DIY Micellar Water

Making your own micellar water might sound complicated, but it’s actually one of the easiest (and most satisfying) skincare DIYs!

If you’ve ever looked at store-bought options and wondered what’s really in there, this DIY micellar water recipe gives you a clean, customizable alternative you can feel great about using daily.

It’s gentle, simple, and depending on your skin’s needs, can be personalized! Plus, it’s a great beginner project if you’re just starting to explore natural beauty.

Here is a simple homemade micellar water for you to try!

What is Micellar Water?

Micellar water is a water-based cleanser that removes dirt, oil, and makeup without needing to rinse. It’s made up of tiny oil molecules (micelles) suspended in water, which attract impurities while leaving your skin hydrated and soothed.

This version uses safe, skin-loving ingredients like glycerin, hydrosol, a little castile soap, and lecithin to naturally form micelles, no synthetic surfactants needed!

I LOVE using this micellar water to clean my face after a long day. I hated spending so much time cleaning, rinsing, and hydrating. With this, it does it all at once!

Note: Always avoid using micellar water directly in your eyes, especially with essential oils or castile soap involved.

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DIY Micellar Water Recipe

This makes around 8 ounces of micellar water.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup hydrosol of your choice (like rose, chamomile, or lavender) or distilled water
• ⅛ tsp sunflower lecithin (non-GMO)
• ½ tsp vegetable glycerin
• ½ tsp carrier oil (like jojoba or sweet almond)
• ½ tsp castile soap
• Natural preservative (optional, but helpful for longer shelf life)

How To Make DIY Herbal Micellar Water

Pour your hydrosol or distilled water into a clean glass jar and place in a double boiler. Heat gently until it’s around body temperature (not hot).

Remove from heat and stir in the lecithin, glycerin, castile soap, and carrier oil. Add preservative if using.

The lecithin might not blend immediately, don’t worry! Let the mixture sit for a few hours, shaking occasionally. It will eventually emulsify and become smooth.

Once fully mixed and cooled, pour into a clean flip-top or pump bottle for easy use.

How to Use:

• Moisten a cotton pad or reusable cloth and gently wipe over your face.
• There’s no need to rinse, just let it dry naturally.
• Avoid contact with eyes, especially if you used essential oils or castile soap.

Notes:

• Use any gentle carrier oil that works well with your skin. Jojoba is great for oily skin, while almond or avocado are lovely for dry types.
• Keep in the fridge to extend shelf life if you skip the preservative. With proper storage, it can last up to 2-3 months refrigerated or longer if preserved.
• Swap the hydrosol based on skin needs: Rose for mature or dry skin, Chamomile for sensitive skin, or Lavender for balancing. I also am a big fan of helichrysum too!

How I Use It

This is my go-to cleanser on nights when my skin just needs a gentle refresh, not a full wash. It’s also my favorite way to take off sunscreen or light makeup without drying out my face. Bonus: the hydrosol I use makes it smell so good!

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Micellar Water

Yield: 8 ounces

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Active Time: 10 minutes

Additional Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

A gentle, DIY micellar water made with simple, skin-friendly ingredients to cleanse dirt, oil, and light makeup without stripping the skin. Suitable for most skin types when properly formulated and stored.

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Materials

• 1 cup hydrosol of your choice or distilled water
• ⅛ tsp lecithin
• ½ tsp vegetable glycerin
• ½ tsp carrier oil
• ½ tsp castile soap
• Natural preservative (optional)

Tools

• Heat-safe glass jar
• Double boiler
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cup
• Small whisk or spoon
• Flip-top or pump bottle

Instructions

1. Pour the hydrosol or water into a glass jar, and place in a double broiler. Heat on low until liquid is around body temperature. 
2. Remove from heat and add all other ingredients to the liquid, and mix thoroughly. 
3. The lecithin might look like it is not going to mix, just let it sit for a few hours and shake ever so often and it will eventually mix in. 
4. Once the mixture has cooled down to room temperature, pour into a flip-top bottle. 
5. To use, moisten a cotton pad and gently wipe over the skin of the face, and avoid your eyes. 

Notes

• Use any gentle carrier oil that works well with your skin. Jojoba is great for oily skin, while almond or avocado are lovely for dry types.
• Keep in the fridge to extend shelf life if you skip the preservative. With proper storage, it can last up to 2-3 months refrigerated or longer if preserved.
• Swap the hydrosol based on skin needs: Rose for mature or dry skin, Chamomile for sensitive skin, or Lavender for balancing. I also am a big fan of helichrysum too!

Did you make this project?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

Final Thoughts

Making your own micellar water is a simple way to take back control of your skincare. You know exactly what’s in it, and you can tailor it to your skin. It’s gentle, effective, and herbalist-approved!

Let me know if you make it!