The best micellar waters, tested and reviewed, for anyone who hates washing their face

Micellar water has always been one of those beauty products that feels both mysterious and essential. It’s not quite as glam as a double cleanse, nor as buzzy as a new serum launch, but the best micellar waters out there have quietly earned their spots on vanities worldwide. Back in the early 2010s, when the first bottles of this French beauty secret started popping up stateside (smuggled back in carry-ons from Paris trips, no less), having micellar water in your beauty routine felt like you were in on a sophisticated skin care secret.

Micellar water’s secret sauce is, unsurprisingly, the micelles — tiny spheres made of surfactant molecules whose heads love water and whose tails love oil. Picture them as tiny, microscopic magnets. The oily ends latch onto makeup, sunscreen, sebum and grime; while the water-loving heads keep everything suspended so it swipes cleanly off your skin. Because those micelles do all the heavy lifting, there’s no lather — you don’t even need to rinse! You just soak a cotton pad, press, sweep and the micelles activate on contact to dissolve all of the gunk. The result is skin that has been gently and thoroughly cleansed, without a tight, squeaky aftermath. (Pro tip: If you’re dealing with mature skin issues like dryness and dehydration, post-cleanse tightness is the last thing you want.)

Now, if you’re like me — someone whose greatest desire is to sort out every skin care shortcut possible (read: lazy) — you’ll soon understand the glory that is micellar water. To find the best one out there, I’ve put my longtime experience as a beauty editor to good use, tried the eight most highly rated versions and winnowed it down to my top four. Keep reading to find the one for you, whether it’s a gentle option for sensitive skin, a heavy-duty formula that can break down stubborn makeup or just a simple, low-maintenance solution to skin cleansing.

Table of contents

The best micellar water of 2025

Amazon

Key ingredients: Rhamnose, xylitol, D.A.F. complex | Scent: No | Skin type: Sensitive and normal | Size: 16.9 oz

There are a lot of good micellar waters out there, but I have yet to find one that dethrones Bioderma Sensibio H2O, the iconic French original. If you’ve ever wondered what all the micellar hype was about, this is the bottle that literally started it — exactly 30 years ago, as it was released in 1995. It removes makeup and grime with almost eerie, supernatual efficiency. This is because the formula leans on a super-gentle, skin-mimicking glyceride surfactant that builds tight, efficient micelles (those tiny magnets that cling to makeup and dirt) before whisking it all away. The ingredient list is wonderfully short (no fragrance, no drying alcohols), and only padded with soothing sugars, like rhamnose and xylitol and Bioderma’s calming D.A.F. complex.

Upon application, there’s no tugging, rubbing or stinging. It’s the only micellar water I’ve found that never makes my eyes burn. And, as someone who treats liquid eyeliner like a daily makeup uniform, this is a non-negotiable. I’ve had Sensibio in my rotation for nearly a decade (pretty much since it was first sold in the States), and no matter how many new formulas I test, I always come back to this pink-capped queen. (The easy-to-use, self-pump bottle is my favorite.)

I’m clearly not alone in my loyalty. Tracee Ellis Ross, Victoria Beckham, Gwyneth Paltrow and Drew Barrymore are all die-hard fans, with Barrymore once declaring it “by far the best makeup remover” she’s ever used. Meanwhile, Beckham told Harpers Bazaar: “Taking care of my skin is essential, and Bioderma’s Sensibio H2O has been a must-have for years. It’s been by my side every day for as long as I can remember – I use it to remove my makeup every single day.” Seriously, once you try this, you won’t want to wash’ your face with a traditional cleanser ever again.

There’s really no surprise why it also won first place in our best makeup remover list, so please excuse me while I summon my inner Tina Turner and serenade Sensibio: You’re simply the best.

Pros

• Ultra-gentle, minimal formula
• Formulated for sensitive skin
• Fragrance-free and alcohol-free
• Affordable
• No filmy residue
• Multiple sizes and delivery systems (including a convenient pump)

Cons

• Not the strongest on waterproof makeup; may need extra passes or a second cleanse

$20 at Target

Other micellar waters we recommend

Amazon

Key ingredients: Isohexadecane, hexylene glycol | Scent: No | Skin type: All | Size: 13.5 oz

While I consider Sensibio the classic white tee of micellar waters, Garnier’s waterproof formula is the leather jacket you’re going to want to reach for when you’re up against something real tough — like when you’re wearing a stubborn, waterproof mascara or a full-coverage, long-wear foundation that just won’t quit. This micellar water is a little different because it’s something called bi-phase, which typically means it has a layer of micellar water sitting under a layer of cleansing oil. However, this one contains isohexadecane, which is an oil-like ingredient, but not oily like something like coconut or argan oil. Before use, you shake the bottle and the two layers merge. Suddenly, you’ve got a formula that can break down waterproof makeup in seconds without leaving your skin feeling stripped.

I reach for this blue bottle specifically when I’m wearing a bold red lip that’s impenetrable against my dear Sensibio. A quick shake, a soaked cotton pad pressed over my lips and my lipstick has vanished. This is truly the definition of a high-performance micellar water that doesn’t mess around. On Amazon, it currently has over 46K ratings with 83% of customers giving it a full five stars. As one wrote: “I bought this stuff ‘cause it’s for waterproof makeup and it works! IT WORKS FOR NON-REMOVABLE LIP STAIN! I couldn’t believe it! I love this! Will only be getting this from now on. Leaves skin so smooth and soft too.”

Pros

• Powerful formula removes any kind of makeup
• Budget-friendly and easy to find everywhere
• Minimal rubbing needed when you soak-and-press properly

Cons

• Can leave a light residue
• May cloud/sting if it gets into eyes
• “Oil-free” marketing can be slightly confusing

$9 at Amazon

Amazon

Key ingredients: pentylene glycol, rosa centifolia flower extract, glycerin, lactic acid | Scent: Rose | Skin type: All, but sensitive types should note the rose fragrance | Size: 8 oz

If you want a budget bottle that pulls double duty as both a cleanser and toner, Burt’s Bees Rose Micellar Toning Water is the one I’d tell you to add to your cart. In following with the brand’s ethos, its ingredients are nearly 100% natural in origin, it’s dermatologist/ophthalmologist tested and it actually behaves like skin care. The micelles lift residue while pentylene glycol and glycerin help keep mature skin plump. It also contains a touch of lactic acid for toning and light exfoliation.

It was great at removing my daily makeup, but what really sells me on this one is the rose water. It uses rosa centifolia extract, so you get that nice, spa-like, skin-refreshing moment without a heavy, powdery perfume. It’s also a natural toner, with research backing up its anti-aging properties. 

As one five-star Amazon reviewer wrote: “I’ve used this for years and it still works to calm down the redness on my face. Its not very drying either like many toners, I feel like it has a more moisturizing effect especially because it takes a while to dry down. I pat this with my hands and let it air dry for better effect.”

Pros

• Doubles as a cleanser and toner
• Affordable, 99%+ natural-origin formula
• Contains skin-friendly humectants like glycerin and pentylene glycol

Cons

• Contains natural fragrance (including potential allergens) and a rosy scent, which may not be ideal sensitive types
• Not as effective on waterproof makeup

$10 at Amazon

Amazon

Key ingredients: Sea lavender, polysaccharides, sodium PCA, essential oils | Scent: Chamomile, geranium, lavender, rose, thyme | Skin type: All, but sensitive types should note the essential oils | Size: 6.76 oz

If price isn’t an issue and you want something that both feels like a high-end skin care ritual and smells like a dreamy French garden, this is the micellar water for you. Yon-Ka Paris combines micellar technology with botanicals and essential oils (rose, chamomile and sea lavender) to deliver both potent cleansing and sensory delight. Its formula is made up of over 90% natural ingredients, with polysaccharides to hydrate, sea lavender to help protect against free radicals and rose and chamomile to soothe. There’s also the Yon-Ka signature “Quintessence” blend, which contains lavender, geranium, rosemary, cypress and thyme to purify the skin while delivering total spa-like vibes. A gorgeous botanical symphony!

For me, Yon-Ka is a treat after a long, stressful day. It effectively melts off my makeup, tinted SPF or whatever I put on that morning, but it’s as much aromatherapy as it is a cleanser. The scent of lavender, chamomile and rose tricks my mind so I can pretend that I’m not actually sitting in my hot LA apartment but at the spa instead. Because sometimes it’s not just about getting your makeup off, it’s about elevating the experience (and having skin care that helps me dissociate from the world).

“This is perfect for those who want an extremely subtle cleanser to just wash away the day — yes, you can use it if you have a little bit of of ‘paint’ i.e., summertime powder bronzer and powder brow — it’s refreshing and cleansing and lovely,” wrote one satisfied Amazon shopper.

Pros

• Luxe, spa-like cleanser with botanical scents
• Contains hydrating humectants like glycerin
• Elegant packaging
• 90% naturally derived

Cons

• Fragrance/essential oils are not for everyone, especially sensitive skin and noses
• Higher price point means it’s not the most cost-effective daily remover
• Not the best for heavy, waterproof makeup

$50 at Amazon

How we tested micellar waters

I’ve been writing about beauty for about 15 years, which means I’ve removed more eyeliner than most people have applied. To find the best micellar waters, I ran each through an extremely real-world gauntlet, removing:

• My signature (stubborn) liquid cat-eye eyeliner

I graded them on:

• Product quantity required (how many soaked cotton rounds I burned through)

• Eye comfort (no sting, no cloudy vision)

• Residue (no filmy afterfeel)

• Post-cleanse skin feel (did it feel tight or dry?)

I also studied ingredient lists, looking out for added fragrance, alcohol and surfactant type.

Other micellar waters we tested that didn’t make the cut

While micellar waters still aren’t as popular as other face cleansers, I managed to test more than ten. Surprisingly, I was more satisfied overall than I would have thought and I’d classify many I tested as runners-up.

Garnier Micellar Water: This beloved bestseller (not the waterproof makeup version I rated above) worked well at removing my makeup, but it wasn’t as gentle on my eyes as Sensibio.

Caudalie’s Vinoclean Micellar Cleansing Water: This was in the running for best luxury, and it shares similar ingredients as our Yon-Ka winner, but the latter had a slightly better feel on my skin.

Dickinson’s Micellar Cleansing with Witch Hazel: At less than six bucks, this comes at a great price point but, for me personally, the witch hazel was unnecessarily stinging.

Drunk Elephant E-Rase Milki Micellar Water: Another case of “doing too much.” The cleansing was effective, but I didn’t like the milky formula for this specific purpose. I think if you’re going to be a micellar water, be a micellar water.

What to look for in a micellar water

Cleansing power: everyday vs. waterproof

Not all micellar waters are created equal. If you mostly remove SPF, skin tint and light makeup, a more minimalist formula will be perfect, like our Sensibio pick, which sweeps off daily grime without aggressive rubbing. If you live a longwear lipstick or waterproof mascara lifestyle, you may want to reach for a bi-phase remover that you shake to merge oil and water for quick and easy melt-off, like our Garnier winner.

Formula: Minimalist vs. multi-tasker

Bioderma Sensibio is the gold standard of minimal, barrier-friendly formulas (short ingredient list, very gentle), while others, like the Yon-Ka pick, pack in botanicals, hydrating sugars, or even antioxidant extras. Ask yourself if you want your micellar water to just cleanse, or if you like the idea of it doubling as a soothing, skin-care step.

Eye friendliness: Don’t let it burn

This, to me, is a major factor, especially because I wear eye makeup, especially liquid liner. Still, if your eyes sting easily, scan for “ophthalmologist-tested” and avoid heavy fragrance. Sensibio is, of course, famously non-stingy, which is a big reason why it’s my number one.

Residue check: Nothing should be left

The right micellar water should leave skin fresh, not filmy, sticky and gross-feeling. If you find yourself reaching for a cleanser afterward every single time, it might not be the right fit for you.

Skin type compatibility: Is it really for “all?”

Many micellar waters out there are formulated for all skin types, but if you have sensitive skin, fragrance-free, alcohol-free formulas are non-negotiable. Micellars don’t (usually) feel drying because they use mild surfactants to form micelles, avoid soap/high pH and often include humectants or emollients to offset water loss — which is the case with both Sensibio’s sugar blend and Yon-Ka’s glycerin-rich base. However, mature skin can benefit from hydrating additions like glycerin or aloe.

Packaging and practicality

If it’s a bi-phase product, like Garnier’s Micellar Water For Waterproof Makeup, make sure the bottle is easy to shake so you’re getting the right oil-to-water ratio each time. In terms of packaging, Bioderma Sensibio’s self-pump version is my favorite because it makes cleansing even quicker — you don’t even have to pick up the bottle — just press the cotton round on top, pump it once or twice and you’re ready to go.

Micellar water FAQ

What exactly is micellar water?

I like to think of it as the lazy girl’s answer to a three-step cleanse. At first glance, it looks just like plain water, but hidden inside are micelles, which are tiny, sphere-shaped clusters of surfactants that are have both oil-loving and water-loving parts. When you sweep these products across your skin, the oily ends grab onto dirt, sunscreen and makeup like velcro, while the watery ends carry it all away. No actual water required!

Do I need to rinse micellar water?

Technically, most formulas are no-rinse (that’s the point). But some derms might recommend rinsing if you have sensitive, acne-prone or very dry skin, just to ensure no surfactant residue lingers. Personally, I never rinse, though my skin isn’t sensitive.

Can micellar water replace face wash?

Usually! It’s perfect for mornings when a full cleanse feels unnecessary and it’s also built to take everything off at night. Still, if you’re wearing really heavy makeup, it’s perfectly fine to use micellar water as a first cleanse before going in with a gentle face wash.

How should I use micellar water to cleanse my skin?

Traditionally, you find a simple cotton round, soak it with the product, press it on your skin for 10 to 15 seconds and then swipe. The one downside to this technique is the single-use waste. But there is an earth-friendly solution: Instead of disposable cotton rounds, try reusable pads made from bamboo or cotton or even a soft microfiber face cloth. All are easy to clean by tossing them in a mesh bag and washing with a gentle detergent in the washing machine. For cleansing small makeup messes, you can dip a Q-tip in your micellar water. (There’s also a really fun hack for transforming eyeshadow into liquid eyeliner using micellar water.)

We received complimentary samples of some products and purchased others ourselves, but we reviewed all products using the same objective criteria.