Cleansing Micellar Foaming Water
Cleansing Micellar Foaming Water
Product Description
Product overview
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.
Micellar Technology
Dirt-encapsulating micelles attract and lift away impurities, oil, and makeup without harsh rubbing or stripping.
Texture & feel
SENSORYMicellar 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.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEFree from retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, and chemical sunscreens. Safe for use during pregnancy and nursing.
Contains PEG-30 Glyceryl Cocoate and PEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate which may feed Malassezia yeast.
Non-comedogenic formula tested not to clog pores. Rating: 1/5 - very low risk of causing breakouts.
Safe for use around the eye area. However, avoid direct contact with eyes during cleansing.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSLa 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
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
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse 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.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet Your Face
Dampen your face with lukewarm water. The product needs moisture to activate the foaming action.
Dispense Foam
Pump 2-3 pumps of foam into your hands. Do not shake the bottle before use.
Massage Gently
Apply foam to your face and massage with fingertips in gentle circular movements. Avoid the eye area.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse with plenty of warm water until all product is removed. Pat dry with a clean towel.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect 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
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESEffectively removes excess oil without over-stripping. Light foam texture won't add greasiness.
Glycerin provides some hydration, but very dry skin may need a cream or oil-based cleanser instead.
Ideal balance for combination skin. Cleanses oily areas without drying out normal zones.
Specifically formulated for sensitive skin. Dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested. Physiological pH.
Non-comedogenic formula. Note: Not suitable for fungal acne due to PEG-based ingredients.
Results timeline
4+ WEEKSClean, Fresh Skin
Skin feels clean, soft, and refreshed immediately after use. Light foam rinses away easily without residue.
95% noticedReduced Sensitivity
Consistent use helps maintain skin's natural balance. Less redness and irritation from cleansing routine.
78% noticedImproved Skin Comfort
Skin barrier maintains healthy function. Cleansing no longer causes tightness or dryness.
85% noticedRatings by platform
950+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- 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)
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESSimilar foaming micellar technology at a fraction of the price. Slightly less gentle formula but effective for most skin types. Available in larger sizes.
Non-foaming formula but equally gentle. Fragrance-free option available. Better value per ml but different texture experience.
Fragrance-free alternative with similar gentle foaming action. Lacks the thermal spring water benefits but excellent for sensitive skin.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep at room temperature.
Plastic bottle with foam pump dispenser for hygienic, mess-free application.
Yes, 150ml is over 100ml TSA limit - decant into smaller container for flights.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes, 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.
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
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.
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.
Quick Product Notes
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.
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
Notable Effects & Ingredients
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.
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!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
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.
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.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Dipropylene Glycol
Fragrance, Solvent, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Masking, Viscosity Controlling
|
|
|
| 3 |
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Surfactant, Emulsifying, Cleansing, Foaming
|
|
|
| 3 |
PEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate
Solvent, Surfactant, Emulsifying, Cleansing
|
|
|
| 1 |
Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate
Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting, Hydrotrope, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 0 |
PEG-30 Glyceryl Cocoate
Emulsifying
|
|






