients and mild surfactants (which break down oils). These group together to form tiny little balls called micelles which are suspended in the water.
What are the benefits of micellar water?
The little spheres can attract all the makeup, excess sebum and daily grime on the surface of your skin - like a magnet - and lifts them away, leaving skin clean and refreshed.
When is the best time to use the hydrating powerhouse ingredient?
How is micellar water different to other cleansers?
If you find other cleansers strip your skin, you may notice that micellar waters feel much gentler. The micelles focus on attracting just the makeup and grime rather than stripping the oils from your skin and drying it out. It's also infused with hydrating ingredients like glycerin that stay behind and can be absorbed to leave skin feeling more comfortable.
What's the difference between a toner and micellar water?
Micellar waters and toners often look similar, they both tend to have a watery consistency and are usually swept on using a cotton pad. But while micellar water may look like your average H2O, if you feel it, you'll notice the texture feels slightly thicker and slippier. The main purpose of a micellar water is to remove makeup, whereas a toner is designed to be used after cleansing to rebalance the skin's pH. Toners prep skin before moisturiser and can have extra benefits such as hydrating, balancing or even exfoliating skin.
Can I use micellar water as makeup remover?
The micelles glide across the surface of skin, gathering makeup and grime, but they're too large to penetrate further into skin for a deep clean. Therefore, they make a fantastic first cleanse (for removing makeup), but you might want to follow up with a deep-cleaning cleanser that can get further down into pores for your second cleanse.
Skincare routine steps, order and products.
Does micellar water suit all skin types?
When micellar waters first came out in the UK, some with particularly dry or sensitive skin types found the products on the market overtly drying, particularly as they're designed to be left on the skin.
Thankfully, since they've grown in popularity, it's no longer a challenge to find a micellar water formulation that works for you. Because of the variety of micellar waters now available, they can suit all skin types. Brands such as Bioderma and Garnier have several options specifically suited for sensitive skin, dry skin or combination skin, it's just about finding the right one that works for you.
How do I use micellar water?
Talk about foolproof – one of micellar water's selling points is that it's one of the easiest cleansers to use, since you don't need to stand over a sink to remove your makeup. All you need is a cotton pad (try Garnier's sustainable Micellar Reusable Makeup Remover Eco Pads, £4.49) which you can use to sweep it across your skin. And because micellar water is go gentle, you can even use it on your eyes and lips, too. We'd recommend holding the pad to your eye for a few seconds to loosen stubborn mascara before sweeping away. It's best used as the first step in a double cleansing routine.
Should I moisturise after micellar water?
Micellar waters tend to be gentler and less stripping than other cleansers, which is why they're able to leave skin feeling more hydrated. But, it's still worth following up with your moisturiser. Water-based cleansers work particularly well with micellar water, just make sure you choose one that works best for your skin.
Ready to ditch your usual cleanser for good?
Check out the GLAMOUR roundup of the best micellar waters to find one that suits your skin...
And if you need some inspo on the products to add to your regime, follow these skincare cocktailing tips and tricks.
Best micellar water for speedy makeup removal
Lancôme Eau Micellaire Douceur, £28, Boots
For our city girls on the-go, this micellar water removes makeup like no other - seriously, the results are insane. The complexion is left feeling toned, without tightness, and super moisturised. Ideal for normal and dry skin types.
Save when you shop for micellar water with these Boots discount codes.
Best micellar water for sensitive skin
Physiological Micellar Solution, £12.50, Feel Unique
Another one ideal for those with sensitive skin, we love how it cleanses but also soothes the complexion - restoring its ph and moisture balance. Bonus points for being 100% hypoallergenic.
Best micellar water on a budget
Garnier Micellar Milky Cleansing Water, £4.66, Boots
A holy grail hero amongst our readers, the original Garnier Micellar Water was voted the best by you in this year's (and last year's) GLAMOUR Beauty Power List Awards. It works like a magnet, leaving no impurities behind, while the milky texture comforts and hydrates skin.
Save when you shop for the best micellar water with these Boots discount codes.
Best micellar water for feeling refreshed
Avène Micellar Lotion, £12.50, LookFantastic
Summer in a bottle! This refreshing micellar water is made with minimal ingredients and has a high concentration of thermal spring water from Avène, in (you guessed it) France. Let's just pack our bags and head to the Eurostar, already!
Save when you shop for the best micellar water with these LookFantastic discount codes.
Best micellar water for gentle toning
Rosa Centifolia 3-In-1 Cleansing Water, £19, M&S
Skincare connoisseur, Ren, came out with this micellar water that is a dream for those with highly sensitive skin. A very pure formula that uses rose water to help remove makeup and moisturise the complexion.
Best micellar water for buying in bulk
Bioderma Sensibio H2o, £11, Feel Unique
Just like the latter, we've learned about this one while on trip to France, it is super popular in Parisian pharmacies - so much so, that you can even find it in bulk. This is a favourite for those with oily skin, as the complexion is left feeling rather hydrated than moisturised. You can buy two bottles for less than £20 from Amazon.
Best micellar water for calming the skin
Klorane Floral Water Make-Up Remover, £16, Escentual
The genius reverse pump top makes this an instant winner at GLAMOUR HQ for its fuss-free, ultra convenient cleansing. Plus, the formula is both gentle and thorough thanks to organic cornflower, which is known for its decongesting and calming abilities.
Best micellar was for all skin types
Simple Kind To Skin Micellar Water, £2.45, Superdrug
A budget hero that works greatly to remove makeup and leave skin feeling hydrated and super fresh. It is also enriched with minerals and vitamins - whoop.
Slide over here for other cleansers and face washes we love. Save when you shop with these Superdrug discount codes.
Best micellar water for strengthening the skin
Drunk Elephant E-RaseTM Milki Micellar Wateron, £24, Cult Beauty
We love Drunk Elephant for its efficacious formulas and targeted ingredients, but always felt that the cult skincare brand lacked options for cleansing. Not anymore. They've just launched a brand new micellar water for quick, fuss-free cleansing and makeup removal. The new formula contains plant oils, vitamin E and a blend of ceramides to gently but thoroughly remove dirt and impurities while simultaneously strengthening and soothing.
Save when you shop for the best micellar water with these Cult Beauty discount codes.
Best micellar water for achieving silky skin
Nuxe Eau Démaquillante Micellaire, £23.50, LookFantastic
We're not ones to pass on a cult French product. Nuxe's own micellar water is indulging to all senses, leaving skin with a soft (dare we say silky) touch and a delicate rose water smell.
Save when you shop for the best micellar water with these LookFantastic discount codes.
Best micellar water for hydration
Dior Hydra Life Micellar Water, £29, John Lewis
Dior's newest micellar water is part of their Hydra Life range - which works greatly on 20-something skin and on dehydrated complexion as well. A hydration bomb! We absolutely love this lightweight formula.
