When you hear the phrase “cleansing waters,” you may write them off as another beauty gimmick. While there are a number of beauty gimmicks out there, cleansing waters aren’t one of them. Cleansing waters aren’t simply water in a pretty package. Not even close. Cleansing waters are actually one of the ways to clearer, brighter skin. And who doesn’t want that?
Cleansing waters are big in Korea and now they are starting to make a splash over here. Charlotte Cho, co-founder of popular K-beauty site Soko Glam, explains that cleansing waters (or micellar waters, as they are sometimes called) help to remove oil and water-based impurities from skin (like makeup and sunscreen). Unlike your facial cleanser, the majority of cleansing waters are advertised as “rinse-free.”
If you’re wondering what the difference between a cleansing water and a toner is, Cho states, “Most toners work to reset your pH balance and hydrate the skin. There are many cleansing waters that now offer a variety of benefits.” For example, certain micellar waters can cleanse, tone and exfoliate. Remember what we said about them being more than plain ol’ water?
One of the big benefits of cleansing waters is that they are versatile. You can easily work one into your routine. Cho says that you can use one as the first step of your skincare routine to remove makeup. Then you can follow it up with a double cleanse with your regular cleansers. If you’re at the gym, you can use a micellar water before and after your workout. And if you’re looking for a midday refresher, a cleansing water is just the thing to use. To apply it, simply douse a cotton pad, then apply to your face and neck.
Are you feeling inspired to add a skin-perfecting cleansing water into your skincare regimen? Click through the gallery above to see some of the best cleansing waters on the market.
Why You Should Be Using a Cleansing Water in Your Skincare Regimen
-
A New Herbal Remedy
Herbs aren't just great for cooking with, they're also great for your skin. This moisture-rich micellar water combines dill, St. John's wort and burdock to get rid of every last speck of makeup.
belif Cleansing Herb Water, $26 at Sephora
-
Cult Favorite
This water is one of the best-selling ones on Soko Glam. Plus, it is a personal favorite of the site's co-founder Charlotte Cho. The multitasking product cleanses, hydrates and exfoliates your skin thanks to a formula of papaya extract, rose water and lavender water. It's one product that definitely lives up to its name.
Son & Park Beauty Water, $30 at Soko Glam
-
The Classic
When we think of micellar waters, La Roche-Posay is a brand that usually comes to mind. The brand was one of the first in the category and it still remains a favorite of many skincare addicts. Antioxidant thermal spring water calms skin, while dirt-encapsulating micelles get rid of makeup, grime and oil. Dab it on and there's no need to rinse your face afterward.
La Roche-Posay Micellar Water, $19.99 at Ulta
-
Not Like Your Body Lotion
Don't let the fact that this one has "lotion" in the name throw you off. The bi-phase formula follows the same concept as others on the list. An aqueous phase helps to boost radiance. Then the oily phase helps to nourish your complexion.
Erborian Yuza Double Lotion, $36 at Erborian
-
The White Stuff
The hero ingredient in this water is white birch sap. When combined with trendy chia seeds, orange extract and mountain peony, it produces a hydrating water that cleanses your skin without stripping it. The best part about it is you don't have to worry about applying too much product thanks to the push top applicator. Simply place a cotton pad on top, press down and you get just the right amount of product.
May Coop White Water Cleanser, $30 at Peach & Lily
-
For Sensitive Skin
Those of us with sensitive skin are always hesitant to try new products for fear they will make our skin go lobster red and inflamed. There's no need to be scared with this gentle product. It is 10-free and uses a blend of cypress and herb complex to nourish skin as it cleanses.
Banila Co. Clean It Care Purity Cleansing Water, $28 at Beauteque
-
Carry It in Your Bag
Are you in need of a quick refresher, but there's no sink around? Pop this micellar water in your bag and you'll be ready for any situation. Apply the water-free formula to your face and it will bust through makeup and grime. There's no need to rub, rinse or wipe it off.
InstaNatural Micellar Water, $15.97 at InstaNatural
-
Budget Friendly
The right cleansing water busts through dirt and oil without drying out your skin. This affordable one gets the balance just right. It is gentle enough that you can use it twice daily thanks to the alcohol-free, dermatologist-tested formula.
Avon Anew Clean Micellar Cleansing Water, $6.49 at Avon
-
The Goodness of Grapes
Grape water may sound like the next foodie trend after watermelon water, but this one is for your skin to drink up. The organic formula uses grapes from Bordeaux, which help to boost hydration while reducing sensitivity. And here we thought grapes were only good for making wine.
Caudalie Grape Water, $22 at Caudalie
-
Buh-Bye Makeup
Sweep a cotton pad soaked in this over your skin and the cleansing water acts as a magnet to remove dirt and makeup. As it cleanses, it tones, purifies and even exfoliates. Don't let the minimalist bottle fool you, this is some serious skin-perfecting stuff.
Dr. Oracle Radical Clear Cleansing Water, $28 at Glow Recipe
-
Works on Waterproof
There are lots of products that will get rid of your makeup, but there are only a few that dissolve waterproof formulas. This one does without any aggressive rubbing. Apply it to your face using a cotton pad and watch your makeup melt away.
Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water & Waterproof Makeup Remover, $8.99 at Ulta
-
No Spa Visit Required
You can actually think of this as a spa treatment in a cute red package. It contains mineral-rich hot spring water and six essential herbs. The nourishing formula hydrates and replenishes skin while wiping away all of the day's grime.
Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water, $39 at Sephora
