Women washing her face with a cleanser Women washing her face with a cleanser

Micellar Water vs. Toners and Cleansers – Which One Should You Be Using?

Learn how toners, cleansers, and micellar water differ to choose the best one for your skin's needs.

What is a Toner?

A toner is a water-based skin-care product that cleanses and refreshes the skin. It preps the skin for subsequent products like serums and moisturizers, acting much like a primer in a makeup routine.

Women wiping her face with a skincare toner

Pros of a Toner


- Refreshes skin without stripping it of its natural moisture
- Gentle enough for most skin types
- Prepares skin to drink up post-cleansing moisturizer

Cons of a Toner


- Toners can contain alcohol, which might affect those with sensitive skin
- If used too regularly, it can cause skin irritation, dryness, and redness

So, what’s the verdict on toners? Everyone’s skin is different, but a toner could be the source of what is irritating your skin every now and then after you cleanse.

What is a Cleanser?

Getting rid of impurities on your face is definitely something you should be practicing regularly to keep your skin looking and feeling as healthy as possible.

Pros of a Cleanser


- Clears any buildup like makeup, sunscreen, oil, and impurities for healthier and smoother skin
- By sweeping away dead surface skin cells, it ensures more radiant-looking skin
- Cleansers are available for a variety of skin types

Cons of a Cleanser


- Some facial cleansers can be too harsh or stripping, which can break down your skin’s natural protective barrier
- Can be too drying on skin
- Contains more surfactants, require rinsing, and can strip natural oils

Women putting a cleanser on her face
Cleansers should definitely be a part of your daily skincare routine. Just make sure you find one that’s not too harsh or drying on your skin.

Micellar Water: A 4-in-1 Skin Care Must-Have

Micellar water has become a popular skincare product, praised for its versatility and no-rinse formula. However, questions remain about its exact role in a skincare routine. Is it a toner? A cleanser? Or something else entirely? Let's explore the benefits and uses of micellar water to understand its place in your skincare regimen.

Both! It’s also a makeup remover, and so much more. In fact, Garnier micellar cleansing waters address individual skincare needs with powerful ingredients like salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C.

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water Collection

Pros of Micellar Water


- You can use micellar water as a cleanser, makeup remover, and toner
- It’s gentle on skin and can replace makeup removers that require harsh rubbing
- Micellar water can also act as a skin refresher

Cons of Micellar Water


- You won't be reaching for single-function products in your skincare routine anymore

To apply micellar water while being environmentally conscious, opt for reusable eco-pads instead of disposable applicators. This helps reduce waste and is a more sustainable choice.

Find Your Micellar Water Quiz

Micellar Water Finder Quiz

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