The Best La Roche-Posay Micellar Waters
Skincare enthusiasts the world over continue to wax lyrical about French pharmaceutical brands. Identified by understated packaging, ingredient-focused regimens and chic branding, French skincare has maintained a cult following for decades. Loved by top dermatologists, brands rarely get more iconic than La Roche-Posay.
A staple in your local chemist's aisles, La Roche-Posay have a dedicated fanbase thanks to hard-working hero products such as their Anthelios SPF range and famed Effaclar Duo+, but they also get rave reviews for their micellar waters. Infused with their trademark thermal spring water, La Roche-Posay is developing leading micellar water products, but why should you add one to your skincare routine?
Click on one of the links below to jump to that section:
Understanding micellar waters
Micellar waters are a long-time favourite of the skincare industry and a staple of many bathroom cabinets, but they are frequently misunderstood. These innovative formulas harness the power of micelles, small cleansing molecules or ‘surfactants’ that combine with water and moisturising ingredients.
What makes micelles so special are their hydrophilic (‘water-loving’) and oleophilic (‘oil-loving’) properties, which attract and remove excess sebum and impurities from the skin. Micelles act as a magnet for capturing dirt, and can even remove tough eye makeup like waterproof mascara.
Some consumers wrongly believe micellar waters can act as a traditional cleanser or toner, but they are most effective as a first step in your skincare routine for removing surface-level impurities such as makeup, sebum or pollutants before using a cleanser. La Roche-Posay has developed a range of micellar products—the key is picking the right one for your skincare needs.
La Roche-Posay Micellar Water
Formulated to work for the most sensitive skin, La Roche-Posay’s Micellar Water is a basic all-rounder micellar water that is suitable for all skin types. Simply saturate a cotton pad or ball with the product, then sweep onto your skin to remove makeup, sebum and other impurities. Sebum left to sit on the skin can oxidise, leading to blackheads, whiteheads and sebaceous filaments, so micellar water can be a key step towards clear skin.
This micellar water contains La Roche-Posay’s signature thermal spring water, which is rich in antioxidant selenium to soothe, soften and prevent irritation in the skin. La Roche-Posay Micellar Water is ideal as the first step in your daily routine and can form part of a dermatologist-recommended 'double cleanse' in the evening: use the micellar water to cleanse your skin at a surface level (i.e., to remove make-up), then follow up by cleansing again with a traditional cleanser for a deeper clean.
La Roche-Posay Micellar Foaming Water
If you aren't a fan of using water solutions in your skincare regimen, the La Roche-Posay Micellar Foaming Water is an excellent alternative. Still making use of micellar technology, this product dispenses as a foam and can act as a gentle, everyday face wash to use both day and night.
Most suited to normal/dry skin types that experience minimal breakouts, the simple ingredients of this foaming water contain no parabens, soap or alcohol for minimal irritation. This water also contains nourishing ingredients such as glycerin and coconut oil extracts (cocoates) to ensure your skin feels plump and hydrated post-wash. This is the perfect choice if your skin gets overwhelmed by multiple treatments and just needs simple but effective ingredients to keep it clean and clear.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Micellar Water
Formulated with combination and oily skin types in mind, the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Micellar Water is designed to act as a first cleanse for removing makeup and impurities from the surface of the skin without over-drying or disrupting the skin’s natural balance.
This micellar water is free from preservatives, parabens, colourants and soap, and is enriched with glycerin and zinc PCA. Zinc is notable for its use in skincare to prevent excess sebum, which causes breakouts and clogged pores.
This is an ideal product for problematic skin, as it provides the cleansing required without irritating existing breakouts or causing unwanted reactions from aggressive active ingredients and fragrances that populate other skincare products. This micellar water is most effective when used in conjunction with a cleanser containing salicylic acid such as the Effaclar Micro-Peeling Purifying Gel, which micro-exfoliates and decongests clogged pores.
La Roche-Posay Make-Up Remover Micellar Water Gel
La Roche-Posay Make-Up Remover Micellar Water Gel has a physiological pH and incredible makeup removing efficacy. It has a fresh texture which leaves the skin feeling clean and smooth.
The thicker consistency of the gel is easier to control and can quickly clean away makeup, sebum, pollutants and other skin-damaging impurities without the need for a damp cloth or cotton pad. Perfect for sensitive skin types, this gel cleanser is also non-comedogenic, meaning oily, acne-prone or combination skin can benefit from its use too as it won't clog pores and cause breakouts.
Frequently asked questions
Should you tone after using micellar water?
You can use toners after using micellar waters, but you don't have to. Just remember that toners are not cleansers. They are meant to add further ingredients to your skin after cleansing, for example, Vitamin C for brightening or hyaluronic acid for hydration.
Do dermatologists recommend micellar water?
Micellar water products have been backed by multiple certified dermatologists. They are most often endorsed as a first cleanser to remove makeup due to their unique properties.
Does micellar water tighten pores?
It is impossible to 'tighten' pores. Your pore size is genetic and cannot be changed. Some micellar waters can help with cleaning pores and preventing breakouts.