6 Reasons Why You Should Ditch Your Cleanser for Micellar Water

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French women are known and envied for their beauty je ne sais quoi. Just take a look at their effortless, lived-in hair, flawless complexions, and know-how with red lipstick. In fact, their pared-down skincare routines have often left us wondering if their radiant skin is a product of something in the water and it turns out it is—literally.

Born out of a necessity as a solution to France’s harsh tap water, micellar water has been in French women’s beauty arsenals since the ‘90s. The multi-tasking product cleanses, hydrates, while removing dirt and makeup by use of micellar technology. (Micellars are small clusters of fatty acid esters that attach to oil and dirt while simultaneously dissolving impurities—kind of like how dishwashing detergent breaks down kitchen grease.)

Since arriving in the U.S., micellar waters quickly garnered a cult following as a streamlining product with miraculous results. Now, with more and more options popping up in beauty aisles, the power of micellar water is beginning to catch on. We’ve broken down why micellar water deserves a spot in your bathroom cabinet, along with a few of our favorite formulas.

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It’s Not Your Average Cleanser

Kiehl's Herbal-Infused Micellar Cleansing Water

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$28 Kiehl's SHOP IT Opens a new window

Chances are the cleansers you’ve been using require rinsing. Guess what? micellar water doesn't have to be washed off. That’s right: Easily wipe away the product with a cotton pad and you’re good to go.

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It Will Cut Your Routine Down

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water

$7 Garnier SHOP IT Opens a new window

If you’re always busy, using micellar water can eliminate a step from your skincare routine because it simultaneously cleanses skin while removing your makeup.

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It’s Great For Sensitive Skin

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$28 Avene SHOP IT Opens a new window

Since micellar water was initially created in response to France’s harsh tap water, it’s the perfect product for sensitive skin since its gentle ingredients won’t make your complexion freak out. Formulas are free of soap, fragrance, and alcohol, among other harmful ingredients that often cause irritation or inflammation.

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It’s An Amazing Face Wipe Substitute

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$6 Simple SHOP IT Opens a new window

It might be tempting after a late night to remove makeup in one swoop with a face wipe, but they’re often saturated with chemicals. Micellar water is just as easy and convenient to remove makeup, and a lot safer on the skin. If you can’t bear to let go of your facial wipes, Simple has adapted its micellar formula into a wipe format.

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Use It To Correct Messed Up Makeup

Dior Hydra Life Micellar Water No Rinse Cleanser

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$42 Dior SHOP IT Opens a new window

Getting a cat-eye right the first time is rare. If your liquid liner flick is crooked, use a Q-tip soaked in miceller water to clean up your mistakes.

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They’re Travel-Friendly

$15 Bioderma SHOP IT Opens a new window

Instead of traveling with a makeup remover and face wash, you can lighten your toiletry kit by packing a micellar water that will cleanse and remove makeup in one go throughout your entire trip. Bonus: many micellar waters are also super hydrating.

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6 Reasons Why You Should Ditch Your Cleanser for Micellar Water