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Micellar Cleansing Jelly Water With Charcoal

Micellar Cleansing Jelly Water With Charcoal

Product Description

Product overview

Made in France DRUGSTORE

An innovative all-in-1 jelly water cleanser infused with charcoal and salicylic acid that gently purifies, removes makeup, and absorbs excess oil without over-drying skin. The unique gel-to-water texture provides a refreshing deep cleanse while minimizing the appearance of pores.

Dermatologist Tested Ophthalmologist Tested Vegan Formula Cruelty-Free (Leaping Bunny) Oil-Free Paraben-Free Sulfate-Free Silicone-Free No Rinse Required
Pregnancy
Caution
Fungal Acne
No
Comedogenic
1/5
Size
400ml / 13.5 fl oz
Skin Type
Oily / Acne-Prone
Formula
Jelly-Water Gel
Key Active
Charcoal + Salicylic Acid
pH Level
~5.5 (Balanced)
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Micellar Technology

Micelles act like tiny magnets to capture and lift away dirt, makeup, sunscreen, and excess oil without harsh rubbing.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Gel-to-Water
Scent
Fragrance-Free
Absorption
Instant
Finish
Matte / Clean

Micellar Technology

Micelles act like tiny magnets to capture and lift away dirt, makeup, sunscreen, and excess oil without harsh rubbing.

Activated Charcoal

Known for its detoxifying properties, charcoal powder helps absorb excess sebum and draw out impurities from pores.

Salicylic Acid (BHA)

Oil-soluble exfoliant that penetrates pores to help reduce the appearance of imperfections and blackheads.

Unique Jelly Texture

Innovative gel-to-water formula provides controlled dispensing and a refreshing sensation without leaving residue.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Contains salicylic acid. ACOG considers topical salicylic acid at 2% or less safe during pregnancy, but consult your doctor. Avoid during breastfeeding if product contacts baby.

Fungal Acne (Malassezia)

NOT safe for fungal acne. Contains Polysorbate 20, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, and Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate which can feed Malassezia yeast.

Regular Acne-Prone Skin

Suitable for bacterial acne-prone skin. Non-comedogenic formula with oil-absorbing charcoal and pore-clearing salicylic acid.

Sensitive Skin Tested

Hypoallergenic formula. Dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested. Safe for use around eyes, lips, and face.

Contains Alcohol Denat.

Formula includes denatured alcohol which evaporates quickly. May cause dryness for those with compromised moisture barriers.

Allergen-Free

Free from top common allergy-causing ingredients, parabens, phthalates, and hormone-altering chemicals.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Charcoal PowderDetoxifying

Activated charcoal derived from natural sources acts as a powerful absorbent, drawing out impurities, excess oil, and environmental pollutants from the skin's surface and pores.

  • Function: Oil absorption, pore purification, detoxification
  • Research: Studies show charcoal can absorb 100-200x its weight in impurities
  • Best For: Oily, congested, and acne-prone skin

Salicylic Acid (BHA)Proven

A gold-standard beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that is oil-soluble, allowing it to penetrate into pores to dissolve sebum plugs and dead skin cells. Helps reduce blackheads and visible imperfections.

  • Concentration: Low percentage (under 2%) for gentle daily use
  • FDA Status: Recognized as safe and effective OTC acne treatment
  • Benefits: Exfoliation, anti-inflammatory, pore-clearing
Pregnant/breastfeeding individuals should consult a healthcare provider before use.

Poloxamer 184Cleansing

A synthetic polymer that forms micelles (tiny oil-attracting balls) to gently capture and lift away makeup, dirt, and oil without harsh rubbing or stripping the skin.

  • Function: Mild surfactant and micellar technology base
  • Safety: Used in contact lens solutions; gentle on eyes
  • Benefits: Effective cleansing without irritation

Butylene GlycolHydrating

A lightweight humectant that attracts moisture to the skin while also enhancing the penetration and effectiveness of other ingredients in the formula.

  • Function: Humectant, solvent, penetration enhancer
  • Texture: Helps create the smooth jelly consistency
  • Safety: Well-tolerated by most skin types

17 ingredients

Aqua/Water, Butylene Glycol, Carbomer, Poloxamer 184, Polysorbate 20, Alcohol Denat., Sodium Hydroxide, Salicylic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Benzoic Acid, Charcoal Powder, Polyglycerin-10, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Citric Acid, Sodium Dehydroacetate

FREE FROM: Oils, Parabens, Sulfates, Silicones, Phthalates, Mineral Oil, Triclosan, Hydroquinone, Retinoids
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
This Product (Micellar)
2
Water-Based Cleanser
3
Toner
4
Serum
5
Moisturizer
6
Sunscreen (AM)

Use as the first step to remove makeup and impurities. Can be used alone for light cleansing or followed by a water-based cleanser for double cleansing. No rinse required, but you may rinse if preferred.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Dispense Product

Apply a small amount of the jelly water onto a cotton pad or reusable eco pad. The unique gel texture provides controlled dispensing.

2

Press & Hold

Press the saturated pad against skin and hold for 5 seconds to allow micelles to draw out impurities and dissolve makeup.

3

Gently Swipe

Gently swipe across face, eyes, and lips without harsh rubbing. Repeat with fresh pads until pad comes away clean.

4

No Rinse Needed

Leave on without rinsing for the refreshing sensation and skin benefits. Alternatively, you can tap directly onto face with fingers.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You have oily or combination skin
  • You struggle with excess sebum and shine
  • You want an all-in-1 makeup remover and cleanser
  • You prefer no-rinse cleansing products
  • You have acne-prone skin (bacterial acne)
  • You want to minimize the appearance of pores
  • You prefer fragrance-free skincare
  • You value cruelty-free and vegan products

Consider alternatives if:

  • You have fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis)
  • You are pregnant or breastfeeding (consult doctor)
  • You have very dry or dehydrated skin
  • You are sensitive to alcohol in skincare
  • You need heavy-duty waterproof makeup removal
  • You prefer oil-based cleansers
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Oily Skin
Excellent

Specifically designed for oily skin. Charcoal absorbs excess sebum while salicylic acid controls oil production. Leaves a matte, shine-free finish.

Combination Skin
Excellent

Works great on T-zone oiliness without over-drying cheeks. Balances well across different face zones.

Acne-Prone Skin
Excellent

Non-comedogenic with salicylic acid to help prevent breakouts. Perfect for bacterial acne (NOT fungal acne).

Normal Skin
Good

Effective everyday cleanser that maintains skin balance. May be more than needed for already balanced skin.

Dry Skin
Moderate

May feel slightly drying due to alcohol and oil-absorbing charcoal. Follow with hydrating products. Consider original micellar water instead.

Sensitive Skin
Good

Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free. Dermatologist tested. Patch test recommended for very reactive skin.

08

Results timeline

WEEK 4+
Immediately

Clean, Refreshed Skin

Makeup, dirt, and excess oil are removed in one step. Skin feels clean and refreshed without tightness or residue.

95% noticed
Week 1

Reduced Oiliness

With consistent use, you may notice reduced shine throughout the day. Pores begin to appear less visible.

78% noticed
Week 2-3

Clearer Complexion

Salicylic acid helps reduce the appearance of blackheads and minor imperfections. Skin texture improves.

72% noticed
Week 4+

Minimized Pores

Continued use helps maintain clear, balanced skin with visibly minimized pores and improved overall clarity.

65% noticed
09

Ratings by platform

3K+ REVIEWS
Amazon
4.5
Rating
2,500+
Reviews
Main complaint: Jelly texture takes getting used to; some find it doesn't soak into cotton pads easily
Walmart
4.4
Rating
800+
Reviews
Main complaint: Can leave a slight tacky film if too much product is used
Boots UK
4.5
Rating
144+
Reviews
Main complaint: Some users prefer the original liquid micellar water texture
Influenster
4.6
Rating
500+
Reviews
Main complaint: Not as effective on heavy waterproof makeup
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Effective oil and makeup removal in one step
  • Matte finish that minimizes pore appearance
  • No harsh rubbing required
  • Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic
  • Vegan and cruelty-free certified
  • Excellent value for large 400ml size
  • America's #1 Micellar Water with Charcoal
  • Leaves skin feeling clean but not stripped
  • Works as cleanser, makeup remover, and toner

Criticized

  • Jelly texture doesn't absorb into cotton pads easily
  • Not suitable for fungal acne sufferers
  • Contains alcohol which may dry some skin types
  • May leave tacky residue if over-applied
  • Struggles with heavy waterproof makeup
  • Takes time to learn proper application technique
  • Not pregnancy-safe without doctor consultation
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
85% Match
Micellar Cleansing Jelly Water With Charcoal
$8.99
Similar Price

Similar charcoal-infused micellar water for combination skin. Liquid texture instead of jelly. Also contains salicylic acid for pore-clearing benefits.

75% Match
Micellar Cleansing Water
$7.49
Budget Pick

Gentler formula without charcoal or salicylic acid. Better for sensitive skin but less oil-control. No fragrance, no harsh chemicals.

70% Match
Neutrogena Deep Clean Purifying Micellar Water
$9.99
Similar Price

Purifying formula for oily skin. Traditional liquid micellar texture. Contains glycerin for hydration but no charcoal or BHA.

80% Match
Skinactive 3 In 1 Micellar Water
$8.99
Budget Pick

Same micellar technology without charcoal and salicylic acid. Better for all skin types including dry. Proven effective makeup remover.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Sensibio AR
Key Ingredients Cucumber Extract + Soothing Complex
Size 500ml
Texture Liquid Water
Best For Sensitive Skin
Fragrance Fragrance-Free
Fungal Acne Safe Yes
Micellar Cleansing Jelly Water With Charcoal
Key Ingredients Charcoal + Glycerin
Size 300ml
Texture Liquid Water
Best For Combination Skin
Fragrance Contains Fragrance
Fungal Acne Safe No
Effaclar Micellar Water For Oily Skin
Key Ingredients Thermal Water + Zinc
Size 400ml
Texture Liquid Water
Best For Oily / Acne-Prone
Fragrance Fragrance-Free
Fungal Acne Safe Yes
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 and heat. Keep cap tightly closed after use.

Packaging

Transparent plastic bottle with flip-top cap for controlled dispensing. Recyclable packaging.

Travel Friendly

400ml size exceeds TSA carry-on limits. Available in smaller travel sizes for air travel.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Use with caution. This product contains salicylic acid, which is generally considered safe in topical products under 2% concentration according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). However, it's always best to consult your healthcare provider before using any new skincare product during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If breastfeeding, ensure the product doesn't come into contact with your baby.

No, this product is NOT safe for fungal acne. It contains Polysorbate 20, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, and Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, which are esters that can feed Malassezia yeast and potentially worsen fungal acne. If you have fungal acne, consider Bioderma Sensibio H2O or La Roche-Posay Effaclar Micellar Water instead.

Yes, since this is a rinse-off cleanser (or no-rinse depending on your preference), it can generally be used before other active ingredients. However, since it contains salicylic acid (BHA), avoid layering too many exfoliating actives in the same routine to prevent irritation. Start slowly and monitor your skin's response. If using retinol, apply it after cleansing and waiting for skin to dry completely.

This product is specifically designed for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types. The charcoal absorbs excess oil while salicylic acid helps clear pores. It's also suitable for normal skin. However, those with dry, dehydrated, or very sensitive skin may find it slightly drying and should consider the original pink-cap Garnier Micellar Water instead.

You'll notice clean, refreshed skin immediately after first use. Within 1-2 weeks of consistent use, you should see reduced oiliness and shine throughout the day. By weeks 2-4, the salicylic acid can help reduce the appearance of blackheads and minimize visible pores. For best results, use twice daily—morning and evening.

Use this as the FIRST step in your skincare routine to remove makeup, sunscreen, dirt, and excess oil. For a thorough cleanse, follow with a water-based cleanser (double cleansing method). Then proceed with toner, serums, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM only). No rinsing is required, but you can rinse if preferred.

No, this product has a comedogenic rating of 1/5 (very low) and is considered non-comedogenic. It's oil-free, silicone-free, and contains pore-clearing salicylic acid. The charcoal helps absorb excess oil that can lead to clogged pores. However, it's not suitable for fungal acne as certain ingredients can feed Malassezia yeast.

The product has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 12 months. Once opened, use within one year for optimal effectiveness and safety. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and keep the cap tightly closed. The 400ml bottle typically lasts 3-4 months with twice-daily use.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.3 / 5 ★★★★☆

Verdict: The Garnier Micellar Cleansing Jelly Water with Charcoal is an excellent all-in-one cleanser for oily and acne-prone skin types. The innovative jelly texture, combined with oil-absorbing charcoal and pore-clearing salicylic acid, effectively removes makeup and impurities while leaving skin matte and refreshed. At under $11 for 400ml, it offers outstanding value. However, it's not suitable for those with fungal acne due to certain emulsifiers, and pregnant/breastfeeding individuals should consult a doctor first. If you struggle with excess shine and want a no-rinse cleanser that does triple duty as makeup remover, cleanser, and toner, this is a highly recommended drugstore gem.

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):
Salicylic Acid Citric Acid
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 1 ingredient(s):
Citric Acid
ache Ache-fighting from 1 ingredient(s):
Salicylic Acid
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!

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Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
1
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
2 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
47% 17% 35%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 17 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 Unknown
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
1 A
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
Hydrating
1 A
Carbomer
Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming
0 Unknown
Poloxamer 184
Emulsifying
3 B
Polysorbate 20
Surfactant, Emulsifying
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS