If your skin feels tight after cleansing (or your cleanser never seems to remove all your makeup), it may be time to skip the water. Enter dry cleansing, a gentle, oil-based method that melts away makeup and impurities without stripping your skin.

Here’s everything you need to know about this cleansing method and why it may be time to rethink the first step of your skincare routine.

What is dry cleansing?

Dry cleansing is exactly what it sounds like: applying a cleansing balm or oil directly onto dry skin as the first step of your morning and/or evening routine. Instead of activating the cleanser with water, simply massage the product straight onto your face to help break down impurities, makeup, and SPF.

This method uses “like dissolves like” chemistry—oil-based cleansers melt away oil-based impurities that traditional foaming cleansers can miss. Once you’ve massaged it in, add a bit of warm water to emulsify, then rinse (or follow with a second cleanse if you’re double cleansing).

The benefits of dry cleansing

Dry cleansing gently deep-cleans without stripping the skin’s natural barrier. Unlike harsh soaps or foaming washes that may leave that tight, squeaky feeling, balm and oil cleansers leave skin soft, nourished, and balanced.

Who it’s best for

• Dry and Sensitive Skin: Perfect for nourishing and maintaining moisture without stripping the skin.

• Normal to Combination Skin: Helps balance sebum levels while leaving skin clean and comfortable.

• Oily and Acne-Prone Skin: Oil cleansers can help dissolve pore-clogging sebum and makeup residue without over-drying.

How to dry cleanse

1. Start with dry hands and skin.

2. Scoop or pump a small amount of cleansing balm or oil into your palm.

3. Gently massage it onto your face using circular motions for about 30–60 seconds.

4. Add a splash of warm water to emulsify (with many products, you’ll notice the texture turn milky).

5. Rinse thoroughly, or follow with your favorite water-based cleanser for a double-cleanse.

Dry cleansing for your skin type

Not sure where to start? Explore some of our favorite dry cleansers, organized by skin type and concern to help find your perfect match.

For dry/dehydrated skin

Dry skin needs formulas that go beyond cleansing, so opt for buttery textures and barrier-loving oils that melt makeup while locking in moisture.

For sensitive/easily irritated skin

When your skin feels reactive, soothing ingredients and minimalist formulas can make all the difference.

• Indie Lee Cleansing Balm – A skin-smoothing balm rich in plant-based oils and fatty acids that melt away makeup while calming signs of redness.

• NUDESTIX Cica Cleansing Jelly Milk – This gentle, milky cleanser combines centella asiatica (cica) and plant milks to soothe and restore balance. (Also ideal as a second cleanse.)

• MIXIK Cleansing Oil – A simple blend of blue agave and rosewater extracts that hydrates, soothes, and rinses clean without irritation or residue.

For normal/combination skin

If your skin needs balance (think hydrated but not greasy), these multitasking cleansers deliver.

For oily/acne-prone skin

Even breakout-prone skin benefits from dry cleansing, so reach for lightweight, balancing formulas that remove oil and buildup without clogging pores.

Sunday Riley Blue Moon Clean-Rinse Cleansing Balm – This balm-to-milk cleanser is formulated with blue tansy, cocoa butter, and essential oils to gently clarify congested skin.

See all the ways others have used this cream down below, or grab a tube for yourself to have in case of your next skin flare-up or breakout.

Promising Amazon reviews:

“I’ve been using this for close to a year and it is amazing for my super sensitive and dry skin. I have perioral dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, and rosacea and live in Minnesota with bitter cold and the heater running over half the year. Cicalfate cream doesn’t flare any of these and it helps reduce redness and completely resolves dry skin. I use about a pea size amount AM and PM,, apply to dry skin, massage in, then mist with the Avene thermal water spray. Although the cream is thick, the slight white cast absorbs within a few minutes. I do not wear foundation so I don’t know how this affects it.it doesn’t burn my eyes and I’m a contact lens wearer. A big tube of cream lasts me the better part of a year.” —LA and BM

“Friends, this is THE skincare product! This is like superfood for your skin. My skin is hydrated, DEEP forehead wrinkles are minimized, and my rosacea is the most tame that it’s ever been. It’s a little heavy so I use it as my night cream. After one week, I’ve tossed out creams from Beekman, F.A.B., and Biossance because this humble cream outperforms them all. I have combo skin with very few blemishes or breakouts, for reference. User note: shake the bottle before using it. The water does separate but you can mix it back up in your hand.” —Amanda Zimmerman

“I was doing a little research to find affordable great moisturizer to use with trentonin. It’s a holy grail! I was using skin ceuticals triple lipids and it’s fabulous but very expensive. This product feels so good being absorbed into the skin. Drys great with no greasy feel. I could feel a difference in just one application. I can’t wait to see how well it continues to hydrate my skin. It’s great for sensitive skin and soothes dry irritated skin from retinoids! Be aware a lil product goes a long way! Don’t overthink this product it’s worth the hype! Just buy it!” —SGR

“This stuff has saved my skin. Currently trying to get through a Retin-A purge without my skin barrier falling apart, and this has helped so much. My skin no longer feels hot and itchy and new breakouts have stopped. It does have a greasiness to it. However, because it is much less thick than other occlusive moisturizers, applying a mattifying bb cream on top (Ive been using tart) during the day will make it look like any other weightless moisturizer underneath. However, unlike the lighter daytime moisturizers I was using (e.g. cereve AM) I never feel that itchy tightness mid-day as long as I apply this in the morning.” —Ashley Fisher

Signs of a damaged moisture barrier—the outer protective layer of your skin—can range from dryness and dehydration to redness, inflammation, painful burning, and stubborn acne. And while many skincare products aim to repair and restore a weakened skin barrier, we can all agree that it’s better to prevent your barrier from becoming compromised in the first place. Although our skin barriers can take a hit from things out of our control (like pollution and harsh weather), drying facial cleansers can wreak havoc as well. Ahead, Beautylish editors share our favorite gentle cleansers that effectively purify skin without stripping essential moisture.

Beautystat Universal Microbiome Barrier Balancing Cleanser, $26

Not only does this lightly foaming formula remove makeup, SPF, oil, and grime—it supports healthy barrier function while you cleanse. Micro-sized particles of pure silver protect against harmful bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, continuing to boost skin’s defenses even after you rinse it off.

PSA Reset: Acai & Manuka Honey Nourishing Cleanser, $31

Think of PSA Skin Reset Acai & Manuka Honey Nourishing Cleanser like a smoothie for your skin: The superfood-packed formula deeply nourishes skin with manuka honey, acai extract, yogurt, and barrier-building phospholipids.

Hourglass Equilibrium Rebalancing Cream Cleanser, $52

Fans of cream cleansers will love this option from Hourglass. The rich, luxurious lather removes dirt, debris, and 98% of everyday pollutants while replenishing the skin barrier with essential lipids.

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Herbivore Pink Cloud Rosewater + Tremella Creamy Jelly Cleanser, $28

A bestseller, this cleanser features a rose water and coconut water base for a hydration boost. Gentle, plant-based surfactants lift dirt and oil without stripping moisture, while superfood tremella mushroom (aka nature’s hyaluronic acid) leaves skin plush, not parched.

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Grown Alchemist Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser, $38

Sensitive skin? This one gets you. Powered by calming botanicals, like aloe vera and chamomile, this lightweight formula clears the day away without irritating or overdoing it.

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Moon Juice Milk Cleanse Gentle Wash, $32

Like a chill pill for your skin, this creamy, pH-balanced cleanser is made to support your skin’s protective barrier and natural microbiome. It’s powered by adaptogens to protect, calm, and balance for a base that’s soft, nourished, and zen.

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Superegg Gentle Elements Cleansing Foam, $34

With a skin-friendly pH of 5.5, this formula is made to preserve the skin’s delicate barrier. Hyaluronic acid, snow mushroom, and saccharide isomerate team up to lock in moisture and ward off sensitivity, making it ideal for dry or reactive skin.

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Symbiome The Reset Clarifying Cleanser, $45

This bestselling formula taps into postbiotics and Amazonian terpenes to reset and rebalance your skin’s microbiome. The result? Purified skin that’s hydrated, nourished, and balanced—never stripped.

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Facile Bare Necessity Hyaluronic Acid Gentle Foaming Cleanser, $22

The name says it all. This soap-free, low-foam formula uses gentle surfactants and hyaluronic acid to deep-clean without over-drying. Made for cleansing, not stripping.

Nurain Alicharan contributed to this article. This article was originally published March 10, 2022, and last updated on July 1, 2025.

We often focus on sensitive skin care for the face, but your underarms deserve just as much attention. Shaving, tight clothing, and harsh deodorants can easily lead to irritation, redness, and discomfort. That’s why choosing a gentle, effective formula (and natural deodorants) is key, especially since common ingredients like fragrance, aluminum, and baking soda can trigger reactions.

To help you narrow down the ones that work, we extensively researched top contenders, considering their ingredients, formulas, application, and effectiveness. We then consulted two board-certified dermatologists—Dr. Joshua Zeichner, M.D., and Dr. Amreen Sitabkhan, M.D.,—to get to the heart (er, pit) of the matter on all things deodorant and sensitive skin.

Using one of the best face exfoliators is a key step in any skin-care routine. These formulas work hard to slough away dead skin cells, unclog pores, minimize the look of fine lines, and boost overall radiance—and can make the rest of your products work even better. Whether you prefer chemical or physical exfoliants, regular use can help reveal a smoother, more hydrated complexion throughout the year.

When paired with the moisturizing products your skin craves, exfoliation can also help your serums and moisturizers absorb more effectively, maximizing their benefits. From serum-like alpha and beta hydroxy acids that gently dissolve buildup, to gritty yet delicate scrubs that polish your skin, these are the exfoliators our editors actually use, and yes, we’ve got the receipts (a.k.a. selfies). Scroll on for our tried-and-loved picks, plus pro tips from board-certified derms to keep your skin smooth and clear.

Our Top Face Exfoliators

Best Overall: Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

Why it’s worth it: First and foremost, Allure editors adore Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant for its cushiony, powder-to-cream formula. Unlike chunkier facial scrubs with that trademark gritty feel, this ultra-fine, rice-based exfoliating powder gently buffs the skin without causing micro-tears, irritation, or redness in the process (no wonder this exfoliator won both our Best of Beauty and Readers’ Choice Awards). This formula is also spiked with salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid known for its pore-unclogging properties.

Best Peel: Shani Darden Triple Acid Signature Peel

Why it’s worth it: Have a wedding in your future, or just want to give your skin a reboot? Shani Darden’s Best of Beauty-winning Triple Acid Signature Peel delivers almost immediate radiance and softness, thanks to a two-step process that deep cleans skin. The first step uses a blend of lactic, glycolic, and mandelic acids to slough away dead skin cells. That makes it all the easier for the clay mask—your second step—to clear oil and gunk from pores. (The mask contains glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and allantoin, so it won’t leave skin painfully tight, but you should still follow up with a nourishing moisturizer after.) It’s potent, so you only need to use it every other week.

Best Cleanser: SkinMedica AHA + BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

Why it’s worth it: Large pores, meet your match. Along with other dermatologists, Joyce Park, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, is a fan of SkinMedica’s AHA + BHA Exfoliating Cleanser because it contains a host of good-for-you ingredients. This face wash has “a blend of AHAs (lactic, glycolic, citric, and malic), BHA (salicylic), and jojoba spheres to gently exfoliate and polish, while lavender helps to soothe the skin,” Dr. Park notes. “BHA is lipid-soluble, so it can really get deeper into the pores for a good clean,” making it an ideal choice for oily and combination skin types. Tiffany J. Libby, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Rhode Island and Mohs surgeon at Brown Dermatology, adds that the blend helps “to mildly exfoliate skin and improve skin’s texture and complexion.”

Best Scrub: Ole Henriksen 10% AHA Strawberry Lemonade Smoothing Scrub

Why it’s worth it: Besides the fact that it’s simply delightful to slather a strawberry lemonade slushy texture on your face, Ole Henriksen’s 10% AHA Strawberry Lemonade Smoothing Scrub is a sweet spin-off of the brand’s OG Lemonade Scrub. It’s the same glow-boosting formula we’ve always loved—10% alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic and lactic) plus ultra-fine sugar and lemon peel powder for a double dose of exfoliation, while adding a juicy burst of citrus. Sure, some situations call for fragrance-free, but we can get down with an exfoliating scrub that smells like summer in a jar.

Best Peel Pads: Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel

Why it’s worth it: If the word “peel” makes you nervous, don’t worry—Dr. Dennis Gross’s Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peels are way more gentle than they sound. The two-step system is designed to exfoliate and nourish without irritation, so even sensitive skin types can get in on the glow. Step one clears away dead skin and gunk; step two adds in soothing, anti-aging ingredients. “These peel pads contain both alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids to improve the appearance of pores, radiance, fine lines, texture, and tone,” Brendan Camp, MD, a New York-based double board-certified dermatologist, previously told Allure. You know what they say: Just a few swipes a day keeps the dullness at bay.

Best for Sensitive Skin: Medik8 Press & Glow Daily Exfoliating PHA Tonic

Why it’s worth it: Sometimes used interchangeably with toners, tonics like Medik8 Press & Glow Exfoliating PHA Tonic put a higher prioritization on hydration and moisture—while still providing the gentle resurfacing you might want and expect. “Press & Glow is a daily exfoliating PHA tonic that gently removes dead surface cells to reveal more radiant skin,” Dendy Engelman, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist, previously told Allure. The key player here is gluconolactone, a moisture-locking polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that gently exfoliates. With calming ingredients like aloe vera, acai, and prickly pear extract, it’s even safe for sensitive skin.

Best for Dry Skin: Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment

Why it’s worth it: Michelle Henry, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City and founder of Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan, only has good things to say about Kate Somerville’s iconic ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment. “With papaya and pumpkin enzymes working as natural AHAs, as well as salicylic acid, this is a great option for all skin types,” she says. While some initial tingling is normal, rest assured that aloe vera, honey, and vitamin E are at work to soothe and moisturize skin. Remember, this pick isn’t meant for daily use—instead, stick to once or twice a week.

Best for Uneven Texture: Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser

Why it’s worth it: We totally get that skin-care can be a self-care ritual, but some nights you just want to wash your face and get into bed ASAP. Enter: Tata Harper’s Regenerating Cleanser, which is a two-in-one gem that cleanses and exfoliates in a single, time-saving step. This hybrid exfoliating cleansing uses apricot microspheres, phytic acid salt, and BHA from willow bark to gently polish away dead skin while removing dirt, oil, and makeup. The creamy formula feels luxe (and smells like a fancy facial), but works fast so that you can glow and go.

Best for Large Pores: Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

Why it’s worth it: There are skin-care products that live up to the hype, and then there’s Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, which lives well beyond a viral moment. This is partly due to the 2% concentration of salicylic acid, the highest amount in over-the-counter products. “Salicylic acid is an oil-soluble beta hydroxy acid (or BHA) that goes deep into the pores to clear out dirt, oil, and other impurities,” Claire Chang, MD, a New York City-based dermatologist, told Allure. “It exfoliates and reduces clogged pores, leading to clearer and brighter skin.” What’s more, antioxidant-rich green tea counters irritation typically experienced with harsh exfoliators.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are chemical exfoliators?

Chemical exfoliators are active ingredients that help loosen the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to shed and reveal newer and healthier cells beneath, according to Tiffany J. Libby, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Rhode Island and Mohs surgeon at Brown Dermatology. “They also help unclog pores and exfoliate away surface skin cells; they also brighten skin, improve skin cell turnover and renewal, and some may even help stimulate collagen production within the skin,” she explains.” Resurfaced skin can also allow subsequent skin-care products to absorb more effectively.

Choosing a formula that contains the best exfoliant ingredients for your skin type is also critical. Michelle Henry, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City and founder of Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan, suggests initially avoiding mechanical exfoliation if you have sensitive skin and instead choosing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic acid. “They exfoliate the upper layers of the skin while also hydrating and helping your skin retain moisture,” she says. Dr. Libby echoes this advice: “If you have sensitive skin, start with polyhydroxy acids, or lactic acid and mandelic acid, which are larger alpha hydroxy acid molecules [that] do not penetrate as deeply into the skin and are least likely to cause irritation.” For people with more resilient skin who require an intensive acne-fighting treatment, we recommend using salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid with a small molecular weight, allowing it to penetrate pores more effectively than other exfoliating actives.

What are physical exfoliators?

Dr. Henry says physical exfoliation is key for oily skin since it helps remove any layers of oil buildup. “When you have oily skin, your dead skin cells are more adherent and don’t flake off as quickly, which can contribute to breakouts,” Dr. Henry explains. She recommends using an exfoliating face scrub with salicylic acid, which “gently speeds up skin turnover and better penetrates oil and oily follicles” to keep skin clean and clear of blemishes. Dr. Libby suggests salicylic acid, too, which she says “is excellent at targeting oil and unclogging pores.”

Can you over-exfoliate?

Despite the benefits of using an exfoliator, overuse can cause redness, irritation, breakouts, and damage to your moisture barrier. Additionally, using an exfoliator that’s either too harsh or too gentle for your skin type can rob you of that luminous finish you’re seeking. To strike an optimal balance, first, make sure you’re not exfoliating too often—no more than three times a week, or look into the dermatologist-approved skin-cycling trend, a regimen that alternates between using active ingredients and letting the skin rest.

One to two times a week should be enough for dry or sensitive skin. Dr. Henry recommends exfoliating with a physical exfoliator for about 30 seconds (or less) using small, gentle, circular motions. She recommends following the instructions printed on the packaging for chemical exfoliators, as they can vary by product.

Meet the experts

• Joyce Park, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of virtual dermatology clinic Skin Refinery.
• Tiffany J. Libby, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Brown Dermatology.
• Michelle Henry, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City and founder of Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan.
• Claire Chang, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
• Elizabeth Geddes-Bruce, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Austin.
• Brendan Camp, MD, is a double board-certified dermatologist in dermatology and dermatopathology at MDCS Dermatology in the tri-state area.
• Dendy Engelman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Shafer Clinic based in New York City, and a member of Medik8’s Global Panel of Experts.

How we test and review products

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

For our list of the best face exfoliators, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists and cosmetic chemists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

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Think about the best micellar water you’ve ever used. It probably removed all your makeup in just a few swipes, left your face feeling clean (but not stripped), and maybe even packed hydrating ingredients to give your skin an extra boost. All of these great qualities are why micellar waters have been so popular as a makeup remover in France for all these years—and finally, we’re caught up on the trend. To find truly great micellar waters and solutions, we asked Allure editors and dermatologists for their staples—and only the best made it to our final list.

Our Top Micellar Waters

Best Overall: Doré La Micellaire Botanical Cleansing Water

Why it’s worth it: Both a micellar water and a soothing essence, the Doré La Micellaire has it all. It harnesses the cleansing power of cornflower water to remove makeup, dirt, and oil from the skin while also acting like a mild astringent that shrinks pores and keeps skin clear. Hydrating ingredients like damascena rose water, xylitylglucoside (plant sugar), and glycerin swoop in to make sure your skin doesn’t feel stripped of moisture, and aloe vera offers a soothing effect on your skin barrier.

The formula is fragrance-free—a major plus for anyone with sensitive skin—and it doesn’t need to be rinsed off. Use it to wash away your makeup and leave it on to give your skin a hydrating pick-me-up.

Best for Waterproof Makeup: Illiyoon Gentle Make Up Deep Remover

Why it’s worth it: Illiyoon products are a dream for anyone with sensitive or reactive skin because they’re fragrance-free and have simple, straightforward formulas (think: barrier-repairing ceramides and hydrating panthenol) that skip any potentially irritating ingredients. The brand’s micellar water is no different: It’s a bi-phase mixture (meaning it contains water and oil) that gently dissolves all makeup—even waterproof mascara.

Best for Dry Skin: La Roche-Posay Micellar Water Ultra

Why it’s worth it: Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Connecticut, calls La Roche-Posay’s Micellar Water Ultra “gentle, effective, and fragrance-free.” Fellow board-certified dermatologist Dhaval Bhanusali, MD, agrees: “It’s a great option that has glycerin, so it’s great for dry skin types,” he tells Allure. Furthermore, alpha hydroxy acid—citric acid, to be exact—adds a little exfoliation to the mix, sweeping away dead skin cells and excess oils while brightening the complexion and helping skin absorb other products like toners, serums, and moisturizers. Since this formula is safe to use around your eyes, feel free to dab a Q-tip in its formula to give your daily eyeliner look a cleaner, sharper finish.

Best for Sensitive Skin: Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water

Why it’s worth it: Available for decades at French pharmacies, Bioderma has long been a mainstay at Paris Fashion Week. Makeup artists would stock up on this legendary micellar water because it’s great to use backstage (where sinks are hard to find) and perfect for models whose skin has become sensitized after four weeks of five shows per day. Dermatologists here in the US love it, too. “It’s simple and effective, and I’ve never had a patient not tolerate it, which is important, especially for those with rosacea or even just sensitive skin,” Dr. Bhanusali says of Sensibio H2O.

Best Luxury: Isdin Micellar Solution

Why it’s worth it: Isdin is best known for its super-sophisticated skin-care products—its K-Ox Eyes won a Best of Beauty Award in 2021—but its simpler formulas deserve a spot on your bathroom counter too. The brand’s Micellar Solution is touted as a four-in-one because it removes makeup, cleanses skin, hydrates, and tones (without alcohol, to boot). It’s made with fewer than 10 ingredients, but it’s all you need to totally refresh your face. Bonus: It’s free of perfumes, alcohol, and soaps, so it’s a great pick for sensitive skin types.

Best Drugstore: Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water

Why it’s worth it: The Best of Beauty-winning Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water was designed for all skin types, including the most sensitive skin. Allure associate beauty director Sarah Kinonen loves using it after sweaty workouts to remove dirt and debris. (Pro tip: If you want to remove waterproof makeup, we recommend the Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water for Waterproof Makeup.)

Best for Double Cleansing: Drunk Elephant E-Rase Milki Micellar Water

Why it’s worth it: Mraz Robinson says she enjoys Drunk Elephant E-Rase Milki Micellar Water, “a great ceramide-based micellar water that’s perfect for removing makeup pre-wash,” she tells Allure. The gentle formula spares your complexion any irritation with its soothing and moisturizing omega fatty acids. Although some prefer to use micellar water as the sole cleansing step in their routine, Mraz Robinson says this micellar water serves well as the first step in a double cleanse, which is what many of our editors partake in.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is micellar water?

Micellar water is a combination of purified water; hydrating ingredients, such as glycerin; and low concentrations of extremely mild surfactants, according to cosmetic chemist Joseph Cincotta. “The molecules of those mild surfactants naturally group together to form microscopic spheres called micelles, which act like magnets for dirt and oil,” Cincotta explains.

With micellar waters, even the toughest waterproof makeup melts cleanly off skin with zero irritation. They contain no alcohol and are comprised of only dirt-loving micelle molecules that attach to makeup and debris to break it down, according to New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Debra Jaliman, MD.

Who should use micellar water?

Anyone! Micellar water is a universally friendly product, with formulas made for dry, sensitive, and combination skin. New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Francesca Fusco, MD, says they’re especially great for acne-prone skin types. “They remove trapped debris from the skin but don’t dry it out,” she says. “I also tell my patients to use a micellar cleanser between reapplications of sunscreen during the summer to avoid clogged pores.”

How do you use micellar water?

We recommend soaking a cotton ball or pad with micellar water and then gently sweeping that along your face. The micelles adhere to the cotton while pulling makeup, sebum, and any other daily unpleasantness off the skin. The formulas are so light and gentle that there’s no need to rinse them off, which means that the moisturizing ingredients can stay behind to be absorbed. However, you can also consider micellar water the first step in a double-cleanse routine, if you want to make sure you get rid of every last trace of makeup, oil, and debris.

Meet the experts

How we test and review products

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

For our list of micellar waters, we considered each product’s performance across four primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, and texture. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from doctors and dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.