Micellar water, what is it for, reviews

Girls who take care of themselves know that it is important not only to apply makeup correctly, but also to remove it in the evening. Most people are faced with the question of how to choose a product that will effectively and gently remove makeup. The solution was proposed by the French, who developed micellar water. What it is? In appearance, the product is practically no different from ordinary water, but its properties show that it copes much better with removing makeup and cleansing the epidermis.

Why do you need micellar water?

Initially, it was intended for gentle cleansing of children's skin (even newborns). Now the product is used not only for the hygiene of children, but also for adult women. This water is used as a makeup remover and cleanser. But how does this product differ from other products (gels, foams, etc.) for removing cosmetics?

From the very beginning, it was developed not as a cosmetic product, but more for children's hygiene, therefore it is suitable for sensitive skin and does not cause allergies. Only over time, having noticed all the properties of the drug, cosmetic companies adopted it for themselves. Gels, foams, and milks require rinsing, but often cause a feeling of tightness. This water, in turn, gently cleanses the epidermis without tightening it; the product does not need to be washed off.

Composition and beneficial properties

Water consists of micelles - small crystals, very beautiful, but they cannot be seen with the naked eye. The product does not contain soap and alcohol (and if you see these components in the composition, you should not purchase it), so it does not dry out the upper layers of the epidermis. Some manufacturers add essential oils, fragrances, glycerin, and vitamin supplements to the composition. This allows you to normalize the acid-base balance and avoid irritation of the eyes and skin.

Micelles consist of an insoluble core and hairs, due to which dirt particles are captured and not released from the inside. One of the advantages of the product is the ability to quickly and thoroughly cleanse the face of cosmetics (even waterproof ones), keeping all the dirt on the cotton pad used for the cleansing procedure. And also this wash:

1. does not dry or irritate the skin;
2. does not tighten, but does not leave a greasy film;
3. does not require rinsing, so it is indispensable when traveling, on hot days, when you need to quickly cleanse your face.

Who is it suitable for?

The product is used to cleanse different skin types; this should be taken into account when choosing. Properly selected cosmetic products will help ensure maximum effect and do no harm. For oily skin, it is better to buy a variety containing polysorbate: this substance effectively closes pores, but sometimes causes a feeling of tightness. For dry skin types, you should choose a product that additionally moisturizes. Most of these products do a worse job of removing dirt and makeup.

How to use it correctly

Most cosmetic companies produce water in the form of 2-in-1 or 3-in-1 products. This approach provides not only cleansing, but also moisturizing and toning with one product. Manufacturers claim that miracle water is not harmful and does not require rinsing, but many women have noticed that if you use it very often during the day, it can cause irritation and peeling of the epidermis. Treat the product sensibly and wash it off after use.

Which manufacturer's products should I choose?

The market is rich in cosmetics from different manufacturers. Brief information about miracle water from well-known brands and reviews from women who have already used such products will help you not to get confused when choosing. It is not always wise to choose based on pricing policy. Sometimes it happens that a cheaper product is better suited than water from an expensive and well-known line of cosmetics. Below you will learn about micellar from such manufacturers as Garnier, L'Oreal, Nivea, Bioderma, Vichy, Yves Rocher.

Garnier

Reviews from women who have tried the product from Garnier are divided into 2 categories. The first claim that the product is very effective and the best among those on the market. The latter say that after use the skin turns red and peels. The manufacturer refutes such statements, claiming that the product has been well tested, but does not hide the fact that the content of some components is still very rarely capable of causing allergic reactions.

L'Oreal

Nivea

Bioderma

Yves Rocher

Where to buy and how much it costs

Skin cleansing products are available in the chain hypermarkets Globus, Auchan, and O'Key; cosmetic stores of the L’Etoile and Rive-Gauche chains; on the websites - piluli.ru, pharmacosmetica.ru, utkonos.ru or shop.rivegauche.ru. The cost of the drug depends on the cosmetic brand and seller (all prices are indicated at the time of writing):

1. Garnier – 250-300 rubles.
2. L'Oreal - 180-213 rubles.
3. Nivea – 170-202 rub.
4. Bioderma – 513-1079 rub.
5. Yves Rocher – 359-449 rub.
6. Vichy – 585-635 rub.

Video tips

When choosing micellar water to cleanse the skin of impurities and makeup, you need to know which products, depending on the composition, are best to give preference to. Guided by simple advertising and advice from friends, girls are often disappointed that they did not get the desired effect or that they are allergic to the drug. To prevent this from happening, learn how to choose the right product.

Reviews

Ekaterina, 25 years old: I have been looking for a long time for a product that is suitable for removing makeup, because I have dry skin. I used lotions and milk from different manufacturers, but did not get the desired result. Once, while shopping, I purchased micellar water from Nivea, although the price was a little alarming. After a week of use, I noticed that the product perfectly cleanses the skin and does not dry it out.

Vladislava, 30 years old: I decided to try micellar water from Yves Rocher. I bought it because the company is very well-known, and having used their other cosmetics, I was satisfied. But this time I was disappointed. Yes, it cleanses well and does not irritate the skin, but after use there is a feeling of stickiness that must be washed off. This is completely inconvenient for me, because I am often on the road, and there is simply no such opportunity.

Oksana, 28 years old: I always used milk from one company to remove makeup, but somehow I had to stay overnight at a friend’s place, and I didn’t bring my own product. Then I tried micellar water (she had Garnier). I was surprised how quickly and well the makeup came off. After that I bought it for myself. I'm very pleased.

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 😉

Micellar water has been a hit in the beauty industry in recent years. And yet, few people know what this product consists of and how to use it correctly.

Micellar water is a solution for cleansing the skin and removing makeup. As a rule, colorless and odorless.

Micellar solutions were originally used to care for infants and treat skin diseases (eczema, psoriasis, acne). Then cosmetics manufacturers refined the composition in their chemical laboratories, and the result was an “innovative product” for personal care.

What are micelles

Marketers present micelles as a supercomponent that magically removes impurities and makeup. But everything is a little simpler.

Mica means "particle" in Latin.

Micelles are particles in any solution, including a solution of surfactants.

Surfactants are compounds widely used in cosmetology and household chemicals. It is the main component of detergents and shampoos.

Surfactant molecules have fat-soluble (hydrophobic) and water-soluble (hydrophilic) parts. They are similar in shape to tadpoles: the head is hydrophilic, the tail is hydrophobic.

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When dissolved in water, the hydrophobic components are attracted to each other, forming spheres. The result is balls with fat-soluble tails inside and water-soluble heads on the surface. These are micelles.

The structure of the micelle is not rigid. When we pass a cotton pad soaked in micellar over our face, hydrophobes absorb sebum, and hydrophiles work like water, leaving a pleasant feeling of cleanliness.

So micelles are not a supercomponent. These are microparticles that are formed in a solution of surfactants. Which ones specifically depend on the manufacturer.

Composition of micellar water

Almost all cosmetic brands have a product called micellar water. And all these products differ from each other in composition.

There are three types of micellars depending on which surfactant is used as a basis.

1. Micellar water based on “green chemistry”. It is made from nonionic surfactants: most often from lauryl glucoside and cocoglucoside. They are made from sugar and coconut oil. Such surfactants effectively remove sweat and dirt and do not damage the skin.
2. Micellar water based on poloxamers. These are artificial, but absolutely harmless substances. They dissolve and mix well. There are many poloxamers: poloxamer 184, 188 and 407 are usually used in cosmetology. This micellar does not irritate the skin and does not require rinsing.
3. Micellar water based on polyethylene glycol (PEG). PEG is a classic emulsifier. At a concentration of no more than 20% it is safe, but may cause dryness and irritation of the skin.

In any case, micellar water should not contain soap or alcohol.

But to enhance the cosmetic and marketing effect, manufacturers use additional components: plant extracts, minerals, fragrances.

Pros and cons of micellar water

Micellar water has many advantages:

1. Delicately cleanses. Micellar water removes impurities well, while moisturizing the epidermis and, as a rule, does not cause irritation. Suitable even for those with dry and sensitive skin.
2. Removes makeup quickly. No rubbing required, no streaks or panda eyes. Some micellar products do not require rinsing (more on this later), which is especially convenient when traveling.
3. Suitable for eye makeup removal. Micellar water does not sting the mucous membranes and does not cause redness. This is especially important for those who wear contact lenses.
4. Suitable for women of all ages. Micellar water is equally good at caring for both acne-prone and wrinkled skin.

However, micellar water is a universal, but not ideal, remedy.

Some micellar products are prone to forming a sticky film after use. Others – because they dry the skin and give a feeling of tightness. Both of these phenomena are usually associated with an imbalance of micelles in the solution and individual intolerance to additives.

Additives also provoke allergic reactions. The micellar solution itself is neutral, but essential oil added to it may well lead to rashes and itching. Therefore, if one brand of micellar water does not suit you, try another.

How to choose micellar water

When purchasing cosmetics, you should not be guided by the principle “The more famous the brand, the better.”

The ideal micellar water is the one that suits your skin type and meets your skincare needs.

If you have non-problematic skin that is not prone to oily or acne, and you only need micellar to remove makeup at the end of the day, you can use budget products with PEG. The main thing is to remember that such micellar water must be washed off.

If your skin is prone to oily skin, opt for “green chemistry”. Products containing polysorbate (a nonionic surfactant) close pores, reducing sebum production. This micellar water does not have to be washed off, but after cleansing it is recommended to wipe your face with tonic.

For those with dry and sensitive skin, “green chemistry” is also suitable, but it is better to use products based on poloxamers. They are delicate, do not require rinsing, and therefore are suitable for refreshing the face throughout the day. It’s good if micellar water contains additional moisturizing components.

How to use micellar water

1. Soak a cotton pad with a micellar solution.
2. Wipe your face, moving along the massage lines.
3. If you are removing eye makeup, press the swab against your eyelashes for five seconds. Then swipe it from the inner to the outer corner of the eye - the mascara and shadows will remain on the disc.
4. If your micellar requires rinsing, be sure to rinse your face with warm water.

After cleansing with micellar water, you can use other skin care products.

The micellar cleanses and the toner tones the skin. It is used on a clean face to prepare for applying cream or serum.

How to make a micellar solution at home

If you understand the ingredients and get a little confused, you can make micellar water yourself. There are many recipes on the Internet: for daily cleansing, for removing waterproof makeup, for various skin types.

Here's just one of them.

Conclusion

There is a cloud of marketing dust floating around micellar water: “Innovative formula with micelles,” “Deep cleansing,” “Does not require rinsing.” But if you brush it off, you'll be left with just a good self-care product.

Properly selected micellar water perfectly cleanses the skin and easily removes makeup. If the composition matches the characteristics of the skin, micellar can be used every day without dryness or irritation.