You’ve probably seen micellar water before in Waitrose and Carrefour or read about it in Cosmo. You know it’s part of a cleansing routine but…that’s about it. Curious about what’s actually *in* micellar water and why it works? Let’s dive into the powers of this beauty H2O and find out why it’s a must-have for so many people.

 

Why it’s legit:

To start, micellar water is purified water with a little extra somethin’ somethin’ thrown in. Those ingredients include moisturisers and little bits of oil called micelles. Remember that oil attracts oil. When you apply the micellar water to skin, it will bind to and take off makeup, sunblock, skincare, and debris from the day. It also clings to the oil in your pores and lifts it out. Micellar water is suitable for all skin types and a gentle product to use as the first part of a double cleansing routine. As an added bonus, you can also use it to clean your makeup brushes.

Simple AH to use:

To use, pour micellar water onto a cotton cleansing pad. Apply the pad to try skin and gently move the pad over the skin to cleanse. If you are wearing heavy makeup, you may need to repeat this step several times. When removing eye makeup, start underneath your brow and move in a downward direction only. Keep repeating this step until the makeup is removed. Follow with the second step of your double cleansing routine.

Micellar waters we’re high-key obsessed with:

Skin Advanced Platinum Watery Luminous Cleansing Water Makeup Remover (Dhs79, Watson’s) is a favourite among K-beauty fans. This micellar water is mild and non-greasy. It contains citrus peel extract to remove makeup and grime as well as hydrating hyaluronic acid. Skin Advanced recommends leaving a soaked cotton pad on your eyes for 15 seconds before removing eye makeup. 

Tarte’s Micellar Magic Makeup Remover & Cleanser (Dhs100, Sephora) is a gentle and non-stripping cleansing water that removes water proof and longwear makeup as well as excess oil. It’s great for skintypes prone to redness as it contains skin-calming green tea extract.

Packed with skin-brightening vitamin C, Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water with Vitamin C (Dhs36, Carrefour) is a soothing micellar water. It enhances your natural glow while removing makeup, skincare, and pollution from your complexion.