There’s washing your face with soap and water, and then there’s cleansing with micellar water.

According to board-certified dermatologist Hadley King of Skinney Medspa, micellar water is made up of micelles (tiny balls of cleansing oil molecules) suspended in soft water. “The idea is that micelles are attracted to dirt and oil, so they are able to draw out impurities without drying out the skin,” she says. Therefore, micellar water can be used as a facial wash, makeup remover and moisturizer all in one.

“It looks like water, it has the viscosity of water but when you put it on your finger and feel, it has a different texture than water,” says Tabasum Mir, a skincare physician in cosmetic dermatology and cosmetic laser surgery.

Beauty brands, including Ziaja, Bielenda and Lirene, have caught on to the micellar water trend and introduced masses to its goodness. 

Micellar water are recommended for people with dry and sensitive skin types because it is so gentle and hydrating. “A typical foamy wash can strip the skin and leave behind harsh chemicals, further drying out dry and sensitive skin,” she says. “And unlike many toners, micellar water does not contain alcohol and never stings.” It’s best to use a super absorbent item like a cotton ball or pad when applying micellar water so that the product can more easily soak up dirt.