Garnier Micellar Water SkinActive Review: Gentle Cleanser with 93/100 Yuka Score

December 21, 2025in Cleansersby Safe Cosmetics
Garnier Micellar Water SkinActive Review: Gentle Cleanser with 93/100 Yuka Score

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Yuka Rating

93/100

Excellent

Product

Micellar Water All-in-1

Garnier SkinActive

When it comes to removing makeup and thoroughly cleansing your face, finding a product that is gentle yet effective can be a challenge. Garnier SkinActive Micellar Water All-in-1 has become a benchmark in the skincare world, appreciated for its gentle formula and ability to remove 100% of makeup without irritating the skin. With an excellent Yuka score of 93/100, this micellar water offers peace of mind to those seeking safe and quality products.

In this in-depth review, we'll analyze what makes this product so special, examine its ingredient list according to Yuka, and help you understand if it's the right choice for your skincare routine.

What is Micellar Water and How Does It Work

Micellar water is a cleansing solution based on micelles, tiny spheres of surfactants that act like magnets for dirt, sebum, and makeup. These micelles are suspended in water and, when applied to the skin, capture impurities without the need for rinsing.

Unlike traditional makeup removers that may contain alcohol or harsh ingredients, micellar water is formulated to be gentle on the skin while maintaining high cleansing effectiveness. This makes it particularly suitable for those with sensitive or reactive skin.

The Garnier SkinActive formula combines micellar technology with glycerin, creating a product that not only cleanses but hydrates the skin for 12 hours, leaving it soft and comfortable.

Yuka Score Analysis: 93/100 (Excellent)

The Yuka app has given this product a score of 93/100, classifying it in the "Excellent" category. This is one of the highest scores you can find in the facial cleansing market.

The high score reflects several positive factors:

  • Safe ingredients: Most ingredients are classified as "Risk-free"
  • Only one low-risk ingredient: Only Disodium EDTA is classified as "Low risk"
  • No high-risk ingredients: The formula completely avoids problematic substances
  • Simple and effective formula: Few well-selected ingredients to maximize safety and results

Complete Ingredient Analysis

Let's look in detail at what this product contains and how Yuka rates each ingredient:

Ingredients Classified "Risk-free" (Green)

Water - The base of the product, completely safe and necessary for micelle formulation.

Hexylene Glycol - A solvent and humectant that helps maintain product consistency and contributes to skin hydration. Completely safe for cosmetic use.

Glycerin - A powerful natural humectant that attracts moisture to the skin. It's responsible for the hydrating effect that lasts 12 hours. Glycerin is one of the safest and most beneficial ingredients in skincare.

Poloxamer 184 - A gentle surfactant that forms the micelles. It's much gentler than traditional surfactants like sulfates, making it ideal for sensitive skin.

Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate - A surfactant derived from coconut oil, known for being extremely gentle. Often used in baby products and for sensitive skin.

Myrtrimonium Bromide - A gentle preservative and conditioner that helps keep the product stable over time.

Ingredient Classified "Low Risk" (Yellow)

Disodium EDTA - This is the only ingredient that received a "Low risk" classification. EDTA is a chelating agent that helps stabilize the formula by binding metals present in water.

According to Yuka, Disodium EDTA can potentially enhance the penetration of other substances through the skin barrier. However, it's important to note that:

  • EDTA derivatives have difficulty penetrating the skin barrier on their own
  • They don't cause systemic toxicity through topical application
  • It's present in very low concentrations in the product
  • It's a common and approved cosmetic ingredient

How to Use: Step-by-Step Guide

To get the best results from Garnier SkinActive Micellar Water, follow these steps:

  1. Soak a cotton pad with plenty of micellar water
  2. Place the pad on the area to be cleansed for a few seconds (this allows the micelles to dissolve the makeup)
  3. Gently wipe the pad across your face without rubbing
  4. Repeat with a new pad until it comes away clean
  5. No rinsing required, but you can rinse if you prefer

Tip: For waterproof eye makeup, hold the pad pressed for 10-15 seconds before gently wiping. The micelles will have more time to dissolve resistant makeup.

Who Is This Micellar Water For

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Water is particularly suitable for:

  • Sensitive skin: The gentle formula doesn't irritate or cause redness
  • Contact lens wearers: Safe for use around the eyes
  • Those seeking convenience: One product to remove makeup from face, eyes, and lips
  • All skin types: Balanced formula suitable for dry, combination, and oily skin
  • Frequent travelers: No rinsing required, perfect for travel

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Excellent Yuka score (93/100)
  • Removes 100% of makeup
  • Hydrates for 12 hours
  • No rinsing required
  • Excellent value for money
  • Large size (400ml) is economical
  • Suitable for sensitive skin

Cons

  • May not completely remove very resistant makeup on first pass
  • Requires cotton pads (material consumption)

Comparison with Other Makeup Removers

Compared to other makeup removers on the market, Garnier Micellar Water stands out for:

Vs. Oil-based removers: Less residue on skin, doesn't feel greasy, and doesn't require mandatory rinsing.

Vs. Cleansing milk: Lighter, absorbs better, and doesn't leave a film sensation.

Vs. Makeup wipes: Gentler on skin (wipes require rubbing), more eco-friendly in the long term.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth Buying?

With a Yuka score of 93/100, Garnier SkinActive Micellar Water All-in-1 is one of the safest and most reliable products in its category. The combination of effectiveness in makeup removal, gentle formula, and affordable price makes it an excellent choice for anyone.

The fact that almost all ingredients are classified as "Risk-free" by Yuka, with only one "Low risk" ingredient in minimal concentration, demonstrates Garnier's attention to formulating safe products.

Our Rating: 9/10

We recommend Garnier SkinActive Micellar Water to anyone looking for an effective, gentle, and safe makeup remover. It's particularly suitable for those with sensitive skin, those seeking a practical product for their daily routine, and those who want to be sure they're using cosmetics with an excellent safety profile.

The 400ml format offers excellent value for money and lasts several months with daily use.