Skip to content

Skinactive Water Rose Micellar Cleansing Water

Skinactive Water Rose Micellar Cleansing Water

Product Description

Product overview

Made in France DRUGSTORE

A gentle, all-in-1 hydrating micellar cleansing water enriched with rose water and glycerin that effectively removes makeup, cleanses, and hydrates skin in one simple step—no rinsing required. Micelles work like magnets to lift away dirt, oil, and impurities without harsh rubbing.

Vegan Formula Cruelty-Free (Leaping Bunny) Oil-Free Fragrance-Free Paraben-Free Sulfate-Free Silicone-Free 99% Natural Origin Dermatologist Tested Ophthalmologist Tested
Pregnancy
Caution
Fungal Acne
Yes
Comedogenic
0/5
Product Type
Micellar Water
Size
400ml / 13.5 fl oz
Target
All Skin Types
Format
Liquid
pH Level
~5.5 (Skin-friendly)
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Rose Water Infused

Rosa Damascena flower water soothes, hydrates, and helps calm sensitive skin while providing a gentle cleanse.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Watery / Light
Scent
Fragrance-free
Absorption
Instant
Finish
Clean / Hydrated

Rose Water Infused

Rosa Damascena flower water soothes, hydrates, and helps calm sensitive skin while providing a gentle cleanse.

Micelle Technology

Tiny oil molecules suspended in water act like magnets to attract and lift away dirt, makeup, and impurities without rubbing.

Glycerin Hydration

Glycerin acts as a powerful humectant, drawing moisture to the skin and leaving it soft and supple after cleansing.

No-Rinse Formula

Simply apply with a cotton pad—no water needed. Perfect for quick cleansing, travel, or lazy skincare nights.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Contains trace salicylic acid (last ingredient, very low concentration). Generally considered safe for topical use at low doses, but consult your doctor. No retinoids or harmful ingredients present.

Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Safe

Free from fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates, and fermented ingredients that feed malassezia. Contains salicylic acid which may help combat fungal acne.

Non-Comedogenic

Rating 0/5. Oil-free, won't clog pores. Safe for acne-prone skin. Dermatologist tested and approved for daily use.

Sensitive Skin Approved

Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic formula. Ophthalmologist tested for eye area safety. No harsh alcohols, parabens, or sulfates.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Rosa Damascena Flower Water ~5-10%Proven

Damask rose water is a natural botanical extract known for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and hydrating properties. Used for centuries in skincare for its gentle, calming effects on sensitive and irritated skin.

  • Hydration: Natural humectant that helps maintain skin moisture balance
  • Soothing: Contains antioxidant compounds that calm redness and irritation
  • Antibacterial: Mild antimicrobial properties help keep skin clean
Suitable for all skin types including sensitive and reactive skin.

Glycerin ~3-5%Proven

A powerful humectant that attracts water from the environment and deeper skin layers to hydrate the surface. One of the most effective and well-researched moisturizing ingredients available.

  • Study: Research shows glycerin is more effective than hyaluronic acid as a humectant
  • Barrier Support: Helps strengthen the skin's natural moisture barrier
  • Low Molecular Weight: Penetrates skin effectively for deep hydration
Safe for all skin types. Non-comedogenic and non-irritating.

Salicylic Acid <0.5%Proven

A beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that helps exfoliate and unclog pores. Present in trace amounts as the last ingredient, providing mild exfoliating benefits without irritation.

  • Pore Cleansing: Oil-soluble, penetrates pores to dissolve sebum and debris
  • Anti-Fungal: Can help combat malassezia (fungal acne)
  • Anti-Inflammatory: Reduces redness and calms irritated skin
Very low concentration in this formula. Pregnant individuals should consult a doctor, though topical use at this concentration is generally considered safe.

Propanediol ~2-5%Proven

A plant-derived solvent and humectant that helps other ingredients penetrate skin better while providing lightweight hydration without greasiness.

  • Penetration Enhancer: Helps active ingredients absorb more effectively
  • Humectant: Attracts and retains moisture in skin
  • Eco-Friendly: Derived from corn sugar, biodegradable alternative to propylene glycol
Safe, gentle, and suitable for sensitive skin types.

11 ingredients

Aqua/Water, Propanediol, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Glycerin, Coco-Betaine, Sodium Benzoate, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, Arginine, Salicylic Acid

FREE FROM: Parabens, Sulfates, Silicones, Mineral Oil, Synthetic Fragrance, Alcohol, Phthalates, Formaldehyde, Oxybenzone, Triclosan, SLS/SLES, Artificial Dyes
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
Micellar Water
2
Cleanser
3
Toner
4
Serum
5
Moisturizer
6
SPF (AM)

Use as the first step to remove makeup and impurities. Can be used alone for light cleansing or followed by a second cleanser for double cleansing. Use morning and/or night.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Saturate Cotton Pad

Pour micellar water onto a cotton pad until fully saturated. Use a soft, lint-free pad for best results.

2

Remove Eye Makeup

Hold the saturated pad over closed eyes for 5 seconds to dissolve makeup, then gently wipe away without rubbing.

3

Cleanse Face

Gently sweep the pad across your entire face, lips, and neck. Repeat with a fresh pad until it comes away clean.

4

No Rinse Needed

Leave on skin—no need to rinse. Continue with the rest of your skincare routine. Can follow with a water-based cleanser if desired.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You want a quick, no-rinse makeup remover
  • You have sensitive or easily irritated skin
  • You prefer fragrance-free products
  • You're looking for a budget-friendly micellar water
  • You need a gentle cleanser for daily use
  • You want a vegan, cruelty-free option
  • You struggle with fungal acne or clogged pores
  • You travel frequently and need TSA-friendly cleansing

Consider alternatives if:

  • You wear heavy waterproof or long-wear makeup daily
  • You prefer a cleanser that creates foam or lather
  • You want a product with active anti-aging ingredients
  • You dislike the sensation of not rinsing after cleansing
  • You need a deep-cleansing product for very oily skin
  • You're looking for exfoliating/resurfacing benefits
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Oily Skin
Excellent

Oil-free formula won't add shine. Effectively removes excess sebum and impurities without over-drying or disrupting skin balance.

Dry Skin
Excellent

Rose water and glycerin provide hydration while cleansing. Won't strip natural oils or leave skin feeling tight and parched.

Combination Skin
Excellent

Balances well across oily T-zone and drier cheeks. Hydrating yet non-greasy formula works for mixed skin concerns.

Sensitive Skin
Excellent

Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, dermatologist tested. Rose water soothes irritation. Minimal, gentle ingredient list.

Acne-Prone Skin
Excellent

Non-comedogenic (0/5 rating), fungal acne safe. Contains trace salicylic acid. Won't trigger breakouts or clog pores.

08

Results timeline

4+ WEEKS
Immediate

Clean, Refreshed Skin

Makeup, dirt, and impurities removed effectively. Skin feels clean, soft, and hydrated without tightness or residue.

95% noticed immediately
1-2 Weeks

Improved Skin Texture

Regular use helps maintain clearer, smoother skin. Pores appear less congested. Skin feels more balanced and comfortable.

80% noticed improvement
4+ Weeks

Healthier Skin Barrier

Consistent gentle cleansing supports skin barrier function. Fewer breakouts, less irritation, and overall healthier-looking complexion.

75% reported clearer skin
09

Ratings by platform

49K+ REVIEWS
Amazon
4.6
Rating
45,000+
Reviews
Main complaint: May not fully remove waterproof or heavy long-wear makeup without multiple passes
Target
4.6
Rating
1,845+
Reviews
Main complaint: Some users report slight residue feeling, prefer to rinse afterwards
Walmart
4.5
Rating
2,500+
Reviews
Main complaint: Occasional reports of slight foaming or soapy feel compared to other micellar waters
iHerb
4.7
Rating
500+
Reviews
Main complaint: Goes through product quickly with daily use, wish bottle was larger
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Excellent value for money—large bottle at affordable price
  • Gentle enough for sensitive skin and eye area
  • Fragrance-free, won't irritate or trigger allergies
  • Hydrating formula doesn't dry out skin
  • Vegan and cruelty-free certified
  • Removes everyday makeup effectively
  • No-rinse formula is convenient and travel-friendly
  • Clean, simple ingredient list

Criticized

  • Struggles with heavy waterproof makeup
  • Some find it slightly foamy compared to competitors
  • May leave a slight film; some prefer to rinse
  • Large bottle not travel-size friendly
  • Flip-top cap can leak if not closed properly
  • Need multiple cotton pads for full face cleanse
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
90% Match
Skinactive Water Rose Micellar Cleansing Water
$8.99
Budget Pick

Same brand, original formula without rose water. Slightly less hydrating but equally gentle and effective. 7 ingredients vs 11.

85% Match
Micellar Cleansing Water
$7.49
Budget Pick

Similar gentle formula with vitamin B3 and vitamin C instead of rose water. Also fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin.

75% Match
Neutrogena Micellar Water Purified Skin
$9.99
Similar Price

Slightly different formula with triple micellar technology. Good for oily/combination skin. May be better for heavy makeup removal.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Sensibio AR
Key Ingredient Cucumber Extract + Mannitol
Size 500ml / 16.7 fl oz
Fungal Acne Safe Yes
Fragrance None
Best For Very sensitive skin
Micellar Water Ultra Reactive Skin
Key Ingredient Thermal Spring Water + Glycerin
Size 400ml / 13.5 fl oz
Fungal Acne Safe No (Polysorbate 80)
Fragrance Light fragrance
Best For Reactive, sensitive skin
Micellar Cleansing Water
Key Ingredient Vitamin B3 + Vitamin C
Size 400ml / 13.5 fl oz
Fungal Acne Safe Yes
Fragrance None
Best For Budget-conscious shoppers
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening. Look for the open jar symbol on packaging.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep cap tightly closed after each use.

Packaging

Flip-top cap plastic bottle made from 25% recycled plastic. Recyclable PET bottle.

Travel Friendly

Standard 400ml bottle exceeds TSA limits. Decant into smaller container or purchase travel size (100ml) for air travel.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

This product contains salicylic acid as the last ingredient at a very low concentration (likely under 0.5%). According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, topical salicylic acid at concentrations of 2% or less is generally considered safe during pregnancy. However, since this is a no-rinse product, we recommend consulting your healthcare provider before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The formula is free from retinoids, hydroquinone, and other pregnancy-concerning ingredients.

Yes! This micellar water is fungal acne safe. It contains zero fungal acne triggers—no fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates, or fermented ingredients that feed malassezia yeast. Additionally, it contains salicylic acid which may actually help combat fungal acne. Multiple ingredient analyzers including Skincarisma and Folliculitis Scout confirm this product is safe for those prone to fungal acne.

Yes, you can safely use this micellar water with other active ingredients. Since it's primarily a cleansing product with minimal active ingredients, it won't interfere with your serums or treatments. Use the micellar water first to remove makeup and impurities, then follow with your active ingredients. The trace amount of salicylic acid in this formula is too low to cause any interaction concerns.

This micellar water is formulated for all skin types including sensitive skin. It's particularly excellent for: dry skin (rose water and glycerin provide hydration), sensitive skin (fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, dermatologist tested), combination skin (balances without being too heavy or drying), and acne-prone skin (non-comedogenic, fungal acne safe). The gentle, oil-free formula makes it universally suitable.

Results are immediate—you'll see clean, refreshed skin right after use. For long-term benefits like improved skin texture and fewer breakouts, most users report noticeable improvements within 1-2 weeks of consistent daily use. The hydrating effects of rose water and glycerin also accumulate over time, leading to softer, more supple skin with regular use.

Micellar water goes at the very beginning of your skincare routine, before any other products. Use it as Step 1 to remove makeup, sunscreen, dirt, and excess oil. You can use it alone for a quick cleanse, or follow with a second cleanser (double cleansing method) for deeper cleaning. Then proceed with toner, serums, moisturizer, and SPF (morning). Use morning and/or night.

No, this product is non-comedogenic with a comedogenic rating of 0/5. It's completely oil-free and won't clog pores. The formula was designed to cleanse and remove pore-clogging impurities without leaving any residue that could cause breakouts. It's safe for acne-prone and congestion-prone skin types.

The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. Once opened, use within one year for best results and to prevent bacterial contamination. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Signs of expiration include changes in color, smell, texture, or separation of the formula. The unopened shelf life is typically 2-3 years from manufacture date.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.5 / 5 ★★★★★

Verdict: Garnier SkinActive Water Rose Micellar Cleansing Water is an excellent budget-friendly micellar water that delivers gentle yet effective cleansing for all skin types. The rose water and glycerin formula provides superior hydration compared to the original Garnier micellar, while remaining completely fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin. It's fungal acne safe, non-comedogenic, vegan, and cruelty-free—checking all the boxes for conscious consumers. While it may struggle with heavy waterproof makeup and some users prefer to rinse after use, its exceptional value, clean ingredient list, and hydrating properties make it a top choice for daily makeup removal and cleansing. A worthy alternative to pricier French pharmacy options at a fraction of the cost.

Browse related

By Brand & Origin French Pharmacy

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.

Awesome, I Understand!

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

Awesome, I Understand!

Notable Effects & Ingredients

anti-aging Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Citric Acid
brightening Brightening from 3 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Citric Acid Salicylic Acid
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 3 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Citric Acid Arginine
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!

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 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.

Awesome, I Understand!

Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
80% 20%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 10 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 Unknown
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
1 Unknown
Propanediol
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent
1 Unknown
Rosa Damascena Flower Water
Masking, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
2 A
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
brightening Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
1 B
Coco-Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS