Less is more not just translated to the fashion style of French but also in their skincare. When you look at their beauty cabinets, there's a big chance that you might spot micellar cleansing water.

It is safe to say that the French started this beauty game-changer, all thanks to Jean-Noël Thorel, the founder of Bioderma.

In 2013, the company introduced micellar water in French pharmacy skincare. Since then, it became a massive hit to the market--from the dermatologist, beauty experts, makeup artists, and even considered as celebrity and supermodel skin secrets.

Now, as its popularity rises, more companies are offering this multipurpose skincare product. Varying from drugstore to high-end brands, micellar water has become a staple in most women's skincare routine.

Beauty brands such as Lancôme, Garnier, La Roche-Posay, Drunk Elephant, and Borghese have jumped to the micellar water trend.

What is Micellar Water?

Pronounced as "my-sell-er," it contains micelles or tiny balls of cleansing oil molecules that are suspended in soft water.

Moreover, it is also made up of purified water and moisturizers such as glycerin and mild surfactants that are the main ingredients used for cleansers.

As mentioned above, micellar water is a multipurpose skincare product as it can be used as a makeup remover, facial wash, and even moisturizer rolled into one.

"It looks like water, it has the viscosity of water, but when you put it on your finger and feel, it has a different texture than water," cosmetic dermatology and cosmetic laser surgery skin care physician Tabasum Mir explained to Huffpost.com.

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Micellar Cleansing Water Benefits

Using micellar cleansing water offers a highly effective means to remove makeup, dirt, and oil, but it can also help clear out pesky gunk found in the pores while toning the skin.

Another benefit of this is skin hydration through its moisturizing property, known as glycerin, ideal for acne-prone skin.

As cited by Healthline.com, one study showed that applying glycerin to irritated skin displayed positive results in "restoring skin hydration and enhancing the skin's natural barrier function."

Since it is suited for sensitive skin, it reduces irritation and inflammation while keeping the face smooth, soft, and supple.

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Micellar Cleansing Water Vs. Toner

Although they may feel and look the same with their lightweight formula, micellar cleansing water and toners have different purposes.

Toners are used to rebalance the skin's pH and prep skin before applying moisturizer, while micellar water's primary goal is to remove dirt and makeup.

However, Murat Evin, Creative Director at The London School of Make-up, vowed to improve its functionality. He explained to Dermstore.com that micellar water has active components that can cleanse the skin "without the oil-stripping ingredients often found in toners."

Top Micellar Cleansing Water Brands

In a previous report cited by Allure, the publication made a list of top micellar waters recommended by dermatologists.

Of course, there's no denying that Bioderma is the number one brand as it started the micellar water trend. Also included in the list is Clinique's All-in-One Cleansing Micellar Milk and Makeup Remover.

Drunk Elephant's E-Rase Milki Micellar Water was recommended by board-certified dermatologist Deanne Mraz Robinson, while Allure's contributing editor Marci Robin swear by Talika Skintelligence's Hydra Face Micellar Solution.

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