Micellar mania took over circa 2016, with everyone from models to makeup artists granting it game-changer status. A true triple threat, it’s practically the Beyoncé of the beauty world, encompassing the ability to remove makeup, cleanse and tone your skin in one streamline step. Now that we’re well acquainted with the magic of micellars, it’s clear that the current crop of formulas have upskilled even beyond their three-in-one status – some will soothe sensitivity, some are packed with vitamins, and all of them are worthy of a spot in your skincare stash. Meet the next generation of micellars – clean skin is just a cotton pad away.
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The Vitamin Vessel
Dr. LeWinn’s Private Formula Vitamin Infused Micellar Cleansing Water
When it comes to the alphabet of ingredients, Vitamin E and Vitamin A are two of the best. They’re terrific in any topicals, but Dr Lewinn’s has taken their skincare science a step further, suspending capsules infused with these vital vitamins within a micellar formula. The soft shell (and environmentally friendly) capsules gently burst and get down to business upon contact with your complexion, with Vitamin E working to repair and restore your skin whilst fighting off free radicals, and Vitamin A stabilising oil production to leave skin balanced and blemish-free.
The Hydrating Hero
Garnier Micellar Cleansing Milky Water
Cautious of the potentially drying cleanse-tone combo that micellars offer? Garnier’s got your back – meet the milky micellar. If your skin is dehydrated, a creamy cleanse is always going to be your best bet, but that’s been hard to find in micellar form, until now. With the addition of an underrated moisturising maestro (milk!), it’s definitely a thicker formula than you’d expect from traditional micellars, but if it means an effective cleanse without compromising on comfort, we’re 110% here for it.
The Brightness Booster
If you’re dealing with dullness, a good cleanse should always be your first step to make sure any impurities getting in the way of your glow are exiled ASAP. Luckily, Olay’s micellar option is all about illuminating (seriously, luminous is in the name). Whilst it’s formulated to remove makeup like most micellars, it’s especially amazing as step two of a decadent double cleanse – with brightening rice bran oil, a few pumps will leave your skin so plump, youthful and glowy you could be mistaken for having just left a facial.
The Sensitivity Soother
La Roche-Posay Micellar Water Ultra for Reactive Skin
Why should sensitive skin types miss out on the micellar fun? Redness and reactions shouldn’t stand in the way of clean, clear skin and La Roche-Posay is here to make sure they won’t. With a minimalist formulation containing 5% glycerin (the unsung soothing hero of skincare), it’ll leave your complexion clean, clear and calm. It’s also free of fragrances, colourants and soap to avoid aggravating any existing irritation.
The Natural Nurturer
Sukin Micellar Cleansing Water
Packed with the brilliant benefits of micellar formulas, but free of sulphates, parabens or sulphates, Sukin’s offering is the natural wonder you’ve been waiting for. In fact, with fruit and flower extract filling out the formula, the ingredient list reads a little like a tally of things you’d find in a gorgeous garden. Calming cucumber and chamomile also make an appearance, and the experience is topped off with a serene vanilla scent (a Sukin signature non-synthetic fragrance of course).
I've used the Olay one and it is so hard to get the product out without squirty and spilling it everywhere.
I'm confused whether it's a toner or a cleanser
I have tried a Garnier product but not the milky micellar and have heard of Sukin but haven’t tried it.