Micellar water: what is it and its benefits?

Micellar water is a new, but already favorite, makeup remover. Many cosmetic companies produce their own micellar waters and develop more effective product formulations. What it is and how to use micellar water correctly can be found in this article.

Micellar water

Micellar water (“micellar”) is a liquid in which small cleaning particles, called micelles (hence the name of the product). Due to their shape, micelles attract various impurities, particles of sebum, dust, cosmetics and gently remove them from the surface of the skin.

Many manufacturers of micellar water claim that it does not need to be rinsed off after use. However, cosmetologists advise the opposite. First you need to understand the types of micellar water:

1. Based on classic emulsifiers (PEG). This water contains synthetic substances (ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, etc.) that can cause dryness and irritation of the skin. Therefore, such products must be washed off.
2. Based on safe chemistry. Micellar water based on safe chemistry contains low-toxic and low-irritating substances (Lauryl Glucos > Micellar water may also contain cosmetic oils (for moisturizing and deeper cleansing), glycerin and panthenol (for healing the skin and preserving moisture in it), etc. The base is usually Melt or structured water is taken, purified from impurities and minerals.

Benefit

Micellar water has the following properties:

1. Gently and carefully cleanses the skinwithout injuring her. The micelles act like a magnet, and all you need to do is apply a dampened cotton pad and gently roll it over your face (without rubbing) to remove makeup and impurities.
2. Promotes skin healing. Panthenol, which is part of many products, has a regenerating effect, so with regular use, the skin begins to recover, small cracks and damage disappear.
3. Eliminates inflammation and soothes. Manufacturers create special lines of micellar products for problematic skin prone to rashes and inflammation. Water with micelles can replace anti-acne lotion.
4. Nourishes and moisturizes the skin. The product has a formula that retains moisture in the skin and prevents it from drying out. If the composition includes glycerin and panthenol, they have an additional softening and nourishing effect.

The main advantage of this product is its gentle action. In order to cleanse the skin with lotion or milk, intense friction is required. This leads to skin stretching and wrinkles. And when cleansing with micellar, no friction is required.

The product is also suitable for girls with thin and sensitive skin. It soothes the skin and relieves discomfort.

Despite the above advantages, the product has some disadvantages and can have harmful effects:

1. Causes allergies. Many micellar products are hypoallergenic (according to manufacturers' statements), but you need to remember that they contain chemicals that can cause an allergic reaction in the form of burning and itching of the skin, red spots, rashes, etc.
2. Leaves a sticky film on the surface of the skin. Many girls who used this product complained that it left a sticky layer on the face and caused a feeling of tightness and dryness. If after washing with micellar water such an unpleasant film remains on your face, then the product must be washed off.
3. Causes a burning sensation in the eyes. When removing eye makeup with micellar, burning and stinging often occurs, which is especially unpleasant for those who wear contact lenses. After this, you have to wash your eyes and lenses, which is not very convenient.

Girls with oily skin definitely need to wash micellar water off their face, otherwise they can cause acne and even more intense work of the sebaceous glands.

How to use micellar water correctly

Since most consumers do not understand chemicals, it is quite difficult to find truly high-quality micellar water. Therefore, the conclusion is: it is better to wash off any micellar water so as not to harm the skin and not cause dryness. Of course, in some conditions it is difficult to do this, and if you don’t wash it off once, then nothing bad will happen. However, if you regularly use micellar and do not remove it, the sensitivity of the skin will increase, it will become irritated and dry.

Usually micellar products are produced for any skin type, but sometimes you can find it on store shelves for dry, oily, normal, and combination skin. In this case, it is recommended to choose a product according to your type.

If the skin reacts poorly to all the tried micellar products (turns red, begins to itch, itch, etc.), then this means that this type of cleansing is not suitable and you should give preference to lotions and tonics.

Properly selected micellar water ideally cleanses the skin of dirt and makeup and does not cause side effects. It will help on the train, in nature, on the plane - in those places where cleansing the skin is quite problematic. Therefore, if there are no unpleasant sensations from use, then a bottle of micellar water should definitely be in every girl’s arsenal.

Hello dear readers and blog guests! What do you think is the secret to healthy and beautiful facial skin? Many will now say that these are expensive salon procedures or miracle creams. No, everything is much simpler. It turns out that the most important thing is to properly cleanse your face after applying decorative cosmetics. And one of these products is micellar water, what it is today I will tell you in great detail.

What is micellar water used for?

This product is a liquid consisting of microparticles - micelles. They are solutions of fatty acids. Thanks to this, the particles are able to remove dirt, dust, cosmetics and sebum. The mizzels themselves are not some kind of discovery of recent years. Ordinary soap also contains these microparticles.

The unusual thing about micellar water is that the product contains soft cleansing ingredients and no foam. Plus various oils, water and special emulsifiers are included. Micellar water is often colorless and has a weak aroma.

This liquid can easily remove makeup. As they write on the jars themselves, ideally, it does not require rinsing. Suitable for sensitive and problematic skin. A very convenient product for those who travel frequently and actively use cosmetics. The unique properties make it indispensable in everyday use:

1. Carefully cares, does not injure the skin;
2. Moisturizes the epidermis and prevents it from drying out;
3. Does not contain alcohol and soap;
4. A good replacement for gels and foams for makeup remover;
5. High-quality micellar water does not need to be rinsed off.

The advantages of this liquid in personal care are obvious. Dermatologists even recommend its use for certain skin diseases such as psoriasis and dermatitis. It will not get rid of acne and rashes, but it will be very useful in complex treatment. However, often the expectations from use do not live up to. Reviews about the use of micellar water are very different. Is this water as safe as the advertisement claims?

ARTICLES ON THE TOPIC:

Benefit or harm

The components that make up micellar water have a positive effect on the skin. Glycerin moisturizes it, panthenol heals and soothes irritations. Plant extracts heal the skin. The beneficial properties of this solution are undeniable. With its help, you can quickly remove stubborn makeup and cleanse your skin.

In most cases, the product does not cause allergic reactions or irritation. Thanks to its composition, it can prevent inflammatory processes on the skin. The main advantages of this solution include the following:

1. Multifunctionality. Acts as several cleansers and makeup removers.
2. Suitable for use in hot weather. Thanks to its moisturizing ability, it can be used throughout the day.
3. Safety. A high-quality product rarely causes irritation or allergic reactions.

I have often read that micellar products are the most hypoallergenic compared to other cleansers. However, most brands produced contain preservatives, fragrances and some surfactants. With regular use, this can lead to irritation and increased sensitivity of the epidermis.

There is a feeling of dryness and tightness of the skin, allergic reactions are possible. Painful sensations often occur in the area around the eyes. Such manifestations do not occur immediately, but after a couple of weeks of use it is quite possible.

Micellar water can be harmful to the skin if used according to the advertising slogan: “does not require rinsing with water.” I think it needs to be questioned. Not all products currently sold are the same and most of them should still be washed off with water.

Micellar water or toner: which is better?

These two products are an integral part of the process of proper skin cleansing. Let's first understand what a tonic is and why it is used. The main task of this product is to refresh the skin and restore normal Ph balance after chlorinated water. It can also tighten pores and prevent acne.

Tonic is a conductor for any cream, allowing its components to penetrate deep into cleansed skin.

This product can be water or alcohol based. To obtain the expected effect, the tonic should be used at the last stage of cleansing. You can always choose it according to your preferences. It will soothe sensitive and irritated skin. A product with moisturizing ingredients will be useful for dry or aging skin. For those with problematic and oily skin, toning will help tighten and cleanse pores.

Due to its properties, micellar water is somewhat similar to a tonic. Let's figure out how it differs from tonic. This is a universal cleanser. With its help, you can quickly remove makeup without rubbing makeup on your face. It is suitable for the skin of the lips, face, neck, eyelids.

A micellar solution is no better or worse than a toner in terms of its effect on the skin. Each cosmetic product has its own advantages and disadvantages. They belong to different levels of the makeup removal process and each performs its own function. Ideally, you should use both. First, cleanse the skin with micellar, then refresh it with tonic

How to use

The huge advantage of this product is its ease of use in everyday facial skin care. I'll tell you how to use it correctly. Just moisten a cotton pad with this liquid and wipe your face with it. The product will help remove mascara, lipstick and tinting products. The solution does not smudge, but carefully removes makeup and cares for the skin.

Here is a video on how to use it correctly using Garnier micellar as an example:

After using cosmetic water, the main question arises: do you need to wash it off your face? I think the recommendations of the marketing departments of the manufacturers themselves are not always successful.

Remember that some micellar waters only purport to remove makeup. Their composition is dominated by a large number of cleansing components. They leave behind a sticky film on the face. I must say, this does not contribute to the beauty and health of the skin. It is better to rinse your face with cool water once again. Our skin is more adapted to it than to the chemical components of cosmetics.

If you follow the slogan “does not require rinsing,” then be sure to take into account existing contraindications when choosing products:

1. Oily and problematic skin. There is an accumulation of fat-containing components on the skin and clogging of pores. The liquid may also contain silicones, which are not suitable for oily skin.
2. Allergic reactions or hypersensitivity to components. Cosmetics containing various oils and herbs are not suitable for everyone.
3. Pregnancy. May contain preservatives and fragrances that are undesirable for pregnant women.

If you want to get good results, you need to take the choice of micellar liquid seriously. There is a lot of information on the topic. Read what those who have already used this product write. Personally, I always trust reviews from cosmetologists. In this video, I myself learned very useful information about the use of this cosmetic liquid.

Which product is better to choose - let’s look at the composition

Today this remedy is popular. Therefore, cosmetics manufacturers are trying their best to please the demanding buyer. There are several types of micellar liquid, based on the composition and production technology. Each of them has its own application features.

1. Classic emulsifiers + solvents. Micellar water based on polyethylene glycol (PEG or PEG) with the addition of propylene glycol and similar substances. They are used to mix ingredients evenly and give the desired consistency to the product. In general, substances are considered safe if the concentration does not exceed the permissible 20%. However, these components can cause harm to the skin if they remain on it continuously. Micellar products based on this type usually foam, so they must be washed off.
2. "Green chemistry" or eco-cosmetics. It is a natural alternative to chemical ingredients. The most commonly used are lauryl glycoside and coco-glycoside (Lauryl Glucos />
3. Poloxamers. These artificially produced substances are considered safe and do not irritate the skin. There are many varieties of poloxamers. Most often on the packaging of cosmetics you can find the following: 124, 184, 188. These good solvents are used as a cleansing and wetting component. They help mix the elements and stabilize the finished product. Micellar products based on them really do not require rinsing with water. It is thanks to the action of these components that the inscription “does not require rinsing” appeared on the packaging. This micellar liquid is indeed considered the most gentle and safe.

You should not buy cosmetic water just because of the brand, price or colorful advertising. Study the composition of the product, determine your skin type and select the appropriate product. For convenience, I have divided the products of the most famous brands according to the classification given above. Here's what I got.

The first type of PEG includes brands such as:

1. Libriderm, Black Pearl, Bioderma Sensibio, containing PEG-6. By the way, Bioderma micellar contains good moisturizing components and Ginkgo biloba extract.
2. Clean line, Nivea, Yves Rocher. They contain PEG-40 and paraben (Sodium Methulparaben).

The second type includes environmentally friendly natural products based on glucosides. These brands are little known in our market. I thought I’d never find it 🙂 Good quality products containing organic ingredients:

1. Domus Olea - cleanses well and removes makeup. Great for sensitive skin.
2. Neobio - contains natural essential oils. The product has a floral aroma. Gently cleanses the skin and does not cause irritation.
3. Nonicare - contains coco-glycoside. Effectively removes eye and facial makeup, but may not be suitable for sensitive skin.

The third type includes micellar solutions from the following manufacturers:

1. Purete Thermale – contains Poloxamer 184.
2. Micellar products from L'Oreal contain Poloxamer 184.
3. Products from Garnier are based on poloxamer. It also contains Disodium EDTA. It is used to increase foaming, enhance the effect of preservatives and extend shelf life. Disodium EDTA has low toxicity, but if the technology is violated, it may contain a carcinogen.

Some brands offer a mixed composition of cleaning fluid. For example, Ultra from La Roche Posay contains poloxamers 124 with 184 and PEG-6.

In fact, it is quite difficult to distinguish a natural, gentle product from one that requires rinsing off. Therefore, I am of the opinion that any micellar water should be washed off. If you remove an absolutely safe product, this will not affect the cleansing process. But the remaining solution with emulsifiers and solvents can disrupt the protective function of the skin.

How to make at home

If you don't trust the ingredients in store-bought cosmetics, try making your own cleaning solution. There are many recipes using different ingredients, but I chose the simplest one.

Take 100 ml of rose water, mix with 5 ml of rosehip essential oil. Add about 20 drops of vitamin E. The most important ingredient will be castor sulfate oil, in other words - PEG-40. It will help to easily connect all the components together. Pour the finished solution into a clean bottle and use it with pleasure!

I think you have no questions left about what micellar water is and how to use it. Remember, the best remedy is the one that suits you. Therefore, be careful and remember the correct composition of the cosmetic product.

That's all for me. Write in the comments what micellar water you use and whether you like the effect. If the article was useful to you, do not forget to share the information on social networks. Subscribe to my blog so you don't miss anything. Until we meet again, very soon 😉

History of appearance

Micellar water is a new, relatively inexpensive and economical cleanser and makeup remover. According to the manufacturers, a 400 ml bottle is enough for 200 uses. The unique water for washing has a fairly simple composition and this is its genius. It contains no alcohol or soap, but at the same time, it does a good job of cleansing the face.

The main principle: attract similar things to yourself - this is how micelles dissolved in water work. Small balls of fat are hidden inside the micelle, surrounded by hairs that, when they encounter fat cells, capture them and do not release them back.

Miracle water was invented in France: at first its need was dictated by the care of small children and seriously ill people, so the product was sold exclusively in pharmacies. As it turned out, the water did not cause allergies or irritation at all, even when caring for the delicate skin of babies. Wise mothers, before washing their infants with micellar water, tried the water on themselves. Having received a magical result, they began to purchase a product to care for their own face.

Perfumers, having learned about this, later launched mass production of micellar water and began selling it everywhere.