CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser vs Garnier Micellar Water: Which Should You Buy?
A rinse-off ceramide cleanser against a big-bottle micellar water and makeup remover.
CeraVe CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, for normal to dry skin
Garnier Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water 700ml, Gentle face cleanser
Side by side
| CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, for normal to | Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water 700ml, Gentle | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | See on Amazon → | See on Amazon → |
| Rating | ★★★★★ 4.6 | ★★★★★ 4.7 |
| Review count | 58,446 | 28,339 |
| Brand | CeraVe | Garnier |
| Highlights |
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Our verdict
Choose CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser if your skin is normal to dry and you want a gentle wash you massage on and rinse off, with ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Choose Garnier Micellar Water if the job is removing makeup, including eye makeup, in a quick one-step routine. They overlap, but they are not the same product, and many people use a micellar water first and a cleanser second.
Which one is for you?
- Suits normal to dry skin that wants a non-foaming, fragrance-free cleanser used with water. Read our full look at the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, for normal to →
- Suits anyone who wants a quick makeup and eye-makeup remover for all skin types, including sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. Read our full look at the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water 700ml, Gentle →
What each one is
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser is a face wash. The CeraVe UK page says it has three essential ceramides (NP, AP and EOP) plus hyaluronic acid, and is made for normal to dry skin. The retail listing describes a gentle, non-foaming formula in a 236 ml bottle with a fragrance-free formula.
Garnier Micellar Water is a 700 ml bottle of micellar cleansing water. Garnier's listing says it removes dirt, oil, SPF and makeup, melts waterproof mascara, and suits sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
How you use them
CeraVe's page gives a standard routine: wet skin with lukewarm water, massage the cleanser in with circular motions, rinse well and pat dry. It needs a sink.
Garnier's micellar water is applied with cotton or a reusable pad. Its listing recommends Garnier's Reusable Micellar Eco Pads to cut cotton waste. We haven't confirmed from the pages we opened whether Garnier advises a rinse afterwards, so check the bottle.
Skin type and claims
CeraVe is aimed at normal to dry skin, and the brand page also lists all skin types under concerns. Garnier says its formula is suitable for all skin types and is dermatologically tested and accredited by the British Skin Foundation and Allergy UK, per its listing.
Garnier also lists a vegan formula, Leaping Bunny approval and a bottle made from recycled plastic (excluding cap, label and additives). CeraVe's listing doesn't make comparable claims in the text we opened.
Who should skip both
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, the dry-skin positioning of the hydrating CeraVe may not suit you; look at our CeraVe Foaming vs Blemish Control page, or Hydrating vs Foaming. For sun care, see Anthelios vs Nivea Sun Spray, or browse skin care.
Questions people ask
Is CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser or Garnier Micellar Water better?
CeraVe is a rinse-off wash for normal to dry skin. Garnier is a makeup remover. Pick the one that matches your routine.
Does CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser remove makeup?
CeraVe's page describes a facial cleanser, not a makeup remover. Garnier's micellar water is the one marketed for makeup and waterproof mascara.
Is CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser fragrance-free?
The retail listing title says it has a fragrance-free formula.
Is Garnier Micellar Water vegan?
Garnier's listing says it is a vegan formula and Leaping Bunny approved.
Can I use both?
Yes. Use the micellar water to take off makeup, then the cleanser as a rinse-off second step if you like a double cleanse.
Sources
- CeraVe UK, Hydrating Cleanser product page
- Amazon UK listing, CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser 236ml
- Amazon UK listing, Garnier Micellar Water 700ml
Prices are pulled live from Amazon.
Prices move around, so always confirm on Amazon before deciding. Browse more options in Skin Care or see the whole Beauty department. New to the category? Start with our buying guide.