topic Re: Question re Micellar Water in Beauty

Question re Micellar Water

JudyL — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 16:04:43 GMT

I'm not all that happy with the cleanser I'm using at night. So since its almost gone, thought I would switch my morning cleanser to be my night time cleanser and try micellar water in the morning.

Question - know there are people here who love Bioderma micellar water and those that love Garnier micellar water. I'm curious to know - is there really a difference between the two or is it just personal preference and brand you're used to using? Is micellar water really enough cleansing for morning or is it more of a refresh? I'm so used to cleansing my face in the morning that using micellar water only seems so different.

Thanks everyone for your input!

Re: Question re Micellar Water

ccassaday — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 16:35:08 GMT

I think micellar water is great for morning or evening when you have no makeup on. I typically use the gardnier at night if I have no makeup on. Then use my cerave in morning. But you can 100% use it in the morning.

Re: Question re Micellar Water

smoochy — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 16:42:28 GMT

Garnier in the morning. It cleanses and refreshes. I also use it to remove any traces of makeup after washing my face with microfiber facial cleansing cloth.

Re: Question re Micellar Water

SilleeMee — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 16:53:32 GMT

Micellar water should be used as the first step in a double cleanse method. Micellar water removes oil-based products and it also removes particulates such as pigments from makeup/mascara and plain ol' dirt. But to complete the cleansing, a second step with regular cleanser should be done.

Using micellar water alone is fine if you want to do a quick cleanse/refresh such as removing sweat or dirt from everyday activities. But do a second cleanse if you have applied makeup, sunscreen or oil-based moisturizers.

Re: Question re Micellar Water

SilleeMee — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 17:10:37 GMT

I've used both Garnier (the pink cap version) and also Bioderma (blue cap version). Comparing just those two, I prefer the Bioderma b/c it seems to leave my skin feeling hydrated. But as far as cleansing goes, I think they might be pretty close.

What I don't like about Garnier micellar water (not every version of it) is that Garnier uses a preservative called polyaminopropyl biguanide which is a known carcinogen. Bioderma does not contain that preservative in any of their micellar water products. FYI.

Re: Question re Micellar Water

JudyL — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 17:45:55 GMT

@SilleeMee wrote:
I've used both Garnier (the pink cap version) and also Bioderma (blue cap version). Comparing just those two, I prefer the Bioderma b/c it seems to leave my skin feeling hydrated. But as far as cleansing goes, I think they might be pretty close.

What I don't like about Garnier micellar water (not every version of it) is that Garnier uses a preservative called polyaminopropyl biguanide which is a known carcinogen. Bioderma does not contain that preservative in any of their micellar water products. FYI.

@SilleeMee - Thank you for letting me know about Bioderma. Had to go check which cap I had of the Garnier. I have a small bottle of the pink cap and don't see the ingredient you mentioned listed. Once done with the Garnier, I will order the Bioderma.

Re: Question re Micellar Water

Iwantcoffee — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 18:21:35 GMT

I use micellar water on my eye area, morning and night. I will sometimes swipe my face but don't rely on that for complete cleansing. The micellar water does not leave a film on my eyes the way an oil based makeup remover balm does or sting like a cleanser.

In my experience, packaging on the Bioderma bottle is better.The cap broke on Garnier.

Both formulas do a good job.

Re: Question re Micellar Water

SilleeMee — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 18:30:56 GMT

You're welcome @JudyL

Re: Question re Micellar Water

jlkz — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 18:31:48 GMT

@Iwantcoffee

I fill a pump bottle to use on my dressing table. Also, I use a cotton wash cloth rather than tissues.

I alternate the micellar cleansing with Paula's Choice Hydrating cleanser on my Foreo ( e.g., Clarisonic device)

Re: Question re Micellar Water

Shanus — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 21:28:00 GMT

@SilleeMee wrote:
Micellar water should be used as the first step in a double cleanse method. Micellar water removes oil-based products and it also removes particulates such as pigments from makeup/mascara and plain ol' dirt. But to complete the cleansing, a second step with regular cleanser should be done.

Using micellar water alone is fine if you want to do a quick cleanse/refresh such as removing sweat or dirt from everyday activities. But do a second cleanse if you have applied makeup, sunscreen or oil-based moisturizers.

@SilleeMee I had a client who disputed that fact. She'd never done a second cleanse. I had her remove her makeup and sunscreen w/ the micellar water and then run a cleanser over her face w/ a soft baby washcloth. She was shocked to see the makeup and mascara left on her skin. Definitley a double cleanse at night.

Re: Question re Micellar Water

Shanus — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 21:29:07 GMT

@SilleeMee I prefer the Bioderma as well, I use the one w/ pink top for sensitive skin.

Re: Question re Micellar Water

JudyL — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 22:02:26 GMT

@SilleeMee @Shanus @jlkz @Iwantcoffee @smoochy

Thank you ladies for your responses. Went ahead and ordered the Bioderma with the pink cap this afternoon as I don't have much left in the little bottle of Garnier. Now I'll have it on hand when the Garnier runs out.

Re: Question re Micellar Water

TerryNJ — Sat, 03 May 2025 03:54:18 GMT

I like Micellar water cleanser, but do alternate my cleansers anyway. I aslo use and love Bare Minerals Clay cleanser and like to have Signature Club A meltdown to use too.

Re: Question re Micellar Water

SilleeMee — Sat, 03 May 2025 12:37:34 GMT

I like to use these disposable face towels with my micellar water. 100% cotton, 7.5x7.5 inches, 100 towels in the box for $7. These are strong and wringable. From amazon.

Re: Question re Micellar Water

JYWilliams — Sat, 03 May 2025 17:47:56 GMT

@SillieeMee, Thank you for mentioning that this can be used to remove sunscreen. Normally I wash my face twice to remove the sunscreen and my face still doesn't feel clean. I wear a Sports sunscreen when mowing and doing yard work. I just purchased the pink top Garnier micellar water and I'll do a second cleanse like you suggested after using the micellar water.

Re: Question re Micellar Water

katie1859 — Sun, 04 May 2025 12:47:31 GMT

I've used it in shampoo as a one time and once in awhile hair clarifier

Does the trick but if used too often makes my hair dry