You have to have heard of micellar waters by now. Micellar water has been garnering plenty of attention in the beauty scene as an excellent way to remove makeup or even just the daily grime on our faces during those no-makeup days.
To get into the science of it, micelles are lipid molecules that form themselves in a spherical formation, with their oil-loving tails pointing inwards. As makeup is mostly oil-based, they are more attracted to the oil-loving tails of the micelles than your face so that you can remove them.
Think of micellar makeup remover as a more gentle form of a cleansing oil, as they’re literally cleansing oil molecules suspended in water. You get the cleaning efficacy of cleansing oils, without actually having to spread oil all over your face which may clog pores and induce zits.
Without further ado, here’s a list of notable and/or recently launched brands of micellar water which you may not know about yet.
Uriage Thermal Micellar Water
The ingredient list for this micellar water is pretty simple: it only contains Uriage Thermal Water, Glycerin, and gentle non-ionic surfactants. Its three versions, for normal to dry skin, for oily to combination skins, and for sensitive skin, contain a different additional ingredient each.
While the Uriage Thermal Water is already said to nourish and moisturise the skin, the normal to dry skin version of the micellar water contains cranberry extract to provide additional hydration for suppleness.
The oily and combination skin version contains green apple extract and pore refiner, which is said to normalise sebum production. The sensitive skin version contains apricot extract to soothe irritated skin.
Uriage Thermal Micellar Water retails for S$27.90 (300 ml) at Watsons (Normal / Oily), Guardian (Normal), and Lazada. More versions may be available in-store.
Sephora Collection Cleansing & Hydrating Micellar Water
Sephora’s very own micellar water boasts amino acids, which moisturise the skin to keep it soft and comfortable, even after cleansing. It thoroughly removes makeup, dirt, and grime while it nourishes your skin.
The cherry on top? Each bottle of Micellar Cleansing & Hydrating Water is made with 100% recycled plastic, so it does a little bit of good for the earth.
Sephora Collection Cleansing & Hydrating Micellar Water retails for S$19 (200 ml) and S$29 (400ml) at Sephora.
Guerlain Eau de Beauté Micellar Cleansing Water
The star ingredient in the Guerlain Eau de Beaute Micellar Cleansing Water is the Nigella Flower Oil, which is said to have antioxidant properties to purify, tone and hydrate the skin.
The liquid is unique in that it is almost gel-like, rather than the watery texture of most micellar waters. This cleansing water also has an exclusive signature fragrance developed specially for Eau de Beauté: a pure white tea blended with musky notes and some jasmine.
Guerlain Eau de Beauté Micellar Cleansing Water retails for S$88 (200 ml) at Sephora.
La Roche Posay Physiological Micellar Solution
La Roche Posay is not a newcomer when it comes to skincare solutions, and its products have been hailed as holy grails by many beauty junkies.
Their Physiological Cleansers series also contains a Physiological Micellar Solution which, as its name suggests, removes impurities and makeup without disturbing the physiological balance of the skin.
This cleanser is said to be perfect particularly for those with sensitive skin, as it is a gentle but thorough cleanser that leaves no residue on the skin after. It contains no soap, colourants, alcohol or parabens.
La Roche Posay Physiological Micellar Solution retails for S$35.90 (400 ml) at Watsons, Guardian and Lazada.
Garnier Pure Active Micellar Cleansing Water
If you have oily or combination skin, we’ve got you covered. Garnier’s micellar water purifies the skin and removes makeup like a magnet. The no-rinse formula cleanses your skin thoroughly, leaving it refreshed and mattified. It’s particularly great to use after a sweaty workout.
Garnier Pure Active Micellar Cleansing Water retails for S$17.90 on Shopee.
NYX Stripped Off Micellar Water
This is a pretty straightforward micellar water that does just what it claims: remove makeup thoroughly. While NYX doesn’t usually produce skincare products, we think it might be worth a try.
After all, it is pretty affordable and, according to this reviewer, works just as well as the similarly-priced Garnier micellar water. Reviewers on the NYX website have testified to its efficacy and its value for money.
NYX Stripped Off Micellar Water retails for S$13.90 at Shopee.
La Mer The Cleansing Micellar Water
Although the price of this micellar water borders on the ridiculous, there have been many online reviewers who affirm that it is every bit the luxury treat for your skin as its price tag makes it out to be.
La Mer uses their signature marine nutrients as well as their Miracle Broth, delivered to your skin via micro capsules, in order to bring you this powerful cleansing water powered by the sea.
La Mer The Cleansing Micellar Water retails for S$110 (100ml) and S$180 (200 ml) at Sephora.
Bifesta Micellar Cleansing Water Brightup
Bifesta is no stranger to micellar waters. In fact, Bifesta was one of the first brands to launch a micellar water product within the Singapore market.
This particular variant contains a vitamin C derivative and lactic acid to gently slough off dead skin cells and blackheads as it removes every stitch of makeup. With continued use, you’ll notice brighter, more luminous skin.
Check out what our readers had to say about the renewed micellar water here.
Bifesta Micellar Cleansing Water Brightup retails for S$17.90 online at Watsons, Guardian, Shopee and Lazada, and offline at most leading drugstores, supermarkets, and department stores.
Simple Micellar Cleansing Water
Simple is a brand that has gained its reputation for, well, keeping its ingredients simple. It works well with removing makeup, and leaves the skin feeling lightly hydrated rather than stripped of moisture. Some reviewers have noted that it has an odd smell, though they were not sure if they had gotten an unusual batch.
Whatever it is, the efficacy of the Simple Micellar Cleansing Water has been acknowledged to be on par with that of some higher-end brands. Considering its much lower price, it’s definitely worth a try.
Simple Micellar Cleansing Water retails for S$16.90 (200 ml) at Watsons.
Bioré Micellar Cleansing Water
Aside from being lightweight and hydrating as most micellar waters go, the Bioré’s Micellar Cleansing Water is also made with natural mineral water from the Japanese Alps, enhanced with Watery Micellar Technology.
The watery formula lifts makeup and dirt effectively from pores for a clean and refreshed feeling that isn’t sticky. Plus, it is non-comedogenic and free from alcohol, fragrance, artificial colouring, and oils.
Bioré Micellar Cleansing Water retails for S$18.90 at all leading pharmacies, and super/hypermarkets.
Essano Gentle Facial Cleansing Micellar Water
Combining the power of micelles, certified organic rosehip oil, and aloe vera, this gentle micellar water from Essano gently and effectively cleanses the skin in a few swipes.
Micelles latch onto dirt, makeup, and impurities and melt them away, while rosehip oil and aloe vera soothe and moisturise the skin. Plus, you won’t have to rinse this formula off.
Essano Gentle Facial Cleansing Micellar Water retails for S$24.95 at Shopee.
L’Oreal Paris Bi-Phase Micellar Water
This micellar water was reviewed by us, and it turned out to be as good as it claims! Its unique bi-phase technology consists of a micellar layer and a cleansing layer, both of which work in synergy to remove not only impurities, but even the most stubborn of makeup.
The micellar layer acts like a magnet to lift up impurities, oil and makeup off the skin, while the cleansing layer removes stubborn, waterproof makeup without including formula ‘nasties’ like oil, fragrance or alcohol.
L’Oreal Paris Bi-Phase Micellar Water retails for S$22.90 (400 ml) at all leading Watsons, Guardian, Unity stores, Lazada, and major super/hypermarkets.
Bio-essence Bio-Water B5 Micellar Water
Bio-essence’s micellar water contains Bio Energy Complex™, the brand’s proprietary formula that boosts your skin’s ability to repair, renew, and replenish itself.
It enhances the intake of oxygen, which helps energise the skin. This paves the way for Bio Water, a skin-soothing ingredient that calms stressed complexions. Of course, the micellar water also clears makeup perfectly, and is armed with anti-pollution properties to keep PM2.5 particles at bay.
Bio-essence Bio-Water B5 Micellar Water retails for S$13.90 on Shopee.
Caudalie Vinoclean Micellar Cleansing Water
Bursting with organic grape water, Caudalie’s micellar water removes makeup, cleanses, and soothes the skin – even the most sensitive. It respects the skin’s microbiome as it cleanses, leaving your skin feeling soft and comfortable.
It is a no-rinse formula, hypoallergenic, non-irritating and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
Caudalie Vinoclean Micellar Cleansing Water retails for S$37 (200ml) at Sephora.
Bioderma Sensibio H2O
No list of micellar waters is complete without Bioderma’s Sensibio H2O. A true cult classic, this has long been a staple for pro makeup artists and beauty enthusiasts alike, and it’s one of the most effective makeup remover-cleanser hybrids on the market.
Tiny micelle molecules attach to makeup, dirt, and oil and whisk them away for skin that’s thoroughly cleansed. And since it’s a pH-balanced formula, it won’t strip your skin of moisture in the process. Super soothing and gentle, this micellar water feels like a more hydrating version of water and requires no rinsing.
Now, we know the iconic staple is great at cleansing, but did you know that there are other uses for it too? You can remove makeup stains on clothes, clean your makeup brushes with it, and more. Click here to learn how you can make the most of this lifesaver!
This cleanser also comes in two other variants to suit your skin type too, such as the Hydrabio H2O for dehydrated skin, and the Sebium H2O for oily, acne-prone skin.
Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water retails for S$15.90 (100ml), S$28.90 (250ml) and S$41.90 (500ml) at Amazon.sg, Guardian Health and Beauty, LazMall Official Store, Shopee Mall Official Store, Unity, Watsons, and Welcia.
Featured image credit: @bifestasg on Instagram and Daily Vanity
