The Best Micellar Water for Every Skin Type, According to Experts

These days, there’s no shortage of ways to wash and cleanse your skin; you may be familiar with gel cleansers, oil cleansers and cleansing balms, to name a few. But if you have sensitive skin, or are simply looking for a gentler way to cleanse or remove your makeup, micellar water may be just what you need.

I spoke to two board-certified dermatologists, Dr. Michele Green, who specializes in cosmetic dermatology, and Dr. Hadley King, who specializes in medical and cosmetic dermatology, to find out more about micellar water, including the best products to try and everything you need to know before buying.

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What is micellar water?

Micellar water is a solution made up of micelles, which are tiny balls of cleansing molecules, suspended in water, according to dermatologists. These micelles are attracted to oil and dirt, and have fatty acid esters that allow them to draw out impurities without drying out your skin, says King. That’s why you can use micellar water as a face wash, makeup remover and moisturizing product all in one, she says.

How I picked the best micellar waters

When choosing micellar water options for this list, I kept the following in mind:

Hydrating ingredients: One of micellar water’s biggest draws is its ability to cleanse without drying out your skin. Every product on this list includes ingredients that help to maintain your skin’s hydration levels after cleansing, including glycerin, hyaluronic acid and ceramides, based on my experts’ guidance.
Skin type: Since your skin care needs depend largely on your skin type, I include micellar waters for oily, dry, sensitive and acne-prone skin. Be sure to choose the formula that best suits your skin.

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The best micellar water in 2025

Below, I’ve rounded up the ultimate micellar water list, including expert recommendations, NBC Select staff picks and top-rated options from some of our favorite retailers.

Best overall

This La Roche-Posay micellar water comes recommended by Green because it’s dermatologist-tested and alcohol-free. It has glycerin for added hydration, along with selenium-rich thermal water, which has natural minerals and antioxidants, according to the brand. This micellar water is also oil-free, so it won’t clog pores even while removing heavier makeup and dirt, says Green.

Editor’s Pick

NBC Select editorial operations associate Jem Alabi initially came across this micellar water while studying abroad in Paris for a semester, and was “thrilled” to find it on Amazon when she came back. Alabi has sensitive skin and likes to use oil-free cleansing methods, which is why she loves this micellar water. “As a waterproof mascara lover, this product doesn’t sting, leave my skin too dry and red, or have an astringent smell,” she says. She also likes that the bottles are big, so it’ll last you a while.

Best for oily skin

Garnier SkinActive All-in-1 Purifying Micellar Water

This micellar water is extremely versatile: It removes makeup, dirt and sunscreen while reducing the appearance of pores and excess sebum on the skin, says King. It has salicylic acid, which helps to reduce breakouts and keep your skin from getting too greasy, making it great for those with acne-prone and oily skin. It’s also safe to use on your eyes, lips and face, and you don’t need to rinse it off, according to the brand.

Best for dry skin

Cerave’s micellar water is made with glycerin and three essential ceramides to maintain your skin’s moisture barrier, says Green. Niacinamide also helps to calm and soothe your skin, so you can gently remove makeup from sensitive areas like your eyes and around your mouth without any irritation, according to the brand. It’s also fragrance- and paraben-free, and has a National Eczema Association (NEA) Seal of Acceptance.

Best for waterproof makeup

Garnier SkinActive All-in-1 Micellar Water for Waterproof Makeup

King recommends this Garnier micellar water because it can remove waterproof and long-wear makeup without drying out the skin, she says. It’s fragrance-free and leaves little to no residue (which is very common with waterproof makeup), according to the brand. You also won’t need to rub or pull at your skin to remove the tougher products — the brand suggests pressing a cotton pad to the skin and allowing it to melt off the product. Plus, it helps remove stubborn stains from hair dye and self tanner, and even cleans makeup brushes, says King.

Best cleansing wipes

Clinique Take the Day Off Micellar Cleansing Wipes

Makeup wipes are a quick and easy way to take off your makeup, especially when you’re on the go. These Clinique wipes come in a resealable package and are pre-soaked in a gentle micellar water cleanser that removes makeup, dirt and more without irritation, according to the brand.

How to shop for micellar water

When choosing a micellar water, dermatologists recommend keeping the following factors in mind:

Skin type: Checking the ingredients of your micellar water will help to find the best fit for your skin type. For example, those with dry skin should stick to formulas with strictly hydrating ingredients (including hyaluronic acid and glycerin), while those with oily/acne-prone skin should keep an eye out for micellar waters with ingredients like salicylic acid that’ll help to unclog pores and regulate oil production, says King. Soothing and brightening ingredients like polyhydroxy acid and glycolic acid are ideal for more mature and dull skin, says King.
Ingredients to avoid: Choose a micellar water that is both alcohol- and fragrance-free, says Green. Alcohol strips skin of moisture, while fragrance additives may irritate more sensitive skin types. Given that, it’s best to skip these ingredients to avoid damaging your skin barrier or getting any potential allergic reactions or irritation, she says.

Frequently asked questions

Since micelles are great at trapping dirt, micellar water is a versatile product that you can use as a makeup remover, cleanser and toner. Most micellar waters are gentle, so they won’t irritate your sensitive skin, and they usually have hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid to prevent dryness, says Green.

You can use micellar water as a toner because it can help to balance your skin’s pH level while hydrating the moisture barrier, says Green. However, she suggests being sure that your face is properly cleansed before using micellar water as a toner to avoid dirt or makeup residuals in the rest of your routine. You should also use a micellar water with a lightweight, noncomedogenic formula that won’t clog your pores.

Although micellar water has the hydrating properties of some toners, it’s most effective as a cleanser, says King.

Generally, yes, micellar water is suitable for all skin types — the mild formula cleanses without stripping the skin or using harsher ingredients, making it safe for sensitive skin types. The lightweight, hydrating formula is also well-suited for both dry and oily skin.

The difference between micellar water and other makeup removers is that micellar water includes micelles, which lift and trap dirt in a way that requires no rinsing. Makeup removers tend to have harsher ingredients, like alcohol or added fragrance, that not only strip your skin of moisture, but can also cause inflammation and irritation. Micellar waters are usually gentler on the skin than most makeup removers because they’re more hydrating and less likely to cause irritation, so they’re a better option for those with sensitive skin, experts say.

Meet our experts

At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

Dr. Hadley King is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City who specializes in medical and cosmetic dermatology.
Dr. Michele Green is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City who specializes in cosmetic dermatology.

Why trust NBC Select?

I am an associate SEO reporter for NBC Select, covering skin care, wellness, and more, including stories on the best acne spot treatments and K-beauty ampoules. For this piece, I interviewed dermatologists about the best micellar waters, including how to use them and how to shop for one of your own.

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The Best Micellar Water for Every Skin Type, According to Experts

What is micellar water?

How I picked the best micellar waters