How to Use Micellar Water

Source: The Neat and Tidy Man

Men’s grooming made simple: use micellar water for clean skin, facial hair, and scalp—any time, any place.

I discovered micellar water a few years ago when a dermatologist prescribed tretinoin for my broken capillaries. Before applying at night, I needed to cleanse my face. Firstly, my skin is at its most sensitive in the evening, which cleansing only exacerbates. Secondly, I was either too tired or too lazy for soap and water after a hard day at work.

Especially if it involved washing at the sink. Having to mop up water that’s run off my elbows and onto the floor is the last thing I need before going to bed.

To avoid this, I tried rinsing with a washcloth rather than my hands, but suspected it wasn’t doing the job properly.

As for showering—that’s for the morning. I find it too energizing for my bedtime routine.

Then one day while researching for a skincare article, I came across micellar water. Although marketed for women as a makeup remover, I saw no reason why men shouldn’t use it.

What Is Micellar Water?

Containing surfactants in the form of what are known as micelles, micellar water is technically a detergent.

Micelles are molecules that have a water-attracted (hydrophilic) head and an oil-attracted (lipophilic) tail. The tail absorbs impurities found in dirt, sweat, and cosmetics, while the head allows them to be rinsed away by the main ingredient, which is water.

The word “harsh” springs to mind when we think of detergents, but these surfactants are extremely mild and often plant-based.

Many formulas also include humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid that draw moisture into the skin, or salicylic acid for a peeling effect—great for oily and acne-prone skin.

In fact, there’s a product for every skin type.

Because micellar water preserves the skin’s natural barrier, it’s particularly beneficial for dry and sensitive types.

You’ll also find micellar gels, but more on that later.

Why Should Men Use Micellar Water?

Micellar water simplifies the cleansing process more than any other cleanser—especially because most are no-rinse, which saves time and resources.

For me, it means no excuses for not cleansing before going to bed. Applied to a cotton pad, it takes only a few swipes to prepare my face for its nighttime skincare.

It can be done at any time, anywhere. Even during travel when no sink or shower is available.

Having said that, rinsing may still be a good idea for reactive skin, even if the product is alcohol- and fragrance-free.

When to Use Micellar Water

Cleanse thoroughly once daily with a face and body wash, and use micellar water the rest of the time, even if it’s a few times a day.

This routine will keep your face pore-deep clean without stripping.

In the Morning

If you shower at night, you might use micellar water in the morning before and after shaving. Once to prepare the skin, and again to remove debris like loose whiskers and lubricant that a splash of water won’t always catch.

Thanks to this clarifying effect, it’s viable as an ersatz toner and aftershave.

I use it a couple of times a week after shaving to prepare my skin for a chemical exfoliant or clay mask before showering.

During the Day

It’s also useful after a sweaty session at the gym if there’s no time to shower. Dissolving sweat salts, it leaves you looking and feeling fresh again.

Or use it to clean up before a date or appointment directly after work. This can be especially helpful for oily skin.

In the Evening

Most men don’t wear makeup, so there’s no need for an elaborate cleansing routine before bed.

If you’re like me and don’t shower at night, micellar water is sufficient to remove surface grime and pollution from the day, allowing the skin to regenerate and process facial care products more readily during sleep.

This is why nighttime cleansing keeps the skin looking healthier and more youthful.

Does Micellar Water Remove Long-Wear and Water-Resistant Cosmetics?

Regular micellar waters and gels are not ideal for removing long-wear and water-resistant cosmetics. These include waterproof sunscreens, film-forming perfecting balms (primers), lash and brow gel, and some tinted moisturizers.

In this case, you’ll need a specially formulated product.

Combining water and oil, dual-phase micellar waters work best. You’ll need to shake well before use.

By the way, most regular micellar waters are sufficient to break down and remove non-waterproof sunscreens.

Double Cleansing with Micellar Water

Double cleansing is a two-step process. You can use a micellar product first, followed by a face and body wash.

This isn’t necessary after a day at the office. But it could be if you’re in a job where grime is unavoidable. Rather than water, I’d recommend micellar gel, which remains on the skin for longer, thus breaking down dirt more efficiently.

Is Micellar Water Good for Facial Hair?

For strong facial hair, you should wash it no more than a couple of times a week. So how do you keep it presentable at all times?

To rid my mustache of dead skin cells and other particles, I go over it in the morning with a boar bristle brush before showering. In the evening, I cleanse it with micellar water and then apply oil.

This prevents product buildup caused by balms and waxes, keeping it sufficiently clean between shampoos.

If you wear a tinted brow gel to make a mustache or beard appear thicker or to disguise grays, you’ll need a dual-phase micellar water.

Micellar Water for Bald Men

Generally, I treat my dome as an extension of my face. In other words, I use the same cleanser from neck to scalp.

But I’m bald due to male pattern baldness.

If you shave, you may want to try a micellar water with salicylic acid. Its mild exfoliating properties can help prevent ingrown hairs.

Source: The Neat and Tidy Man

How to Use Micellar Water

I use micellar water and gel as most manufacturers recommend.

Micellar Water:

1. Apply to a cotton pad.
2. Swipe gently over the face and neck. If you’re bald, include your scalp. For thick beards and mustaches, use a separate cotton pad that’s sufficiently saturated to reach the underlying skin.
3. Repeat to make sure all surface grime has been removed.
4. Rinse only if your skin is reactive or sensitive.
5. Follow with a serum or moisturizer while the skin is still damp. This helps active ingredients absorb more effectively.

Micellar Gel:

In principle, this works in the same way. But instead of applying to a cotton pad, massage it directly into your skin and facial hair with your fingers.

Variations:

Some micellar waters come in a spray bottle. This means you could mist your face and then wipe it off, but applying to a cotton pad is less wasteful.

Instead of cotton pads, you could use a microfiber washcloth. However, I find this too bulky for crevices like the inner eye corners and around the nostrils. Disposable cotton pads are more practical.

---

For men who want clean skin without the fuss, micellar water is the most convenient cleanser there is.

© 2025 J. Richardson