The best micellar water is an underrated superstar when it comes to removing all the grime that builds up just from being out and about. “The very reason you’re cleansing is to prep your skin to receive treatment: whether it’s an acid, vitamin C, or hydrating serum,” acne whisperer and celebrity facialist Sofie Pavitt previously told Vogue. “Using a micellar water as an initial cleanse followed by a deeper cleanse removes all dirt, mascara, SPF, and oils to prep the skin and leave a clean canvas—oils leave films and can stop your treatments from penetrating the skin correctly,” she continues, making the case for them as opposed to other cleansing agents.

Vogue’s Favorite Micellar Waters

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Best for Sensitive Skin

Avène Makeup Removing Micellar Water

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An avid cleansing oil and balm user, I couldn’t find any use for the micellar water other than removing mascara. When I emailed Bonjout for her POV, she described it as a “French pharmacy essential.” “[It’s] origins trace back to Paris, where it was designed to counteract the effects of the city’s harsh, mineral-rich water,” she says. Eventually, micellar water was used in France by makeup artists backstage at fashion shows to quickly cleanse model’s faces. It was also adopted by dermo-cosmetic brands for sensitive skin. “A non-irritating, refreshing, and effective product was needed, and thus, micellar water was born!” she says, adding that nowadays its praised by pharmacists for its ability to cleanse without compromising the skin’s natural barrier.

I had to try it for myself—utilizing it in lieu of a morning cleanser to swiftly refresh my complexion and make way for my AM skin-care routine. You’d be surprised at how well it clears skin of overnight buildup! While this is my primary use, I do still reach for it to remove stubborn or waterproof makeup—just to make sure I do not leave any traces behind. Micellar water has definitely become as essential to my regimen as Bonjout’s—I simply will not travel without it! Read on to learn everything you need to know about micellar water, plus Vogue’s favorite formulas to shop.

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Best Overall: Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water

• Why We Love It: Bioderma’s Sensibio micellar water is loved by Vogue editors and dermatologists alike—and after one use, it’s easy to see why. Board-certified Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose likes it because “it is fragrance-free, paraben-free, and effectively removes oils and makeup while leaving skin feeling clean and hydrated.” Vogue’s senior shopping editor Talia Abbas has been using it for 15 years: “No surprise, my Italian mother, who lived in France for several years, introduced it to me when I was a teenager. It’s an OG in my routine and will always be.” Vogue’s Fred Sahai uses this pick as the essential first step in her nightly double cleanse, too, following guidance from Sofie Pavitt’s aesthetician studio.
• Key Ingredients: Cucumber fruit extract
• Fragrance: No
• Non-Comedogenic: Yes
• Size: 16.9 fl oz / 8.4 fl oz / 3.3 fl oz