Micelles

Models and makeup artists swear by them, but how do micelles, the ball-shaped clusters found in micellar water, benefit your skin?

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Micelles are formed of surfactants (non-soap cleansing agents). These surfactants, which are composed of a hydrophile head (water-loving) and lipophile tail (oil-loving) that come together to create micelles. The job of these micelles is to attract impurities like a magnet, by forming a sphere that surrounds them, and thus allowing their removal from the skin’s surface in an effective but gentle way.

More about Micelles

However, despite the popularity of micellar water, what ‘micelles’ are and how they work is something that’s not quite as well known – so we’re here to answer all your most asked questions about skincare’s most loved products.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
  • Micellar Water is a formula that’s specifically optimized to cleanse skin and remove make-up. So Micellar water is not just a classic toner! It contains micelles – hence its name – which are structures invisible to the naked eye and dispersed in the water.​

    Within the Micellar Water formula, there is an optimal concentration of these micelles allowing the easy removal of make-up, sebum, dirt, impurities and pollution particles. ​

    One of the main things to note about micellar water is that most formulas are quite simple. For example, Garnier’s micellar water only contains seven ingredients – with most of it being purified water and non-soap surfactants, alongside hydrating kind-to-skin ingredients, like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, to help hydrate and care for skin.
  • Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers, Garnier's Micellar Waters—recognized by the CDA (Canada Dermatology Association), excluding the charcoal variant—provide both morning and evening solutions to cleanse, refresh, and remove makeup gently, without drying the skin. Free from "nasties", they contain no parabens, oils, or dyes, ensuring a clean and gentle experience for your skin.
  • Micellar water can be used in a couple of different ways – first, as a makeup remover. The first step in your evening cleansing routine is to apply it on a reusable pad, such as our Eco Pads, press it and hold it for 5 seconds to draw out the impurities. Then, swipe gently without harsh rubbing to dissolve and get rid of all the foundation, eyeshadow, mascara, and sunscreen that you applied earlier in the day.

    It can also be used as a morning cleanser or skin refresher. Simply wipe a reusable pad over your face before the rest of your usual skincare; there’s no need to rinse afterwards so it really is the quickest way to start your day.


    Micellar Water is an all-in-one product to be used as one-step cleanser or make-up remover, in only one gesture, with no need to be rinsed off!

  • Delving deeper into Garner's Micellar Water's, we have the Core Micellars. These are masterful formulas designed to remove even waterproof makeup and cater to specific skin needs, like hydration for dry skin. With the ability to cleanse up to 100% of makeup and leave no residue behind, they're a perfect combination of a makeup remover and cleanser, without the need for any harsh rubbing.

    On the other hand, Garnier’s Derm Active Micellars elevate skincare further with specialized ingredients. This range includes an absorbing Charcoal Micellar Jelly Water, a hydrating Micellar Water with Hyaluronic Acid + Aloe, the Vitamin C Micellar Water, and the Rose Water Micellar Water.

    With Garnier, embracing the power of micelles is more than a skincare step; it’s an experience. Dive in and let your skin feel the difference!

Micellar Water Quiz

Discover the perfect Garnier micellar cleansing water for you.