Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

Another NEW skincare product that's hit the shelves. First thing I noticed is the 'micellar' word that is popular with Biodermas' Sensibio H20 Micelle Solution. So how does a non French skincare brand stack up?

Packaging:

Clear, slim plastic bottle. The sturdy baby pink cap matches the pink writing. I do feel that the hinge on the cap is a little thin, that if it's opened with force it'll break off. The opening of the small but the liquid doesn't run out and I have control of how much I want.

The packaging is simple and clean matching the major benefit of the product. I find it to be very durable with the plastic having a little give when it's squeezed. I am also a fan of being able to see how much product is left, though this is easy determined from the weight.

Smell:

None. It is perfume free but that doesn't necessary fragrance free. 

Colour:

Clear.

Formula/ Texture:

This is a thin, lightweight liquid. It is easily absorbed into the skin. The micelles in the formula micro-emulsify impurities with no irritation to the skin or eyes. It also contains soothing ingredients as it's formulated for sensitive skin and is hypoallergenic.

Let me explain a little bit about what micelles are, as I had never heard of it before and had no idea what it was I wanted to know what results are to come from this so I can see this when I use it compared to what the packaging is claiming. Micelles are molecules that are formed in high concentration in water. Each molecule is made up of two parts; the inside of oil and outside of water. Know you may be aware that water and oil repel each other so a micelle molecule is able to be formed the water 'head' sticking outside with the water 'tail' inside. This is the basic formulation for most soapy detergents as when the molecule is split open the oil is released and able to do its work in breaking down grease and oil. However, micelles are different in that they are spherical clusters.

I have combination skin and have had no breakouts, irritations, sensitivity from this. Nor did it tug or pull at my skin or leave any sort of film on my skin. My skin isn't left feeling tight after use and if anything it feels slightly cooling with soft skin.

So one main use of a micelle solution is as a makeup remover and that's specifically brought it for; as my main makeup remover step. I use the Swippers large cotton pad rounds pictured, going over my T-zone, each cheek and then repeat the and it complete removes all my makeup including eye makeup. It is easy, fuss free and very gentle to use.

One thing I did notice was that the solution dribbled out and down the side of the bottle instead of dropping out. This was the first couple of uses. I'm thinking because the bottle is so full, the product just comes out without much force. So I hold the cotton pad directly over the opening and tip the bottle upside down to avoid this. Even before using it, I noticed that the liquid bubbles easy.

If I have a lot of eye makeup on, especially a difficult to remove mascara I always go in after with a specific makeup eye remover to give this sensitive area some extra gentle care. Just to be sure I use my normal face cleanser for a deep down clean with my Clarisonic. This result I am very happy and impressed with.

Another use for a micelle solution is as a cleanser. So in the same manner as removing makeup, this is gentle and effective. The non rinse formula allows for this to be perfect for any situation especially travel. This is a non rinse cleanser which was a little weird at first but after using Bioderma I am used to it. I was really expecting it to leave a film of some kind and not work for me. but it didn't!!



The first thing that caught my eye about this is the similarity of the packaging with Bioderma Sensibio H20 Micellaire solution. Maybe that's a marketing ploy for consumers to try it out and automatically compare it to this when maybe they would hesitate? For a comparison of the two check out this post.

Available:

From Priceline, pharmacies and discount department stores for $12 for 400ml.