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Youll never fall asleep in your makeup again.

Collage of two people cleansing their faces with micellar water on a cotton pad

Byrdie

It effectively removes makeup while hydrating the skin and comes in a generous bottle.

For a product that purifies, cleanses and tones, we recommend theLa Roche Posay Effaclar Micellar Water.

Washing your faceis a must, especially if you wear makeup and sunscreen daily.

Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water displayed on an colorful surface

PHOTO: Byrdie / Jhett Thompson

Enter:Micellar water.

To narrow down the best micellar waters on the market, wetested31 formulas in our Manhattan testing facility.

These help repair the skins protective layer, effectively treating irritation.

Person removing eye makeup from their eyes with a micellar water soaked cotton round

PHOTO: Byrdie / Tamara Staples

Amy, tester:“Though the product was very lightweight, my skin was instantly refreshed after usage.

Its chock-full of good-for-your-skin ingredientsincludingvitamin B3,vitamin C, and triple purified waterwhile still being completely lightweight.

Our tester, Tannon, explained that it felt light and calming and didn’t leave behind any residue.

Several used cotton rounds displayed on a white towel

Its even been specifically ophthalmologist-tested for use around the eyes.

Tannon, tester:“This micellar water was extremely effective.

It left my skin very clean as if I washed my face.

Person removing eye makeup from their eyes with a micellar water soaked cotton round

I believe it may have taken some of my blackheads out which is amazing.”

There was no waste of the water, from the cotton pad was transferred to my skin smoothly.

LOVE the moisture after hours.

Several used cotton rounds displayed on a white towel

My skin feels super soft.”

The formula contains seven ingredients that work hard to remove oil, makeup, and bacteria with ease.

you’re free to expect your skin to feel smooth, slightly dewy, and really clean.

Simple Kind to Skin Micellar Cleansing Water displayed on a colorful surface

PHOTO: Byrdie / Jhett Thompson

Best of all, according to our tester it leaves behind a lovely glow effect.

Enter this micellar water designed specifically for those with easily irritated skin.

Its formulated with the brands thermal spring water to calm inflamed skin and glycols to hydrate.

Person applying Simple Kind to Skin Micellar Cleansing Water to their face

PHOTO: Byrdie

It has a nice, gentle, and soothing smell that is very pleasant and not too overpowering."

Our tester, Tannon, raved about how quickly it worked on his skin.

I look glowy and bright and feel like my skin drank a fresh cup of coffee.

Hand dispensing Simple Kind to Skin Micellar Cleansing Water onto a cotton round

Tannon, tester (not pictured):“My skin felt a HUGE difference.

It definitely looks more hydrated.

It unclogged my pores for sure and got rid of any dryness on my face.

Person applying Simple Kind to Skin Micellar Cleansing Water to their face

It gave me a glow afterward and the roughness was removed from my face.”

In fact, she said her face felt hydrated and refreshed.

Nasya, tester:“The micellar water perfectly cleansed my skin!

Person applying Simple Kind to Skin Micellar Cleansing Water to their face

Quench your skins thirst with this micellar water from Vichy.

it’s possible for you to expect impurities to melt away, leaving behind hydrated, refreshed skin.

Since its mostly thermal water, some found it to be very runny.

Hand dispensing Simple Kind to Skin Micellar Cleansing Water onto a cotton round

Be careful when dispensing the product so you dont waste any.

Sunita, tester:“This product worked extremely well as a cleanser and micellar water as a duo.

It took off my face makeup with ease leaving my skin with a clean and hydrated feeling.

Person applying Simple Kind to Skin Micellar Cleansing Water to their face

Naomi, tester:“This product left my face looking extremely glowy.

There was a significant difference from my skin before I used the product to after I used it.

My skin looks more refreshing and hydrated than it has ever looked.”

Drunk Elephant Milki E-Rase Micellar Water displayed on a colorful surface

PHOTO: Byrdie / Jhett Thompson

According to the brand, the formula is great for quick and easy cleanups in between baths.

Plus, with the sealable pump, it works well for travel, too.

I genuinely think Im going to buy this because of how effective it is.

Site Loop: Person’s eye before and after using Drunk Elephant E-rase Milki Micellar Water

It changed the overall feel of my skin in a matter of seconds, Alec added.

Monique, tester:“My skin definitely looked refreshed and after-glowed.

No flakiness, soft and there was a matte finish (not shiny at all).

Medik8 Eyes & Lips Micellar Cleanser displayed on a colorful surface

PHOTO: Byrdie

It looks dry but not ashy.”

However, it may not always remove heavier, waterproof makeup as effectively as an oil-based remover.

For everyday use and light makeup removal, micellar water can be sufficient on its own.

Hands holding a bottle of Medik8 Eyes & Lips Micellar Cleanser and a used cotton round

PHOTO: Byrdie

While micellar water does not need to be rinsed off, you might wish to do so.

you’re free to double cleanse by using micellar water before your normal face cleanser.

Micellar water breaks down and removes makeup, sunscreen, and grime on the skin.

Person applying micellar water to their cheek with a cotton round

Taylor Augustin Littlejohncontributed to this article and is a freelance beauty and fashion writer.

She updated this story.

Person applying micellar water to their chin with a cotton round

Hands holding a bottle of Medik8 Eyes & Lips Micellar Cleanser and a used cotton round

Person applying micellar water to their cheek with a cotton round

Person applying micellar water to their chin with a cotton round

Typology 7-Ingredient Micellar Water on purple and blue background

PHOTO: Byrdie

Person using cotton round on chin

PHOTO: Byrdie

Person pouring Typology 7-Ingredient Micellar Water onto cotton round

Person using cotton round on face

Person using cotton round on neck

Person using cotton round on chin

Person pouring Typology 7-Ingredient Micellar Water onto cotton round

Person using cotton round on face

Person using cotton round on neck

Avene Eau Thermal Micellar Lotion Cleansing Water Make-up Remover displayed on a colorful surface

PHOTO: Byrdie

Person applying Eau Thermale Avene Micellar Lotion Cleansing Water to their forehead

PHOTO: Byrdie

Avene Eau Thermal Micellar Lotion Cleansing Water Make-up Remover displayed on a white table

Person applying Eau Thermale Avene Micellar Lotion Cleansing Water to their forehead

Avene Eau Thermal Micellar Lotion Cleansing Water Make-up Remover displayed on a white table

Two bottles of Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Cleanser & Makeup Remover displayed on a colorful background

PHOTO: Byrdie

Site Loop: Person’s eye before and after using Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Makeup Remover & Cleanser

Origins Mega-Mushroom Skin Relief Micellar Cleanser displayed on a colorful surface

PHOTO: Byrdie

Person applying micellar water to their face with a cotton round

PHOTO: Byrdie

Person applying micellar water to their face

Hand dispensing Origins Mega-Mushroom Skin Relief Micellar Cleanser onto a cotton round

Person holding a hydration meter to their cheek

Person applying micellar water to their face with a cotton round

Person applying micellar water to their face

Hand dispensing Origins Mega-Mushroom Skin Relief Micellar Cleanser onto a cotton round

Person holding a hydration meter to their cheek

Vichy Pureté Thermale Mineral Micellar Water displayed on a colorful surface

PHOTO: Byrdie

Person applying micellar water to their chin

PHOTO: Byrdie

Person applying micellar water to their cheek

Person using a hydration meter on their forehead

Person applying micellar water to their chin

Person applying micellar water to their cheek

Person using a hydration meter on their forehead

Kumiko Skincare Matcha Micellar Water displayed on a colorful background

PHOTO: Byrdie

Person applying Kumiko Skincare Matcha Micellar Water to their face

PHOTO: Byrdie

Person removing eye makeup with a cotton round

Person removing eye makeup with a cotton round

Person applying Kumiko Skincare Matcha Micellar Water to their face

Person removing eye makeup with a cotton round

Person removing eye makeup with a cotton round

Mustela Baby Cleansing Water on purple and blue background

PHOTO: Byrdie

Person wiping cheek with a cotton round of micellar water

PHOTO: Byrdie

Person dispensing Mustela Baby Cleansing Water onto cotton round

Person wiping face with a cotton round of micellar water

Person wiping face with a cotton round of micellar water

Person wiping cheek with a cotton round of micellar water

Person dispensing Mustela Baby Cleansing Water onto cotton round

Person wiping face with a cotton round of micellar water

Person wiping face with a cotton round of micellar water

Amazon La Roche-Posay Effaclar Micellar Cleansing Water Toner

PHOTO: Amazon

Testing Micellar Water for All Skin Types