For about a year or so, I read about Micellar Water mostly from women who lived in Canada or Europe or Asia. Although Micellar Water was available in the U.S., it was harder and more expensive to come by. Not so any longer. Micellar Water can be had in the drugstore now in the U.S.
What is Micellar Water?
Micellar water is a soap-free cleansing product that removes makeup without the need for rinsing.
Micellar water started in France as an antidote to their harsh tap water. It became popular in Canada. The U.S. is a bit of a micellar water laggard, but it looks like we’ll be catching up soon.
Micellar water is applied with a cotton pad. Pour some micellar water on the pad and remove your makeup. You can even remove waterproof mascara with it. Dirt, oil and makeup are attracted by the micellar water and they end up on the pad. The product was formulated for sensitive and irritated skin, so in spite of it being a hard-working cleanser, it is meant to be mild.
Bioderma Micellar Water is the brand that has created the most buzz, but it’s expensive. I waited till micellar water came to the drugstore. I had heard good things about Simple Cleansing Micellar Water, so that’s what I tried. I bought it along with Simple Eye Makeup Remover during a buy one, get one half off last week at CVS.
What’s My Verdict?
I love the idea of Micellar Water. It’s great for those times when you don’t feel like going through your regular cleansing and makeup removal ritual. To me, it’s a replacement for a cleansing wipe, but it weighs a lot more and you need to have cotton pads on hand.
Here’s what the brand says about Simple Micellar Water:
- Our most advanced yet gentle cleanse
- Thoroughly cleanses; Removing make-up, dirt, impurities, and unclogging pores
- Instantly boosts skin hydration by 90%
- Contains no artificial perfume or dyes and no harsh chemicals that can upset your skin
- Made with skin loving ingredients, multi-vitamins, and Triple Purified Water, our purest possible water to help remove contaminants that are known to irritate skin
Simple Micellar Water, the only brand I have tried, is extremely mild and gentle. It feels good on my skin. It has virtually no scent. It does remove both face makeup and eye makeup. However, to remove my L’Oreal Butterfly Intenza Mascara that has fibers built into the formula, it required many strokes of the micellar water-soaked cotton pad to get it all off. I used one cotton pad to remove my face makeup. I probably should have taken a second clean pad and gone over my face again to make sure that all of my makeup came off. Instead, I washed with my usual cleanser and I noticed that more foundation came off onto my white sponge. So that confirmed that I should’ve gone over my face again with a new micellar water-soaked pad.
Would I buy Simple Micellar Water again? Maybe or maybe not. The label says to avoid getting the product in your eyes by keeping your eyes closed. I found it hard to do that while trying to remove my eye makeup. And unfortunately, the formula definitely irritates my extremely sensitive eyes. I guess I could use something else to remove my eye makeup, right? Simple Micellar Water does feel very nice on my skin. I’m not sure it is easier than using a wipe, it’s just different.
Simple Micellar Water comes in a clear plastic squeeze bottle containing 6.97 fl. oz/198 ml. It’s made in the U.S. It’s sold at CVS, Walgreens, Walmart and probably anyplace that carries Unilever personal care products. It was priced at $8.74 at CVS, but I took advantage of the deal and bought a Simple Eye Makeup Remover with it.
Simple Eye Makeup Remover
Next, I tried Simple Eye Makeup Remover. Here’s what the company says about the product:
- Removes eye make-up, even waterproof mascara without leaving a greasy residue
- 100% Oil-Free
- With added vitamin: Pro-Vitamin B5
- No Dyes, No Artificial Perfumes and No Harsh Irritants that can upset your skin
The label also warns about avoiding getting the product in the eyes. And the eye makeup remover too seems to irritate my sensitive eyes in spite of the fact that it says “kind to eyes” on the front label. Oh well. I need a makeup remover that doesn’t irritate my sensitive eyes…and that is my tried-and-true Rimmel Eye Makeup Remover! So in the future, I’ll stick with Rimmel.
At CVS, the 4.2 fl. oz./124 ml plastic squeeze bottle of Simple Eye Makeup Remover is priced at $8.74. It’s made in the U.S. and is widely available.
Have you tried Micellar Water yet? What were your experiences with it?
On behalf of the rest of us here in camp picky-eyes, thanks for taking one for the team! <3 I've always noticed a few burning/stinging eyes comments amongst all the raves for micellar water, so I doubt I'll ever try one. It's a good thing I actually enjoy my cleansing routine, huh? lol
Glad to oblige, Rach! I had high hopes for this duo, but not so much after trying them. Lots of tweeters are telling me how much they love the Simple Micellar Water, but they must not have sensitive eyes. I can’t imagine selling a cleanser or an eye makeup remover with the warning to keep it out of the eyes. Go figure!!! I wish I could find my receipt so I could return these two 😉
Did you use a store loyalty card at the time? Some of the stores here offer receipt look-up through their loyalty programs, so that could be worth investigating.
The bit about the eye warning on the eye makeup remover had me scratching my head too. I realise you probably wouldn’t just want to dump the bottle into your eye, but SOME of it is likely to get in there in the process of doing the job. *shakes head in confusion*
You know, I wondered about whether I could bring it back to CVS without the receipt since I did use the card when I bought it. Thanks for mentioning it coz it’s worth a try! I had the same problem with an otherwise nice facial cleanser from Alba. It killed my eyes so I use it as body wash 🙂
I’m torn on these “waters” I used to use one by Clarins (Water Purify One-Step Cleanser with Mint Essential Water) that was the same concept and while it worked, I never felt like my face was clean. (I did like to travel with it tho and used it to freshen up and redo my makeup after exercise, flying or on a road trip.) I get the same “not clean” feeling from using cleansing wipes too…both high end and drugstore seem to leave a residue behind that drives me nuts! Maybe its just me being really picky!
My HG eye makeup remover has to be clinique, I’ve tried drugstore knock offs, the infamous Netrugena and a few store brands but nothing works as easily as clinique’s (Take The Day Off Makeup Remover For Lids, Lashes & Lips). It is perfect for my sensitive eyes and gets my mascara off the best.
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Thanks for the recommendation on the Clinique Eye Makeup Remover, Jen! It’s been years and years since I used it. Is it oil-free? I have good luck with Rimmel and also Maybelline. I’ve used Neutrogena and have some now, and it’s OK but I don’t like the oily residue it leaves behind even though it’s an oil-free product. I’m glad you agree with me generally on the micellar water, kinda meh! I wouldn’t travel with it because it’s yet another 3 oz bottle that i’d have to pull out going through the TSA 😉
I would have loved to try this, but, as a contact lens wearer with sensitive eyes, it sounds like its a no-go.
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Yes, Kim, it would be a no-go for you too! I’m going to try to return it 🙂
I tried the Simple Eye Makeup remover a while back and I didn’t like it either. However, I love the Micellar water! I find it leaves my skin much less sticky/filmy than when I use wipes and does a pretty good job at removing my face makeup.
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Kristina, which brand of Micellar Water did you like? If I can find the receipt, I am returning these two Simple Skincare products. My eyes are still burning, lol. But I’d love to give another one a try.
I like the Simple one but I didn’t use it on my eyes. I think I saw somewhere that Garnier makes one.
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Oh, I see. Thanks, Kristina! that’s what I’m going to do: use it on my face only as a first step.
I bought some Micellar water a while ago.. and misplaced it. dang. Well, I won’t be buying this brand to replace it. I really love their makeup removing wipes, though. So far, my #1 pick.
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Really? The wipes don’t irritate your eyes? I just saw them today at Target, but I was afraid to go there since I just returned the Simple Eye Makeup Remover. I’ll hang onto the Micellar Water and just avoid my eyes. I’ve decided Micellar Water is a good first step instead of a wipe. So now instead of two steps, I’ve got 3 steps. Doesn’t make sense to me, but I’ll use up the bottle.
I love my Bioderma and never had any issues with stinging/burning on my sensitive eyes. In my routine, it is a makeup-remover/first cleanse, and I go in with a balm/oil cleanser afterwards. Using it on its own is great for taking of makeup, but I feel my skin needs a more thorough cleanse.
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I’ve heard only good things about Bioderma Micellar Water, but I’m too cheap to spend the money on what is a “pre cleanser step”! Maybe I’ll change my mind at some point. Thanks for visiting, Linda!
I was looking at these last time I was in CVS and I decided to not purchase and come home and read some reviews, first. Boy am I glad I read this post! I am also in Camp Picky Eyes so the eye makeup remover? No thanks. The Micellar water? Maybe I’ll try it, some time. Honestly, I am so attached to my beloved Neutrogena wipes and my CVS brand eye makeup remover that I dna’t feel the need to buy something else.
I am a beauty blogger, tho… 3:)
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Good decision! I returned the Simple Eye Makeup Remover. I kept the Micellar Water and I’ll use it as a first step. But I won’t repurchase it.
I actually just bought this Cleansing Water. I like it. At first I didn’t think I would, but I am becoming a fan. Bummer about the Eye Remover. I am picky with eye makeup remover for sure, I am finding I am super sensitive with the eyes. Thanks for this lovely review.
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It wasn’t just the eye makeup remover, it was the Micellar Water too that burned my eyes. There’s a warning on both products to make sure you don’t get them into your eyes which I think is strange for products that say they remove eye makeup! Next time, I’ll choose a brand that has been tested by ophthalmologists!
I just got this and am so excited to give it a try!
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Make sure you don’t get it in your eyes if it is the Simple Skincare Micellar Water!!
My eyes are a-holes… contacts and all lol I have to be careful =(
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Mine, too, Brooke. I didn’t notice the warnings on these two products about not getting them into your eyes because they’re supposed to remove eye makeup! I should have looked to see if it was tested by ophthalmologists, etc.
I’m a huge fan of Micellar waters, and have used Koh Gen Do SPA Water for years. They are great for makeup, but they definitely aren’t the best choice for waterproof formulas of eye makeup. This one doesn’t sound gentle enough for my super sensitive eyes. Thank you for your thorough review and honest assessment! Always a pleasure reading your reviews, Allison! <3
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Thank you, Helen 🙂 Where do you buy Koh Gen Do Spa Water? I believe it is sold through Alcone Co., but I hate to pay for shipping water, lol. I thought it was odd that two products that are supposed to remove eye makeup (I don’t wear waterproof mascara so it’s not a real torture test) have warnings on the label about keeping the product out of your eyes, tough to do when removing eye makeup, I think! Simple Skincare Micellar Water is definitely not gentle enough for sensitive eyes. Unlike my Rimmel and Neutrogena eye makeup removers that are tested by ophthalmologists, these say nothing about that. Lesson learned for me!
I bought the Micellar Water as soon as I found it. I love it!!! No smell, no stinging, no lingering feeling on my skin but one clean face!!!
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Which brand did you buy, Kimberly? The Simple Skincare has no discernible scent but it has a warning on it to keep it out of your eyes, as does the Eye Makeup Remover, which is kind of difficult for a product that’s positioned as removing eye makeup!
I should have been more specific: I got the Simple brand. Luckily, I’m not having any eye sensitivity with it. I haven’t tried their eye makeup remover. I do have issues with eye sensitivity with Simple’s oil makeup remover. It makes my eyes all murky. Grrr!
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That’s so interesting, Kimberly! Thanks for letting me know. I think it’s weird that they recommend it for removing eye makeup and then post a warning about keeping it out of your eyes. For me, both the Simple Micellar Water and the Eye Makeup Remover (oil-free) burned like crazy. I returned the eye makeup remover today, but I kept the Micellar Water to use to remove my foundation.
Too bad it didn’t work for you.
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Very painful! I returned the eye makeup remover today, and I’ll just use the micellar water on my foundation. Boo hoo. Next time, I’ll try one that’s safe for use on eyes!
I had nothing but problems with the Simple Eye Makeup Remover. I bought two, tossed the open one and gave the closed one away. Because of that I’d be reluctant to buy their Micellar Water even though it’s fragrance free.
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I returned the Simple Eye Makeup Remover today. It was AWFUL!! And I don’t think Simple Skincare should sell products that they say you can use on your eyes along with a warning to keep the product out of your eyes. What’s up with that? I should have returned the Simple Micellar Water too, but I figure I’ll use it just to remove my face makeup and I won’t repurchase it. Definitely a disappointment.
Definitely going to look for the micellar water next time I have a run to CVS 🙂
I’ve always wanted to try the Bioderma, but didn’t want to order. At least Simple brand is available in the US.
Monica.
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Simple Skincare is available at the drugstore, but be careful you don’t get it in your eyes. I would not buy this one again because of that! Someone said that Garnier has a Micellar Water. I would check that one and see if it is safe for eyes!
Ah, thanks for the warning!!
M.
I’ve had decent luck with cleansing waters. I want to try Bioderma sometime!
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I’m glad to hear that, Justina. I will try a different brand next time, one that has been tested by ophthalmologists! I hear great things about Bioderma but it’s so expensive!
I alternate between micellar water and good ‘ol makeup wipes. I like Caudalie micellar water
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I love the miscellar water for before and after workouts!
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I just got my hands on Bioderma, and I’m a fan. I’m glad there is a drugstore version to try. Thanks for the review.
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I’d like to try Bioderma if it’s ever on sale. I like Simple’s Micellar Water, but I can’t use it to remove my eye makeup because it’s too irritating. 🙁
I have sensitive eyes too!
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Then pass on these two removers!
This miscellar water sounds like such a wild concept – I hadn’t heard of it before reading your post, Allison! But especially since I wear contacts and can have more sensitive eyes when it comes to products, I’m not sure if I could hand the irritation if it mistakenly got in my eyes…
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Although some women have told me they have no trouble with the Simple Skincare Micellar Water, I restrict it to just removing my face makeup now. But there are other brands of micellar water that are definitely gentler. When I finish this bottle, I will be looking for a new brand that’s been tested by ophthalmologists!
I didn’t know they did a micellar, but I have tried the makeup remover and wasn’t much of a fan either.
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Glad I’m not alone in my opinion of these products!
I really like Simple products, I haven’t tried many but what I’ve used, I’ve really enjoyed. xxx
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That’s great to hear, Laura. Unfortunately, the Micellar Water and the Eye Makeup Remover with warnings about keeping the product out of your eyes just wasn’t good for my sensitive eyes. 🙁
I just started using this and love it so far!
I’m glad that you’re having good results with it, Lisa. Do you use it to remove your eye makeup?
I tried this one and didn’t have much luck..
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Glad I’m not the only one!
Love micellar waters for cleaning off makeup
I need to keep up the search for an affordable micellar water that I can use to remove my eye makeup in addition to my face makeup that doesn’t sting!
When the bioderm micellar water came out, I hated it. I didn’t know what to do with it firstly and the smell reminded me of burnt rubber. It was quite awhile before I tried another. This was the one I tried and I loved loved it. It was refreshing, it smelled wonderful, first thing in the morning this was a scent that beckoned me this will always be my favorite
Michelle, I’m wondering if the BioDerma MW that you got was a bad bottle. I’m testing out the blue cap one now, and it doesn’t smell like burnt rubber at all, lol. So far, I like the BioDerma MW a lot, but I didn’t have to spend the money to buy it. For my own nickel, I love Garnier. It has a lovely smell, and it doesn’t irritate my eyes. Unfortunately, I have trouble using Simple MW to remove my eye makeup. I was surprised at that, but I looked at the directions and was shocked to see that it said on the Simple bottle to avoid the eyes. Go figure. But thank you for taking the time to let me know that Simple MW works well for you. It must be my sensitive eyes!
I’ve used this before and loved it. Great to see a write-up about it.
Thanks for your comment, Kathleen. I think the entire Simple skincare line is an effective, affordable one. Unfortunately, there’s an ingredient in the Simple micellar water that burns my sensitive eyes. As a result, I have switched to BioDerma that’s become more affordable since CVS started carrying it.