We can't talk about micellar water without first name-checking what might just be one of the most cult beauty products of all time. Bioderma's Sensibio Micellar Water is not only responsible for our obsession with French pharmacy skincare, but also for the rise of the micellar water here in the UK.
Just as convenient as a face wipe (yet far friendlier to both your face and the planet), this chic French-girl approved cleansing water swiftly became the supermodel skin secret we can't be without. (Thankfully, we no longer need to travel to Paris to stock up.)
Inevitably, the rest of the beauty industry caught on and micellar water became the go-to for removing stubborn waterproof mascara and long-lasting liquid lipstick in one quick swipe.
So, what exactly is micellar water? And is it actually any good for our skin? We turned to expert facialist Kate Kerr to get the lowdown...
What is micellar water?
'Micellar water is a cleanser containing suspended surfactant molecules which, by nature, attract dirt and oil,' explains Kerr. Essentially, it's oil suspended in a water-like cleanser that helps to remove make-up and dirt more easily than a regular cleanser.
How is micellar water different to a normal cleanser?
According to Kerr, there's a few ways in which micellar water differs from a traditional face wash. 'Cleansers contain ingredients which are able to actually penetrate into the pore and cleanse much more deeply than a micellar water, which stays on the skin surface.
'In addition, many micellar waters can leave a surface residue on the skin, meaning dirt and pollution from the day can actually end up being moved around the face, rather than actually being removed from the skin.'
So in short, a micellar water should be considered a great make-up remover or quick cleanser – especially for flights and festivals – but not a replacement for your evening deep-cleanse at home.
ELLE Edit: 10 Of The Best Micellar Water Cleansers
![Nordic Hydra [Lähde] Bi-Phase Micellar Water](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1647605719-micellar-water-lumene-1647605706.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:* "Nordic Hydra [Lähde] Bi-Phase Micellar Water")
Even the name of Lumene's micellar water sounds refreshing. Wipe the day away with the Arctic Cloudberry Water-infused formula and leave your face feeling fresh and radiant.
Eye make-up removers can feel harsh and drying, but Avène's ultra-gentle micellar water aims to sweep away stubborn mascara whilst soothing tired eyelids.
Up your skincare routine to pro facial levels with Elemis' spa-worthy micellar water. Gently remove dirt, make-up and excess oil after a long day with the delicate double dose of rosehip oil and rose water.
Sensitive and acne-prone types take note: this is the micellar water for you. It effectively removes all manner of make-up and dirt without disrupting your skin's natural balance or leaving an unwanted oily residue.
Micellar water doesn't get more luxe than La Mer. Housed in the most enticing clear packaging, let this iconic Miracle Broth-infused formula cleanse and hydrate, leaving you with an A-list worthy glow.
The original and still the best, Bioderma's genius micellar water has cleansed the faces of every supermodel to grace fashion week.
A cult favourite for its bargainous price and sensitive skin-friendly formula, Garnier's micellar water is outrageously affordable and gets the job done.
A great choice for dehydrated, dry and sensitive types, Drunk Elephant's milky micellar is boosted with ceramides to care for your all-important skin barrier.
L'Oreal Paris Micellar Water Cleanser Sensitive Skin
People rave about this one for its ability to melt down waterproof make-up without any rubbing. It's gentle enough to be swiped over eyes, and won't aggravate an easily wound-up complexion, either.
CeraVe Micellar Cleansing Water with Niacinamide
Amped up with niacinamide and Cerave's signature ceramides, this one is brilliant for restoring order on oily, acne-prone skin types.
What skin types shouldn't use micellar water?
Although micellar water is perfect for melting stubborn mascara, it's good to remember that make-up removal doesn't equal clean skin.
'Micellar waters can be bad news for people with congested skin that’s prone to breakouts,' advises Kerr. 'This is because the ingredients used in micellar waters leave a surface residue on the skin which can act like a film, blocking pores and disrupting oil production.'
How do you use micellar water?
'Micellar waters can be great when used as a make-up remover, especially for stubborn heavy eye-make-up. However I would always recommend using a cleanser afterwards to ensure the residue left over is fully removed from the skin,' says Kerr, who prefers a salicylic-acid cleanser in particular.
Practically, micellar water doesn't work like a usual cleanser that you would apply to your face and wash off. As the texture is closer to a toner or essence, micellar water is best applied to a cotton pad or muslin cloth and then swept across your face to remove make-up.
Make-up artist Katie Jane Hughes has a brilliant use for her micellar water. As well as using it to remove make-up, she also uses it to neaten up eyeliner for a super sharp finish. Simply dip a cotton bud or straight-edged make-up brush into your water and draw along the edge of your cat eye to get a precise and graphic line.
