Target Up And Up Micellar Water Review 2026: Worth Trying?

If you walk past the skin care aisle at Target, you may spot a clear bottle with a purple label. It costs about as much as a coffee. The Up&Up Micellar Water promises clean skin without rinsing. That sounds like a strong deal. But does a cheap store brand really lift mascara and sunscreen? I checked the label, read the guest reviews, and compared it with famous French brands. This review gives you the honest picture.

You will learn what this bottle does well. You will also see where it falls short. Then you can decide if it suits your skin. I added three strong alternatives at the end for anyone who wants more. The short answer is simple. It works well for many people, but it is not perfect for everyone.

In a Nutshell

• The price is the star. A 13.5 fl oz bottle sells for about $5.99 to $6.19 at Target. That works out to roughly 44 cents per fluid ounce, which is very low for a makeup remover.
• The formula is simple and clean. It holds 11 ingredients. It has no alcohol, no fragrance, and no essential oils. Target lists it as hypoallergenic and safe for all skin types.
• It removes makeup without water. You soak a cotton pad, press it on your skin, and wipe. You do not need to rinse. That makes it great for late nights and travel.
• Reviews are mixed. Target guests give it about 3.3 stars from 585 ratings. Many love the value. Some complain about an oily feel and film left on the skin.
• It sells fast. More than 28,000 bottles moved in the last month alone. That tells you shoppers keep buying it despite the split feedback.
• The brand lives at Target. Up&Up is a Target house brand. On Amazon you find it as a bundle with a travel pouch and cotton pads. So the plain bottle is a Target buy.

What Is Up&Up Micellar Cleansing Water

Up&Up Micellar Cleansing Water is a store brand cleanser from Target. You get 13.5 fluid ounces in a clear plastic bottle with a flip top cap. The label says All In One Micellar Face Cleansing Water. Older bottles carry the name 3 in 1 Micellar Cleansing Water.

Target prints a short promise on the front. The product removes makeup, including waterproof mascara. It cleans skin without stripping it. It does not need rinsing. It suits all skin types. The brand also calls it hypoallergenic.

The price is the main draw. One bottle costs about $5.99 to $6.19. That is far below the $19.99 you pay for Bioderma Sensibio H2O. It is also below the $11.91 Nivea Hydro Boost bottle.

The smell is another plus. The liquid has almost no scent. People who hate perfume in skin care often like that.

Target does not sell this as a luxury item. It sells as a daily basic. You use it to wipe off sunscreen, sweat, and light makeup. Then you follow with your normal routine. For the money, it does a fair job.

Last update on 2026-10-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

What Is Inside the Bottle

The ingredient list is short. It holds 11 items. Water sits at the top, so the product is mostly purified water. That is normal for micellar water.

Isohexadecane comes next. This is a light emollient and solvent. It dissolves makeup and oil. It also gives the liquid a smooth, silky feel on the skin.

Two alkane solvents follow. They are C15-23 Alkane and C13-14 Alkane. Both help lift oily makeup and sunscreen from the surface.

Decyl Glucoside is the main cleanser. It comes from coconut or palm kernel oil and glucose. It forms gentle micelles that trap dirt. The makers call it mild and biodegradable.

Hexylene Glycol works as a solvent. It thins the formula and helps it spread. It also boosts the preservative system.

Disodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs metal ions from hard water. That keeps the formula stable over time.

Polyaminopropyl Biguanide is the preservative. It stops bacteria and mold from growing in the bottle.

The label shows no alcohol, no fragrance, and no essential oils. That matters for reactive skin. It is a clean, simple mix for the price.

How Well It Removes Makeup

Soak a cotton pad and press it on your eye for a few seconds. Then wipe down. The micelles grab makeup and lift it away. Light foundation and powder come off fast. Sunscreen breaks down well too.

Waterproof mascara takes more work. The label claims it handles waterproof formulas. In practice, you may need two or three pads for heavy mascara. Let the pad sit for 10 to 15 seconds first. That softens the product so it slides off.

Lipstick and long wear foundation need a little patience. Press, hold, then wipe. Do not scrub hard. Rubbing pulls the skin and can cause redness.

The finish is the weak point. Many guests say the skin feels slick after use. Some see a film on the face. That feel comes from the isohexadecane and the alkane solvents. They leave a slight oil layer behind.

You can rinse with water if you dislike that film. A quick splash removes the residue. Then your skin feels clean and soft.

For a $6 bottle, the cleaning power is good. It is not the strongest remover on the shelf. It sits in the middle for heavy makeup. For daily light makeup, it does the job.

Top 3 Alternative for Up&Up Micellar Water

If this bottle does not fit your skin, three rivals are worth a look. Each one brings a different strength.

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Water is the best known option. A 13.5 fl oz bottle costs about $8.82. It holds a 4.7 star rating from more than 75,000 reviews. The formula is vegan and cruelty free. It suits sensitive skin and lifts makeup fast. This is the safest swap for most people.

Bioderma Sensibio H2O is the French pharmacy classic. A bottle costs about $19.99. It earns 4.8 stars from more than 34,000 reviews. It holds an Amazon’s Choice badge. The formula is very gentle on reactive skin. It leaves almost no film. You pay more for that comfort.

Nivea Hydro Boost Micellar Water adds hyaluronic acid to the mix. It costs about $11.91 for 13.5 fl oz. It rates 4.6 stars and carries an Amazon’s Choice badge. It is alcohol free and feels light on skin. It works well for dry skin that needs a little moisture.

Last update on 2026-10-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Last update on 2026-10-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Last update on 2026-10-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Up&Up vs Garnier vs Bioderma

These three share a base. All use water, isohexadecane, and hexylene glycol. That means they clean in a similar way. The differences show up in price, comfort, and extra ingredients.

Up&Up wins on cost. You pay about $6 for 13.5 fl oz. Garnier asks about $8.82. Bioderma asks about $19.99 for a smaller bottle.

Garnier wins on trust. It has tens of thousands of reviews and a 4.7 star score. Up&Up sits near 3.3 stars on Target. Reviews for the house brand mention residue and an oily feel more often.

Bioderma wins on comfort. It rates 4.8 stars. People with very sensitive skin rate it the highest. It leaves the least film of the three.

Nivea sits in the middle. It costs about $11.91. It adds hyaluronic acid, so it feels softer on dry skin. It rates 4.6 stars.

Here is the quick rule. Want the lowest price? Pick Up&Up. Want the best balance? Pick Garnier. Want the gentlest formula and you do not mind the cost? Pick Bioderma.

For most readers, Garnier is the smarter daily buy. Up&Up still works as a backup bottle for travel.

Who Should Buy It and Who Should Skip It

This bottle fits a few clear groups of people.

Buy it if you want a cheap makeup remover for daily use. Buy it if your skin handles most products without trouble. Buy it if you hate strong scents in skin care. Buy it if you travel a lot and want a bottle you can lose without regret.

Buy it if you wear light makeup on most days. Buy it if you like a no rinse step before your real cleanser.

Skip it if your skin reacts fast to new products. Skip it if you have very dry or very reactive skin. Skip it if you dislike any oily feel on your face. Skip it if you wear heavy waterproof eye makeup every day.

Skip it if you have had trouble with this brand before. Some users report stinging near the eyes with Up&Up makeup removers. That does not happen to everyone. Still, patch test first.

A patch test takes one minute. Put a little on your inner arm. Wait a day. Then try it near your jaw. If your skin stays calm, use it on your face.

Cheap does not mean bad. It just means you should check your own skin first.

How to Use It the Right Way

The method matters more than the bottle. Follow these steps for the best result.

Start with clean hands. Shake the bottle once. The formula can settle a little over time.

Pour a generous amount on a cotton pad. A dry pad drags the skin. A wet pad glides and lifts more makeup. Use enough product.

Press the pad on your eye or lip for 10 to 15 seconds. Let the micelles break down the makeup. Then wipe down once, slowly.

Turn the pad over for a fresh side. Use a new pad for each eye. This stops you from moving dirt back onto the skin.

Wipe the face from the center out. Work down the neck too. Sunscreen and sweat collect there.

Follow with your normal cleanser at night. Micellar water is a first step. It is not a full cleanse. A second wash removes what the pad leaves behind.

Rinse with cool water if you feel a film. Then apply moisturizer while the skin is still damp.

Use it as a morning wipe on oily days. It clears overnight oil before you cleanse.

Keep the lid closed when you finish. Air and dust do a bottle no favors.

Price and Value in 2026

Value is where this product wins. One 13.5 fl oz bottle costs about $5.99 to $6.19. That equals roughly 44 to 46 cents per fluid ounce. Most drugstore brands ask more.

Garnier costs about $8.82 for a similar size. Bioderma costs about $19.99. Nivea costs about $11.91. So Up&Up saves you money against every rival here.

The math gets better with use. One bottle lasts about two to three months if you use it twice a day. That is a few dollars a month for makeup removal.

Target also sells smaller sizes for travel in some stores. Those cost less and fit in a carry on bag. Check your local aisle for stock.

The brand calls itself New look. Same trusted quality. That note tells you the packaging changed, not the formula.

On Amazon the product shows up mainly as a bundle. The set adds a travel pouch and 10 cotton pads. It costs about $23.99. That is handy for gifts or travel, yet it costs more per item.

Buy the plain bottle at Target for the best price. Then spend the savings on a good cotton pad.

Last update on 2026-10-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Very low price at about $5.99 to $6.19 for 13.5 fl oz
• No alcohol, no fragrance, and no essential oils in the formula
• Hypoallergenic label that suits all skin types
• No rinsing needed, so it works fast on busy nights
• Removes light makeup, sunscreen, and daily grime well
• Easy to find at Target stores and on the Target app

Cons

• Mixed reviews, with about 3.3 stars from 585 Target ratings
• Leaves an oily feel and a slight film on some skin
• Needs two or three pads for heavy waterproof mascara
• Some users report stinging close to the eyes
• Waterproof makeup removal is slower than with prestige brands
• Amazon shoppers must buy the bundle instead of the plain bottle

The bottom line on value is simple. You pay very little and get a fair daily remover. You also accept a few trade offs. That is the honest trade.

What Real Target Guests Say

Target guests give the product about 3.3 stars from 585 ratings. That score is lower than the score for most rivals. The feedback splits into two clear groups.

One group loves the price and the no rinse step. They say it works for light makeup and leaves skin soft. Many buy it again and keep a bottle in the shower. Some call it a hidden gem of the store brand aisle.

The other group talks about residue. They say the liquid feels oily on the skin. Some see a film that stays after the wipe. Others say it does not lift mascara as fast as they hoped.

A smaller group reports eye discomfort. A few people on skin care forums say the brand irritates their eyes. That does not match every report, yet it repeats enough to note.

Sales data shows strong demand. More than 28,000 bottles sold in a single month. So plenty of shoppers accept the flaws for the low price.

Read reviews with care. Skin reacts in different ways. A product that stings for one person may feel fine for you.

If your skin is calm and tough, this bottle is a fine buy. If your skin reacts fast, spend a little more on a gentler formula.

Micellar Water Mistakes to Avoid

Many people blame the bottle when the method is the real problem. So avoid these common slips.

Do not skip the hold time. Pressing for two seconds and wiping hard pulls the skin. Hold for 10 to 15 seconds and let the formula work.

Do not use a dry pad. A dry pad drags and tugs. Use enough liquid so the pad glides.

Do not scrub the eye area. The skin there is thin. Rubbing causes redness and fine lines over time.

Do not treat it as your only cleanser. Micellar water lifts makeup and oil. It does not clear pores the way a face wash does. Use both at night.

Do not leave the bottle open. Dust and air spoil the formula faster.

Do not share pads between eyes. Use a fresh side for each one.

Do not store the bottle in direct sun. Heat can break down the ingredients.

Do not judge it after one try. Give it a week of proper use. Then decide if it suits your skin.

Small changes in method bring big changes in results. Good technique makes a cheap bottle work better than a bad routine with an expensive one.

Final Verdict

Up&Up Micellar Cleansing Water is a fair product at a very low price. It costs about $6 for 13.5 fl oz. It holds no alcohol, no fragrance, and no essential oils. It lifts light makeup and sunscreen without rinsing. For daily basics, it does the job.

It also has clear limits. Target guests rate it near 3.3 stars. Many note an oily feel and residue. Heavy waterproof makeup takes extra work. Some users report eye irritation.

So who wins? If your skin is calm and your budget is tight, buy it. Keep it as a backup bottle and a travel pick. If your skin reacts fast or you hate any film, pay more for Garnier or Bioderma.

My simple advice is this. Try the Up&Up bottle for light days. Keep Garnier as your main remover. Save Bioderma for weeks when your skin feels stressed. That mix covers value and comfort at the same time.

For 2026, this bottle stays a smart bargain. It just needs the right owner and the right use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Up&Up Micellar Water good for sensitive skin?

Target labels it hypoallergenic and free of fragrance. The formula holds no alcohol and no essential oils. That suits many sensitive skin types. Yet some users still report stinging near the eyes. Do a patch test on your inner arm first. If your skin stays calm for a day, try it on your jaw next.

Does it remove waterproof mascara?

It can, but it takes patience. Soak a cotton pad and hold it on the lashes for 10 to 15 seconds. Then wipe down slowly. Most waterproof mascara comes off in two passes. Very stubborn formulas may need a second product made for eyes.

Do you have to rinse it off?

No. The label says no rinsing is needed. Many people still rinse because of the light film it leaves. A quick splash of cool water removes that feel. Either way works for most skin types.

Where can you buy Up&Up Micellar Water?

It is a Target house brand, so Target stores and Target online carry it first. Sizes start at 13.5 fl oz for about $5.99 to $6.19. On Amazon it appears as a bundle with a travel pouch and cotton pads. That set costs about $23.99.

Is micellar water a full cleanser?

No. It removes makeup, sunscreen, and surface oil. It does not clear pores the way a foaming or gel cleanser does. Use it as step one at night. Then follow with your regular face wash.