Why You Need Micellar Water in Your Skin Care Routine

French women are known for their effortlessness when it comes to their beauty routines—with perfectly air-dried hair and flawless-looking complexions. But, due to the country’s hard water, these effortless beauties have had to look elsewhere when it comes to cleansing.

This is why micellar water has been a long-time go-to French beauty product. Micellar water requires no rinsing and adequately cleanses delicate skin. In recent months this makeup-removing miracle is finally catching on in the U.S., allowing us to all tap into this gentle, yet effective, cleansing technology.

How Micellar Water Works

Micellar waters utilize micelle technology—small, round cleaning molecules suspended in water that work together to attract and gently remove impurities on the skin’s surface. In fact, this cleansing method is so gentle it can even be used to remove your eye makeup. Unlike traditional cleansers, micellar waters work autonomously, requiring no additional water to cleanse the skin. You simply soak a cotton ball or pad with the water and sweep it across your face, once or twice, and then follow your normal skin care routine. 

Our 3 Favorite Micellar Waters

Fortunately, you don’t have to go all the way to France to enjoy the benefits of the country’s go-to cleanser. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite micellar waters you can get right here in the States:

VICHY Pureté Thermale 3-in-1 One Step Solution

In one simple step, this micellar water helps to purify skin, remove makeup, and soothe the skin. This particular formula—with cornflower extract and pro-vitamin B5—leaves skin feeling soft and refreshed.

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Waterproof Makeup Remover & Cleanser

The latest brand to enter the micellar market, Garnier’s Micellar Cleansing Water features a formula that efficiently removes even waterproof makeup without harsh rubbing.

La Roche-Posay Micellar Water

With thermal spring water, poloxamer, and micelles, this micellar water cleanses, tones, and soothes skin while respecting its physiological balance.

Already love micellar water and want to try something new? Check out a gentle cleanser that blends micelle technology and the hydrating qualities of oil here!