REVIEW: Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Gel Wash

by - November 19, 2019


Obviously I'm a huge cleanser junkie - I attribute a solid cleansing routine using products that are right for me with really fundamentally changing the way my skin behaves - but my tastes don't tend to run with a lot of what's in the drugstore these days (nothing has been able to beat out a certain drugstore favorite of mine. Ahem...) But recently, I noticed the Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Gel Wash on the shelves in a local store and I was intrigued enough to pick it up. I quite enjoyed the Garnier SkinActive All-In-One Cleansing Water back when I used micellar water regularly and I was curious as to how their Cleansing Gel Wash would actually work as a first cleanse in the evening to remove makeup. 

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About:
This refreshing formula enriched with natural grape extract and purifying micelles captures impurities, sebum and makeup like a magnet, for a fresh clean that helps minimize shine. The powerful Micellar formula cleanses skin and removes makeup all over the face, even on lips and eyes. Skin is left clean and mattified without all the harsh rubbing! The Micellar Cleansing Gel Wash has a soft, gentle texture and a perfume-free formula that’s suitable for all skin types, even sensitive.



The reason I stopped using Micellar Water generally is that I prefer to use my fingers over a cotton pad or cloth to more gently break up my makeup because I find that sometimes the former can cause some irritation, particularly around my eyes. Though I generally tend to use an oil based cleanser as my first cleanse, I was really curious as to how this would work and if this would be suitable for paring down my cleansing routine to a single step on nights when I just can't... You know those nights, when it almost seems preferable to use a makeup wipe and fall down in bed than to do a two step cleanse at the sink. I've also been finding that these types of gel cleansers have been working out really well for my skin recently, so if I enjoyed it, it would also be a solid morning cleanse. 


I decided to use this much the same way that I would use an oil based cleanser, worked into dry skin in circular motions to break up the makeup. Ultimately that did work, but I do find that this definitely benefits from dampening the skin first. And it DOES work. While it doesn't completely remove stubborn waterproof mascara, which in my opinion really does need an oil to effectively remove, this really effectively removes the rest of my makeup and rinses away really clean without leaving my skin feeling tight or stiff. In fact, I find that this is a really amazing option for someone who wants to only do a one step nighttime routine because it breaks down and removes my makeup and doesn't leave any residue on the skin. 


All in all, I really am glad that I picked this up. It's a really effective cleanser that I feel really confident won't strip my skin, which is always important but even moreso during these colder months. It doesn't contain any fragrance and the formula is really gentle, so I think it really will work well for a lot of different skin types. Personally, I think I'm going to mostly use this as a makeup removing step and then go in with something a little bit more hydrating as my second step, but it's also really perfect if I just want to do a single cleanse or as a morning cleansing option. 

I really don't know how this cleanser hasn't gotten a whole bunch of attention, like the Garnier Micellar Water did, because it's a really well formulated product at a really affordable price. I highly recommend taking a look at this if you're in the market for a gentle, effective cleanser at a drugstore price or if you're looking for a makeup removing cleanser that you rinse, but isn't oil based!

Thanks for reading!

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