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The best micellar water is an underrated superstar when it comes to removing all the grime that builds up just from being out and about. “The very reason you’re cleansing is to prep your skin to receive treatment: whether it’s an acid, vitamin C, or hydrating serum,” acne whisperer and celebrity facialist Sofie Pavitt previously told Vogue. “Using a micellar water as an initial cleanse followed by a deeper cleanse removes all dirt, mascara, SPF, and oils to prep the skin and leave a clean canvas—oils leave films and can stop your treatments from penetrating the skin correctly,” she continues, making the case for them as opposed to other cleansing agents.
Vogue’s Favorite Micellar Waters
Featured in this article
An avid cleansing oil and balm user, I couldn’t find any use for the micellar water other than removing mascara. When I emailed Bonjout for her POV, she described it as a “French pharmacy essential.” “[It’s] origins trace back to Paris, where it was designed to counteract the effects of the city’s harsh, mineral-rich water,” she says. Eventually, micellar water was used in France by makeup artists backstage at fashion shows to quickly cleanse model’s faces. It was also adopted by dermo-cosmetic brands for sensitive skin. “A non-irritating, refreshing, and effective product was needed, and thus, micellar water was born!” she says, adding that nowadays its praised by pharmacists for its ability to cleanse without compromising the skin’s natural barrier.
I had to try it for myself—utilizing it in lieu of a morning cleanser to swiftly refresh my complexion and make way for my AM skin-care routine. You d be surprised at how well it clears skin of overnight buildup! While this is my primary use, I do still reach for it to remove stubborn or waterproof makeup—just to make sure I do not leave any traces behind. Micellar water has definitely become as essential to my regimen as Bonjout s—I simply will not travel without it! Read on to learn everything you need to know about micellar water, plus Vogue’s favorite formulas to shop.
In This Story
- How does micellar water differ from a traditional cleanser?
- What is micellar water?
- What are the benefits of micellar water?
- When should you use micellar water?
- How We Tested
- Meet The Experts
Best Overall: Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water
- Why We Love It: Bioderma’s Sensibio micellar water is loved by Vogue editors and dermatologists alike—and after one use, it’s easy to see why. Board-certified Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose likes it because “it is fragrance-free, paraben-free, and effectively removes oils and makeup while leaving skin feeling clean and hydrated.” Vogue’s senior shopping editor Talia Abbas has been using it for 15 years: “No surprise, my Italian mother, who lived in France for several years, introduced it to me when I was a teenager. It’s an OG in my routine and will always be.” Vogue’s Fred Sahai uses this pick as the essential first step in her nightly double cleanse, too, following guidance from Sofie Pavitt’s aesthetician studio.
- Key Ingredients: Cucumber fruit extract
- Fragrance: No
- Non-Comedogenic: Yes
- Size: 16.9 fl oz / 8.4 fl oz / 3.3 fl oz
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Gentle formula, free from irritants or pore cloggers | May require a few passes of a cotton swab to fully remove residue |
| A French pharmacy staple |
Best Antioxidant-Rich: Chanel L’Eau Micellaire
- Why We Love It: Looking to add a touch of luxury to your daily makeup removal routine? Chanel’s micellar water delivers on both performance and indulgence. “This is a great alcohol-free cleansing water that can be used on the eyes, lips, and face,” says dermatologist Dr. Dara Spearman. “It’s formulated with a combination of blue micro-algae to help protect skin from pollution, as well as moisturizing ingredients to keep the skin feeling clean but not stripped.” Vogue’s senior beauty shopping writer Kiana Murden has been hooked since her first try, reaching for it not only to sweep away foundation, but also to refresh her skin in the morning. "I’m nearly done with my bottle,” she said of her skin-care routine. “I have a singular drop left that I’m saving for a special occasion.”
- Key Ingredients: Water, glycerin, algae extract
- Fragrance: Yes
- Non-Comedogenic: No
- Size: 5 oz
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Antioxidant-rich formula protects against pollutants | Formula includes fragrance and algae extract which can be pore clogging |
| Hydrating formula leaves skin soft |
Best Drugstore: CeraVe Hydrating Micellar Water
- Why We Love It: Dr. Murphy-Rose approves of CeraVe s micellar water thanks to it’s formula rich in three essential ceramides and niacinamide. “It is a good choice for a morning cleanse or as the first step of a double cleanse at the end of the day,” she adds. In addition to sweeping away every last trace of grime, this non-comedogenic micellar water helps boost hydration and visibly even out skin tone. As it’s ophthalmologist-tested and approved by the National Eczema Association, this is gentle enough for sensitive skin and for use around the eyes.
- Key Ingredients: Ceramides, niacinamide
- Fragrance: No
- Non-Comedogenic: Yes
- Size: 11.54 oz
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Non-irritating, non-drying, and fragrance-free | Not as effective at removing waterproof eye makeup |
| Drugstore price point |
Best for Sensitive Skin: Avène Makeup Removing Micellar Water
- Why We Love It: It’s no surprise there’s another French pharmacy staple in this lineup—after all, when it comes to micellar water, the French just get it. While its soft, barely-there scent adds a sensorial touch to the experience, the real magic lies in its calming composition. Avène’s formula, crafted with 99% natural-origin ingredients, is a powerhouse for sensitive skin types. nfused with Avène’s iconic thermal spring water and hydrating glycerin, it gently lifts away makeup and impurities without disrupting the skin’s natural barrier.
- Key Ingredients: Avène thermal spring water, glycerin, trehalose
- Fragrance: Yes
- Non-Comedogenic: Yes
- Size: 13.5 fl oz / 6.7 fl oz
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Naturally-derived ingredients | Not as effective at removing waterproof eye makeup |
| Hydrating formula |
Best for Dry Skin: Dior Micellar Water Makeup Remover
- Why We Love It: Vogue’s senior beauty editor Margaux Anbouba calls Dior’s micellar water “the next best thing” to a morning face wash when her skin doesn’t need a full cleanse. “I like to put a few shakes of the gentle micellar on the Shiseido super-soft cotton pads (you haven’t lived until you have tried these with a micellar water or toner, trust me),” she says. “It gently freshens up skin and rehydrates without any stripping or stinging, and smells lightly of florals. Love!”
- Key Ingredients: Water lily, glycerin, hydrogenated castor oil
- Fragrance: Yes
- Non-Comedogenic: No
- Size: 6.8 oz
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Hydrating formula helps to refresh dry skin | Fragrance might be irritating for those with sensitive skin |
Best for Oily Skin: CosRx Low pH Niacinamide Micellar Cleansing Water
- Why We Love It: K-beauty brand CosRx makes a micellar water that’s a favorite of Murden’s.“As someone with oily skin, incorporating niacinamide into my routine is essential; so, when I realized CosRx offered a micellar water with it, I had to test it immediately,” Murden said. “The large size (400 mL) lasts forever, and at only $15 it’s a major steal.” Here, micelles team up with niacinamide to gently cleanse while helping regulate sebum production, leaving skin feeling fresh, balanced, and never stripped. Vogue’s Conçetta Ciarlo uses it too, to manage her acne-prone, oily skin.
- Key Ingredients: Panthenol, hyaluronic acis, allantoin, niacinamide, zinc PCA
- Fragrance: No
- Non-Comedogenic: Yes
- Size: 13.52 fl.oz
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Skin-barrier supporting formula that controls excessive oil production | Some find this has a slightly soapy feel |
| Cost-effective and lasts long after purchasing |
Best Scent: Yon-Ka Eau Micellaire Micellar Cleansing Water
- Why We Love It: “I’m always very particular about scents for products, and Yon-Ka often passes the test for not just me, but our fellow editors that sit nearby (ask me about the face mist that we share in the visuals department!),” Vogue’s beauty editor-at-large Arden Fanning Andrews says. “At home, I keep this Yon Ka micellar in the shower as a first step when I’m wearing a waterproof product or sticky sunblock—refreshing!”
- Key Ingredients: Sea lavender, polysaccharides, sodium PCA, rose, bergamot, mint, and chamomile essential oils
- Fragrance: Yes
- Non-Comedogenic: Yes, though essential oils could potentially aggravate acne-prone skin
- Size: 6.76 fl oz
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Antioxidant-rich formula boasts anti-aging benefits | May irritate acne-prone or sensitive skin types |
| Leaves skin soft after use |
Best Refreshing: La Mer The Cool Micellar Cleanser
- Why We Love It: Another favorite of Murden’s comes from La Mer—a micellar water praised not only for its efficacy but also its refreshing, cooling sensation. “In my opinion, one of the biggest draws to La Mer is the sensorial experience each of its products offer,” she says. The formula features La Mer’s signature Miracle Broth, packed with bio-fermented ingredients that help soothe, hydrate, and visibly revitalize the skin. It’s an ideal pick for anyone focused on proactive anti-aging care or looking to treat more mature complexions—delivering a thoughtful experience and undisputed results.
- Key Ingredients: Miracle Broth, Marine Micelle Waters
- Fragrance: No
- Non-Comedogenic: No
- Size: 6.7 fl oz
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Offers a refreshing cleansing experience | A pricier pick |
| Miracle Broth packs a punch for mature skin types |
Best for Waterproof Makeup: Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water
- Why We Love It: Do over 46,000 five-star reviews on Amazon convince you Garnier s micellar water is a stellar choice? For those who love a good winged liner, look no further—this comes in a waterproof formula tailor-made for heavy-duty eyeliner removal. A few gentle swipes leave lids, lashes, and your entire face feeling fresh. It’s the go-to for both Murden and Ciarlo when dealing with more stubborn makeup. “I don’t often wear falsies, but when I do, it feels like an ordeal to remove,” says Ciarlo. “After holding a drenched cotton swab to my eyes, the lashes peacefully glide away.”
- Key Ingredients: N/A
- Fragrance: No
- Non-Comedogenic: Yes
- Size: 23.7 fl oz / 13.5 fl oz. /3.4 fl oz
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Easily removes waterproof makeup | Foamy consistency that can leave a thin film on skin |
| Gentle, non-comedogenic formula |
Everything You Need to Know
What is micellar water?
“Micellar water is a solution comprised of micelles or tiny cleansing ‘balls’ that are attracted to oil and dirt, that can effectively bind and lift them from skin without the need for rinsing,” says board-certifed dermatologist Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose. “It is usually a combination of mild surfactants and moisturizers with or without added ingredients to provide additional skin benefits.”
How does micellar water differ from a traditional cleanser?
“Traditional cleansers often contain surfactants and can be foamy or creamy,” board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mina Amin explains. Whereas, “micellar water is gentler and has a lightweight, watery consistency.”
What are the benefits of micellar water?
“Micellar water is an effective gentle cleansing option suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin, with reduced risk of skin irritation,” Murphy-Rose notes, adding that many formulas contain hydrating ingredients. In short? These formulas not only cleanse, but maintain skin’s moisture levels and prevent against future dryness.
Specifically, she continues, look for a micellar water with humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, plus soothing ingredients like aloe, niacinamide, and ceramides. She also praises it for its ability to remove makeup: “In fact, we keep it in each exam room in my office to remove makeup from patients’ faces when needed before a skin evaluation.”
When should you use micellar water?
There are many uses for micellar water, per Bonjout. First, in the morning “as a light cleanse to remove oils that accumulate overnight.” You can also use it as the first step in a double cleansing routine, to gently remove makeup and surface oils before a foaming or gel face wash. Micellar water can also used for touchups throughout the day, say after a workout or while traveling. Lastly, those with sensitive skin might appreciate it “as a daily cleanser for those who find traditional formulas too harsh.”
How We Tested
When we test and review a product, we take a holistic approach to deliver well-rounded product recommendations. First, we lean on Vogue s vast network of experts—from board-certified dermatologists to celebrity estheticians—to gain professional acumen on the industry s standout products, ones these specialists would actually use on their clients. We pair their expertise with our editorial best practices to curate the thoughtful edits you read on our site.
We selected the best based on the following characteristics: ingredients, texture, packaging, finish, and the skin-care concerns they address. To do this, we paired our own personal tests of each formula with expert guidance and reviewer insights to determine which we would recommend to you.
In curating this micellar water edit, we considered what truly makes them worth the real estate on your top shelf. First and foremost: formulas that deliver—whether you re dealing with dryness, sensitivity, breakouts, combination skin, or all of the above. Our selection spans cult-favorite classics and drugstore staples to prestige gems that deserve more love. To spotlight the products that go beyond the hype—those backed by dermatologist and aesthetician insight. Then, of course, firsthand experiences of Vogue editors who ve tried it all.
Meet The Experts
- Dr. Mina Amin, MD is a Los Angeles-based dermatologist at California Dermatology Specialists.
- Dr. Natacha Bonjout is a French doctor of pharmaceutical science and founder of Bonjout Beauty.
- Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist seeing patients in New York and the Hamptons.
- Sofie Pavitt is a New York–based skin-care expert and licensed esthetician specializing in problematic skin. Known as the acne whisperer, Pavitt recently founded her own product line, Sofie Pavitt Face.
