How to create micellar water formulas in 5 simple steps

Diane Grover 02.2026

Want to create your own micellar water formulas and get it right every time without needing to learn how to formulate? Our Create Cosmetic Formulas makes it easy! 
Follow our 5-step guide to get creating your own micellar water formulas now, read on to find out how! 

Start by logging into your Create Cosmetic Formulas subscription then…
 

How to create micellar water formulas in 5 simple steps

1. Select Skin and Hair Care – micellar water as the type of formula you would like to create today, then click Create.

 

2. Choose your base and pick from an array of water alternatives to use in your micellar water formula. 

Micellar Water: Our Create Cosmetic Formulas program uses water as the base ingredient in micellar water –with the option to personalise with fragrant hydrosol. The program will automatically adjust the water input as you select your water alternatives and other material.

I’ve selected watermelon water at 40% w/w for its refreshing scent; and lime hydrosol at 10% w/w for its gentle astringent effect. 

You can adjust the percentage up or down — or choose entirely different water alternatives — depending on your marketing story or the skin type you have.

The Create Cosmetic Formulas program even guides you through ingredient selection. Each ingredient includes a description outlining its key benefits and functionality, making it easy to choose the right materials for your desired result.
 

3. Choose your chelating agent, humectant and extracts and follow the inputs provided. Not sure which material to choose? That’s okay, simply click “Select” next to each category and read the material descriptions before choosing from our selection.


I’ve chosen to include a small amount of sodium phytate, a naturally derived chelating agent, to enhance stability and minimise cloudiness or separation caused by metal ions that may be present in the water. Propanediol, a naturally derived humectant, is added to improve skin hydration and ensure a smooth effortless glide. Manuka extract was selected for its antibacterial properties.

4. Solubiliser, fragrance, and antioxidant 

I’ve chosen Symbiosolve Clear Plus as it is a naturally derived, highly effective solubilising agent that provides excellent clarity and a light foam for a fresh, clean skin feel. A small amount of lime essential oil has been included to complement the watermelon and lime base, while mixed tocopherols offer antioxidant protection for both the skin and the overall formula.

For more information on cosmetic ingredients and their functions, read our go-to guide on cosmetic ingredients here.


5. Select the preservative

 

For preservation, I have selected Geogard 221, a broad-spectrum, COSMOS-approved preservative, used at the maximum recommended level to ensure the micellar water is adequately protected against microbial contamination.

Our Create Cosmetic Formulas program will automatically include a pH adjuster for any final adjustments.
 

6. Click Generate Method
 

Then here is my formula, and here is the method!  

 

Now all you need to do is find your nearest cosmetic ingredient suppliers, order the materials, and get making your fantastic shampoo formulas!

Once you’ve made one formula, you’ll be keen to make more! With Create Cosmetic Formulas, you have almost limitless formulation creation, and just one low annual subscription.

It really is that simple.

Happy formulating!

 

Take our quiz: should you use a program to create cosmetic formulas or learn cosmetic science?
Find out which solution is best for you with our simple quiz!
 

Try the create cosmetic formulas program today! We’re so confident you’ll love how it helps you create cosmetic formulas, it comes with a 24-hour money back guarantee.

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