It doesn’t matter who you are. If you’ve got skin, you can benefit from a micellar water. It’s truly that simple.
Melt away waterproof mascara, break down sunscreen and cleanse away the day’s pore-clogging foundation with a few gentle swipes. It’s all possible thanks to the rare one-solution-suits-all magic that micellar water possesses.
So if oil cleanser isn’t your makeup-removing weapon of choice (they do have the potential to be too heavy for some acne-prone complexions), or the thought of a makeup wipe makes you want to scream, there’s a micellar water out there for you.
Ready to find it?
The best micellar waters in Australia
Best all-rounder
BIODERMA Sensibio H2O Soothing Micellar Water Cleanser
$24.99 at Chemist Warehouse
We say: We dare you to find a beauty editor’s bathroom without a big bottle of this French drugstore icon. No matter your skin type, concern, or goal, BIODERMA’s no-rinse, gentle makeup remover should be sitting proudly as the first step in any thorough skin care routine.
You say: “I find this to be very gentle – it doesn’t sting my eyes and doesn’t irritate my skin in any way. At the same time it is effective in removing daily wear sunscreen and most make-up. It doesn’t strip and leaves my skin feeling comfortable and hydrated. It ticks all the boxes for me.” – Jupiter
Want to know more? Read BIODERMA Sensibio H2O Soothing Micellar Water Cleanser reviews here…
Best micellar water for dehydrated skin
Simple Waterboost Micellar Cleansing Water
$14 at Woolworths
We say: Infused with skin essential minerals and plant extracts, Simple’s micellar water doubles as a nourishing hit of hydration for thirsty complexions. Wipe away the day’s makeup, oil and grime to reveal a supple and refreshed face underneath.
You say: “After using it my skin feels clean, soft and fresh. I have dry and bit sensitive skin and I did not get any bad reaction to this product which makes it brilliant. It gently removes dirt and makeup so keeps my skin clean and healthy.” – Katie08
Want to know more? Read Simple Waterboost Micellar Cleansing Water reviews here…
Best micellar water for acne-prone skin
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Micellar Water Ultra For Oily Skin
$35.95 at Adore Beauty
We say: Before cleansing, La Roche-Posay’s Micellar Water works to remove makeup and leave the skin free from pimple-causing sebum without drying out or exacerbating an already angry complexion. Glycerin and zinc work together as a powerful duo to simultaneously purify, clarify and hydrate.
You say: “I received a sample of this in a box and loved it! I’ve now purchased the full size bottle and couldn’t be happier with the results. It breaks down my eyeshadow, eyeliner and mascara without having to go in a second time.” – Millie-Rosexo
Want to know more? Read La Roche-Posay Effaclar Micellar Water Ultra For Oily Skin reviews here…
Best micellar water for sensitive skin
Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water Delicate Eyes & Skin
$11.49 at Chemist Warehouse
We say: Enriched with cornflower, this all-in-one solution will relax and soothe the delicate eye contours (making it a suitable choice for contact lens wearers). Plus, the nourishing oil and micellar hybrid means that stubborn, waterproof makeup will gently melt away makeup without irritation.
You say: “I wear eye make up and face make up everyday and this removes both my tough mascara and eyeliner and my foundation. It removes it quickly and easily without rubbing. I feel that it cleanses my skin and doesn’t harm it.” – Abs1997
Want to know more? Read Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water Delicate Eyes & Skin reviews here…
Best drugstore micellar water
Essano Gentle Facial Cleansing Micellar Water
$13.99 at Priceline
We say: Clean skin doesn’t need to cost you a bomb. Essano’s rosehip-infused water has been scientifically formulated to remove dirt, oil and makeup without rinsing. Affordable and effective? Big tick.
You say: “This product compares well with more expensive micellar waters. It has a mild and pleasant fragrance and is non irritating, even around the eye area. It removes makeup quite well and rinses off easily. I wear a full face of makeup daily and it does a good job of taking it off. The price is reasonable and the bottle lasts a long time.” – Hooha
Want to know more? Read Essano Gentle Facial Cleansing Micellar Water reviews here…
Best micellar water for combination skin
etat pur Purifying Cleansing Micellar Water
$17.50 at Ry
We say: Are you a little dry here and a little oily there? Chances are you’ve got combination skin. The answer? Seeking out a formulation that is going to cater to your face. etat pur’s hydrating micellar works to nourish dry patches, as the copper and zinc remove excess sebum and purify congested skin.
Want to know more? Read etat pur Purifying Cleansing Micellar Water reviews here…
Main image credit: @christinanadin
Do you use a micellar water? Which is your favourite?
I really dislike the use of the word drugstore. No one uses that in Oz
Totally agree Rinny in NZ we go to the chemist or maybe supermarket
Totally agree
I was just thinking that myself
i’ve seen a few people use it here and there and it always takes me by surprise lol
Finally someone else noticed this.
“Bangs” is another one I see often, it’s called a fringe, mate!
Yep, no bangs or drugstores here!
Yes, I agree. It’s like saying “Happy Holidays” at Christmas.
Agreed!
It’s been a while since I’ve used MW. I rarely if ever wear foundation so I probably won’t purchase MW in the future
Lots of good affordable options here
Bioderma is great, one of my favourites.
I like the simple one.
I like the Garnier micellar water cleansing wipes.
I haven’t tried any of these, but would like to try the simple one.
I’d like to try any of them but I do love the Simple range.
I am currently using Garnier Micellar Water which has Vitamin C in it. Would like to try the Simple one next as I am using their toner at the moment and it’s quite nice.
I’m yet to try Micellar water, but I have some sample bottles and I will try them out soon.
I’m currently using Garnier, but I’d like to try others.
I have found MW ok for light make up but need something better for mascara in particular
I am using and enjoy the Garnier Vit C Micellar Water. Have used the Ultraceuticals one before which was great too.
Micellar water is the best!
i’ve just been sticking with good old makeup wipes. Dr Lewinn’s ones are good!
I’m using Simple at the moment and it’s okay.
Micellar Water is such an amazing product. I’ve loved every brand that I’ve ever used. Haven’t found a bad one yet.
I have a collection of Micellar Waters.
Garnier with the pink top is a favorite as its a great price and works well.
Akin has one that im using at the moment and it is green tea scent. Smells amazing.
I have some by Nivea, Swisse, La Roche Posay, Bioderma, DrLewinns, glow lab
Post awaiting moderation.
This is such a rude post for long term members to receive
Avene also has a nice one.
I like the A’kin micellar water. I’ve used many brands over the years including Garnier. Use it more as an eye make up remover. Prefer to use a cleanser.
I might try one, my oil cleanser is very heavy in this heat
Yes the micellar water is very light and I also use it more as an eye make up remover.
Tried and a fave
BIODERMA Sensibio H2O Micellar Water followed closely by Garnier.
Thanks So Much BH for the Informative List on Micellar Water that works on Waterproof Mascara and Eyeliner.
Would like to try BIODERMA Sensibio H2O Soothing Micellar Water Cleanser.
I rarely use micellar water, I find my oil cleanser does a great job of removing all my make up
I haven’t found my perfect Micellar water yet. I do think it’s a handy thing to have around though.
I do use micellar water, enjoying trying different ones and great suggestions here, thanks.
Not using for a long time now.
I like Garnier Micellar Water. I am happy with how effective it on my skin with Garnier Micellar Reusable Eco Pads.
Seems like toner to me, or expensive water
I like the look of the Simple Waterboost Micellar Cleansing Water and at $14 seems like a good buy?
I prefer an oil cleanser, however, the hydrating bioderma one is good.
I usually buy Simple it does a great job.
The bioderma and simple ones are in my regular rotation
I am currently using Garnier.
Bioderma is my absolute favourite
I just recently got Garnier to try, it will be my first time trying Micellar Water
I love the bioderma one. That said even the budget ones are good.
It’s been a hot minute since i’ve read about micellar water wow
I agree with the comments re drugstore. Not an Australian term.