The Skincare Experts: Is Micellar Water a Cleanser or a Toner?

Micellar water is a trending skincare favourite, and for good reason. This quick, easy, and gentle product has been loved by many for years and has a prime spot in lots of our skincare routines. By using tiny molecules of micelles, micellar water attracts oil, makeup, and dirt from your skin so you can be fresh-faced without any harsh scrubbing. 

But how exactly can this cult favourite fit into your skincare routine? In this guide, we unpack the unique properties and benefits of toners, cleansers, and micellar waters to answer the all-important question: Is micellar water a cleanser, or is micellar water a toner?


Product shot of the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water for sensitive

Is Micellar Water a Cleanser?

Getting rid of impurities on your face is definitely something you should be practising regularly to keep your skin looking and feeling as healthy as possible, and finding the right cleanser can do just that. So, what is a cleanser? And how does micellar water cleanse the skin?

Micellar water is a unique type of cleanser that has numerous benefits. Micellar cleansing water can not only be used to clear any buildup like makeup, sunscreen, oil, and impurities, but it also helps sweep away dead surface skin cells, promoting brighter and healthier-looking skin.

Cleansers are available for a variety of skin types, and different cleansers bring different benefits. If you’re wearing heavy makeup, you may need a cleanser with a little more strength than micellar water. However, micellar water can make an excellent first step in a double cleanse routine.

Some old-school facial cleansers can be too harsh or stripping, which can break down your skin’s natural protective barrier. Harsh cleansing foams usually contain more surfactants, require rinsing, and can strip natural oils, so it is important to find products which work for your skin type when considering which micellar water vs cleanser to buy. If you have dry or sensitive skin, the Garnier Hyaluronic Aloe Water Micellar Cleansing Water is a great option for a gentle and effective way to remove makeup and impurities in just one step.

Product shot of the Garnier Hyaluronic Aloe Micellar Water

Is Micellar Water a Toner?

A toner is a water-based skin-care product that cleanses and refreshes the skin. It preps the skin for subsequent products like serums and moisturisers, acting much like a primer in a makeup routine. Here, we’ll break down the difference between micellar water vs toner, and answer the question, ‘Is micellar water a toner?’

First, let's look at what toner does for your face. A good toner refreshes skin without stripping it of its natural moisture, is gentle enough for most skin types, and prepares skin to drink up post-cleansing moisturiser. Given this, micellar water can also be used as a toner to gently revive your skin and prep it for any additional serums or moisturisers you’d like.

Choosing a toner that meets your skincare needs is key. Some toners can contain alcohol, which might affect those with sensitive skin and, if used too regularly, can upset the skin. However, micellar water can be used as a gentler way of refreshing the skin. For an added boost of skin-brightening, try the Garnier Vitamin C Micellar Water for Dull Skin.

a young woman looking in the mirror applying toner or micellar water to her face with a cotton pad, seeing the micellar water benefits on her skin

What is Micellar Water Used For?

Micellar water has become a popular skincare product, praised for its versatility and no-rinse formula. However, questions remain about its exact role in a skincare routine. Is it a toner? A cleanser? Or something else entirely? Let's explore the benefits of micellar water to understand its place in your skincare routine and what it can be used for.

A good micellar water can be both a cleanser and a toner. It’s also a makeup remover and so much more. In fact, Garnier micellar cleansing waters address individual skincare needs with enriched ingredients like salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C.

Benefits of Micellar Water:

  ●  You can use micellar water as a cleanser, makeup remover, and toner
  ●  It’s gentle on the skin and can replace makeup removers that require harsh rubbing
  ●  Micellar water can also act as a skin refresher

So, if you’re looking for a real two-in-one star to help transform your skin, micellar water is the product you need! From gently cleansing to removing makeup and impurities to giving your skin a refresh and a boost, micellar water is a convenient and clever addition to your routine.

Micellar Water FAQs
  • Micellar water has several uses in a skincare routine. It can be used as a makeup remover, a no-rinse cleanser, or even as a toner to gently refresh the skin.
  • Micellar is a great option to easily and effectively remove makeup without scrubbing. Micellar water gently removes makeup, oil, and impurities from your skin. It can also be used as the first step in a double cleanse routine for heavier or waterproof makeup.
  • There are many micellar water benefits for your skin. Its gentle formula helps protect your skin’s natural barrier whilst ensuring it is effectively cleansed and refreshed. Lots of micellar waters also have added skincare ingredients suited to your skin type, such as the Garnier Skin Active Garnier Purifying Micellar Jelly Water with Charcoal & Salicylic Acid.