Which Micellar Water is Right for You Skin Type?

Keeping the skin clean and free of dirt and impurities is an important part of skincare, as you’ll want to remove any potential irritants that could build up and cause unwanted skin breakouts or skin concerns. Micellar water has grown in popularity as it removes oil, makeup and dirt to keep your face clean and fresh. Popularised decades ago in France, the Parisian city water was harsh on the skin and known to cause dry skin and breakouts. To deal with this, micellar water was introduced by dermatologists as a skin-friendly cleansing substitute. Since then, micellar water has become an important active ingredient in skincare due to its various uses and benefits. To dive a little deeper, learn how this ingredient can be used to care for different skin types.

 

What is micellar water?

Micellar water is a unique formula that consists of tiny molecules called micelles, which attract dirt, oil and impurities. Micelles are tiny lipid cleansing molecules that work as mini dirt magnets and can break down makeup and impurities on your skin with ease, especially stubborn makeup. It remains gentle on the skin as there’s no soap or other harsh ingredients included. Instead, micellar water uses its micelles to gently lift impurities off your skin’s surface. Although micellar water looks like regular H2O, it has a variety of complex functions that can remove makeup without rough scrubbing. Simply apply some micellar water to a cotton pad, use a few gentle swipes and dirt and makeup is lifted for clean and smooth skin.

Garnier Micellar Water Application

How to choose the right Micellar Water for your skin

When developing a personalised skincare plan, choosing the right products that work well for your specific skincare needs is crucial. There are four main skin types – dry, oily, combination and normal skin, which all have different needs and ideal skincare plans. There’s also sensitive skin and acne-prone skin that require extra attention when managing flare-ups and breakouts. With its gentle nature, micellar water typically works well on different skin types as it has different benefits that can help manage various skin concerns. Learn about the different types of micellar water to add to your skincare routine for a cleaner, softer and visibly balanced complexion.

Micellar Water for sensitive skin types

Micellar water is an important skincare ingredient for sensitive skin, as the micelles attract dirt and impurities which avoid any harsh cleansing or rubbing. Sensitive skin is often a result of a compromised skin barrier which can allow irritants to enter and interfere with the skin. Using Micellar Cleansing Water to wipe away makeup and refresh your face is a great way of gently cleansing without disrupting the skin’s external barrier. To minimise irritation, choose micellar water suitable for sensitive skin.

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Micellar Cleansing Water All in 1

Micellar Water for dry skin types

Dry skin lacks moisture and can often be presented as flakey, Dry skin lacks moisture and can often present as flakey, irritated or patchy. Most micellar water formulations will work well on dry skin types as this active ingredient is often paired with other moisturising ingredients. Using the Micellar Milky Cleansing Water will remove dirt, makeup and impurities whilst boosting the skin with extra hydration. This dual-action cleanser uses micellar water to attract dirt and a touch of milk to hydrate the skin. Cleansing should not over strip the skin and leave the face feeling tight, instead, using a micellar water cleanser will leave the face feeling softer and more hydrated. 

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Garnier Milky Micellar Cleansing Water

Micellar Water for oily skin types

Those with oily skin have excess sebum (oil) production which can result from a variety of factors like hormones, lack of moisture, genetics and more. Managing oily skin requires effective cleansing that will not over strip the skin. While people with oily skin tend to aggressively wash their face to remove that excess shine, oily skin can actually result from being dehydrated. Using a gentle cleanser like a micellar water can wash away impurities without disrupting the skin’s pH balance.

All-In-1 Micellar Water For Combination & Oily Skin

Micellar Water for normal skin types

For those lucky ones who have a naturally balanced skin complexion, normal skin is generally quite tolerant and has a healthy oil production. However, without proper skincare like cleansing away impurities, normal skin types can also face breakouts. Incorporating micellar water into a skincare routine for normal skin can help manage and maintain the skin’s cleanliness and healthy appearance. Remove makeup and impurities that the skin is exposed to throughout the day and let your face feel softer and cleaner. If you are looking for a micellar water that is designed to leave your skin with a glow we suggest trying our Micellar Rose Cleansing Water.

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Micellar Rose Water Clean & Glow For Dull & Sensitive Skin

Micellar Water for waterproof makeup

Many waterproof makeup removers have oil-based formulations, which can take some time to dry, can leave residue and could potentially irritate sensitive areas like the eyes. Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water in Oil on the other hand, uses micelles to effectively remove all traces of waterproof makeup, including waterproof mascara and stubborn lipstick.
Pour micellar water onto your Reusable Eco Pads, then gently wipe the cotton across your skin to remove the oil and grime. This should give you a clean canvas for the rest of your routine.

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Micellar Cleansing Water in Oil for Waterproof Makeup

Micellar Water for acne prone skin

Managing breakouts is simple when you understand your skin’s needs. Acne-prone skin often forms when pores are clogged and oil is trapped beneath the skin’s surface. Cleansing and keeping your pores clear is super important for those with acne-prone skin. For a deep clean, consider ‘double cleansing’, a process of cleansing the face twice for a deeper clean. Micellar water is an ideal active solution for double cleansing acne-prone skin, as it is not harsh and will decongest your pores without drying the skin out. It does this by using its micelles to attract oil, dirt and lift dead skin cells that could be trapped in pores, a key cause of blemishes and breakouts. Swiping a cotton pad of micellar water across your face before using another cleanser can help keep your face feeling healthy and clean.

Managing breakouts is simple when you understand your skin’s needs. Acne-prone skin often forms when pores are clogged and oil is trapped beneath the skin’s surface. Cleansing and keeping your pores clear is super important for those with acne-prone skin. For a deep clean, consider ‘double cleansing’, a process of cleansing the face twice for a deeper clean. Micellar water is an ideal active solution for double cleansing acne-prone skin, as it is not harsh and will decongest your pores without drying the skin out. It does this by using its micelles to attract oil, dirt and lift dead skin cells that could be trapped in pores, a key cause of blemishes and breakouts. Swiping a cotton pad of micellar water across your face before using another cleanser can help keep your face feeling healthy and clean. 

A super skincare solution that attracts impurities and is gentle on the skin, micellar water can be used for all different skin types. Garnier offers a range of products that feature micellar water to help keep your skin clean and clear. The skincare range is 100% cruelty-free and has implemented a Green Beauty policy for sustainable skincare. Browse the full range of Garnier skincare products for a more balanced and vibrant complexion.