Target Up And Up Micellar Water Review 2026: Still Worth It?

Your makeup remover should work fast and cost little. Target’s store brand promises both for about six dollars. But shoppers disagree on whether it delivers.

I looked at the formula, the price, and the feedback from real users. Some people love it. Others get oily skin or sore eyes. Read on to see which group you will likely join.

In a Nutshell

• The price is the main draw. The 13.5 fl oz bottle costs about $6.19 at Target. That works out to roughly $0.46 per fluid ounce, which is far below most brand name rivals.
• The formula is simple and mild. It uses water, a gentle plant based cleanser, and a few helper ingredients. It has no scent, which helps people who dislike perfume in skincare.
• Results get mixed feedback. Many shoppers say it removes makeup well. Others complain about an oily feel and a film left on the skin.
• Eye comfort varies by person. Some users say it stings or dries out their eyes. A patch test on a small area is a smart first step.
• The packaging has changed. Target now sells a new look bottle and a 3 in 1 version. The ingredient list can differ between bottles, so check the label.
• Better options exist for sensitive skin. Garnier, Bioderma, and La Roche Posay cost more. They also give more consistent results for many people.

Target Up And Up Micellar Water Overview

Last update on 2026-10-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Up And Up is Target’s own budget skincare line. The All In One Micellar Cleansing Water sits in the makeup remover aisle. It comes in a clear 13.5 fl oz plastic bottle with a flip top cap.

The label says it cleanses, removes makeup, and refreshes the skin in one step. You soak a cotton pad and wipe your face. You do not rinse afterward.

Micellar water contains tiny cleansing particles called micelles. These particles act like magnets for oil, dirt, and makeup. They lift the mess off your skin without hard rubbing.

Target sells this bottle in large numbers. The store page shows more than 27,000 purchases in one month. That tells us many people try it at least once.

The overall rating is 3.3 out of 5 stars. That is a middle score. It matches the mixed feedback you will see in the next sections.

I rate it as a decent budget pick with a few clear limits. It suits light makeup and daily cleansing best.

Ingredients Inside the Bottle

The formula starts with water. That is normal for micellar products. Water carries every other ingredient.

Target’s listing names several key ingredients. They include cyclopentasiloxane, hexylene glycol, decyl glucoside, dipotassium phosphate, poloxamer 184, sodium chloride, disodium EDTA, and citric acid. Each one has a simple job.

Decyl glucoside is the main cleanser. It comes from plant sugars and has a low chance of causing irritation. Poloxamer 184 also helps lift dirt and makeup.

Cyclopentasiloxane is a silicone. It helps the liquid glide over your skin and dissolve makeup. It can also leave a slick feeling behind.

Other versions of this product list oily ingredients such as isohexadecane and alkanes. These ingredients add slip and help dissolve long wear makeup. They may explain why some people feel a residue.

Hexylene glycol helps mix the water and oil parts together. Disodium EDTA and the phosphates keep the formula stable.

The formula has no fragrance, which is a plus for sensitive skin. Still, every skin reacts differently, so read the label on your own bottle.

Texture, Scent, and First Impressions

The liquid looks like clear water. It feels slightly slippery between your fingers. That slip comes from the silicone and oily ingredients.

There is almost no smell. That makes it pleasant to use in the morning or late at night. You will not notice any perfume.

The flip top cap pours out a lot of liquid at once. A light tilt works better than a hard squeeze. This helps you avoid waste.

On the skin, the first swipe feels cool and fresh. Light makeup slides off quickly. A single pad often cleans foundation from one cheek.

Then comes the tricky part. Many users say the skin feels a little oily afterward. Others describe a thin film that sticks around.

This film is the top complaint on the Target page. Shoppers with oily or acne prone skin mention it most. Dry skin types often like the extra slip.

I suggest a quick splash of water after wiping. That step removes most of the film. It also leaves your face ready for your normal cleanser.

Top 3 Alternative for Target Up And Up Micellar Water

Three popular options fix the common complaints. Each one costs more, but each one has strong fan support. Pick the one that fits your skin.

Garnier Micellar Water is the closest match. It is also a drugstore product. It removes waterproof mascara well and suits most skin types.

Last update on 2026-09-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Bioderma Sensibio H2O is the original French micellar water. It has no fragrance and no alcohol. Many people with sensitive skin trust it.

Last update on 2026-09-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

La Roche Posay Micellar Water is gentle and oil free. It cleanses and refreshes the skin in one step. It works well for sensitive and reactive skin.

Last update on 2026-09-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

All three give a cleaner finish with less residue. Garnier is the best value switch. Bioderma and La Roche Posay are the best picks for easily irritated skin.

You can still keep Up And Up in your bathroom. It works well for travel or for gym bags. Use the pricier bottle for daily care.

How to Use It for Best Results

Using micellar water takes about one minute. Good technique makes a big difference with this formula. Follow these steps.

First, shake the bottle gently. Then soak a clean cotton pad with a generous amount. A dry pad pulls at your skin, so avoid skimping.

Press the pad on your face and hold it for ten seconds. This gives the micelles time to grab the makeup. Then wipe in one soft direction.

Use a fresh pad for each area. Start with your cheeks and forehead. Finish with the eyes and lips.

Never scrub. Hard rubbing causes redness and can harm the delicate eye area. Let the liquid do the work.

After wiping, wash your face with a gentle cleanser or rinse with water. This step removes the leftover film that many shoppers dislike. It also prepares your skin for moisturizer.

Heavy makeup needs a second pass. Waterproof mascara may need an extra hold time. Be patient and avoid dragging the pad across your lashes.

Store the bottle with the cap closed. Keep it out of direct sun. This protects the formula and keeps it fresh.

Makeup Removal Performance

Up And Up removes everyday makeup well. Foundation, powder, blush, and tinted sunscreen come off in a few wipes. The pad stays clean after two or three passes.

Lipstick and lip tint need more effort. Press the pad on your lips for several seconds first. Then wipe gently.

Waterproof mascara is the real test. Some users say it melts away with a short hold. Others say it leaves dark smudges that need a second product.

Results depend on the mascara you use. A tubing mascara slides off easily. A strong waterproof formula may fight back.

Many shoppers also like the speed. A full face of light makeup takes under two minutes. That helps on tired nights.

Compare this with pricier brands. Garnier and Bioderma tend to lift heavy makeup with fewer passes. Up And Up needs more pads and more time.

Think of it as a first step. It clears the surface layer fast. A second cleanse finishes the job. This approach suits oily skin and long wear makeup.

For bare skin or light tint, one step is plenty. The formula refreshes without drying. That makes it a fine morning cleanser too.

Eye Area and Sensitive Skin Experience

The eye area deserves extra care. The skin there is thin and reacts fast. Some Up And Up users report stinging, dryness, and puffy eyelids.

A few long time fans say the formula changed. They used it for years without trouble. Then their eyes started to burn.

Some also report styes after regular use around the eyes. Others never had a single problem. This shows how personal the reaction can be.

I suggest a simple patch test. Put a small amount on your inner arm. Wait a day and watch for redness.

Then test it near the eye with a damp pad. Stop right away if your eyes sting. Switch to a dedicated eye makeup remover.

Several shoppers moved to Neutrogena’s oil free eye remover. They kept Up And Up for the rest of the face. That split routine works well for many people.

The formula has no added fragrance, which helps. Yet the oily ingredients bother some eyes. Contact lens wearers should be extra careful.

If your skin reacts easily, try Bioderma or La Roche Posay first. Both focus on sensitive skin. They cost more but may save you discomfort.

Pros and Cons of Target Up And Up Micellar Water

This product has clear strengths and clear weak spots. Here is a quick view. The lists below sum up what shoppers report most.

Pros:

• Very low price. The bottle costs about $6 and lasts for weeks of daily use.
• No added fragrance. The scent free formula suits people who dislike perfume in skincare.
• Large 13.5 fl oz size. You get plenty of liquid for the money.
• Removes light makeup fast. Foundation and blush come off in a few wipes.
• Easy to find. Every Target store stocks it, and the package comes in a new look.

Cons:

• Leaves a film on some skin. Oily and acne prone skin may feel slick afterward.
• Can sting the eyes. Several users report dryness, redness, and puffy lids.
• Struggles with stubborn mascara. Heavy waterproof formulas may need a second product.
• Formula changes between bottles. The ingredient list differs across versions.
• Middle rating of 3.3 out of 5. Feedback is split, so results are not guaranteed.

Weigh these points against your own skin type. Oily or reactive skin should lean toward the alternatives above.

Price, Value, and Final Verdict

Last update on 2026-10-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

At about $6.19, Up And Up is cheap. Each fluid ounce costs around 46 cents. Brand name bottles often cost two or three times more.

For that price, you get a large bottle and a mild formula. Light makeup comes off quickly. The scent free design is a real plus.

The trade off is consistency. Some people get a clean, soft finish. Others get a film and irritated eyes.

My verdict is a cautious yes. Buy it if you wear light makeup and have normal or dry skin. Skip it for the eye area if your eyes are sensitive.

I would not choose it for heavy waterproof makeup. Garnier does that job better. Bioderma and La Roche Posay win for sensitive skin.

The smart move is a small test. Try it on your arm, then on your face. If it works, you save money every month.

If it fails, you lose only a few dollars. That low risk makes it worth one try. Keep your receipt just in case.

FAQs

Is Target Up And Up Micellar Water good for sensitive skin?

It has no added fragrance, which helps. Still, some users report stinging around the eyes. Do a patch test before full use.

Does Up And Up Micellar Water remove waterproof mascara?

It handles light mascara well. Strong waterproof formulas may need a longer hold or a second product. An oil based eye remover can finish the job.

Do I need to rinse after using it?

The label says no rinse is needed. Many users still rinse or follow with a cleanser. This removes any leftover film.

How much does it cost in 2026?

The 13.5 fl oz bottle costs about $6.19 at Target. Prices can change by store and by sale. Check the current price before you buy.

Is it better than Garnier Micellar Water?

Garnier usually removes heavy makeup faster and leaves less residue. Up And Up costs less. Choose Garnier for performance and Up And Up for budget.

Can I use it on my eyes?

Many people do, but some feel burning and dryness. Test it carefully. Switch to a dedicated eye makeup remover if your eyes react.

Does it leave a greasy feeling?

Some shoppers say yes. The silicone and oily ingredients can leave a thin film. A quick water rinse removes most of it.