What is Micellar Water? Uses and Benefits for Your Skin

Woman looking at herself in the mirror, wondering when to start using an anti-wrinkle cream to keep a visible youthful skin

Micellar water is made up of tiny cleansing molecules called micelles that attract dirt, oil, and impurities—lifting them from your skin without harsh rubbing. It’s a staple in many beauty routines because it’s gentle yet effective, perfect for removing makeup, refreshing your skin after a workout, or as a quick morning cleanse.

What began as a skincare secret by women in France in the early 1900s is now known worldwide as a wonderful multipurpose skincare product. And if you’ve ever searched for answers on how to cleanse your face or remove makeup without scrubbing your skin raw, you likely already know about micellar water.

But what is micellar water used for exactly? It’s more than a formerly secret skincare product that looks and feels like water but acts as a powerful cleanser. Below, we’ll explore what makes micellar water special, how to use it, and all its benefits for your skin.

Key Takeaways

Micellar water is a cleansing water that is gentle and safe for various skin types.
Micellar water gently yet effectively removes impurities from skin without needing to scrub or rinse.
Micellar water has multiple benefits including being lightweight, acting as an effective makeup remover, hydrating skin, ensuring natural oils remain on the skin, and it can be used on the go since there is no rinsing required.
Micellar water is easy to use, just pour some on a cotton pad or cloth and gently wipe over your skin.

What is micellar water?

Micellar (pronounced my-sell-aar) water gets its cleansing power from micelles—tiny cleansing molecules suspended in soft water—which lift dirt, oil, and makeup from your skin. The micelles act like magnets, drawing out impurities without the need for harsh scrubbing or rinsing. This makes micellar water a gentle yet effective way to clean your face, even if you have sensitive skin.

The formula typically includes purified water, moisturizing ingredients like glycerin, and mild surfactants – compounds that allow oil and water to mix. The micelles surround and dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and grime while leaving your skin’s natural moisture intact. That’s why micellar water is so versatile—it can be used as a makeup remover, cleanser, or even a refreshing skin pick-me-up throughout the day.

In short, micellar water gently cleanses your skin without stripping it of moisture, leaving your face feeling soft and balanced.

How does micellar water work?

Micellar water may look (and feel) just like normal water, but there’s actually a powerful science behind it that allows it to double down as a cleanser. Let’s look at what is in micellar water and how it works.

Surfactants – which are found in micellar water – have one job: cleansing. They typically have two parts – a water-loving or hydrophilic tail and a fat-loving or lipophilic head. In micellar water, molecules of these surfactants come together to form tiny bubble-like particles called “micelles.” When these micelles meet the oil and dirt on your face, they draw and trap these impurities within them. So, when you wipe the micellar water away from your face, these micelles take all the dirt with them, leaving your skin fresh and clean!

Yes, you read that right! Micellar water does clean your skin without rinsing. This means your skin barrier remains undisturbed, preventing your skin from getting irritated. As a result, micellar cleansing water is an ideal option for people with sensitive or dry skin.

Benefits of micellar water

If you’re thinking, “What is micellar water used for that normal face cleanser isn’t?”, we’ve got the answers. It’s true that Micellar water is good for your skin, but its benefits actually go far beyond that. Here are seven reasons why micellar water deserves a spot on your shelf:

1. It cleanses your skin gently but thoroughly without needing to rinse

The best thing about micellar water is that it’s gentler on your skin than traditional soaps and cleansers without compromising on quality facial skin cleansing. Even better, you can get rid of the grime on your face even if you cannot rinse. You only need to wipe away the micellar cleansing water, and you can get back to your day!

The micelles in micellar water are excellent at lifting the oily impurities off your face. This includes any substance that tends to build up on your skin, such as dirt, dead cells, impurities like pollen, pollutants like heavy metal ions, makeup, and even sunscreen.

But that’s not all. Research shows that micelles also increase the permeability of your skin.

2. It's a great makeup remover

Micellar water doubles up as a gentle makeup remover. Since it doesn’t contain alcohol, micellar cleansing water doesn’t sting and can be safely used to wipe the makeup from your face and your eyes in one fell swoop. Think of it as a makeup wipe and cleanser rolled into one.

While micellar water can get rid of almost all types of makeup and will be sufficient for most people, you should know that it might not be effective in removing very heavy or specialized cosmetic products (such as stage makeup), especially if it’s waterproof makeup. So, if that sounds like you, combine micellar cleansing water with a gentle foaming face wash, such as Clarins’ Foaming Face Cleanser, to get all of it off.

3. It's very lightweight and keeps your skin clear It's a great makeup remover

Micellar water is very lightweight (it does feel just like water, after all) and leaves you feeling refreshed. As a bonus, being a water-based product, it also keeps your skin visibly clear. Some oil-based cleansers and makeup removers leave your face feeling oily and clog your pores. Micellar water not only keeps your pores free of oil but also reduces blocked pores by removing oil and dirt particles.

4. It prevents natural oil from being stripped from your face

Conventional soaps and cleansers strip much-needed natural oils from your skin, leaving it feeling tight and dry. They also upset the delicate pH balance of your face, making it more susceptible to bacteria and breakouts.

But micellar water? It’s so gentle on your skin that its natural barrier isn’t disturbed at all! You’ll feel refreshed and breakout-free instead of dull and dry.

5. It's suitable for all skin types

Whether you have dry, combination, natural, or oily skin, cleansing micellar water makes the perfect addition to your skincare routine. Since it doesn’t irritate your skin or strip away the natural oils, it’s ideal for dry and sensitive skin (even if you have skin conditions like rosacea). It also benefits oily and combination skin by visibly unclogging your pores.

6. Hydrates your skin

Micellar water contains humectants (hydrating compounds) like glycerin that are excellent at restoring hydration to your skin. For added benefit, combine your micellar water cleansing routine with a moisturizer. Clarins’ Face Moisturizers revitalize your skin and give your face a healthy-looking, hydrating glow.

See the full set of hydrating skincare products here.

7. It can be used on the go

Since cleansing with micellar water doesn’t need any rinsing, you can use it on the go – whether you’re at the office, at the gym, or on the way home. Throw a bottle of micellar cleansing water along with some cotton pads in your bag, and use it whenever you need a little pick-me-up.

How to use micellar water

Now for the most important question: What is micellar water used for, and how do you use it properly? The process is pretty simple. Take a cotton pad and pour a few drops of micellar cleansing water on it. Gently swipe the soaked cotton pad over your face until all the areas are covered. No harsh rubbing, scrubbing, or rinsing is needed afterward!

Best ingredients for micellar water

Typically, the best micellar water ingredients are purified water, mild surfactants, and humectants (moisturizing agents).

At Clarins, we use several plant-based ingredients to enhance the properties of our cleansing micellar water. Here’s a breakdown of everything that goes into this multipurpose skincare product:

Maris aqua: a highly purified seawater.
Hydrogenated castor oil: Contains good moisturizing properties.
Lemon balm extract: This soothes and softens your skin.
Golden gentian extract: Has anti-inflammatory properties and soothes your skin.
Crocus extract: This keeps your skin’s microbiota balanced.
Moringa extract: This eliminates pollutants from your face and prevents dirt from visibly clogging your pores.
Poloxamer 184: A mild surfactant that cleanses your face gently.
Glycerin and caprylyl glycol: Humectants that keep your face skin hydrated.
Disodium EDTA: Binds with pollutants such as metal ions, allowing a deeper cleanse of your face.

In short, Clarins’ Cleansing Micellar Water is safe for your skin, removes dirt and impurities with one swipe, and leaves your face feeling soothed and refreshed!

Get instant freshness on the go with Clarins

Here at Clarins, we care about your skin, which is why all of our products contain plant-based ingredients. Not only are they safe and gentle on your skin, they also revitalize you and make your face glow!

FAQs about micellar water

Here are some common questions our customers have about micellar water, makeup, and how to use both to give you a long-lasting, luxurious look.

Why use micellar water?

Micellar water is a lightweight cleansing agent that lifts all the dirt and grime from your face without the need for rinsing. The micelles act like magnets, drawing out impurities like oil, makeup, and pollutants while keeping your skin’s natural moisture intact. Its gentle, non-stripping formula makes it ideal for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Plus, it doubles as a quick refresher throughout the day—perfect for post-gym touch-ups or a midday skin pick-me-up. With its ability to cleanse and hydrate in one step, micellar water is a true multitasker in your skincare routine.

Is micellar water good for your skin?

Yes, micellar water is good for your skin because it’s gentle yet effective. The micelles in micellar water attract dirt, oil, and makeup without disrupting your skin’s natural barrier. Unlike harsh cleansers, it cleanses without stripping away moisture or throwing off your skin’s pH balance. This makes it a great option for dry or sensitive skin, as well as for oily and combination skin, since it helps remove excess oil without leaving a greasy residue. Plus, the added humectants like glycerin help keep your skin feeling soft and hydrated after each use.

Is micellar water oil-based?

No, micellar water is water-based, not oil-based. Its primary ingredient is purified water, which is why it feels so lightweight and refreshing on your skin. The cleansing power comes from micelles—tiny oil molecules suspended in water—that attract and lift dirt, oil, and makeup without the need for heavy oils or harsh surfactants. This makes micellar water ideal for people who prefer a lighter feel or have oily or combination skin, as it helps remove excess oil without leaving behind a greasy residue.

Should micellar water be rinsed off?

No, you don’t need to rinse off micellar water, but you can if you prefer. The micelles are designed to lift and trap dirt and oil, so when you wipe your face with a cotton pad, you’re essentially removing all the impurities along with it. Rinsing it off isn’t necessary because the formula leaves no sticky or greasy residue—just clean, refreshed skin. However, if you have very sensitive skin or prefer the feel of a splash of water post-cleanse, a quick rinse with cool water is totally fine. Either way, micellar water gives you the flexibility to cleanse how you want.

What's the difference between micellar water vs. toner? Can micellar water be used as a toner?

While both micellar water and toner cleanse and refresh your skin, they work in different ways. Micellar water is primarily used to remove dirt, oil, and makeup before cleansing. On the other hand, a toner is applied after cleansing to rebalance your skin’s pH and prep it for the next steps in your skincare routine, like serums or moisturizers. That said, micellar water can double as a toner, especially if you’re looking for a quick, no-fuss routine. Just sweep it across your face to remove any leftover residue and refresh your skin before applying your moisturizer.

Does micellar water expire?

Yes, micellar water does expire. Like most skincare products, it typically has a shelf life of 6 to 12 months after opening. Over time, the effectiveness of the micelles can decrease, which means it may not cleanse as thoroughly as it should. Expired micellar water can also become a breeding ground for bacteria, especially if exposed to air or contaminants. Store your micellar water in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to keep it fresh. Always check the packaging for the specific expiration date and give it a quick sniff—if it smells off, it’s time to replace it.

What is the best makeup to use?

The best makeup to use is a high-quality product that’s kind to your skin. If you’re using micellar water as a gentle makeup remover, it only makes sense to double down and use makeup that’s also kind to your skin.

Clarins’ makeup range features plant-based formulas to nourish your skin while providing beautiful coverage. From lightweight foundations and buildable concealers to primers and setting sprays, Clarins’ products give you a flawless finish without clogging your pores. Plus, the plant-powered ingredients work with your skin, leaving you looking fresh and radiant. Discover everything you need for a natural, glowing makeup look below: