Micellar Cleansers
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September 1, 2022
By Lisa Petrison
Micellar waters originated in France and are said to be comprised of tiny balls of cleansing oil molecules (“micelles”) suspended in soft water.
While they may not be effective at removing heavy foundations or waterproof mascara, they are said to be able to serve as a general makeup remover, a facial wash and a moisturizer.
I personally have been happy enough with the micellar gel product offered by The Outset that I haven’t yet put a lot of effort into trying out other micellar products.
Hopefully I can focus on that soon, though.
TOP PICKS
♣ Living Clean Superstars:
The Outset Gentle Micellar Antioxidant Cleanser ($32)
♠ Additional Possibilities:
Origins Mega-Mushroom Skin Relief Micellar Cleanser ($36)
♦ Not Yet Tried:
CeraVe Micellar Water ($11)
Drunk Elephant E-Rase Milki Micellar Water ($28)
Evolve Deep Clean Micellar Water ($27)
Tarte Micellar Magic Makeup Remover ($18)
♠ Trash Can:
Beautycounter Instant Eye Makeup Remover ($25)
♥ Lisa’s Choice:
√ The Outset Gentle Micellar Antioxidant Cleanser ($32)
CeraVe Micellar Water – $11
Performance Rating: Not Yet Rated
Ingredients Rating: 
(4 / 5)
Processed Fragrance: None
The description of this product reads, “3-in-1 micellar water formula cleanses, hydrates and removes makeup without disrupting the skin barrier. Removes face and eye makeup. Gentle, easy-to-use formula provides effective cleansing without the need for water or rinsing. Helps restore the protective skin barrier with ceramides. Helps soothe the skin with niacinamide.”
I have yet to try this product but hope to do so soon.
Size: 10 oz.
Target Rating: 4.6 Stars (232 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Unclear
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Unclear
Think Dirty Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: BHT (3), Phenoxyethanol (4), Poloxamer 185 (4).
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Hexylene Glycol, BHT, Ceramide Np, Ceramide Ap, Ceramide Eop, Carbomer, Niacinamide, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Cholesterol, Phenoxyethanol, Poloxamer 184, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Disodium Edta, Phytosphingosine, Xanthan Gum, Polyaminopropyl Biguanide, Ethylhexylglycerin
Drunk Elephant E-Rase Milki Micellar Water – $28
Performance Rating: Not Yet Rated
Ingredients Rating: 
(3 / 5)
Processed Fragrance: None
The description of this product reads, “Ceramide-rich E-Rase gently removes makeup, dirt, pollution and bacteria from the face and eye area without sensitization, irritation or stripping skin’s acid mantle. Made with ultra-mild micelles, soothing vitamin E, replenishing fatty acids, and antioxidant-rich, nonfragrant plant oils (marula, baobab, mongongo, wild melon seed, ximenia seed, passionfruit, and sweet almond), E-Rase nourishes skin while dissolving and lifting away makeup and dirt, is barrier-supportive, and may be used anytime you need a quick skin refreshment.”
I have yet to try this product but am hoping to do so soon.
Size: 8 oz.
Sephora Rating: 4.3 Stars (950 reviews)
Credo Clean: No
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: Yes
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Think Dirty Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: C15-19 alkane (3), Sodium hydroxide (4), Phenoxyethanol (4), Polysorbate-20 (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Cetearyl Isononanoate, Propanediol, C15-19 Alkane, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Heptyl Undecylenate, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Schinziophyton Rautanenii Kernel Oil, Tocopherol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Seed Oil, Ximenia Americana Seed Oil, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide NP, Cholesterol, Phytosphingosine, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Polysorbate 20, Ethylhexylglycerin.
Evolve Deep Clean Micellar Water – $27
Performance Rating: Not Yet Rated
Ingredients Rating: 
(5 / 5)
Processed Fragrance: None
The description of this product states, “Evolve Organic Beauty Deep Clean Micellar Water is designed to gently cleanse and tone skin while lifting makeup and buildup from the day. This cleansing water uses micellar molecules and moringa peptides to help clear skin of pollution, impurities and makeup, while hyaluronic acid helps lock in moisture. This hydrating, toning, cleanser is also made with antioxidant-filled organic pomegranate to help protect skin from daily stressors and limit water loss so skin stays hydrated, clear and glowing.”
I have yet to try this product but am hoping to do so soon.
Size: 6.4 oz.
Credo Rating: 4.2 Stars (5 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Ingredient Rating: 2 (green)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Aloe (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: Rosa damascena flower water, Pomegranate extract
All Ingredients: Water, aloe barbadensis leaf juice*, rosa damascena flower water*, pentylene glycol, polyglyceryl-4 laurate/sebacate, polyglyceryl-4 caprylate/caprate, sodium hyaluronate, glycerin*, moringa pterygosperma seed extract, punica granatum fruit extract, dextrin, phytic acid, citric acid. *Ingredients from organic farming. **Made using organic ingredients
Origins Mega-Mushroom Skin Relief Micellar Cleanser – $36
Overall Rating: (4 / 5)
Performance Rating: (4 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (3 / 5)
Processed Fragrance: Orange Oil, Lavender Oil, Patchouli Oil, Mandarin Orange Oil, Rose Geranium Oil, Frankincense Oil, Limonene
The description of this product reads, “Our miraculous no-rinse, soap and alcohol free formula micellar cleanser gently removes dirt and makeup. It’s fortified with Dr. Weil’s signature skin-soothing Mega-Mushroom blend plus Berry Ferment. Plus, this potent formula gently removes pollutants to help support skin’s resilience against environmental irritants. Skin feels totally refreshed, silky soft and completely, comfortably clean. Never irritated.”
I tried about a dozen samples of Origins products and this is the only one that I was able to use at all.
It seemed to work gently on my facial skin, without causing irritation.
I felt that it was slightly irritating to my eye area but was better than some other products that I tried (such as the Beautycounter eye makeup remover) for that as well.
The product does contain a variety of essential oils and contains a noticeable scent.
It also contains polysorbate-20 (which is on Credo’s “Dirty” list) and two preservatives (phenoxyethanol and cetrimonium chloride) that some people may have problems tolerating.
Size: 6.7 oz.
Ulta Rating: 4.3 Stars (41 reviews)
Credo Clean: No
Clean at Sephora: Unclear
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Unclear
EWG Product Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 5 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Orange oil (5), Mandarin orange oil (5), Geranium oil (4), Limonene (5), Polysorbate-20 (3), Cetrimonium chloride (4), Phenoxyethanol (4)
Fragrance Ingredients: Orange oil, Lavender oil, Patchouli oil, Mandarin orange peel oil, Rose geranium flower oil, Olibanum oil, Limonene, Cranberry fruit extract, Blueberry fruit extract, Wolfberry fruit extract, Turmeric root extract, Ginger root extract, Cucumber fruit extract
All Ingredients: Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Orange Oil*, Lavender Oil*, Pogostemon Cablin Oil*, Mandarin Orange Peel Oil*, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil*, Olibanum Oil**, Limonene, Cranberry Fruit Extract, Blueberry Fruit Extract, Wolfberry Fruit Extract, Fuscoporia Obliqua Extract, Turmeric Root Extract, Silybum Marianum Fruit Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Cordyceps Sinensis Extract, Mushroom Extract, Trehalose, Ginger Root Extract, Sunflower Seed Oil, Algae Extract, Cucumber Fruit Extract, Polysorbate 20, Gellidiela Acerosa (Algae) Extract, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Yeast Extract\Faex\Extrait De Levure, Cetrimonium Chloride, Citric Acid, Cellulose, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Phytate, Phenoxyethanol *Organic Essential Oils: Organic Orange Oil, Organic Mandarin Oil, Organic Patchouli Oil, Organic Geranium Oil, Organic Lavender Oil**
Tarte Micellar Magic Makeup Remover – $18
Performance Rating: Not Yet Rated
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Processed Fragrance: None
The description of this product reads, “This micellar water is a gentle, no-rinse facial cleanser that removes waterproof & longwear makeup, excess oil & impurities without stripping your skin’s natural moisture. Powerful enough to remove longwear & waterproof makeup. Gently cleanses without stripping your skin of moisture. Safe for use on your whole face including eyes & lip. Leaves skin feeling clean, soft & rejuvenated. Formulated with #plantpowered babassu, a moisture-rich ingredient from the rainforest that nourishes, moisturizes & soothes skin.”
I have yet to try this product.
Size: 6.4 oz.
Sephora Rating: 3.4 Stars (177 reviews)
Credo Clean: Unclear
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Unclear
EWG Ingredient Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Polaxamer 184 (4), Phenoxyethanol (4)
Fragrance Ingredients: White mulberry root extract
All Ingredients: Water, Hexylene Glycol, Glycerin, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Poloxamer 184, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Chloride, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Babassu Oil Glycereth-8 Esters, Disodium EDTA, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, White Mulberry Root Extract.
The Outset Gentle Micellar Antioxidant Cleanser – $32
♥ Lisa’s Choice
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Processed Fragrance: None
The description of this product states, “The essential first step to reset and cleanse skin. This antioxidant-rich gel cleanser gently lifts away makeup, excess oil and impurities leaving skin fresh, hydrated and balanced without any harsh sulfates that can dry or strip skin. Purify: This gentle formula easily removes dirt, makeup and impurities without any harsh sulfates or detergents. Skin is left feeling fresh and clean, never dry or tight. Soothe: Enriched with blend of 7 amino acids, this hydrating cleanser helps condition, soothe and boost resilience for a soft and smooth complexion. Refresh: A potent blend of fruit extracts, rich in antioxidants, helps promote brighter, healthier-looking skin while limiting damage caused by environmental stress.”
I really like this product and usually use it any time I am wearing makeup that I am not sure that my regular cream cleanser will easily remove.
I have found it to be very gentle on my face and not to irritate my eyes at all, even when I use it to remove eye makeup.
My face feels nice enough after I use it that I rarely feel the need to use a second cleansing step to remove traces of it.
Although it contains a few potentially problematic ingredients (including potassium hydroxide, sodium benzoate, sodium lactate, phenoxyethanol, and some citrus-based ingredients), I have not found that it is annoying to my face at all.
The fragrance of the product is very light, to the point of being basically non-existent.
I expect that I will buy this product again.
Size: 5 oz.
The Outset Rating: 4.8 Stars (24 reviews)
Credo Clean: Unclear
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Ingredient Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Phenoxyethanol (4), Potassium hydroxide (5), Sodium benzoate (3), Sodium lactate (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: Matricaria flower extract, Orange fruit water, Lemon fruit water, Rosemary leaf extract, Apple fruit extract
All Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Propanediol, Decyl Glucoside, Caprylyl,Capryl Glucoside, Cassia Angustifolia Seed Polysaccharide, Matricaria Flower Extract, Sunflower Extract, Orange Fruit Water, Lemon Fruit Water, Sunflower Seed Oil, Avocado Oil, Grape Seed Oil, Rosemary Leaf Extract, Apple Fruit Extract, Rice Bran Extract, Serine, Alanine, Glycine, Lysine HCl, Threonine, Arginine, Proline, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides Citrate, Heptyl Glucoside, Phenoxyethanol, Dehydroxanthan Gum, Coco-Glucoside, Glyceryl Oleate, Caprylyl Glycol, Glutamic Acid, PCA, Citric Acid, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Tocopherol, Betaine, Potassium Hydroxide, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Lactate, Sodium PCA.
Shopping List
This section lists products that seem that they may have potential and that I am hoping to try in the near future.
Readers are highly encouraged to bring other relevant products that they have tried to my attention so that I can add them to this list.
Acure Brightening Micellar Water – $10
Caudalie Vinoclean Cleansing Micellar Water – $28
Jane Iredale BeautyPrep Face Cleanser – $28
Sephora Triple Action Cleansing Water – $12
Typology 7-Ingredient Micellar Water – $18
Trash Can
Beautycounter Instant Eye Makeup Remover ($25): While Beautycounter insists that this product is safe for sensitive eyes, I found it to be irritating to my eyes and a friend with chemical sensitivities reported the same thing. The “Build Your Own Rating” function on the EWG site gives the product a 3 (yellow), with salicylic acid (3), potassium hydroxide (5), and sodium benzoate (3) cited as problematic. For some reason, EWG revised their rating to give the product EWG Verified status though.
About This Website
The Living Clean in a Dirty World shopping website is designed to provide guidance to those seeking out products that are relatively low in toxicity and that provide generally positive user experiences.
Although the skincare and makeup sections have a particular focus on products appropriate for women who are in their 40’s or beyond, the information provided may be useful for other people as well.
The products are curated by Lisa Petrison, who has been focused on helping people to improve their health by avoiding toxicity since 2008 and who heads the Paradigm Change organization.
Her Living Clean in a Dirty World blog site discusses a variety of topics of relevance to those who are working to pursue a more natural lifestyle with less exposure to harmful toxicity.
Lisa is the author of several books, including A Beginner’s Guide to Mold Avoidance (co-written with Erik Johnson).
She also runs the Paradigm Change website (focusing on issues related to toxic mold illness) and the Mold Avoiders Facebook group (designed for the discussion of all topics of interest to those pursuing the mold avoidance approach described in the “Beginner’s Guide” book).
Lisa was born in August 1964 and has yet to try cosmetic surgery, Botox or other cosmetic treatments requiring interactions with a physician, or beauty products containing retinoids.
In her former life, Lisa worked as a business school professor, as a marketing consultant to a variety of large companies, and as a reporter covering the advertising industry.
She holds a Ph.D. in marketing and social psychology from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University as well as B.S./M.S. degrees from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern.
Lisa would like to extend a special note of appreciation to Ellen Kleiman-Redden for her help in trying out products and discussing issues related to this project.
She also would like to thank the many members of the Mold Avoiders community who have shared suggestions of products to be included here.
A Note From Lisa
Products that I have tried or researched and that I have not found to be acceptable from a toxicity standpoint have been omitted entirely from the discussions on this website.
However, since a goal of this project is to introduce people to a range of options in terms of price and functionality, some products discussed on this site include ingredients that may not be appropriate for everyone.
It’s my hope that all individuals making their way to this site will find at least a few options from each product category that meet all of their own needs and wants from a variety of perspectives.
The vast majority of cosmetics marketers now offer affiliate programs in which Internet content creators may earn commissions if people who are referred to the companies’ sites by clicking on links end up making purchases.
I participate in quite a few individual affiliate programs as well as in the Sovrn/Viglinks program (which automatically converts regular links into revenue-generating links).
Links on this page that may result in affiliate income may include – but are not necessarily limited to – those from the following companies: Acure, Amazon, Caudalie, CeraVe, Credo, Evolve, Drunk Elephant, Jane Iredale, Loli, Origins, Sephora, Target, Tarte, The Outset, and Ulta.
Reader comments about products discussed on this website are very welcome.
Thoughts may be shared either by posting them in the comments section at the bottom of this page or by sending them directly to me at the following email address:
info at paradigmchange dot me
Companies that would like to offer me complimentary products to try out may contact me at this address as well.
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