TheKoreanGuide is a reader-supported site. Purchases made through links may earn a commission.

Micellar Water vs Cleansing Oil: Which is Better for Oily and Dry Skin

Jason Park
Published by: Jason Park
Last updated:

Hey, this is the Micellar water vs Cleansing Oil Guide.

You’ll find out which is better for different kinds of skin types. What the pros and cons are, and if one is ACTUALLY better than the other.

I’ll be honest – if you don’t use one of these two, you won’t succeed at getting the smoothest skin possible. These are the two main cleansers that you must have.

The last thing you want is pay $50/mo for something that won’t even work.

In this Micellar Water vs Cleansing Oil guide for skincare lovers, I’ll cover:

  • The pros and cons of each cleanser
  • Which cleanser is better for different skin types
  • The best way to use a cleanser
  • Ingredients to avoid for both cleansers

Ready? This is going to SKINtastic… ehh (ignore that part)

Here’s a Breakdown of My Micellar Water vs Cleansing Oil Guide

  1. Who Needs Which Cleanser?
  2. Pros and Cons
  3. A Detailed Breakdown of The Cleansers
  4. Best Ways to Use
  5. Ingredients to Avoid
  6. Final Thoughts

Save 12% on Your Next Skincare Order!

We have partnered with YesStyle.com to offer the best deal on Korean skincare to our readers. If you click the button below, you will get access to the exclusive discount page.


Micellar Water vs Cleansing Oil? Which Cleanser Do I Need?

This is a quick comparisson of both cleansers, but I think it can be quite helpful.

Firstly Micellar Water is a skincare product that cleanses the skin by removing dead skincells, dirt particles and make-up.

Using Micellar water requires a cotton pad/wipe while a cleansing oil doesn’t.

So Ask Yourself:

Do I need a cleanser that’s good for sensitive skin and doesn’t cause irritation?

Then go for a Micellar Water Cleanser

OR

Do I need a cleanser that removes all the excess oil, dirt and makeup from my skin?

Then go for a Cleansing Oil

If you can answer one of the questions above, then you probably know the answer.

From my experience, double cleansing is the way to go. Double cleansing is not only better for the skin because it removes your makeup, excess oil and other dirtiness.

It also makes your skin a lot smoother. Even though for some people it can be a bit harsh on the skin. That’s why I always recommend to go for a thorougly researched skincare routine.

There are thousands of skincare products out there. Chances are you will never find the right cleansers for your skin type.

So if you haven’t found the right products YET, then I highly recommend using both the Micellar water cleanser and cleansing oil.

Oil based cleansers are scientifically proven to improve the skin FAST. As for Micellar cleansers it’s more of a makeup remvover, then a deep cleanser.

Micellar Water Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Great for double cleansing
  • Doesn’ strip natural oils
  • Minimal irirtation

Cons

  • Requires a cotton pad/wipe
  • Does not deep cleanse
  • Doesn’t remove clogges pores

Cleansing Oil Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Easily removes heavy makeup
  • Removes any excess dirt
  • Affordable

Cons

  • May dry out skin
  • May contain ingredients like alcohol, sulfate, and parabens.

Micellar Water Cleanser: Detailed Breakdown

A Micellar water cleanser is insanely powerful when it comes to a face wash. Not only does it demolish the skin barrier and removes the dirt.

It also moisturizes your skin. However, you do need a cotton pad or wipe to use it. You can compare it to a regular toner but cleanses your skin instead of moisturizing it.

Definitely use a Micellar water cleanser if you’re still new to skincare routines. This will be a life-saver for you.

I have used a ton of different water-based cleansers and finding the right one is quite difficult. However, with a Micellar water cleanser you can’t go wrong.

Only downside is, it does not remove heavy makeup.

How To Use: Micellar Water

Using Micellar Water is very easy.

  1. Take a cotton pad/wipe and put some of the cleanser on it.
  2. Gently massage it all over your face, working from areas with more makeup to the less dirty areas
  3. Rinse off with lukewarm water
  4. Additional step: Double cleanse with an oil-based cleanser

So as you know now Micellar waters are great to cleanse your skin for minimal irritation. But if you’d rather use one cleanser, than I’d advise you to go for a cleansing oil.

Cleansing Oil: Detailed Breakdown

Finally.

The Cleansing Oil. The Best or The Worst?

Well, after doing hours of research and finding some scientfiically based studies.

It’s come to the conclusion that the Cleansing Oil is WAY better for deep cleasing. However, if your skin is very sensitive.

Then the Micellar Water is your best bet.

Given the fact that using both cleansers will MASSIVELY improve your skin. It’s better to use both at the same time.

I was freaking out when I started double cleansing.

No more clogged pores. No more acne-prone skin. No more leftover makeup.

So chances are, you might be better off using both cleansers.

How To Use: Cleansing Oil

Using an Oil-based cleanser is easy and fast

  1. Wet your face with lukewarm water
  2. Apply the cleansing oil to the skin and massage it in
  3. Massage it for at least 2 to 3 minutes
  4. Wash off with lukewarm water.

Now you know, that both the Micellar Water vs Cleansing Oil are both great. There shouldn’t be any debate.

And you know what they say: Good things come to those who double cleanse

Ingredients to Avoid in a Micellar Water Cleanser & Cleansing Oil

Ingredients that you MUST avoid when buying one of these cleansers.

  • sodium alkyl sulfate
  • sodium lauryl sulfate
  • alkyl benzene sulfonate

These ingredients will strip your natural oils and irritate the skin. I have tested many different cleansers and always try to avoid one of these three above.

When I used a lot of different cleansers, I immediatly saw the difference between cleansers that did contain those ingredients.

And cleansers that didn’t. My skin INSTANTLY got worse the next day when I used those. So beware that it might happen to you too.

Always.

Read that again. Always look at the ingredients before you buy any Micellar Water of Cleansing Oil.

Don’t fall back into you biggest NIGHTMARE (damaged skin). It’s not worth it.

I’ve been there and it’s better do some more research on cleansers than to impusle buy cleansers that WILL damage the skin.

Final Thoughts: Which one is Better?

The Micellar Water is better for sensitive skin and the Cleansing Oil is better for removing heavy makeup.

Even though it’s better to double cleanse, which is backed by many studies. It depends on your skin type and what kind of results you’re looking for.

Enjoy the article?

You'll love my daily email! Learn something new about South Korea every single day. It's completely free. <3

    About The Author

    Photo of author

    Jason Park

    Jason has been living in Seoul for over 4 years, and during that time, he has experienced many of the city's hidden stores. He loves to write about his experiences and share them with others. Jason has been quoted and referenced by different major media companies like Mashed, Distractify, ThePrint and TastingTable. In his free time, he likes to watch Korean dramas and learn more about Korean culture.

    You May Also Like