micellar water

American  

[mahy-sel-er waw-ter, wot-er] / ˌmaɪˈsɛl ər ˌwɔ tər, ˌwɒt ər /

noun

1. a liquid skin cleanser made up of tiny particles, or micelles, of mild soap or detergent dispersed in purified water, usually with the addition of moisturizers, vitamins, etc..

   Many people use micellar water daily to remove makeup and dirt without stripping the natural oils from their skin.

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Etymology

Origin of micellar water

First recorded in 1900–05, for an earlier sense; 2010–15, for the current sense

Example Sentences

"Double cleansing involves removing makeup first using an oil-based cleanser or micellar water, and then I cleanse again to clean deeper in the pores."

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2023

Dear Heloise: I've seen micellar water in the cleanser aisle at the drugstore.

From Washington Post • Jun. 14, 2019

The soft flannel side gently removes dirt and makeup with some micellar water and the textured terry side works well for more thorough exfoliation.

From Slate • Jan. 31, 2019

At night, I use the same products, but first I take off my makeup with Bioderma Sensibio micellar water.

From New York Times • Dec. 10, 2018