Works for
CleansingPolysorbate 20Can be harsh
“The Cleansing Micellar Water”
This product works by removing dirt and oil from the surface of the skin.
Keep in mind that cleansing can disrupt the skin barrier, and most people do not need to cleanse their skin more than once per day.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy7 strong irritants: Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil, Parfum + 5 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
Comedogenic3 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale3 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Water~11–14%
Propanediol~4–4.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolPolysorbate 20~2.5–3.1%
Bis-peg-12 dimethicone~2.1–2.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Bis-peg-12 dimethiconeTrehalose~1.5–1.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin
More about TrehaloseAlgae extract~1.6–1.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Plant extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but research is not extensive yet
More about Algae extractSesamum indicum seed oil~1.4–1.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A good moisturizing plant oil. Due to the high linoleic acid content, it helps soften the upper layer of the skin, reduce water loss and support skin barrier function
More about Sesamum indicum seed oilMedicago sativa seed powder~1.1–1.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Might help soften the upper layer of the skin and help thicken the product formulation. It might have some anti-oxidant effect
More about Medicago sativa seed powderHelianthus annuus seedcake~1.2–1.4%
Prunus amygdalus dulcis seed meal~0.8–1.15%
Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- High
An essential oil that can be very irritating. Has some anti-bacterial properties
More about Eucalyptus globulus leaf oilSodium gluconate~0.45–0.7%
Copper gluconate~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Typically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing
More about Copper gluconateCalcium gluconate~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and helps to improve appearance of the product
More about Calcium gluconateMagnesium gluconate~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A mineral that might be able to support skin hydration, but convincing research on its effectiveness in topical skincare is lacking
More about Magnesium gluconateZinc gluconate~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Typically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skin
More about Zinc gluconateTocopheryl succinate~0.35–0.6%
Niacin~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- High
A form of vitamin B3. It is similar in action to niacinamide, but is more likely to cause red flashes in skin as the side effect
More about NiacinSesamum indicum seed powder~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Sea salt~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to thicken the product formulation and might help to add minerals to the surface of the skin. It is used in scrubs as a physical exfoliant. Can increase sensitivity to other ingredients if left on the skin or used in high concentration
More about Sea saltMaris sal~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to thicken the product formulation and might help to add minerals to the surface of the skin. It is used in scrubs as a physical exfoliant. Can increase sensitivity to other ingredients if left on the skin or used in high concentration
More about Maris salCastanea sativa seed extract~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help neutralize free radicals
More about Castanea sativa seed extractMacrocystis pyrifera extract~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Laminaria digitata extract~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Seaweed extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but good research is lacking at the moment
More about Laminaria digitata extractSucrose~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In crystal form, it can work as a gentle exfoliant, gentler than the salt scrub. Helps stabilize the emulsion
More about SucroseCaffeine~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals. Can have a dehydration effect that might somewhat decrease the look of puffy eyes
More about CaffeineGlycerin~0.25–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
More about GlycerinEthylhexylglycerin~0.2–0.35%
Sodium hyaluronate~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateButylene glycol~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Butylene glycolCitric acid~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidSodium hydroxide~0.15–0.3%
Parfum~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumDisodium edta-copper~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Phenoxyethanol~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolBenzyl benzoate~0.1–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- High
Fragrance with sweet balsamic smell. Help to preserve products and dissolve other ingredients. Could trigger allergic reactions and be irritating
More about Benzyl benzoateCoumarin~0.05–0.15%
Citronellol~0.05–0.1%
Linalool~0.05–0.1%
Limonene~0.05%
- Irritation risk
- High
A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat
More about LimoneneCi 42090~0.05%
Ingredient list view
Water, Water, Propanediol, Polysorbate 20, Bis-peg-12 dimethicone, Trehalose, Algae extract, Sesamum indicum seed oil, Medicago sativa seed powder, Helianthus annuus seedcake, Prunus amygdalus dulcis seed meal, Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil, Sodium gluconate, Copper gluconate, Calcium gluconate, Magnesium gluconate, Zinc gluconate, Tocopheryl succinate, Niacin, Sesamum indicum seed powder, Sea salt, Maris sal, Castanea sativa seed extract, Macrocystis pyrifera extract, Laminaria digitata extract, Sucrose, Caffeine, Glycerin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium hyaluronate, Butylene glycol, Citric acid, Sodium hydroxide, Parfum, Disodium edta-copper, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl benzoate, Coumarin, Citronellol, Linalool, Limonene, Ci 42090
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Worth comparing, line by line.
Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.
| La MerThe Cleansing Micellar WaterYOUR PRODUCT | OFRAWest End Micellar Water | Colleen Rothschild BeautyMicellar Cleansing Water | Clinique2-in-1 Cleansing Micellar Gel + Light Makeup Remover | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 31% | 30% | 30% |
| Price | $115.00 | — | — | $21.36−$93.64 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 4 of 12 | 2 of 12 | 5 of 12 |
| Key difference | — | Allantoin | Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17 | Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | Low | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Nippon Olive Olive Manon Facial SoapDerma E Vitamin C Micellar Cleansing Water Natural Fragrance Oils
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 16 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2Triglyceride composition of Sesamum indicum seed oilonlinelibrary.wiley.com
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
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