Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water 700ml, Gentle face cleanser & Make up Remover, Suitable For All Skin Types Including Sensiti
Reviewed 9 August 2026 · price checked live
Check price on Amazon →Overview
Micellar water became the default first-step cleanser in the UK for good reasons: it is cheap, it removes makeup without scrubbing, and it needs no water or flannel. The 700ml bottle is the size that makes the per-use cost genuinely low, and this is the most-rated product in our skin care category.
- Brand
- Garnier
- Amazon rating
- 4.7 / 5 from 26,007 ratings
- vs Skin Care
- 0.1 above the category median of 4.6
- Rank in category
- 1 of 42 rated skin care we track
- Price position
- Among the cheaper options (category spans £5.00 to £41.60)
- How proven
- Well established, above-average review volume
How it compares in Skin Care
Across the 42 rated skin care products we track, the typical score is 4.6 out of 5. This one sits at 4.7, which puts it in the upper quarter of the category rather than level with it. Where almost everything is rated well, the gap at the top is small in points and large in practice. That places it first of the 42 we rank here.
It carries 26,007 ratings against a category median of 9,783. A rating from a large base is harder to distort and tends to hold up over time, so a high score here means more than the same score on a new listing.
On price it sits in the lower third of a category running from £5.00 to £41.60, where the midpoint is about £11.60. Cheaper than most while rating at or above the category norm is the combination worth looking for, and it is the main argument for this one.
Worked out from the 42 skin care products in our catalogue, not from the brand's own claims. How we rank →
What micellar water actually is
Micelles are tiny clusters of mild surfactant suspended in water. The clusters have a water-loving outside and an oil-loving inside, so when they meet makeup and sebum on the skin they trap it in the middle and lift it away on the cotton pad. That is why it works without foaming, scrubbing or rinsing.
It is a genuinely gentle mechanism, which is why it suits sensitive and reactive skin better than a foaming wash. The trade-off is that gentle also means limited: it lifts what is on the surface, it does not do the deeper job of a full cleanse.
Do you need to rinse it off?
The label usually says no, and for most people that is fine for a light day. But the surfactant does stay on the skin, and if you are prone to congestion, dryness or irritation, that residue is a common and easily fixed culprit. Rinsing with water afterwards costs nothing and removes the question entirely.
The stronger version of the same point: if you wear heavy makeup, SPF or waterproof mascara, micellar water is a first step rather than the whole routine. The standard approach is to use it to lift the bulk, then follow with a proper cleanser. That is what double cleansing means, and it is not a marketing invention.
Getting more out of it, and using less
Hold a soaked pad against the eye or a stubborn area for a few seconds before wiping. Micelles need a moment of contact to do their work, and the rubbing people default to is both less effective and harder on the skin around the eyes, which is thin and does not thank you for friction.
On cost: a reusable cotton pad works with micellar water and cuts both the waste and the amount of product absorbed by the pad, since disposable cotton soaks up a surprising share of what you pour. That is the single easiest way to make a 700ml bottle last.
Key features
- UK'S No.1 MICELLAR WATER & EYE MAKEUP REMOVER: Our gentle Micellar Water cleanses skin of dirt, oil, SPF, pollution and dead skin cells. The gentle micelle technology helps remove up to 100% of your makeup, acting as a highly effective eye makeup remover in just 1 easy step
- CLEAN and VEGAN FORMULA: The soothing, fragrance-free formula is suitable for all skin types, sensitive eyes, and contact lens wearers. It easily melts away waterproof mascara, and is dermatologically tested and accredited by the British Skin Foundation and Allergy UK
- HYDRATING PROPERTIES: Our refreshing eye makeup remover liquid formula, enriched with Botanical Glycerin, helps to nourish skin, leaving it feeling beautifully soothed and hydrated.
- COMMITTED TO SUSTAINABILITY: Bottle is made from recycled plastic, excluding cap, label and additives. We recommend using micellar water with the Reusable Micellar Eco Pads to minimise cotton wastage and elevate your daily makeup removal routine.
- LEAPING BUNNY APPROVED: All Garnier Products are approved by Cruelty Free International under the Leaping Bunny Programme.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need to rinse off micellar water?
Most labels say no, and for light daily use that is fine. The surfactant does remain on the skin, so if you get congestion, dryness or irritation, rinsing with water afterwards is a simple fix.
Is micellar water enough to remove makeup?
For light makeup, yes. For heavy makeup, SPF or waterproof mascara it is a first step rather than the whole routine, and should be followed with a proper cleanser.
How does micellar water work?
It contains micelles, tiny clusters of mild surfactant with an oil-loving centre. They trap makeup and sebum and lift them onto the pad, which is why it works without foaming, scrubbing or rinsing.
Is micellar water good for sensitive skin?
It is one of the gentler options because it cleans without foaming agents or scrubbing. If your skin is reactive, choose a fragrance-free version and rinse afterwards.
How do I make micellar water last longer?
Use reusable cotton pads, which absorb far less than disposable cotton, and hold the pad against stubborn areas for a few seconds rather than rubbing. Most of a bottle is lost into cotton wool rather than onto skin.
