Micellar water may just seem like another standard makeup removing solution—or at best, a gentle toner that removes excess dirt, makeup, and impurities from the skin’s surface—but it turns out, it’s got a little more to offer than the conventional water-based formulas we’re used to. Micellar water is in fact, not just a fancy, gimmicky water—it actually contains skin-soothing “micelles” (tiny little oil molecules) that allow the formula to gently refine, cleanse, and even out the skin without over-drying it causing an uncomfortably tight feeling. While some use micellar waters alone as the main staple in their cleansing routine, others use it to double cleanse following an oil, cream, or gel-based face wash for an extra deep clean.

The best part? Because it’s technically a “water,” it doesn’t require any additional water to rinse it off—in fact, you don’t rinse it off at all. Simply swipe the liquid onto the skin with a cotton pad of your choosing and follow up with your favorite serums, foundations, and cream. While any skin type—oily, combination, and the like—can benefit from incorporating micellar water into their daily routines, it’s especially beneficial for those with sensitive and super-dry skin because it doesn’t strip natural oils and actually promotes balanced hydration levels. Ready to add one to your current lineup? We’ve gathered a few of our favorite effective and affordable formulas to try for yourself.