Ask any make-up addict or skincare buff and they'd be quick to tell you that micellar water is an negotiable in their routines. Used day and night as a first step to pre-cleanse the skin of any dirt and build-up, micellar water has earned a good rep for prepping and priming the skin for whatever follows. And the experts back it, too. In fact, make-up legend and backstage fashion week doyen Pat McGrath hails one particular product as the only cleanser she trusts for her clients. Enter, the Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water.
Sharing her love of the cult classic, McGrath reveals she is so wedded to Bioderma's Sensibio H2O Micellar Water, £13, she rates it as her top £20-or-less pick. 'Bioderma Sensibio H2O is the only cleanser I use backstage and on set because it’s made for the most sensitive skin and yet removes every trace of make-up, even waterproof. I have bottles and bottles of it in my kit and all around the office. I wish they sold it by the litre!,' she explains.
While there are now many (many) iterations of micellar water available on the market from a plethora of brands, Bioderma's is the OG. As the pioneer of micellar water, Bioderma's first-ever offering, the Sensibio H20, transformed our approach to make-up removal and skin cleansing with a new easy, gentle method. So gentle, since its inception in 1991, it is still being used by the pros to quickly clean, prep and prime skin sans irritation in between various looks.
What is Bioderma's Sensibio H2O Micellar Water?
Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water is a cult classic used as a first step in any skincare routine. Formulated with innovative micellar technology (the brand pioneered this too, of course), it uses micelles that comprise of a hydrophilic head that is water soluble and a lipophilic tail that attracts oily materials and is incompatible with water. Together they work in tandem to attract impurities onto any cotton pads laden with the solution.
As well as removing environmental residual like make-up, daily build up or impurities from air pollution, it can also work on impurities of the skin such as sweat and excessive sebum.
Inspired by cellular lipids (the substance that fills the spaces between the cells like mortar or cement), it works in harmony with the skin thanks to a physiological pH of around 5.5, highly purified, pharmaceutical-grade water, and glycerol ester, a fatty acid and biomimetic active ingredient that is very similar to the skin’s composition, which collectively work to respect the skin's balance. This keen focus on respecting the skin barrier and preserving its natural protective hydrolipidic film, means the product was created with sensitive skin in mind. It contains no alcohol or parabens and is hypoallergenic to promote healthy-looking skin.
The iconic product is so popular that Selena Gomez, Drew Barrymore, and Ashley Graham have all shared their adoration of the budget buy, along with 37,729 Amazon shoppers who have praised it with a 4.7 out of 5 star rating.
I've used the Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water for years and always come back to it when I'm on travels or want a thorough cleanse. While it is marketed as a no-rinse cleanser, meaning you could literally wipe your face clean with this and be done with your cleansing routine, I much prefer the double cleansing method and use this as a first step in my skincare routine and then follow up with a classic gel cleanser. That said, on those odd occasions where all I want is to get into bed after a long day, I quickly wipe my face clean with a few swipes of a cotton pad loaded with the solution, and am always surprised by how fresh, clean and plump my skin looks all without that dreaded stripped back feeling. It's no wonder McGrath keeps this in her kit during a hectic fashion week.
Shop: Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water
www.lookfantastic.com
Meet the original micellar water cleanser that works on sensitive skin to rid it of any make-up, dirt and debris all with a quick few swipes. The no-rinse solution makes it perfect for lazy days or when you want to wipe over any missed spots post-cleansing for a thorough clean.
Sameeha Shaikh is Grazia UK's Beauty Writer, working across all categories to bring you insights on the latest trends, industry news and the products you need to know about, viral or not (most probably viral).
