Micellar water lifts impurities from your pores like a magnet — here's how it works, plus a guide to the best ones

Bioderma is a classic standard bearer for micellar water. It's on the shortlist of must-have products from French pharmacies, and the company claims a bottle is sold somewhere in the world every two seconds. It's a favorite of models, makeup artists, and the general public. It's also one of the bestsellers in all of skincare on Amazon.

Garnier's cost-effective micellar water is a fan-favorite for its low price, efficacy on "waterproof" makeup, and suitability for multiple skin types.

Noted as one of Insider Reviews editor Sally Kaplan's favorite cleansers, the Simple micellar water is "kind to skin" — meaning it's gentle, non-irritating, and doesn't try to reinvent the wheel. The Simple micellar water also claims to boost skin's hydration by 90%. If you have sensitive skin, this might be the best place to start.

This cleansing water is Tokyo-based Koh Gen Do's most popular product. It's infused with mineral-rich hot spring water and six essential herbs to protect and nurture skin. White birch sap, harvested only three weeks each spring, adds minerals and xylitol as it effectively removes makeup, oils, and residue.

Another mainstay of French pharmacy must-haves is La Roche Posay. The micellar water should remove 99% of long-wearing foundation and doesn't require rinsing. The cleanser included (Poloxamer) is so mild it's used in contact lens solution. Glycerin and thermal spring water soothes skin and hydrates with antioxidants.

One of the earliest to enter the micellar water game, Dior's No-Rinse Micellar Milk is a fan-favorite for good reason. The cleanser combines the cleansing power of oil micelles with the nourishing properties of rice milk. If you're concerned about your eco-footprint, it's also an added incentive that the House of Dior works to prioritize eco-friendly practices. Cartons are printed with mostly natural inks and produced with sustainable forest management methods.

Dr. Jart products seem to become fan-favorites among the general populace (and Reddit) more consistently than most. This micellar water is made with 85% hydrogen mineral water instead of refined water, promises to brighten skin, and is made with 90% natural ingredients.

Son & Park is a beauty company that gets well-deserved notice in the K-beauty moment. Created by Korean celebrity makeup artists, the label consistently delivers.

The micellar water is among the best-sellers on Sephora and has been called a Holy Grail pH balancer. Lavender water, rosewater, and orange fruit extract hydrate the skin, while willow bark and papaya extract sweep away dead skin cells to reveal a brighter skin tone and smoother texture.

Another Francophile favorite, Eau Thermale Avène's micellar water benefits from the fundamental simplicity the company has guarded for its 270 years of skincare expertise. Its core ingredient, Avène Thermal Spring Water, soothes and helps minimize skin sensitivity. If you want a gentle, elevated option for micellar water, this should be where you start.

Another bargain buy with a large fan following, L'Oreal Paris' micellar water is gentle, effective, and comes in three variations: all skin types, normal/dry skin, and normal/oily skin. If you want to try micellar water but are worried that your oily skin type will negate its benefits, this versatility could make L'Oreal Paris' version particularly useful to you.