Micellar Water
Reddit take
AI summary of the Reddit excerpts below — not a quote
Micellar water is highly regarded on Reddit as a versatile and gentle cleansing option, particularly favored for removing makeup and sunscreen. It is frequently recommended as the first step in a double-cleansing routine, especially for users who experience breakouts from traditional oil cleansers. While many appreciate its convenience for "lazy" nights or when away from a sink, there is a consensus that it may not be sufficient as a standalone cleanser for heavy buildup and should often be followed by a water rinse or a second cleanser to prevent potential irritation.
Pros
- Effective at removing makeup, sunscreen, and daily dirt
- Gentle alternative for those who break out from oil-based cleansers
- Convenient for quick cleansing or when access to a sink is limited
- Helpful for managing skin debris in conditions like psoriasis
- Can be used as a final rinse to mitigate the effects of hard water
Cons
- May not be powerful enough to remove heavy makeup or deep buildup on its own
- Potential for skin barrier damage or dryness if surfactants are left on the skin
- Rare reports of irritation or chemical burns near sensitive areas like eyes
Caveats
- Often requires a second 'true' cleanser for a thorough PM routine
- Requires the use of disposable cotton pads or reusable rounds for application
- Mixed opinions exist on whether it is necessary to rinse it off with water
Best for
- The first step in a double-cleansing routine
- Removing daily sunscreen
- Sensitive skin types
- People who dislike the sensation of splashing water on their face
Avoid if
- You wear heavy, waterproof makeup and want a single-step cleansing solution
- You have extremely reactive skin that may be sensitive to leave-on surfactants
This summary uses balanced time weighting with about a 6-month half-life. The evidence is drawn from 30 selected mentions in r/SkincareAddiction with a median source age of approximately 190 days.
Sentiment
31 positive (74%) · 7 mixed (17%) · 4 negative (10%)
Trust + time weighted score: +65% · raw score 64%
What redditors said (10 of 42)
If I had a day where I was sweaty, out in the dirt, wore makeup...whatever, I have to use micellar water and cleanser
Micellar water. It's a must for my bc of psoriasis and it's great as a lazy cleanser option.
Anyway, I use micellar water as a "toner" but mainly a cleanser. I definitely need it bc of my psoriasis, it just does the job of removing excess skin/layer/debris so my cleanser can do its job.
I also found that the micellar water I was using to remove my mascara was giving me chemical burns.
You could also try swapping the oil cleanser for micellar water.
I would double clean your face every night with either micellar water or cleansing oil, and then another cleanser.
PM Cleanse with ELF cleansing balm on nose and chin (oily sections, I use a micellar water for rest of face if I use makeup because elf balm is too harsh in my dry skin)
AM - Micellar water (oil/fragrance free)
On normal nights I cleanse with micellar water, then balea calming toner, then haussache moisturizer and every other day cicaplast on top.
I'm lazy and viscerally hate splashing water on one's face to wash properly, so I use micellar water on washable cotton pads.
Compare
Micellar Water vs Vanicream CleanserMicellar Water vs Benzoyl Peroxide WashMicellar Water vs La Roche-Posay Cleanser
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