Beauty
The 10 Best Micellar Waters UK
· Top 10 comparison · Amazon.co.uk prices checked at publication
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How we choose: Buy Wise Hub hasn't tested these products in person. Our rankings are based on published specifications, Amazon ratings and buyer reviews, and this guide was researched and written with the help of AI tools, then checked by our team. Prices and ratings were correct at the time of writing and may change.
Micellar water is the easiest way to take make-up off at the end of a long day. Soak a cotton pad, sweep it over your face and you're done, with no rinsing needed for most formulas. It's gentle enough for sensitive skin and contact lens wearers, and a big bottle lasts for months, which is why it's one of the best-selling beauty products in the UK.
To find the best micellar water in the UK, we started with Amazon.co.uk's Make-Up Cleansing Water best-seller chart and picked ten micellar waters (leaving out eye-make-up removers and cleansing balms) across budget, sensitive-skin and treatment formulas. We read each live product page for price, rating, review count, size and listed claims. Skin benefits are the brands' own claims.
Prices, ratings and review counts were checked on Amazon.co.uk on 27 October 2026 and change often. Always check the live price before you buy.
Quick Picks
- Best overall: Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water (700ml), £6.00, 4.7★ (28,367 reviews)
- Best for sensitive skin: Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water (500ml), £13.20, 4.6★ (43,912 reviews)
- Best budget: NIVEA Soothing Micellar Water (400ml), £3.25, 4.7★ (1,492 reviews)
- Best for waterproof make-up: Garnier Micellar Bi-Phase Cleansing Water (400ml), £7.49, 4.6★ (1,151 reviews)
- Best with skincare actives: CeraVe Micellar Cleansing Water (295ml), £10.13, 4.6★ (1,840 reviews)
Comparison at a Glance
- Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water (700ml): 4.7★ (28,367 reviews) · £6.00 · Best for: most people · View on Amazon.co.uk
- Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water (500ml): 4.6★ (43,912 reviews) · £13.20 · Best for: sensitive skin · View on Amazon.co.uk
- Garnier Micellar Oil-Infused Cleansing Water (400ml, Pack of 2): 4.7★ (3,619 reviews) · £9.98 · Best for: heavier make-up · View on Amazon.co.uk
- NIVEA Soothing Micellar Water (400ml): 4.7★ (1,492 reviews) · £3.25 · Best for: budget buyers · View on Amazon.co.uk
- CeraVe Micellar Cleansing Water (295ml): 4.6★ (1,840 reviews) · £10.13 · Best for: skin barrier support · View on Amazon.co.uk
- Garnier Vitamin C Micellar Cleansing Water (700ml): 4.7★ (1,584 reviews) · £7.32 · Best for: dull skin · View on Amazon.co.uk
- NIVEA Skin Radiance Micellar Water (400ml): 4.6★ (1,687 reviews) · £3.99 · Best for: waterproof make-up on a budget · View on Amazon.co.uk
- Garnier Hyaluronic Aloe Micellar Water (400ml): 4.6★ (1,089 reviews) · £14.98 · Best for: dehydrated skin · View on Amazon.co.uk
- La Roche-Posay Sensitive Skin Micellar Water (200ml): 4.6★ (1,051 reviews) · £16.49 · Best for: reactive skin · View on Amazon.co.uk
- Garnier Micellar Bi-Phase Cleansing Water (400ml): 4.6★ (1,151 reviews) · £7.49 · Best for: waterproof make-up · View on Amazon.co.uk
The 10 Best Micellar Waters Reviewed
#1 Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water (700ml): Best for most people
Amazon.co.uk: 4.7★ from 28,367 reviews · £6.00
Garnier's original pink-cap micellar water is the UK's best seller. Garnier calls it the UK's No.1 micellar water, and it tops Amazon.co.uk's chart with 4.7 stars from 28,367 reviews. The 700 ml bottle costs £6.00, which makes it one of the best-value cleansers you can buy. It cleanses skin of dirt, oil, SPF, pollution and dead skin cells, removes eye make-up, and needs no rinsing. The formula is fragrance-free, vegan and suitable for all skin types, sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers, according to Garnier. It's enriched with botanical glycerin, and the bottle is made from recycled plastic (excluding cap, label and additives). It's the first micellar water we'd recommend.
Specs (from the listing): 700 ml · fragrance-free · vegan · glycerin · no rinse · suitable for contact lens wearers
Pros
- UK best seller
- Huge bottle, great value
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Struggles with waterproof mascara
- Plastic bottle
#2 Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water (500ml): Best for sensitive skin
Amazon.co.uk: 4.6★ from 43,912 reviews · £13.20
Bioderma's Sensibio H2O is a long-standing cult choice for sensitive skin. It has 4.6 stars from 43,912 reviews, the largest review base in this guide, at £13.20 for 500 ml. The Amazon listing is light on detail, describing it as a soothing make-up remover that leaves skin refreshed. The details list it as unscented, alcohol-free and paraben-free, though they also mention an "Aloe Vera" scent name (listing inconsistency). It costs more than Garnier per ml, but loyal users say it's gentler on reactive skin. If Garnier stings, try this.
Specs (from the listing): 500 ml · unscented (details) · alcohol- and paraben-free · sensitive skin
Pros
- Cult favourite for sensitive skin
- Huge review base
- Alcohol-free
Cons
- More expensive per ml
- Thin listing detail
#3 Garnier Micellar Oil-Infused Cleansing Water (400ml, Pack of 2): Best for heavier make-up
Amazon.co.uk: 4.7★ from 3,619 reviews · £9.98
Garnier's oil-infused micellar water adds natural oils to help melt away stubborn make-up while nourishing skin. It sits between a standard micellar and a bi-phase remover. This listing is a pack of two 400 ml bottles at £9.98, about £5 per bottle, with 4.7 stars from 3,619 reviews. Garnier calls it fragrance-free, vegan and suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin, and says it's dermatologically tested and accredited. It's a good choice if your make-up is heavier than the original pink-cap can handle, but you don't want to shake a bi-phase bottle.
Specs (from the listing): 2 × 400 ml · oil-infused · fragrance-free · vegan · no rinse
Pros
- Removes heavier make-up
- Two-bottle value
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Can feel slightly oily
- Smaller bottles than the 700 ml original
#4 NIVEA Soothing Micellar Water (400ml): Best for budget buyers
Amazon.co.uk: 4.7★ from 1,492 reviews · £3.25
NIVEA's Soothing Micellar Water is the cheapest in our list at £3.25 for 400 ml, and it shares the top rating: 4.7 stars from 1,492 reviews. NIVEA says the micelles act like magnets to lift away make-up, impurities and dirt, with no rubbing or rinsing needed. The formula is enriched with liquorice extract, panthenol and an amino acid complex to moisturise skin and help reduce redness. It's fragrance-free, suitable for sensitive skin and can be used to remove eye make-up. For under £3.50 it's a superb everyday buy, and a strong alternative to Garnier if you want something calming.
Specs (from the listing): 400 ml · fragrance-free · liquorice extract + panthenol · sensitive skin · no rinse
Pros
- Cheapest here
- Top rating
- Calming ingredients
Cons
- Smaller review base
- Not for waterproof make-up
#5 CeraVe Micellar Cleansing Water (295ml): Best for skin barrier support
Amazon.co.uk: 4.6★ from 1,840 reviews · £10.13
CeraVe's micellar water brings the brand's barrier-friendly formula to make-up removal. It contains three essential ceramides (1, 3 and 6-II) to help maintain the skin's protective barrier, plus niacinamide (vitamin B3) to comfort sensitive skin. It removes face and eye make-up, dirt and excess oil without harsh rubbing, and needs no rinsing. It's unscented and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive. It has 4.6 stars from 1,840 reviews at £10.13 for 295 ml, so it's pricier per ml than Garnier or NIVEA. Choose it if you already use CeraVe and want a micellar that matches your routine.
Specs (from the listing): 295 ml · 3 ceramides + niacinamide · unscented · no rinse · all skin types
Pros
- Ceramides and niacinamide
- Unscented
- Non-greasy
Cons
- Small bottle for the price
- Not for heavy waterproof make-up
#6 Garnier Vitamin C Micellar Cleansing Water (700ml): Best for dull skin
Amazon.co.uk: 4.7★ from 1,584 reviews · £7.32
Garnier's Vitamin C micellar water adds a brightening twist to the classic formula. It's infused with vitamin C to help brighten and even skin tone. Garnier says it removes up to 100% of make-up from face, eyes and lips, with 95.9% of 315 home-test panellists agreeing. It's hypoallergenic, dermatologically and ophthalmologically tested, and suitable for sensitive skin and contact lens wearers. It has 4.7 stars from 1,584 reviews at £7.32 for a 700 ml bottle, great value for a treatment-style micellar. Unlike the original, the details list it as scented (Scented/Vitamin C).
Specs (from the listing): 700 ml · vitamin C · hypoallergenic · ophthalmologically tested · scented (per details)
Pros
- Big bottle
- Brightening claim
- Ophthalmologically tested
Cons
- Scented
- Results are brand claims
#7 NIVEA Skin Radiance Micellar Water (400ml): Best for waterproof make-up on a budget
Amazon.co.uk: 4.6★ from 1,687 reviews · £3.99
NIVEA's Skin Radiance micellar water is a two-phase formula. You shake it to mix the phases before use, and NIVEA says it removes waterproof make-up and mascara with no greasy residue. It's enriched with an amino acid complex and a 5% serum with vitamins C and E. It's fragrance-free, suitable for sensitive skin and needs no rinsing. It has 4.6 stars from 1,687 reviews at just £3.99 for 400 ml, much cheaper than most bi-phase removers. The title calls it "Skin Radiance" but the bullets call it "Skin Glow" (naming inconsistency).
Specs (from the listing): 400 ml · two-phase (shake) · vitamins C & E · fragrance-free · removes waterproof make-up
Pros
- Cheap bi-phase
- Removes waterproof make-up
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Must shake before use
- Slight oily feel typical of bi-phase
#8 Garnier Hyaluronic Aloe Micellar Water (400ml): Best for dehydrated skin
Amazon.co.uk: 4.6★ from 1,089 reviews · £14.98
Garnier's Hyaluronic Aloe micellar water is designed for dehydrated skin. Hyaluronic acid and aloe vera help re-plump skin with moisture while soothing it, according to Garnier, and micelle technology plus natural oils remove up to 100% of visible make-up. It's vegan, dermatologically tested and accredited by the British Skin Foundation and Allergy UK, per the listing. It has 4.6 stars from 1,089 reviews. The listing price is £14.98, which looks high for a single 400 ml bottle, but the bullets say "the information below applies to each unit in the pack", so it may be a multipack. Check the pack size before ordering (unverified).
Specs (from the listing): 400 ml · hyaluronic acid + aloe · vegan · British Skin Foundation & Allergy UK accredited (per listing)
Pros
- Hydrating formula
- Accreditations listed
- Removes make-up well
Cons
- Price/pack size unclear
- Aloe scent per details
#9 La Roche-Posay Sensitive Skin Micellar Water (200ml): Best for reactive skin
Amazon.co.uk: 4.6★ from 1,051 reviews · £16.49
La Roche-Posay's micellar water is aimed at reactive skin. The physiological pH-balanced formula cleans without disrupting the skin's protective lipid barrier, according to the brand. It contains La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water and glycerin to comfort dry, fragile skin, and it's soap-free and dermatologically tested. The listing says it's recommended even for patients undergoing treatment. It removes make-up from face, eyes and lips. It has 4.6 stars from 1,051 reviews, but at £16.49 for 200 ml it's by far the most expensive per ml in our list. Choose it if cheaper micellars irritate your skin.
Specs (from the listing): 200 ml · pH-balanced · thermal spring water + glycerin · soap-free · unscented
Pros
- Very gentle
- Paraben-free
- For reactive skin
Cons
- Most expensive per ml
- Small bottle
#10 Garnier Micellar Bi-Phase Cleansing Water (400ml): Best for waterproof make-up
Amazon.co.uk: 4.6★ from 1,151 reviews · £7.49
Garnier's blue-cap Bi-Phase is the go-to micellar for waterproof mascara and long-wear make-up. It has 4.6 stars from 1,151 reviews at £7.49 for 400 ml. Micelle technology plus natural oils remove up to 100% of visible make-up, according to Garnier, without tugging or pulling on delicate eyes and skin. It's vegan, dermatologically tested and accredited by the British Skin Foundation and Allergy UK, per the listing. Garnier also suggests pairing it with its reusable eco pads to cut cotton-pad waste. If you wear the water-resistant mascaras from our mascara guide, this is the remover to buy.
Specs (from the listing): 400 ml · bi-phase (oil + micellar) · vegan · unscented · British Skin Foundation & Allergy UK accredited (per listing)
Pros
- Best for waterproof make-up
- Gentle on eyes
- Accreditations listed
Cons
- Leaves a slight oily film
- Shake before use
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Micellar Water
Standard, oil-infused or bi-phase?
Standard micellar waters (Garnier original, NIVEA Soothing, Bioderma, CeraVe) handle everyday make-up and SPF. Oil-infused (Garnier Oil-Infused) copes with heavier make-up. Bi-phase formulas (Garnier Bi-Phase, NIVEA Skin Radiance) are best for waterproof mascara but must be shaken and can leave a slight film.
Sensitive skin
Look for fragrance-free or unscented, alcohol-free formulas. Bioderma Sensibio, La Roche-Posay, NIVEA Soothing and CeraVe are popular choices for sensitive skin. Patch-test any new product if you react easily.
Treatment micellars
Some micellars add actives: vitamin C (Garnier Vitamin C, NIVEA Skin Radiance), hyaluronic acid (Garnier Hyaluronic Aloe), or ceramides and niacinamide (CeraVe). They're nice extras, but benefits are brand claims, and a micellar stays on your skin only briefly.
Do you need to rinse?
Most micellar waters are no-rinse. Some people like to follow with a gentle wash or rinse, especially after heavy make-up or bi-phase formulas, or if they have blemish-prone skin.
Value per ml
The 700 ml Garnier bottles (£6.00 original, £7.32 vitamin C) and NIVEA's 400 ml bottles (£3.25–£3.99) are the best value. La Roche-Posay (£16.49 / 200 ml) costs several times more per ml.
How we chose
We started with the Amazon.co.uk best-seller chart for Make-Up Cleansing Water (Beauty) on 27 October 2026. We shortlisted the best-reviewed, in-stock products and read each live product page for price, rating, review count and specs. We haven't tested these products in person. Rankings reflect the listed specs, buyer ratings, review volume and value. Where a listing is unclear or contradicts itself, we say so.
FAQ
What is the best micellar water in the UK?
Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water is the UK best seller. It tops Amazon.co.uk's chart with 4.7 stars from more than 28,000 reviews, and the fragrance-free, vegan 700 ml bottle costs £6.00.
Is micellar water good for sensitive skin?
Generally, yes. Most micellar waters are gentle and fragrance-free. Bioderma Sensibio H2O, La Roche-Posay Micellar Water and NIVEA Soothing are popular sensitive-skin choices. Patch-test if you react easily.
Does micellar water remove waterproof mascara?
Standard formulas often struggle. Choose a bi-phase or oil-infused version, such as Garnier Micellar Bi-Phase, NIVEA Skin Radiance (two-phase) or Garnier Oil-Infused, and hold a soaked pad on closed eyes for a few seconds.
Do I need to rinse off micellar water?
Most are designed as no-rinse cleansers. Some people prefer to rinse or follow with a gentle cleanser, especially after heavy make-up or if their skin is prone to breakouts.
Can micellar water replace a cleanser?
For light make-up or a quick morning cleanse, many people use micellar water alone. With heavy make-up or SPF, micellar water works well as a first step before a gentle cleanser.
Is micellar water safe for contact lens wearers?
Several brands say so on their listings. Garnier states its original and Vitamin C micellar waters are suitable for contact lens wearers. Close your eyes when you wipe, and remove your lenses first if your eyes are sensitive. If you get irritation, rinse with water and stop using the product.
More skincare guides: Best Facial Cleansers UK · Best Mascaras UK · Best Toner Pads UK
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