mybest
Skin careHelping You Find the Best
mybest
Skin careHelping You Find the Best
  • 10 Best Micellar Waters 2024 |  UK Dermatologist Reviewed 1
  • 10 Best Micellar Waters 2024 |  UK Dermatologist Reviewed 2
  • 10 Best Micellar Waters 2024 |  UK Dermatologist Reviewed 3
  • 10 Best Micellar Waters 2024 |  UK Dermatologist Reviewed 4
  • 10 Best Micellar Waters 2024 |  UK Dermatologist Reviewed 5

10 Best Micellar Waters 2024 | UK Dermatologist Reviewed

Effective cleansing is undeniably an essential part of a skincare routine. Whether you're somebody who wears makeup daily or you just want to ensure that your skin is clean of any grime or pollutants amassed throughout the day, it's worth trying micellar water as a simple, low-maintenance way to cleanse.


However, you may be feeling a little lost when choosing the right formula, especially if you have a specific skin type such as oily, dry, sensitive or acne prone – or a combination of the above. Featuring both luxury and drugstore brands like Simple, Bioderma and Garnier, we've taken our top picks from Amazon, Boots, John Lewis, and more to help you find the perfect micellar water.  

Last updated 21/03/2024

Quick List - Top Micellar Waters

1

Garnier

Skinactive Micellar Cleansing Water
Skinactive Micellar Cleansing Water

An Affordable Drugstore Micellar Water That’s Gentle on Skin

2

Bioderma

Sensibio H2O
Sensibio H2O

A Tried and Tested Fragrance-Free Formula for Sensitive Skin

3

Balance Me

Flash Cleanse Micellar Water
Flash Cleanse Micellar Water

Hyaluronic Acid and Peptides to Plump and Rehydrate Skin

4

Simple

Water Boost Micellar Cleansing Water
Water Boost Micellar Cleansing Water

Cleanse and Hydrate Dry or Sensitive Skin

5

Nuxe

Very Rose 3-in-1 Hydrating Micellar Water
Very Rose 3-in-1 Hydrating Micellar Water

Cleanse and Restore Dry Skin With Rose Floral Water

Felipe Partarrieu
Expert
Dermatologist
Felipe Partarrieu

Felipe Partarrieu is a dermatologist, who is GMC registered with a full licence to practise in the UK. Specialising in cosmeceuticals, facial skin care, and hair disorders, we worked with Felipe to bring you top quality information to help you make informed buying decisions and understand more about what goes onto your skin.

Felipe Partarrieu's Profile
…Continue reading
mybest Editing Team
Guide
mybest UK
mybest Editing Team

A recommendation service that carefully researches each product and consults with experts across many disciplines. We are constantly creating new content to provide the best shopping experience from choosing ‘cosmetics’ to ‘food and drink’, ‘home appliances’ to ‘kids and baby’ products, reaching users all across the United Kingdom.

mybest Editing Team's Profile
…Continue reading
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.

Table of Contents

With Specialist Consultation From Dermatologist Felipe Partarrieu

With Specialist Consultation From Dermatologist Felipe Partarrieu

Felipe Partarrieu is a final year dermatology resident, who is GMC registered with a full licence to practise in the UK. Specialising in cosmeceuticals, facial skin care, and hair disorders, we worked with Felipe to bring you top quality information to help you make informed buying decisions and understand more about what goes onto your skin.

How to Choose a Micellar Water in the UK

Key Points to Consider
  1. Find a Micellar Water That Suits Your Skin Type
  2. Consider Between Wipes, Pads, or Liquids Depending on Your Usage
1

Choose a Micellar Water That’s Formulated for Your Skin Type

Choose a Micellar Water That’s Formulated for Your Skin Type

For Oily or Acne Prone Skin, Micellar Water With Oil Control Draws Out Excess Sebum to Prevent Breakouts

Micellar water can be a great cleanser for those with acne or breakouts as it gently draws out impurities from the skin to unclog pores. We recommend boosting the benefits of your micellar water by opting for a product that controls oil or mattifies the skin, as often blemishes are caused by excessive oil production. However, look out for possible irritants such as lanolin, paraffins, mineral oils, and silicone derivatives.

Felipe Partarrieu
Dermatologist
Felipe Partarrieu

Micellar water is a cleanser containing suspended surfactant (detergent) molecules that, by nature, attract dirt and oil. However, the ingredients used in micellar waters leave a surface residue on the skin, which can act as a film, blocking pores and disrupting oil production, leading to breakouts. 


Therefore, micellar waters are not ideal for oily and blemish-prone skin. Instead, try cleansing gels or oils formulated for this skin type, which will reach deeper into the pores.

Look For a Fragrance-Free Formula if You Have Sensitive Skin

It can be tricky for sensitive skin-types to find a cleanser that is gentle enough to prevent any irritation. We recommend, of course, looking for micellar waters that are advertised as being specifically designed for sensitive skin, as they will have the gentlest ingredients


In addition to this, go for micellar waters with minimal ingredients. Added ingredients are often the culprits for causing allergies and irritation. Even naturally-derived added fragrance can be irritating for some, so check out the label to make sure you understand what's in your micellar water.

Felipe Partarrieu
Dermatologist
Felipe Partarrieu

Micellar waters are made up of water mixed with very gentle surfactants. Therefore, these are considered especially beneficial for those with sensitive skin or conditions like rosacea. They are free from ingredients that can irritate the skin, such as soaps and alcohol. 


Moreover, glycerin, one compound found in many formulations, has also been shown to reduce inflammation and irritation of the skin.

Micellar Waters With Moisturising Ingredients Like Glycerin and Hyaluronic Acid Are Beneficial for Those With Dry or Mature Skin

Many micellar waters are formulated with moisture-boosting, hydrating ingredients to benefit drier and mature skin types. Ingredients to look out for are rose, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid. Antioxidant-rich waters with plumping peptides are great for drier, mature skin.


Hydration is important to get rid of toxins and supply the skin cells with nutrients. Well-hydrated skin is also less sensitive. Adequate hydration makes the skin fuller, plumper, and improves its elasticity. Especially for mature skin, elasticity keeps it looking young and less likely to crack, preventing premature appearance of wrinkles and blemishes.


Speaking of hydration, explore our favourite moisturisers for combination skin!


Plus, micellar waters don't usually contain simple alcohols, which most dry-skinned folk prefer to avoid as it can be very drying and harsh on the skin, causing irritation. Alcohol can harm the skin's natural protective barrier and drastically deplete the natural oils it requires to stay healthy.


Felipe Partarrieu
Dermatologist
Felipe Partarrieu

Many micellar waters contain glycerin, one of the moisturising substances naturally found in the skin. Topically applied glycerin has been shown to restore skin hydration, help speed wound healing and protect against irritation. 


Also, the surfactants in micellar water are very mild and less irritating (such as cetrimonium bromide and polysorbate 20), making it an excellent choice for those with dry skin. 

2

Micellar Water Wipes and Pads Are a Great Choice for Removing Makeup on the Go, While a Liquid Formula Is Better for Gentle Daily Cleansing at Home

Micellar Water Wipes and Pads Are a Great Choice for Removing Makeup on the Go, While a Liquid Formula Is Better for Gentle Daily Cleansing at Home

Micellar water is most commonly available in liquid form, but there are new formulas on the market that are equally as simple and effective. You can now find micellar water make up wipes, or cotton pads pre-infused with micellar water. These are great for convenience, particularly for on-the-go usage, or if you just want an easy way to cleanse your skin in the evening.


However, do be careful with micellar make up wipes as they can encourage you to be a bit too rough with your skin when cleansing. Too much tugging or rubbing can lead to premature signs of ageing! With the right amount of care, you may find micellar wipes or cotton pads to be an ideal low-maintenance choice. 

Felipe Partarrieu
Dermatologist
Felipe Partarrieu

Most micellar waters came in liquid forms to be applied on the face with disposable cotton pads. Wipes and cotton pads that already include micellar water are convenient because they are quick to use and handy, but they are not meant not to be used daily. 


Most wipes and pads contain alcohols that could lead to dry skin. Also, the mechanical rubbing needed for them to work might irritate.

Was the Buying Guide helpful?

10 Best Micellar Waters to Buy Online in the UK

This ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Key features
1

Garnier

Skinactive Micellar Cleansing Water

Garnier Skinactive Micellar Cleansing Water 1

An Affordable Drugstore Micellar Water That’s Gentle on Skin

2

Bioderma

Sensibio H2O

Bioderma Sensibio H2O 1

A Tried and Tested Fragrance-Free Formula for Sensitive Skin

3

Balance Me

Flash Cleanse Micellar Water

Balance Me Flash Cleanse Micellar Water 1

Hyaluronic Acid and Peptides to Plump and Rehydrate Skin

4

Simple

Water Boost Micellar Cleansing Water

Simple Water Boost Micellar Cleansing Water 1

Cleanse and Hydrate Dry or Sensitive Skin

5

Nuxe

Very Rose 3-in-1 Hydrating Micellar Water

Nuxe Very Rose 3-in-1 Hydrating Micellar Water 1

Cleanse and Restore Dry Skin With Rose Floral Water

6

Nivea

MicellAir Professional Makeup Remover

Nivea MicellAir Professional Makeup Remover 1

A Micellar Makeup Remover That Leaves Nothing Behind

7

La Roche Posay

3-in-1 Sensitive Micellar Water

La Roche Posay 3-in-1 Sensitive Micellar Water 1

3-in-1 Action Micellar Water for Sensitive Skin

8

Garnier

Micellar Face Wipes Sensitive Skin

Garnier Micellar Face Wipes Sensitive Skin 1

Cleanse Skin on the Go With Super-soft Micellar Water Wipes

9

Avène

Micellar Lotion

Avène Micellar Lotion 1

3-in-1 No Rinse Cleanser, Toner and Make-up remover

10

Simple

Micellar Make-Up Remover Eye Pads

Simple Micellar Make-Up Remover Eye Pads  1

Micellar-Soaked Pads to Gently Remove Stubborn Eye Makeup

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Garnier
Skinactive Micellar Cleansing Water

Skinactive Micellar Cleansing Water 1
Source:boots.com
Reference price
£4.99
Low Mid
Reference price
£4.99
Low Mid

An Affordable Drugstore Micellar Water That’s Gentle on Skin

Our top pick for micellar waters to buy online in the UK is the Garnier Skinactive Micellar Cleansing Water. It is formulated with no oils, sulfates, fragrances, parabens or alcohols, and even suits sensitive skin, so you can use it day and night no matter your skin type.


Moreover, it comes in a huge 700 ml bottle at a very reasonable price, so you don't have to worry about it being a huge expense in your skincare budget! We recommend the Skinactive as a staple in part of your cleansing routine. 

Was this Ranking helpful?
No.2

Bioderma
Sensibio H2O

Sensibio H2O 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£9.00
Mid
Reference price
£9.00
Mid

A Tried and Tested Fragrance-Free Formula for Sensitive Skin

Bioderma H2O started the micellar water craze when it became an indisposable part of many French women's cleansing routines. Micellar water became particularly popular in France because Paris has notoriously hard water which can prove irritating to the skin. 


In stepped Bioderma's Sensibio, to gently remove pollutants and keep the skin feeling fresh. This micellar water is suitable for all skin types, but has also been specifically formulated to be kind to sensitive skin, and does not contain any fragrance, minimising the risk of reaction!

No.3

Balance Me
Flash Cleanse Micellar Water

Flash Cleanse Micellar Water 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£14.40
High Mid
Reference price
£14.40
High Mid

Hyaluronic Acid and Peptides to Plump and Rehydrate Skin

Balance Me's Flash Cleanse micellar water has a longer ingredients list than some others on our list! It includes natural peptides and hyaluronic acid to help plump the skin and increase hydration, and also includes blackberry leaf extract which is naturally rich in antioxidants to help boost collagen production. 


It's 100% natural too, and certified vegan and cruelty-free, plus, we particularly love the packaging. It has a pump which you can cover with your cotton pad to pump the ideal amount of water completely mess-free!

No.4

Simple
Water Boost Micellar Cleansing Water

Water Boost Micellar Cleansing Water 1
Source:boots.com
Reference price
£6.99
Mid
Reference price
£6.99
Mid

Cleanse and Hydrate Dry or Sensitive Skin

This micellar water is part of Simple's new 'Water Boost' skincare line, which targets the reversal of signs of dehydration. It contains glycerin, minerals, and a plant extract (citric acid), which all plays a part in hydrating, softening, and moisturising your skin. 


As you'd expect from the brand, it contains no harsh chemicals, and is especially formulated to be suitable for those with dry, dehydrated, or sensitive skin. If you are looking for your cleanser to also help with moisture levels in your skin, this may be the micellar water for you!

No.5

Nuxe
Very Rose 3-in-1 Hydrating Micellar Water

Very Rose 3-in-1 Hydrating Micellar Water 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£20.73
High
Reference price
£20.73
High

Cleanse and Restore Dry Skin With Rose Floral Water

A luxurious micellar water made with no less than 97% natural ingredients, this is a great choice for those looking for a cleanser with a little something extra. Rose floral water soothes and softens, while a complex made from moisturising sugars hydrates and strenghthens the skin's protective barrier.


It is particularly designed for dry to very dry skin, so if you are somebody who needs some extra assistance in restoring the moisture levels of your skin and want to add a micellar water to your cleansing routine, why not try this one from Nuxe?

No.6

Nivea
MicellAir Professional Makeup Remover

MicellAir Professional Makeup Remover 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£2.99
Low Mid

A Micellar Makeup Remover That Leaves Nothing Behind

If you wear makeup daily but don't like using harsh products to remove them, this micellar makeup remover will be your new go-to. It is a powerful micellar water that deeply cleanses, removing any impurities without being too astringent, and leaves zero residue behind. 


It's also fragrance-free and infused with micellar gel to protect your lashes and delicate eye area from any pulling or rubbing, and is so effective that it's touted as a makeup artist favourite. This handy bottle is perfect to take with you on the go!

No.7

La Roche Posay
3-in-1 Sensitive Micellar Water

3-in-1 Sensitive Micellar Water 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£13.20
High Mid
Reference price
£13.20
High Mid

3-in-1 Action Micellar Water for Sensitive Skin

This micellar water by La Roche Posay has undergone extensive dermatological testing to ensure that it is suitable for all types of sensitive skin. The Physiological Micellar Solution enriched with thermal spring water delicately cleanses, removes makeup from the face and eyes, and eliminates impurities.


There are no preservatives, parabens, colorants, or lanolin in this simple yet effective formulation. It is also completely hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic. The product's hermetic packing ensures that it remains clean and contaminant-free.

No.8

Garnier
Micellar Face Wipes Sensitive Skin

Micellar Face Wipes Sensitive Skin 1
Source:boots.com
Reference price
£3.97
Low Mid
Reference price
£3.97
Low Mid

Cleanse Skin on the Go With Super-soft Micellar Water Wipes

Specifically formulated for sensitive skin with no alcohol or fragrance, drugstore-favourite Garnier's micellar wipes are made of thin silk fibres in a soft, thick wipe. They are soaked with micellar water, so they are easy to grab and use, and promise a glow-boosting effect.


Moreover, they are meant to be soothing for irritated skin, so you will be able to use them and feel refreshed. We would advise, however, that at only 25 wipes per pack, you may not be getting the same usage for money as with a micellar water from a bottle. 

No.9

Avène
Micellar Lotion

Micellar Lotion 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£12.49
High Mid
Reference price
£12.49
High Mid

3-in-1 No Rinse Cleanser, Toner and Make-up remover

This micellar water from Avène is a cleanser, toner, and makeup remover all in one! It contains Avène's trademark thermal water, sourced directly from the Occitane region of France, which is gentle and purifying to the skin.


Meanwhile, micelles gently lifts up pollutants and make-up without causing dryness. On the downside, we would note that it does contain fragrance, so you may want to be careful if you have sensitivities to additional ingredients. 

No.10

Simple
Micellar Make-Up Remover Eye Pads

Reference price
£2.30
Low

Micellar-Soaked Pads to Gently Remove Stubborn Eye Makeup

Designed to efficiently remove stubborn eye makeup such as waterproof mascara, you can also be sure that Simple, who cater to sensitive skin, have formulated a kind micellar water that's hydrating for dry skin, too. 


They're also in a useful format to take on the go or for festivals or overnight trips. However, for most people it is probably not a necessary step to have a separate micellar water for your eyes and the rest of your face! 

What Is Micellar Water?

What Is Micellar Water?

Simple, purified H2O is typically the main ingredient of micellar water. This tends to be soft or softened water (water low in ions of calcium and magnesium), which helps it to maintain moisture on the skin, thus adding radiance and a youthful bounce. In addition to water, many micellar waters contain glycerin, which is a moisturiser that keeps the skin feeling soft.


The 'micelles' of micellar water are cleansing molecules. They are mild surfactants, which means that they break down and attract dirt and oil. Surfactants are also found in many different cleansing products such as shampoos and soaps. However, micelles are particularly gentle on the skin, and due to their ability to draw out impurities, they make a great facial cleanser when combined with water.

How to Use Micellar Water

How to Use Micellar Water
As a makeup remover: Some micellar waters are effective at removing heavy makeup or sunscreen, but we recommend following up with your favourite cleanser for a double cleanse. Simply soak a cotton pad with the micellar water and gently sweep across the face. For tougher eye makeup, hold and press the cotton pad for a few seconds to dissolve the makeup so you can easily wipe it away.


Check out the best face washes for acne here.


As a cleanser: Micellar water can replace any daily cleansing routine, especially in the morning if you prefer something gentle yet refreshing. Pour the product onto a cotton pad and rub it over your face like a toner and carry on with your skincare routine as normal without rinsing.


As a toner: Micellar water is a great toner as it draws out oil and dirt while rinsing your pores. If you want to use a micellar water as a toner, you must first use a gentle cleanser. Then, pour some micellar water into your hands, gently pat the formula into the skin and continue with your usual skincare routine.

In search of a toner for oily skin? We have just the suggestions!

Written and researched by Hannah Kato

Top 5 Micellar Waters

No. 1: GarnierSkinactive Micellar Cleansing Water

No. 2: BiodermaSensibio H2O

No. 3: Balance MeFlash Cleanse Micellar Water

No. 4: SimpleWater Boost Micellar Cleansing Water

No. 5: NuxeVery Rose 3-in-1 Hydrating Micellar Water

View Full Ranking
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.

Most Viewed
Featured Rankings Similar to Skin care

Korean Toners

10 Best

New Arrivals
Featured Rankings Similar to Skin care

Search by category

mybest

We connect users with the best tried and true products,
tested by our in-house guides and backed by expert insight.

Copyright mybest All Rights Reserved.