2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
L-Arginine
Hydration
Anti-Aging
Payot
Purifying Cleansing Micellar Water
face micellar water
Payot
Purifying Cleansing Micellar Water
face micellar water
Added Last edited
Fit by skin type
General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.
Dry
51%
Combination (dry)
51%
Balanced
81%
Combination (oily)
89%
Oily
89%
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14
Ingredients
6
Benefits
1
Actives
The micellar cleanser that respects the skin's flora. Designed for imperfection-prone complexions, this purifying micellar water lifts impurities and refreshes the face in a single gesture. Its formula combines a Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate probiotic, meadowsweet and a duo of glycolic and lactic acids to help rebalance the cutaneous flora and refine the look of the skin. Made from 98% ingredients of natural origin, it sweeps away excess sebum without drying, leaving the skin clean, fresh and visibly clarified.
Key Insights
Benefits
6
Anti-Aging
Evens Skin Tone
Hydration
Oil Control
Smooths Bumpy Skin
Soothing
Active Ingredients
1
AHA
Risks
2
Alcohol
Allergen
Full Ingredients
14 total
About Purifying Cleansing Micellar Water
Overview
Purifying Cleansing Micellar Water is a lightweight micellar water from Payot. The ingredient list runs to 14 ingredients, each broken down in full below.
Texture and finish
By its ingredient list the formula reads as light: water and humectants lead, with emollients kept lower in the order.
What the formula does
Hydration: Moderate. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Arginine and Lactic Acid.
Soothing: Moderate. Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity, and here that comes from Spiraea Ulmaria Extract and Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate.
Brightening: Moderate. Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks, and here that comes from Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid.
Cell renewal: Moderate. Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover, and here that comes from Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid.
Who it suits
On richness alone it suits Combination (oily) and Oily skin best, and is the least natural fit for Dry and Combination (dry) skin. Nothing in the list is flagged as a common irritant, which is a reasonable starting point for reactive skin — though a patch test is still the only way to know.
What it does not target
The formula contributes little or nothing on barrier support, antioxidant protection and firmness signalling. That is not a fault — most products are not meant to do everything — but if one of those is your priority, this is not the product that will address it.
What is not in it
Reading the full list, the formula is essential-oil-free, no drying alcohol, paraben-free, silicone-free, microplastic-free and sulfate-free. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging. It does contain fragrance, worth knowing if your skin reacts to any of them.
Where it fits in a routine
It can be used morning and evening. In a routine it goes first step. Use on damp skin and rinse thoroughly. Follow with a toner or essence while skin is still slightly damp.
This summary is generated from the product's ingredient list. It is not a review, it is not the brand's own marketing claims, and it does not replace advice from a dermatologist.
Pros and cons
Drawn purely from the ingredient list
Pros
- No essential oils
- No drying alcohol
- Silicone-free
- No microplastics
- No common irritants flagged in the list
Things to know
- Contains fragrance or declared fragrance allergens
- 2 ingredients could feed malassezia (fungal acne)
Which skin types it suits
Scored on how rich or light the formula reads from its INCI order.
Suitable for
- Combination (oily) skin
- Oily skin
May suit
- Balanced skin
Less suitable for
- Dry skin
- Combination (dry) skin
Sensitive skin
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
Skin concerns
Based on the curated benefits documented for this product's ingredients.
Helps with
-
Anti-Aging 4 ingredients
Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
-
Hydration 4 ingredients
Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy
-
Evens Skin Tone 2 ingredients
Brightens and balances complexion for a more uniform appearance
-
Soothing 2 ingredients
Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin
-
Oil Control 1 ingredient
Regulates sebum production to reduce shine and greasiness
-
Smooths Bumpy Skin 1 ingredient
Refines texture by gently exfoliating rough, uneven patches
Does not target
Anti-Acne
Blackhead Reducing
Dark Spot Fading
Pore Minimizer
None of the ingredients in this formula are associated with these benefits. This is not unusual, as most products are designed to target a limited number of concerns.
Key ingredients
The actives, UV filters and benefit-carrying ingredients in this formula, in the order they are listed.
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Spiraea Ulmaria Extract is an extract of the Drop Wort, Spiraea ulmaria L., Rosaceae
Anti-Aging
Soothing
Oil Control
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate is a lysate of the product obtained by fermentation of Lactobacillus.
Soothing
Glycolic Acid
AHA
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Acetic acid, hydroxy-
Anti-Aging
Evens Skin Tone
Smooths Bumpy Skin
Lactic Acid
AHA
6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Propanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-
Anti-Aging
Evens Skin Tone
Hydration
9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Butane-1,3-diol (CAS No. 107-88-0/ EC No. 203-529-7) (R)-(-)-butane-1,3-diol” (CAS No. 6290-03-5/ EC No. 228-532-0)
Hydration
12th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,3-dihydroxypropane
Hydration
Formula analysis
Each axis is scored from the ingredients present and how high up the list they sit.
Hydration
Moderate
Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin
Barrier support
None
Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity
Antioxidant support
None
Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution
Oil control
Moderate
Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine
Brightening
Moderate
Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks
Soothing
Moderate
Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity
Cell renewal
Moderate
Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover
Firmness signalling
None
Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support
Active and supporting ingredients
"Active" here means an ingredient carrying a recorded active type or a recognised UV filter.
Active ingredients (2)
- Glycolic Acid · 2–10%
- Lactic Acid · 2–10%
Supporting ingredients (12)
Solvents, emollients, texture agents and preservatives — the formula that carries the actives.
Aqua
Arginine
Spiraea Ulmaria Extract
Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate
Decyl Glucoside
Polysorbate 20
Butylene Glycol
Parfum
Sodium Hydroxide
Propanediol
Benzyl Alcohol
Chlorphenesin
What is and is not in it
Read from the full ingredient list. A brand's own claim may differ.
Free from
- Essential-oil-free
- No drying alcohol
- Paraben-free
- Silicone-free
- Microplastic-free
- Sulfate-free
- Dye-free
- Oil-free
- No animal-derived ingredients
Contains
-
Fragrance
Parfum, Benzyl Alcohol
What to layer it with
Judged by the same curated rules our routine checker uses. It reads the ingredients, not the label.
Compatible with
- Azelaic acid
- Copper peptides
- Bakuchiol
- Niacinamide
- Hyaluronic acid
- Ceramides
- Signal peptides
- Panthenol
- Sunscreen
Use with caution
-
Retinoids (retinol, retinal)
Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.
-
Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
-
AHAs (glycolic, lactic)
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
-
BHA (salicylic acid)
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
-
PHAs (gluconolactone)
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
-
Benzoyl peroxide
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
Where it fits in a routine
Morning
Evening
- Cleanse
- Toning
- Treat
- Moisturise
- Protect
This product is the "Cleanse" step.
- Use on damp skin and rinse thoroughly.
- Follow with a toner or essence while skin is still slightly damp.
Safety and suitability
Flags to check, not verdicts. None of this is medical advice — if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or treating a skin condition, ask a doctor.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Nothing in this formula is on the standard pregnancy-caution list. That is not clearance — ask your doctor about anything you use daily.
- Fungal acne (malassezia)
- 2 ingredients could feed malassezia: Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Polysorbate 20. That is about the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that you will break out.
- Sensitive and reactive skin
- No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
- Recorded ingredient risks
- Alcohol, Allergen
Ingredients by function
Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 14 ingredients on the label.
4
Solvent
Dissolves and carries everything else
4
Texture agent
Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula
3
pH adjuster
Sets the acidity the formula needs to work
2
Active
Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels
2
Fragrance / colour
Changes how the product smells or looks
2
Humectant
Draws water into the upper layers of skin
2
Preservative
Keeps the product free of microbial growth
2
Surfactant
Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together
1
Plant extract
Botanical material, usually for antioxidants or scent
Ingredient breakdown
Every ingredient on the label, in order, with what it does and roughly how much of it is likely to be there.
- Estimated level
- 30–80%
- Confidence
- Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
- Roles
- Solvent
1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.
Water
2
Arginine
- Estimated level
- 5–20%
- Confidence
- Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
L-Arginine
Hydration
Anti-Aging
6 scientific references
- Biobased Surfactants (Second Edition), 2019, pages 413-445
- Scientific Reports, February 2016, pages 1-10
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review, October 2012, pages 1-35
- Journal of Advanced Research, July 2010, pages 169–177
- International Journal of Cosmetic Science, April 2005, page 139
- Wound Repair and Regeneration, November-December 2003, pages 419-423
- Estimated level
- 5–20%
- Confidence
- Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
- Roles
- Plant extract
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Spiraea Ulmaria Extract is an extract of the Drop Wort, Spiraea ulmaria L., Rosaceae
Anti-Aging
Soothing
Oil Control
3 scientific references
- Journal of Applied Research on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, December 2017, pages 1-26
- Journal of Ethnopharmacology, December 2016, pages 627-636 and pages 652-666
- Phytotherapy Research, April 2013, pages 588-594
- Estimated level
- 2–10%
- Confidence
- Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate is a lysate of the product obtained by fermentation of Lactobacillus.
Soothing
4 scientific references
- Current Issues in Molecular Biology, January 2024, pages 513-526
- Microorganisms, July 2023, pages 1-24
- International Journal of Cosmetic Science, February 2023, pages 83-94
- Molecules, March 2021, pages 1-11
- Estimated level
- 2–10%
- Confidence
- Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
- Roles
- Active, pH adjuster
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Acetic acid, hydroxy-
Anti-Aging
Evens Skin Tone
Smooths Bumpy Skin
5 scientific references
- Molecules, April 2018, 23(4), ePublication
- DNA Cell Biology, February 2017, pages 177-187
- Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, October 2015, pages 21-26
- BioMed Research International, 2015, Volume 2015
- Dermatology Research and Practice, February 2015, Volume 2015
- Estimated level
- 2–10%
- Confidence
- Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
- Roles
- Humectant, Active, pH adjuster
6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Propanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-
Anti-Aging
Evens Skin Tone
Hydration
9 scientific references
- International Journal of Cosmetic Science, April 2020, pages 116-126
- International Journal of Dermatology, March 2019, ePublication
- Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology, October 2018, pages 491-497
- International Journal of Dermatology, September 2018, ePublication
- Molecules, April 2018, ePublication
- Journal of the American Dental Association, April 2016, pages 255-263
- Cutis, January 2016, pages E9-E11
- Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology, November 2010, pages 135-142
- The Journal of Dermatology, January 2006, pages 16-22
- Estimated level
- 1–5%
- Confidence
- Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
- Roles
- Surfactant, Texture agent
7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
D-Glucoside, Decyl
- Estimated level
- 1–5%
- Confidence
- Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
- Roles
- Surfactant
8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Sorbitan, monododecanoate, poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) derivs.
- Estimated level
- 1–5%
- Confidence
- Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
- Roles
- Humectant, Texture agent, Solvent
9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Butane-1,3-diol (CAS No. 107-88-0/ EC No. 203-529-7) (R)-(-)-butane-1,3-diol” (CAS No. 6290-03-5/ EC No. 228-532-0)
Hydration
5 scientific references
- CosmeticsInfoorg, Accessed March 2021, ePublication
- US Food and Drug Administration Code of Federal Regulations</em>, Accessed March 2021, ePublication
- International Journal of Toxicology, May 2011, pages 5S-16S
- Skin Research and Technology, November 2007, pages 417-24
- Journal of the American College of Toxicology, September 1985, pages 223-248
- Estimated level
- under 1%
- Confidence
- Moderate — listed below the 1% line
- Roles
- Fragrance / colour
10th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Parfum is a term for ingredient labelling used to identify that a product contains a material or a combination of materials normally added to a cosmetic to produce or to mask a particular odour. According to Article 19 of the Cosmetics Regulation, 'Perfume and aromatic compositions and their raw materials shall be referred to by the terms ‘parfum’ or ‘aroma’. '
- Estimated level
- under 1%
- Confidence
- Moderate — listed below the 1% line
- Roles
- pH adjuster
11th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Sodium hydroxide
- Estimated level
- under 1%
- Confidence
- Moderate — listed below the 1% line
- Roles
- Texture agent, Solvent
12th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,3-dihydroxypropane
Hydration
4 scientific references
- PubChem Compound Summary, April 2021, ePublication
- SpecialChem, Accessed April 2021, ePublication
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review, June 2018, pages 1-73
- Cosmetics & Toiletries, May 2013, pages 81-86
- Estimated level
- under 1%
- Confidence
- Moderate — listed below the 1% line
- Roles
- Texture agent, Solvent, Preservative, Fragrance / colour
13th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Benzyl alcohol
Alcohol
Allergen
- Estimated level
- under 1%
- Confidence
- Moderate — listed below the 1% line
- Roles
- Preservative
14th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,2-Propanediol, 3-(4-chlorophenoxy)-
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Frequently asked questions
What ingredients are in Purifying Cleansing Micellar Water?
AQUA, ARGININE, SPIRAEA ULMARIA EXTRACT, LACTOBACILLUS FERMENT LYSATE, GLYCOLIC ACID, LACTIC ACID, DECYL GLUCOSIDE, POLYSORBATE 20, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, PARFUM, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, PROPANEDIOL, BENZYL ALCOHOL, CHLORPHENESIN.
What are the active ingredients in Purifying Cleansing Micellar Water?
GLYCOLIC ACID, LACTIC ACID.
How do I use Purifying Cleansing Micellar Water?
Morning and/or evening, sweep over the face with a cotton pad, avoiding the eye contour.
What skin types is Purifying Cleansing Micellar Water good for?
Judged on how rich the formula reads from its ingredient list, it suits Combination (oily), Oily skin best. It is the least natural fit for Dry, Combination (dry) skin.
Is Purifying Cleansing Micellar Water good for sensitive skin?
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
Is Purifying Cleansing Micellar Water fungal acne safe?
2 ingredients could feed malassezia: Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Polysorbate 20. That describes the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that they will cause a breakout.
Can I use Purifying Cleansing Micellar Water while pregnant?
Nothing in this formula is on the standard pregnancy-caution list. That is not medical clearance — check anything you use daily with your doctor or midwife.
Is Purifying Cleansing Micellar Water fragrance free?
No — it contains Parfum, Benzyl Alcohol.
Does Purifying Cleansing Micellar Water contain alcohol?
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is no drying alcohol.
Is Purifying Cleansing Micellar Water silicone free?
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is silicone-free.
Does Purifying Cleansing Micellar Water contain essential oils?
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is essential-oil-free.
Is Purifying Cleansing Micellar Water paraben free?
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is paraben-free.
What can I layer with Purifying Cleansing Micellar Water?
It layers well with Azelaic acid, Copper peptides, Bakuchiol, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, Ceramides. Take more care combining it with Retinoids (retinol, retinal), Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), AHAs (glycolic, lactic), BHA (salicylic acid), PHAs (gluconolactone), Benzoyl peroxide — use them in separate routines or on alternate days.
When should I apply Purifying Cleansing Micellar Water?
Use it morning and evening, first step.
How many ingredients does Purifying Cleansing Micellar Water have?
It lists 14 ingredients, of which 2 are recorded as actives.
Who makes Purifying Cleansing Micellar Water?
Payot.
Brand
Payot