# Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water for oily skin

**Lovi Fit: Average fit for oily skin.**
Oily Skin Fit: Average · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: Excellent.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/garnier/micellar-cleansing-water/for/oily-skin

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for the United Kingdom.

Brand: [Garnier](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/brands/garnier)
Category: [Makeup removers](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/best/makeup-removers)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily skin: shine, enlarged pores, blackheads, and blemishes. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

Works for oily skin; other products fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate cleansing for your oily skin due to Poloxamer 184, which helps lift impurities, while Glycerin provides essential hydration without exacerbating oiliness.
- While it addresses general cleansing needs for oily skin, it lacks specialized ingredients to effectively manage oily shine.
- The product is safe for your oily skin, as it contains no harsh ingredients and includes Glycerin to soothe and maintain skin hydration.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/garnier/micellar-cleansing-water/for/oily-skin): Average (this page)
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/garnier/micellar-cleansing-water/for/dry-skin): Average
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/garnier/micellar-cleansing-water/for/combination-skin): Average
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/garnier/micellar-cleansing-water/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/garnier/micellar-cleansing-water/for/acne-prone-skin): Average
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/garnier/micellar-cleansing-water/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/garnier/micellar-cleansing-water/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/garnier/micellar-cleansing-water/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Average
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/garnier/micellar-cleansing-water/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average

## Key ingredients

Glycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Poloxamer 184

## What the research says

- A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women. ([Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/))
- The emollient V0034CR significantly reduced TEWL compared to vehicle and vehicle plus glycerol, and significantly increased corneometry scores compared to vehicle and vehicle plus petrolatum in healthy volunteers with dry skin, demonstrating combined barrier function improvement from petrolatum and hydration improvement from glycerol. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31532576/))
- Ten days of treatment with a cream containing 20% glycerin significantly increased skin hydration measured by corneometer values in 17 healthy volunteers compared to a placebo cream, but showed no influence on transepidermal water loss or skin sensitivity to an irritating surfactant. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2001](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18498456/))
- Niacinamide/glycerin body moisturizers provided better rapid and prolonged improvement of cosmetic xerosis through functional improvement of stratum corneum barrier function compared to no treatment and conventional moisturizers in female subjects. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22206073/))

## What reviewers say

Based on a very large amount of data, this product is a cult classic for sensitive and acne-prone skin, effectively removing makeup without irritation. Most users find it gentle and non-stripping, though a small number report a sticky residue or breakouts with prolonged use.

- Liked: Gentle on sensitive skin (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Effective makeup removal (often mentioned)
- Liked: Value for money (often mentioned)
- Liked: Non-stripping (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Waterproof makeup (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Breakouts (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Packaging issues (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Sticky residue (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use your micellar water for both AM and PM routines. Start using it daily since your skin is not sensitive.
- Apply the micellar water after cleansing and before toner. Follow up with your regular moisturizer or SPF.
- Pour a small amount onto a cotton pad and gently wipe it across your face. Avoid harsh rubbing to protect your skin.
- Apply the micellar water on dry skin to easily remove excess oil and shine. Clean skin helps the product work better.
- Avoid the sensitive eye area during application. Do a quick patch test before your very first use.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/4c4e1c5d3b1872b61ad8bc720cfc30a6.mp4

## Questions and answers

### How well does Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water work for oily skin?

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water works moderately well for oily skin by lifting dirt and adding hydration without causing extra oiliness or irritation. Because it lacks specialized ingredients to manage oily shine, an oily skin type needs a product formulated with multiple forms of hyaluronic acid, soothing agents like Allantoin and Panthenol, and light, non-comedogenic ingredients for deep hydration and oil control.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### Which ingredients make this cleanser a good fit for oily skin?

Glycerin helps lift impurities and provides essential hydration without adding excess oil, while Poloxamer 184 cleanses the skin safely. Because this cleanser lacks specialized ingredients to manage oily shine, an oily skin type needs lightweight, non-comedogenic ingredients, hyaluronic acid for deep hydration, and soothing agents like allantoin and panthenol to control oil and support skin health without clogging pores.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### What does Glycerin do for oily skin?

Glycerin helps keep oily skin hydrated without feeling heavy and supports the skin barrier. Because this product is a weak fit for your skin, an ideal product of this type needs lightweight hydrators and ingredients that balance oil while protecting the skin.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18510666/), [International Journal of Toxicology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31840548/)

### What does Water do for oily skin?

Water helps keep oily skin hydrated without adding grease or clogging pores. Keeping oily skin properly hydrated may also help balance oil production and reduce unwanted shine.

### Where does this cleanser go in a skincare routine for oily skin?

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water goes as your morning cleanser and your evening makeup remover, and it leaves your oily skin hydrated without feeling greasy. Oily skin works best with cleansers that also include specialized ingredients to control excess shine.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### Can I use this cleanser with retinol, and in what order?

You can use this cleanser before applying retinol, as it gently lifts impurities and keeps skin hydrated without harsh ingredients. Oily skin using retinol also benefits from specialized ingredients to manage shine and barrier-supporting ceramides to maintain comfort.
Sources: [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37276158/)

### How often should I use this cleanser?

You can use this cleanser daily to gently lift impurities while keeping your skin hydrated, but oily skin of this type needs specialized ingredients to effectively manage shine.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### Can this cleanser clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily skin?

This cleanser is unlikely to cause breakouts for oily skin, as reviews show low complaints of breakouts and the formula contains no harsh ingredients. However, because it lacks specialized ingredients to manage oily shine, an oily skin routine needs ingredients that help control excess oil and clear pores.

### Is this cleanser fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

## Alternatives for oily skin

- [Pyunkang Yul Low pH Cleansing Water](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/pyunkang-yul/low-ph-cleansing-water/for/oily-skin) — High fit — £9.00 at Amazon
- [Torriden DIVE IN Cleansing Water](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/torriden/dive-in-cleansing-water/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — £17.20 at Notino

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — £8.29 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [SOME BY MI Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/some-by-mi/snail-truecica-miracle-repair-toner/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — £13.98 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — £14.80 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.co.uk: £6.50 (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01M6UUOY2?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- Notino: £3.30 (https://www.notino.co.uk/garnier/skin-cleansing-micellar-lotion-for-sensitive-skin/p-420174/)
- Lookfantastic: £3.49 (https://www.lookfantastic.com/p/garnier-micellar-water-facial-cleanser-for-sensitive-skin-100ml/11836595/)
Prices checked 17 Oct – 30 Oct 2026.

## Ingredients

Water, Hexylene Glycol, Glycerin, Bht, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Disodium Edta, Myrtrimonium Bromide, Poloxamer 184
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/garnier/micellar-cleansing-water/for/oily-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/garnier/micellar-cleansing-water/for/oily-skin (this page)
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/garnier/micellar-cleansing-water/for/oily-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/garnier/micellar-cleansing-water/for/oily-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/garnier/micellar-cleansing-water/for/oily-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/garnier/micellar-cleansing-water/for/oily-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/garnier/micellar-cleansing-water/for/oily-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/garnier/micellar-cleansing-water/for/oily-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/garnier/micellar-cleansing-water/for/oily-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/garnier/micellar-cleansing-water/for/oily-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/garnier/micellar-cleansing-water/for/oily-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/garnier/micellar-cleansing-water/for/oily-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/garnier/micellar-cleansing-water/for/oily-skin