The most important step in your skincare routine has got to be cleansing.

Whether you wear full or minimal makeup or whether you are a wash, sunscreen, and go girl (or boy), cleansing is a step that nobody should skip.

Cleansers are constantly evolving to ensure that you get the best in skincare.

The evolution has resulted in Micellar Water and it has become the new go-to in beauty circles.

Dermatologists and beauty specialists alike rave about the benefits.

Why? Micellar water is made with purified water, glycerin, and surfactants to cleanse and condition your skin.

Glycerin is known for its skin protecting, nourishing, and healing properties.

Many brands of micellar water have glycerin as one of the principal ingredients.

Small wonder then, that products like micellar water that contain glycerin are so popular.

Micellar water contains mild surfactants.

Surfactants are special ingredients that cleanse the skin. Mild surfactants, as contained in micellar waters, are best as they will not dry out already dry or sensitive skin.

While initially thought to be bad for oily, sensitive, and acne-prone skin, constant improvements in formulas have resulted in micellar waters that are suitable for just about every skin type out there.

The Benefits of Micellar Water

The number 1 benefit of micellar water has got to be convenience.

Micellar water is a makeup remover, cleanser, and toner in one.

You get to skip the three bottles and have just one, instead.

Micellar water is perfect for on the go cleansing when time is not on your side.

And speaking of on-the-go, micellar water is the perfect travel buddy because this versatile product allows you to travel light.

Speaking of light, if you are concerned with your carbon footprint, as so many of us are, you will love the idea of replacing three products with just one.

We haven’t even gotten to the skincare benefits yet.

In addition to being a great makeup remover, micellar water is a great cleanser.

It removes dirt and oil from your skin too.

We mentioned glycerin but this amazing ingredient has so many benefits that it is worth mentioning again.

Glycerin helps your skin perform its natural barrier function.

It adds moisture to your skin.

It has healing properties, helping to address skin irritation.

Glycerin is also soothing to your skin. If you have underlying skin problems, you could even use micellar water.

Apart from Glycerin, different types of micellar water contain various ingredients to address the needs of your particular skin.

Mild surfactants ensure that your skin gets a thorough but gentle cleanse.

With all of these amazing benefits, micellar water is sure to become a must-have of your skincare routine.

Best Drugstore Micellar Water in 2023

Let’s have a look at some of the best available micellar water for your skin.

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water

First on the list is this very popular and highly rated micellar water from Garnier.

It is made for all skin types, this micellar water is gentle enough for daily use.

You can use this micellar water as a cleanser in the morning and a makeup remover in the evening.

It effectively removes makeup without harsh rubbing making this formula perfect for anyone concerned about damaging their skin with rubbing or pulling.

You will love the clean and healthy feel of your skin after using this product as it won’t leave a greasy residue behind.

Although this variant is for all skin types, Garnier has also developed variants for oily, breakout-prone skin.

It is worth noting that this particular variant may not effectively cleanse waterproof makeup but Garnier have you covered as they have especially made micellar water cleansing wipes for waterproof makeup.

CeraVe Micellar Water

This micellar water is fragrance-free, paraben-free, and non-comedogenic (it won’t clog your pores).

It also contains four essential ceramides to promote the health of the skin barrier.

Simply soak a cotton pad in this amazing liquid to gently but effectively remove makeup and cleanse your skin.

You get three benefits in one great product.

It removes makeup, oil, and dirt.

It conditions and nourishes your skin and it adds much-needed moisture to your skin.

CeraVe has been developed with dermatologists and has the seal of approval of the National Eczema Association.

It is one of the only micellar waters to be certified in this way.

This means that it is suitable for sensitive skin too.

Besides the amazing benefits of this micellar water, it also removes waterproof mascara.

Your skin will love this gentle effective product.

As with any new product, you may want to test it first, especially if you have known sensitivities.

Simple Water Boost Micellar Cleansing Water for Sensitive Skin

Many cleansers, especially the ones that remove oil, can leave your skin feeling dry and tight.

This cleanser by Simple has such a light formula it leaves your skin feeling refreshed and clean without that tight feeling.

It also has hydrating ingredients to leave your skin soft and supple.

There are no artificial colors, chemicals, or perfumes in this micellar water, making it perfect for sensitive skin too.

It gently and effectively removes makeup, dirt, and oil from your skin while adding a boost of hydration.

Minerals and plant extracts provide extra care for your skin.

Simply soak your cotton pad in the micellar water and gently wipe over your skin to remove makeup, oil, and dirt.

Always use a separate cotton pad for the sensitive eye area and avoid getting the product in the eyes.

Although not specifically recommended for known skin problems, users report that it has helped to calm conditions like rosacea and can be used on most skin types.

If you do happen to have sensitive skin or underlying skin conditions, we can’t say this enough, please test any new product first.

Bioré Charcoal Cleansing Micellar Water

Charcoal is known for its ability to draw out and eliminate impurities.

Combining the natural cleansing power of charcoal with micellar water is just genius.

Your skin will feel refreshed and cleansed without feeling dry.

Charcoal also traps the impurities and is used in many applications from removing stains on teeth to neutralizing poisons.

Imagine the amazing benefits for your skin from such a powerful ingredient.

This product is formulated to have a high concentration of micellar spheres.

This gives the product amazing cleansing power while retaining the ability to leave your skin feeling cleansed and soft.

It is designed to remove makeup, oil, and dirt and that high concentration of micellar spheres do exactly that without needing to scrub.

Be sure to give the bottle a good shake before soaking a cotton pad in the product as one user reported noticing a residue of the charcoal on her skin after a few hours.

Bioré Baking Soda Cleansing Micellar Water

If you are looking for a really deep cleansing product, look no further than this Baking Soda Micellar Water from Bioré.

Baking soda is an amazing natural cleanser. Its ability to remove oil is legendary.

Although baking soda can be harsh when used on its own, this micellar water with baking soda has been crafted to give you the awesome cleaning benefits of baking soda without any of the harshness.

Tested by dermatologists and ophthalmologists, this balanced micellar water is also vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, and non-comedogenic.

Formulated to remove all traces of makeup, including that stubborn waterproof mascara, you truly get an all in one experience with this product.

This baking soda micellar water goes one step further and cleanses so deeply that your pores will be refreshed.

If you suffer from acne or breakouts, your skin is going to love this one.

While most users love the product a few complained of feeling sticky after using it and that it did not effectively remove eye makeup every the non-waterproof ones.

ELEMIS Smart Cleanse Micellar Water

The double cleansing ingredients in this micellar water can remove both regular and waterproof makeup.

This is just what you need to ensure that your makeup is completely removed and your skin gets that break it needs to recover and heal.

Made with handpicked English roses, this premium brand of micellar water delivers amazing cleansing while leaving skin soft and supple.

Users love the product but wished the bottle was slightly larger.

Used morning and evening, this micellar water even helps with clearing the skin of breakouts.

Your skin will look radiant and refreshed.

Even users who were not totally sold on the product agree that it removes makeup well.

Neutrogena Deep Clean Gentle Purifying Micellar Water and Cleansing Water-Proof Makeup Remover

Neutrogena, known for formulating skincare products for sensitive skin, has formulated this micellar water especially for removing waterproof makeup.

Made to purify and revitalize skin, this micellar water is tough on makeup but gentle on your skin.

This micellar water combines three types of cleansers into one fantastic product so you get the best of cleansing.

The product is both dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested and is fragrance-free.

Suitable for even the most sensitive skin, you can be sure that your delicate skin is getting an awesome to cleanse.

Beyond surface cleaning, this micellar water targets any toxins on the surface of the skin.

This purifying action ensures that your skin is not just clean, the potential for future breakouts is eliminated as well.

Although highly rated by most users, some experienced burning especially around the eye area. A few users reported that the product smelled very strongly of nail polish remover.

The product is supposed to be fragrance-free, so it may have been tampered with or not be a genuine product.

L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser

Free from alcohol, parabens, and soap, this gentle micellar water will cleanse without drying.

Tested by dermatologists and ophthalmologists, your sensitive skin will love the clean refreshed feel after using this micellar water.

L’Oreal has formulated three variants of this micellar water for your specific skincare needs.

This particular one is suitable for all skin types.

There is one for sensitive skin and another for oily, problem-prone skin.

L’Oreal has taken the climate-friendly pledge and has reduced the wastage in packaging. While the bottle is smaller you still get the same great product in the same quantity.

Most users love how the product works and how great their skin feels after using it.

Some users commented that the product did not remove makeup as well as they needed.

TO DO LIST Cleansing Water

Korean or K-Beauty products are all the rage at the moment.

It’s easy to see why when you get a product like this.

Infused with ten different herbs that gently cleanse and soothe your skin, you will be a K-beauty convert.

This micellar water is alcohol, paraben, sulfate, and fragrance-free, so even if you have sensitive skin, you can still use it.

It is also one of the only ones that offer a full refund if you are not satisfied with the product.

We love products where the manufacturers put their money where their mouth is.

Among the herbal ingredients is Calendula to stimulate collagen production, Lemongrass to tighten pores and control oil production, and mugwort to soothe inflammation.

We love products that go the extra mile and you will, too.

You get amazing makeup and dirt removing cleansing and the benefits of amazing herbs.

Users agree that this micellar water is great at removing makeup and great for even sensitive skin.

Lähde Hydrating Pure Arctic Miracle 3-in-1 Micellar Cleansing Water

Organic birch sap and arctic spring water combine in this nourishing, hydrating micellar water.

Birch sap moisturizes and rebalances skin after all day exposure to the environment.

Your skin will feel cleansed and hydrated and will look naturally radiant.

This micellar water will gently remove lip, eye, and face makeup while hydrating your skin at the same time.

You can use this micellar water as a soothing eye treatment. Leave the water in the fridge overnight.

Then soak two cotton pads in the micellar water and place them over the eyes for a few minutes.

As always, when using any product around the very sensitive eye area, it is a good idea to test the product first. Some users experienced burning in the eye area.

DERMA E Vitamin C Micellar Cleansing Water

Vitamin C is great for you and amazing for your skin.

This micellar water contains vitamin C to stimulate collagen production to keep your face wrinkle-free.

It also contains free-radical-fighting antioxidant-rich rooibos (a herb, native to the southern part of Africa).

Probiotics that balance the skin biome so that bad bacteria don’t cause breakouts can also be found in this awesome water.

This is another of the value-added products we love so much. It has so many benefits besides being a great makeup remover and cleanser.

Users love this product, although some complained of tingling or burning sensation around the eyes.

Sensitive eye areas need special care with any product that you use.

Always make certain that you are not sensitive to any of the ingredients in a particular product and test, test, test.

Conclusion

If you are not yet convinced that for the sake of your skin and the environment, an excellent micellar water is the way to go, you haven’t been paying attention.

Micellar water can be the answer to your skincare needs and with the amazing variety and value-added products out there, you are sure to find your must-have.