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Micellar Water vs. Makeup Wipes – Which One Should You Be Using?

Get ready for the ultimate matchup between Micellar Water vs. Makeup Wipes, where we break down the pros and cons of each one, and ultimately help you decide which is the best makeup remover for you.

Makeup Wipes: Convenient, But Not Great for Your Face

Our first contender is an old-school favourite: makeup wipes. We totally understand the appeal of these pre-soaked, pre-packaged towelettes (who has never wanted a lazy way to remove makeup!?) but the truth is there are some downsides. Before we get into that, let’s go over the benefits:

Pro’s of Makeup Wipes

Convenient, easy to use
Familiar product
Can be found in hotel bathrooms across Canada

Seems pretty straightforward … so why are makeup wipes bad? Here’s what makes this product a no‑no:

Cons of Makeup Wipes

Can only do one thing: help remove makeup
Many require washing your face after
Often contain alcohol and harsh ingredients, which can strip and irritate skin
Generate lots of waste (single-use wipes, plastic packaging)
Face wipes can leave behind makeup, oil and dirt which can lead to clogged pores and breakouts

So, are makeup wipes bad for your skin? Let’s put it this way: they’re definitely not doing you or the planet any favours.

Micellar Water: Makeup Remover and More!

If you’re looking for alternatives to makeup wipes, our next contender in the Battle of the makeup removers is micellar water, a rinse-free skin cleanser that’s also a makeup remover, toner, and skin refresher. All this happens thanks to micelles, tiny particles that attract and lift away impurities like a magnet. Micellar cleansing water is typically applied with a cotton pad – explore our reusable Micellar Cleansing Eco Pads, which contain 0 cotton pad waste and last up to 1,000 washes!

Here's the Lowdown on Micellar Cleansing Water:

Pros of Micellar Water

Effortlessly removes makeup (even waterproof) while hydrating, toning, and refreshing skin
No need to wash your face after
No rubbing, rinsing, or residue
No harsh ingredients; won’t strip or irritate skin
Multiple formulas for all skin types and needs

Cons of Micellar Water

You’ll neglect the single-function products in your skincare regimen
Once you’ve tried Micellar Water, there’s no going back!

That all sounds amazing, but let’s be real: does micellar cleansing remove makeup as well as an actual makeup remover? Yes, like a champ! In fact, the only reason it’s not called “micellar water makeup remover” is because that would be redundant, like saying “sun protection sunscreen” or “hair cleansing shampoo.”

Is micellar water enough to remove makeup that’s stubborn, like waterproof eyeliner and full-coverage foundation? For sure, especially if you have the right one. While any micellar water will remove makeup (be sure to press and hold for 10 seconds before lifting away), you’ll get the best results with a targeted formula like SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Waterproof.

So clearly it’s good at removing makeup, but is micellar water good for your skin? You betcha! Those skin benefits are exactly what elevates Micellar Water over all the other contenders. Wondering which micellar water is best for your skin? Check out the Garnier Micellar lineup, which includes formulas for Hydrating, Brightening, and Replumping.

After comparing the leading contenders head-to-head, you can now decide which works best for you. We love micellar water not only because it effortlessly lifts off even the most stubborn makeup, but it does so while gently cleansing and delivering a ton of skin benefits. The environmental benefits can’t be ignored either: you save water with each use and using micellar cleansing water with our reusable Micellar Cleansing Eco Pads helps reduce waste. Join us in our commitment to Greener Beauty.

Want to know more? Check out Micellar Water: The Ultimate Guide for all the tips and product recommendations for your skin type and needs.