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Cleansing Micellar Foaming Water

Cleansing Micellar Foaming Water

Product Description

Product overview

Made in France FRENCH BEAUTY

A gentle foaming micellar cleanser that purifies and removes makeup while respecting the skin's natural pH balance. Formulated with La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water and glycerin to soothe and hydrate sensitive skin during cleansing.

Dermatologist Tested Ophthalmologist Tested Non-Comedogenic Alcohol-Free Paraben-Free Soap-Free Physiological pH
Pregnancy
Yes
Fungal Acne
No
Comedogenic
1/5
Size
150ml
Type
Foaming Cleanser
Target
Sensitive Skin
pH Level
Physiological
Derm Tested
Yes
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Micellar Technology

Dirt-encapsulating micelles attract and lift away impurities, oil, and makeup without harsh rubbing or stripping.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Light Foam
Scent
Light Fresh
Absorption
Rinse-Off
Finish
Clean, Soft

Micellar Technology

Dirt-encapsulating micelles attract and lift away impurities, oil, and makeup without harsh rubbing or stripping.

Thermal Spring Water

Selenium-rich La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water provides antioxidant and soothing benefits during cleansing.

Gentle Surfactants

Uses Poloxamer, a mild cleansing agent found in contact lens solutions, for ultra-gentle cleansing action.

Hydrating Formula

Glycerin maintains skin's moisture levels while cleansing, preventing that tight, dry feeling after washing.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Free from retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, and chemical sunscreens. Safe for use during pregnancy and nursing.

Not Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Safe

Contains PEG-30 Glyceryl Cocoate and PEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate which may feed Malassezia yeast.

Low Comedogenic Rating

Non-comedogenic formula tested not to clog pores. Rating: 1/5 - very low risk of causing breakouts.

Ophthalmologist Tested

Safe for use around the eye area. However, avoid direct contact with eyes during cleansing.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring WaterKey Ingredient

Selenium-rich thermal water sourced from La Roche-Posay, France, with scientifically demonstrated soothing and antioxidant properties. Used since 1905 in Europe's leading thermal dermatology center.

  • Selenium Content: Natural antioxidant that protects skin from oxidative stress
  • Mineral Rich: Contains trace elements beneficial for sensitive skin
Core ingredient used across La Roche-Posay's dermatological formulations for over 100 years.

Glycerin ~3-5%Proven

A powerful humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin. Studies show it's more effective than hyaluronic acid at skin hydration. Derived from vegetable sources.

  • Research: 2016 study found glycerin superior to AHAs and HA as a humectant
  • Function: Absorbs water from environment and delivers it to skin's deeper layers

Poloxamer 184Gentle Surfactant

A synthetic polymer used as a mild cleansing agent. So gentle it's commonly used in contact lens cleaning solutions. Forms micelles that trap oil and dirt for easy removal.

  • Mildness: Used in ophthalmic products due to excellent tolerability
  • Micellar Action: Creates micelles with oil-loving cores to encapsulate impurities

Coco-BetaineGentle Cleanser

A mild, coconut-derived surfactant with amphoteric structure. Creates a gentle foam while effectively removing dirt and oil. Often used in baby products and sensitive skin formulas.

  • Source: Natural coconut derivative
  • Properties: Excellent foaming ability with low irritation potential

16 ingredients

Aqua/Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Glycerin, PEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, PEG-30 Glyceryl Cocoate, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Chloride, Coco-Betaine, Poloxamer 184, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum/Fragrance

FREE FROM: Parabens, Alcohol, Soap, Colorants, Silicones, Mineral Oil, SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate)
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
This Product
2
Toner
3
Serum
4
Moisturizer
5
Sunscreen (AM)

Use as the first step of your AM and PM routine. Can be used alone for light cleansing or as part of a double-cleanse routine.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Wet Your Face

Dampen your face with lukewarm water. The product needs moisture to activate the foaming action.

2

Dispense Foam

Pump 2-3 pumps of foam into your hands. Do not shake the bottle before use.

3

Massage Gently

Apply foam to your face and massage with fingertips in gentle circular movements. Avoid the eye area.

4

Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse with plenty of warm water until all product is removed. Pat dry with a clean towel.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You have sensitive or reactive skin
  • You prefer a rinse-off cleanser with a foam texture
  • You want a gentle daily cleanser
  • You're pregnant or breastfeeding
  • You have normal to combination skin
  • You need an ophthalmologist-tested face wash

Consider alternatives if:

  • You have fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis)
  • You need heavy makeup removal (use oil cleanser first)
  • You prefer fragrance-free products
  • You have very dry skin (may need more hydration)
  • You want a no-rinse micellar water
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Oily Skin
Good

Effectively removes excess oil without over-stripping. Light foam texture won't add greasiness.

Dry Skin
Moderate

Glycerin provides some hydration, but very dry skin may need a cream or oil-based cleanser instead.

Combination Skin
Excellent

Ideal balance for combination skin. Cleanses oily areas without drying out normal zones.

Sensitive Skin
Excellent

Specifically formulated for sensitive skin. Dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested. Physiological pH.

Acne-Prone Skin
Good

Non-comedogenic formula. Note: Not suitable for fungal acne due to PEG-based ingredients.

08

Results timeline

4+ WEEKS
Immediate

Clean, Fresh Skin

Skin feels clean, soft, and refreshed immediately after use. Light foam rinses away easily without residue.

95% noticed
1-2 Weeks

Reduced Sensitivity

Consistent use helps maintain skin's natural balance. Less redness and irritation from cleansing routine.

78% noticed
4+ Weeks

Improved Skin Comfort

Skin barrier maintains healthy function. Cleansing no longer causes tightness or dryness.

85% noticed
09

Ratings by platform

950+ REVIEWS
Amazon
4.4
Rating
500+
Reviews
Main complaint: Pump dispenser can be tricky to use
Ulta
4.5
Rating
200+
Reviews
Main complaint: Small bottle size for the price
La Roche-Posay Website
4.6
Rating
150+
Reviews
Main complaint: Contains fragrance (some prefer fragrance-free)
Influenster
4.3
Rating
100+
Reviews
Main complaint: May not remove heavy or waterproof makeup
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Extremely gentle on sensitive skin
  • Leaves skin clean without tight feeling
  • Dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested
  • Light, pleasant foam texture
  • Non-comedogenic formula
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding safe
  • Respected French pharmacy brand heritage
  • Contains soothing Thermal Spring Water

Criticized

  • Not fungal acne safe
  • Contains fragrance (not fully fragrance-free)
  • Contains SLES (some prefer sulfate-free)
  • May struggle with heavy/waterproof makeup
  • Small 150ml size for the price
  • Pump dispenser quality could be better
  • Must be rinsed off (not a no-rinse micellar)
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
85% Match
SkinActive Micellar Foaming Cleanser
$8.99
Budget Pick

Similar foaming micellar technology at a fraction of the price. Slightly less gentle formula but effective for most skin types. Available in larger sizes.

80% Match
Gentle Skin Cleanser
$9.99
Budget Pick

Non-foaming formula but equally gentle. Fragrance-free option available. Better value per ml but different texture experience.

75% Match
Simple Kind to Skin Foaming Cleanser
$7.49
Budget Pick

Fragrance-free alternative with similar gentle foaming action. Lacks the thermal spring water benefits but excellent for sensitive skin.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Sensibio AR
Size 500ml
Key Feature Cucumber Extract
Fungal Acne Safe Yes
Fragrance Fragrance-Free
Rinse Required No
Micellar Cleansing Water
Size 296ml
Key Feature Ceramides + Niacinamide
Fungal Acne Safe Yes
Fragrance Fragrance-Free
Rinse Required No
Micellar Cleansing Water
Size 400ml
Key Feature All-in-1 Formula
Fungal Acne Safe Yes (Pink)
Fragrance Fragrance-Free Option
Rinse Required No
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep at room temperature.

Packaging

Plastic bottle with foam pump dispenser for hygienic, mess-free application.

Travel Friendly

Yes, 150ml is over 100ml TSA limit - decant into smaller container for flights.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Yes, this cleanser is safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It does not contain any ingredients that are restricted during pregnancy such as retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. The formula uses gentle surfactants and is specifically designed for sensitive skin.

No, this product is NOT fungal acne safe. It contains PEG-30 Glyceryl Cocoate and PEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate, which are fatty acid esters that can potentially feed Malassezia yeast. If you have fungal acne, consider alternatives like Bioderma Sensibio H2O or CeraVe Micellar Cleansing Water instead.

Yes, this is a gentle cleanser that can be used with active ingredients. Because it's formulated at a physiological pH and doesn't contain any exfoliating acids, it won't interfere with your retinol, vitamin C, or acid treatments. Simply cleanse first, then apply your actives after patting dry.

This cleanser is ideal for sensitive and combination skin types. It works well for normal to oily skin as well. Those with very dry skin may find it slightly stripping and should consider a cream or oil-based cleanser. It's dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested for maximum gentleness.

As a cleanser, results are immediate - you'll have clean, fresh skin right after use. For long-term benefits like reduced sensitivity and improved skin comfort, consistent use over 2-4 weeks is recommended. This is a maintenance product rather than a treatment, so it focuses on keeping skin healthy rather than transforming it.

Use this as the first step of your skincare routine, both morning and evening. If wearing heavy makeup or sunscreen, you may want to use an oil cleanser first (double cleansing), then follow with this foaming cleanser. After cleansing, continue with toner, serums, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM only).

No, this product is non-comedogenic with a comedogenic rating of approximately 1/5 (very low). It has been tested not to clog pores and is allergy-tested. It's suitable for acne-prone skin, although those with fungal acne should avoid it due to certain ingredients.

The product has a PAO (Period After Opening) of 12 months. This means it should be used within one year of opening for best results and safety. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain product integrity. With twice-daily use, the 150ml bottle typically lasts 2-3 months.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.3 / 5 ★★★★☆

Verdict: La Roche-Posay Cleansing Micellar Foaming Water is an excellent gentle cleanser for sensitive and combination skin types, backed by the trusted French pharmacy heritage of La Roche-Posay. The unique combination of micellar technology with soothing Thermal Spring Water makes it stand out in the crowded cleanser market. While it's pregnancy-safe and non-comedogenic, those with fungal acne should look elsewhere due to certain PEG-based ingredients. The price per ml is higher than competitors, but you're paying for dermatologist-tested quality and the brand's renowned gentle formulation approach. Ideal for anyone seeking a gentle, effective daily cleanser that won't compromise sensitive skin.

Product Overview

question
lightbulb What are Quick Product Notes?

Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.

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Quick Product Notes

Click on icons for more information
question
lightbulb What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?

Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.

We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.

Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you

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Notable Effects & Ingredients

anti-aging Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Citric Acid
brightening Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Citric Acid Glycerin
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 2 ingredient(s):
Citric Acid Glycerin
question
lightbulb What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?

Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.

We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.

One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!

Awesome, I Understand!

Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
1
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
1
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
question
lightbulb What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?

Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.

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Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
50% 18% 31%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 16 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 A
Dipropylene Glycol
Fragrance, Solvent, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Masking, Viscosity Controlling
3 Unknown
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Surfactant, Emulsifying, Cleansing, Foaming
3 Unknown
PEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate
Solvent, Surfactant, Emulsifying, Cleansing
1 A
Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate
Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting, Hydrotrope, Skin Conditioning
0 Unknown
PEG-30 Glyceryl Cocoate
Emulsifying
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS