What is Micellar Water?

Micellar water is herbal-infused water that effectively cleanses skin and removes makeup without rinsing, rubbing or scrubbing. The formula is made of micelles, which are tiny cleansing oil molecules suspended in soft water that help to draw out impurities without drying out the skin. It has been used for over a hundred years, first gaining momentum in France, where it was designed to help Parisians avoid using the region’s famously harsh water on their face. Micellar water doesn’t require actual water to work, so rinsing is not necessary. Instead, the micelles are activated by soaking a cotton pad with the formula and gently wiping it over the face.

How does Micellar Water work?

The cleansing agents in a typical facial cleanser are called surfactants. Surfactants are comprised of two parts: an oil-friendly portion and a water-friendly portion. In micellar water, the surfactants bind together in small clusters called micelles- normally surfactants in a typical cleanser float freely throughout the formula. Because the surfactants have clustered together into a micelle, the gently efficacious cleansing agents are delivered in a higher concentration to the skin. When a cotton pad is saturated with micellar water, it absorbs the water-friendly portion of the surfactant, allowing the oil-friendly portion to "raise up" slightly from the surface of the cotton pad. This "raising up" is a key benefit of micellar water, because the oil-friendly portion of the surfactant catches the oil in the dirt, makeup, and debris on the surface of the skin and binds it to the micellar water.

What are the benefits of Micellar Water?

Micellar Water is known to be a very gentle way to clean and purify skin, even for sensitive skin types. It’s milder than traditional cleansers and soap. Since there is no rinsing required, it's quick and convenient to use, with the assurance your skin is thoroughly cleansed and hydrated. Plus, our micellar water is formulated with gentle, 99.8% naturally-derived cleansing agents to instantly trap and lift away dirt, impurities, and makeup and leave skin feeling soothed, soft, refreshed and residue-free. To help better understand the benefit of this unique cleanser, think of it as a makeup wipe with the efficacy of a gentle cleanser. It is the perfect no-rinse, multi-benefit solution when on-the-go and can be conveniently used as a facial wash, makeup remover, and hydrator all in one.

When to use Micellar Water?

Micellar water is perfect for when you are at home or on-the-go! Use it morning and night as you would a cleanser, as the first step in your routine and before using a toner. Keep it in your bag to touch up smudged eyeliner or flaking mascara, pack it in your carry-on to refresh and cleanse your skin from your seat when traveling, or to quickly cleanse your skin after the gym or riding your bike to work.

How to use Micellar Water?

To activate the micelles, saturate a cotton pad with micellar water and gently sweep over entire face, eye and lip area to cleanse. If wearing eye makeup, it is recommended to begin cleansing the face by holding a saturated cotton pad over each eye for 3 seconds before gently sweeping away. Repeat as necessary until eye makeup is lifted away, taking care not to rub or tug on the delicate skin, before moving on to the rest of the face. No rinsing or additional cleansing needed.

For a deeper clean or to help with removal of heavy foundations or stubborn eye makeup, try double cleansing! Double cleansing is a method of cleansing your face twice, first with a cleansing oil or micellar water followed by a water-based cleanser. Begin by gently sweeping a cotton pad soaked with hydrating micellar water over entire face, eye and lip area to remove makeup, dirt, and oil and follow with a highly effective foaming cleanser that replenishes and soothes skin. Rinse with warm water and pat dry with a soft towel.

Who is Micellar Water for?

Micellar water is perfect for those who currently use makeup wipes or who are frequently on-the-go. Because it’s suitable for all skin types, including sensitive, it’s ideal for those who seek a gentle cleanser.

Kiehl’s Expert Tip: "It is important to look for non-abrasive formulas that helps repair and strengthen skin’s barrier function. Additionally, use products specifically formulated for sensitive skin and avoid ingredients that are known to be skin irritants or potential allergens." – Dr. Megan O’Brien, Kiehl’s Consulting Dermatologist

Nature-Inspired Ingredients

Inspired by our apothecary roots, Kiehl’s uses powerful skincare ingredients drawn from nature and science within our formulas like our Herbal-Infused Micellar Cleansing Water. We use high concentrations of finest-quality ingredients including Thyme Essential Oil and Lemon Balm Floral Water. Our micellar water is safe, gentle, and efficacious to restore and strengthen the skin barrier for healthier, younger-looking skin.

Kiehl’s Herbal-Infused Micellar Cleansing Water

Cleanse and hydrate skin with our incredibly gentle Herbal-Infused Micellar Cleansing Water, made with 99.8% naturally derived ingredients. It uses micellar technology to gently lift away and remove makeup, dirt, and oil without rinsing, rubbing or scrubbing and provides 24-hour hydration. This all-in-one cleanser, suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, leaves skin clean, while feeling soft, refreshed and renewed.

• Thyme Essential Oil: Harvested in France, Thyme Essential Oil is known for its cleansing, soothing and antioxidant properties.
• Lemon Balm Floral Water: Well known for its zesty aroma, Lemon Balm Floral Water helps soothe and calm skin.

*We consider ingredients to be naturally derived if they retain more than 50% of their molecular structure after being processed from a natural source.

Herbal-Infused Micellar Cleansing Water

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