Micellar water or cleanser?
What each one does, when one is enough, when you need both, and how to choose for your skin.
It is one of the most common skincare questions: if micellar water takes my makeup off, do I still need a face wash? The honest answer is that it depends on what is on your skin, and what your skin is like.
This guide compares the two, explains when each makes sense, and ends with a simple way to decide. We make one of each: our Micellar Cleansing Water and our Sensitive Skin Face & Body Cleanser. We will tell you when you need only one.
01The basic difference
| Micellar water | Rinse-off cleanser | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Micelles lift oil and makeup onto a cotton pad | Lather dissolves oil and dirt, then water rinses it away |
| Rinsing | None needed | Always |
| Cleansing agents | Low amount, usually very mild | Higher amount, milder or stronger |
| Best at | Makeup, light cleansing, sensitive days | Sunscreen, sweat, oily skin, the body |
| Where | Anywhere, with a cotton pad | At a sink or in the shower |
Both work on the same principle. Cleansing agents have a water-loving end and an oil-loving end, and they surround oil so it can be carried away. Micellar water uses a small amount of mild cleansing agent and lets the cotton pad do the carrying. A rinse-off cleanser uses more cleansing agent and lets water do it.
02Why the cleansing agent matters most
The biggest difference between two cleansers is rarely the plant extract on the front. It is the type and amount of cleansing agent. In patch-test research, glucoside cleansers, like the one in our micellar water, irritated skin less than sulfates. Our cleanser uses a sulfate softened by two milder co-cleansers and a lipid; we explain why in its research article.
So micellar water is usually the gentler of the two. A rinse-off cleanser is usually the more thorough. Neither is automatically better.
03When micellar water is enough
- In the morning, when there is no makeup or sunscreen to remove.
- In the evening, after light makeup and a light daily sunscreen.
- On days when your skin feels dry, tight or reactive.
- When you are travelling, at the gym, or without a sink.
Soak a cotton pad, hold it on closed eyes for a few seconds, wipe, and repeat with fresh pads until they come away white. If your skin feels comfortable, there is no need to rinse. The details are in the research behind our Micellar Cleansing Water.
04When a cleanser alone is enough
- After exercise, when the main job is removing sweat.
- In the shower, for face and body in one step.
- If your skin is oily and you like the feel of rinsing.
- If you don't wear makeup.
05When you need both
On evenings when you have worn waterproof makeup, a long-wear foundation or a water-resistant sunscreen, use micellar water first to lift the makeup, then a rinse-off cleanser to wash the skin itself. This is often called double cleansing. It sounds like a lot, but it takes a minute and it means neither step has to be harsh.
On other evenings, one step is plenty. Double cleansing every night isn't necessary, and on dry or sensitive skin it can be too much.
06By skin type
| Your skin | Our suggestion |
|---|---|
| Dry | Micellar water most days. Add the cleanser only after heavy makeup or sunscreen. |
| Sensitive | Micellar water, if fragrance and camomile are not your triggers. Rinse with water if needed. |
| Normal | Either. Micellar water in the morning, cleanser or both in the evening. |
| Oily | The cleanser, with micellar water first on makeup days. |
| Acne-prone | Gentle cleansing either way. Don't scrub, and use a fresh pad each time. |
07What to check on the label
Whichever you choose, check three things. First, the cleansing agents: glucosides and betaines are milder; sulfates such as sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium coco-sulfate are stronger. Second, fragrance: if it is your trigger, look for fragrance-free, not "unscented". Third, anything you are allergic to: our cleanser contains hydrolysed wheat protein, and our micellar water contains camomile.
08Common mistakes
- Rubbing with micellar water. Let the soaked pad do the work.
- Using hot water with a cleanser. Lukewarm is gentler.
- Leaving heavy sunscreen on with micellar water alone.
- Double cleansing every night on dry skin.
- Skipping moisturiser after either one.
09How to decide in ten seconds
Ask what is on your skin. Nothing much, or light makeup: micellar water. Sweat or body cleansing: the cleanser. Heavy or waterproof makeup, or water-resistant sunscreen: both. Then ask how your skin feels: if it is dry or reactive today, choose the gentler option.
10What comes after cleansing
Cleansing is the first step, never the last. Follow with a moisturiser while skin is slightly damp; our Peptide Ageless AM/PM Cream works morning and night on the face, and our Sensitive Skin Body Cream suits face and body. In the morning, finish with sunscreen. For a full plan, read A simple routine for sensitive skin.
11Your questions, answered
Is micellar water enough to cleanse your face?
For light makeup and mornings, usually yes. For heavy or waterproof makeup and water-resistant sunscreen, follow it with a rinse-off cleanser.
Do I need to rinse after micellar water?
No, it is designed to be left on. If your skin is very reactive, you can splash with lukewarm water.
Which is gentler, micellar water or a face wash?
Micellar water is usually gentler, because it uses a small amount of mild cleansing agent and no rubbing or rinsing.
Can I use the Face & Body Cleanser on my face?
Yes. Use a small amount, keep it away from the eyes and rinse well.
Does the 60-Day Promise apply?
Yes, on your first order, conditions apply.
This article is for general information and isn't medical advice. Cosmetic products: all claims describe the appearance and feel of skin.