Garnier Micellar cleansing water became a rage as soon as they were launched in Indian market (after decades of their presence internationally). But at the same time, many people complained of these causing breakouts, having imperfect pH balance and ultimately declared unsafe for the skin. I too got a bottle (went with the wind) and when the controversy was brought to my notice, I stopped their use immediately. But then I decided to not just make up my mind without trying out for myself. Now I’ve been using the micellar water for over a month. Keep reading to find out whether Garnier Micellar cleansing water is really that bad?

There are 2 variants available at the moment:

1. Garnier Micellar cleansing water – for normal everyday makeup
2. Garnier Micellar cleansing water Oil infused – for waterproof makeup (which I got)

Price: Rs.225 for 125ml & Rs.399 for 400ml.

Availability: These are easily available online (Nykaa, Amazon, etc) and in supermarkets as well.

The micellar water is bi-phased, with a layer of oil on the top, which needs to be shaken before applied. It smells heavily of sweet-sour candy which is quite overpowering for me. It removes face makeup easily but needs multiple swipes to remove the waterproof lipstick or mascara.

Also, though the packaging says ‘No Rinse’ formula, I say otherwise. A second cleanse is always must post makeup removal. This ensures no residue is left and the skin is squeaky clean.

I studied the ingredients one by one and here is what I found:

Aqua / Water

Cyclopentasiloxane: a silicone derivative. This chemical does not nourish or exfoliate skin the way vitamin A or vitamin E would do. Instead, the silicone often acts as a waterproofing agent, lubricates the skin, and offers a temporary shine. Cyclopentasiloxane may also have skin healing properties, because of its ability to create a protective layer, though these effects are yet to be fully verified. (1)

Isohexadecane: a solvent and skin conditioning agent

Argania Spinosa Oil / Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil:  skin conditioner (occlusive)

Benzyl Alcohol: preservative, solvent, ph adjuster

Benzyl Salicylate: fragrance

Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane: it is a sunscreen ingredient, absorbs UV rays and converts them to heat 🚫

CI 60725 / Violet 2: colour pigment

Decyl Glucoside: cleansing agents

Dipotassium Phosphate: pH adjuster

Disodium Edta: enhances cleaning even in hard water, also prevents product built up

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate: protects product from UV rays

Ethylhexyl Salicylate: sunscreen agent (again!)🚫

Geraniol: fragrance 🚫

Haematococcus Pluvialis / Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract: algae extract, antioxidant, fights aging

Hexylene Glycol: solvent, viscosity controller

Limonene, Linalool: fragrance, solvent 🚫

Pentaerythrityl Tetra-DI-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate: stabilizer, antioxidant

Polyaminopropyl Biguanide: preservative but not considered safe 🚫 (2)

Potassium Phosphate: buffering agent

Sodium Chloride: polishing agent, increase the thickness of the aqueous (water) portion of cosmetics

Parfum / Fragrance 🚫

Ingredients which I found objectionable are marked with a 🚫.

My verdict on Garnier Micellar cleansing water:

Whether you wear makeup or not, you should definitely use a makeup remover at the end of the day. Not only it will remove all makeup/grime from your face, it will also allow the skin to breathe during night time and prevent pores from being clogged. Coming to Garnier Micellar cleansing water, I personally didn’t find any comedogenic ingredients hence this is definitely suitable for acne-prone skin. What concerned me was that the brand claims this to be a ‘no rinse off’ product but it has sunscreen ingredients and I don’t want them on my skin especially during night time! Also, the one swipe cleaning claim is BULLSHIT. 🤯 You definitely need multiple swipes and a bit of rubbing to get rid off the stubborn mascara and the kajal. (which I don’t prefer on a daily basis, hence my love for cleansing balms).

All in all, this is a safe product to use guys. There aren’t any comedogenic ingredients to break you out or high pH to rip off the acid mantle (protective barrier of your skin) but do use a facewash post this. Garnier Micellar cleansing water can be a good option for beginners (who don’t use much makeup) and during traveling.

Update: Then what is causing the breakout? Many people react to fragrance related ingredients. Also, if you are allergic to any of the ingredients above, this might cause a reaction to you as well. As far as I am concerned, I didn’t face any breakout or reaction on my super sensitive skin

Will I repurchase? No. Not because it is a bad product but because of the fact that I am deeply in love with my cleansing balms and cleansing oils.

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Sources: (1) (2)

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