Ever wondered how French women look effortlessly gorgeous? One of their key beauty secrets is micellar water, a solution used to remove make-up, cleanse your face and as a toner.
Read this article to learn how micellar water benefits your skin and the best ways to use it.
Highlights:
What Is Micellar Water & What Does It Do To Your Face?
Micellar water is a multi-functioning cleansing solution that can both cleanse and tone your skin. It is truly gentle on your skin and protects your skin barrier. It is made with purified water, micelles and some mild surfactants.
Micelles are a type of spherical chemical compound. They have an oil-loving ‘tail’ that traps dirt, oil, and makeup and a water-loving ‘head’ that allows the micelles to dissolve impurities. That’s how micellar water easily wipes away the impurities from your face.[1]
Another great thing about micellar water is that it is free of alcohol. It hydrates your skin and reduces skin irritation. Experts say micellar water can be beneficial for controlling skin inflammation as well. Regular usage of micellar water makes your skin soft and smooth.
What Are The Benefits Of Micellar Water?
1. Removes Excessive Oil & Dirt
As mentioned above, micellar water is a wonderful skin cleanser. It can help you remove your make-up without any hassle. The micelles in this water trap the extra sebum oil and dirt and deep cleanse your skin. Micellar water boosts the permeability of the skin so that the cleanser can penetrate into the deeper layers of your skin. [2]
2. Prevents Acne Breakout
Micellar water keeps your skin clean and free from all impurities. It removes the dirt and sebum oil from your skin pores, so that they remain clean and unclogged. Clogged skin pores are the most responsible for acne breakout, skin inflammation and irritation.[3]
On the other hand, unclogged skin pores and perfectly clean skin keeps acne at bay. In case you have acne issues, you can also try using a mild face wash along with micellar water. Studies show that a mild face wash and moisturizers can be helpful against acne-vulgaris.[4]
3. Hydrates Your Skin
Typically, micellar water tends to contain glycerin in it. Glycerin is a highly hydrating compound for the skin. In fact, a study on the effects of glycerin on damaged skin reveals that topical application of glycerin can restore the hydration of irritated skin.
In addition, glycerin has the ability to heal wounds, and soothe irritated and inflamed skin if applied topically. [5] Also, the surfactants used in micellar water are extremely gentle on the skin. It does not make your skin dry or rough.
4. Suits All Skin Types
Micellar water is versatile in nature. It means the water suits all skin types. According to skincare experts, micellar water is well suited even for people with sensitive skin.[6] People who have skin conditions like rosacea can also use it without any worry. It is free from harmful chemicals and irritants that are usually found in soaps and other surfactants. [7]
5. All-In-One Product
Micellar water is not just one product in your skincare routine. It can basically serve your entire skincare routine. It can work as a cleanser, makeup remover, and can also be used as a toner. Imagine not having to travel with loads of skincare products because you have this all-rounder in your bag.
How To Use Micellar Water?
1. As A Makeup Remover
Since micellar water is super gentle on the skin, it is the best for removing makeup. If you are wearing heavy makeup and your skin needs a little freshness, you should definitely use it. The best part of using micellar water as a makeup remover is that you don’t even have to rinse your face afterwards.
Steps To Follow
- Pour a little amount of micellar water into a cotton ball.
- Gently wipe away the makeup from your face.
- In case of removing eye makeup, hold the cotton ball for a few seconds before you wipe it off.
- Washing your face with a face wash afterwards is optional.
- Apply a moisturizer after you are done removing the makeup from your face.
2. As A Toner
Micellar water can be used as a toner. It can soothe and hydrate your skin better than any regular toner you get over the counter. Just follow the below steps to use it properly.
Steps To Follow
- Cleanse your face with a mild cleanser.
- Pat your skin dry.
- Pour some micellar water into your palm.
- Pat the micellar water into your skin.
- Let your skin absorb the entire toner.
3. As A Cleanser
For those who do not prefer face washes, micellar water works as a great cleanser. It can replace any face wash or face cleanser in your daily skincare routine.
Steps To Follow
- Pour a sufficient amount of micellar water into a cotton ball.
- Make sure the cotton ball is soaked enough to clean your entire face.
- Wipe your face with the cotton ball.
- Apply a moisturizer after you finish cleansing.
Did You Know?
You can even use micellar water to clean your make-up brushes. The water will easily remove the dirt and make-up stain from the brushes.
Difference Between Micellar Water & Toner
Typically, micellar water is formulated with purified water, mild surfactants, glycerin and micelles. Micellar water is multi-functional, which means you can use it as a face cleanser, makeup remover and also toner. It has hydrating properties that keep your skin hydrated and soft.
Toner, on the other hand, is made of ingredients like antioxidants, glycerin and acids. It is used to maintain the pH level of your skin and to tighten your skin pores. The toner is used after you are done washing your face with a mild cleanser. Over the counter, you will get toners made for different skin issues such as hydrating toner, acne-fighting toner, pore tightening toner, etc.
Are There Any Side Effects Of Using Micellar Water?
There are no major side effects of micellar water. However, you need to be careful while wiping off heavy eye make-up using only micellar water. You have to make sure that your makeup is properly removed, otherwise, the remaining makeup on your eyes can cause severe issues. Research has shown that cosmetic makeup products can increase the risk of developing a condition called Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). It can cause severe eye discomfort and pain. [8]
Also, not every makeup can be easily removed using only micellar water. A lot of people use strong waterproof make up which may need more than just micellar water. You can then wash your face with a face wash to remove your make-up properly.
Wrapping Up
Micellar water is an all-rounder product that you must add to your daily skincare routine. It promotes skin hydration, protects your skin from acne breakout and most importantly it is suitable for everyone. If you use micellar water, you can chuck a lot of other products from your skincare list, as this water serves several purposes.
However, in case you are suffering from any serious skin condition, please consult a dermatologist before using micellar water.
1. Cleansing Formulations That Respect Skin Barrier Integrity, August 2012
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3425021/
2. Polymeric micelles as cutaneous drug delivery system in normal skin and dermatological disorders, Jan-March 2018
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5801582/
3. Acne: Overview, January 2013
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279211/
4. Cleansing and moisturizing in acne patients, 2009
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19209947/
5. Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functions, July 2008
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18510666/
6. Sensitive skin compatibility of micellar water, June 2017
https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(17)31391-9/fulltext
7. A Guide to the Ingredients and Potential Benefits of Over-the-Counter Cleansers and Moisturizers for Rosacea Patients, August 2011
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3168246/
8. New Eye Cleansing Product Improves Makeup-Related Ocular Problems, August 2015
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