What is micellar liquid?

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?

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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 😉

If you still don’t know what micellar water is, what its benefits are and what new formats have been developed based on it, read our article. The rating of the best micellar products, according to the editors of skin.ru, is at your disposal.

1. What is micellar water
2. How to choose micellar water
3. Types of micellar water
4. Features of application
5. How to use micellar water correctly
6. Limitations of use
7. Alternative formats
8. Rating of the best funds

What is micellar water

Micellar water is a gentle cleanser. It is able to dissolve makeup and impurities, preserving the hydrolipidic film of the skin.

Compound

Micellar water is similar in appearance to ordinary water, but it contains micelles - microscopic particles of surfactants with a special structure. It consists of a hydrophilic “head” (stretched towards water) and a hydrophobic tail (repels water molecules). The micelles absorb fat, dust particles, dead cells, makeup and other micro-pollutants and are then easily removed from the skin surface.

The micellar water formula contains no soap, and the peculiarity of its formulation allows you to avoid the use of parabens, silicones and fragrances. Manufacturers often include useful auxiliary components in its composition, such as plant oils and vitamins.

Micellar water was invented in France

Development history

Micellar molecules were discovered at the University of Bristol back in 1913, but the history of micellar water began in France only in the early 2000s. The new product was designed to help French women suffering from hard tap water, and marked the beginning of the trend for waterless washing. Very soon it became a must-have item in the beauty arsenal of girls with dry and sensitive skin.

Now such products can be found in any supermarket, but at first they were sold only in pharmacies. Pharmacy brands, for example, La Roche-Posay and Vichy, became trendsetters for micellar water.

How to choose micellar water

Now this is one of the most popular categories of products in the “cleansing” section. Almost all brands have micellar water - from those that specialize in care to professional brands for makeup artists. Products from a more expensive price category contain more valuable components, but you can also find an excellent product at an affordable price. Focus on the active ingredients and aroma - it can be natural floral, lightly perfumed or completely absent.

Types of micellar water

As for recommendations for each skin type, you should pay attention to the composition.

Universal

Micellar water labeled “for all skin types” is a real godsend for makeup artists, but for you and me it’s a great option for every day. Suitable for almost everyone for removing makeup (including around the eyes) and washing.

For sensitive skin

Does your skin turn red quickly, react to wind, frost and hard water, and does not work well with every cream? Pay attention to the label “for sensitive skin”. Skin-friendly products are fragrance-free and include more emollients.

For oily and problem skin

As a rule, such water has an additional matting property due to absorbent and sebum-regulating components (for example, salicylic acid). These products are not recommended for use in the area around the eyes, and they are generally not suitable for those with dry and sensitive skin.

There is micellar water for different skin types.

Features of application

Despite the fact that this is almost the easiest cleanser to use, it raises a lot of questions among users.

Do I need to wash it off?

Manufacturers try to make the composition of their products as delicate as possible, but cosmetologists advise rinsing off micellar water. The product is safe to use, but its particles can form a film on the surface of the skin, which can cause discomfort and lead to irritation.

After using micellar, dermatologists advise washing your face

Can it be used instead of toner?

It is worth distinguishing between these categories, since they solve different problems, although they have the same form factor (which is why buyers are often confused). Any micellar water, despite the presence of vitamins and softening components in the composition, is a cleanser. And for pronounced caring properties, it is better to turn to lotions and creams.

Tonic is an important step in care. It should complete the skin cleansing procedure by restoring the pH level disturbed during washing.

Is it suitable for removing makeup?

Yes. Moreover, this product was popularized by makeup artists who use it as a means for quickly removing makeup and preparing the skin for makeup application. Micellar water will not remove stage and film makeup - oil-based products will come to the rescue here. But it will cope with daytime and even evening makeup with a bang.

Micellar water is ideal for correcting mistakes when applying makeup. It does not leave a greasy film, which means you can correct an arrow or an uneven lip contour in just one movement, as if erasing with an eraser.

Micellar water can remove even stubborn makeup.

How to use micellar water correctly

To remove light daytime makeup (loose foundation, unstable pencils, liners and mascara), just lightly wipe the skin with a cotton pad soaked in micellar water, then rinse your face with water or use a toner.

To remove stubborn eye shadow and lipstick or dissolve a thick layer of foundation, micellar water is also suitable, but the process will take a little longer. If the product does not give a 100% result, use a cleansing gel or foam.

Looking for a gentle morning cleanser? Take a closer look at this product. At night, our skin actively produces sebum and sweat, its glands do not stop working for a minute.

In the morning, washing with plain water is not enough, since it is unable to dissolve the fatty components of the skin sebum. Only special cleansers containing surfactants can do this. For example, micellar water.

Limitations of use

If you have sensitive or allergy-prone skin, do not rush to give up micellar water. Find the right one: look for the label “for sensitive skin” on the packaging, avoid fragrances. Be sure to rinse off the micellar water. If you feel discomfort, don’t tempt fate and give the bottle to a friend with less sensitive skin.

Micellar water is suitable even for sensitive skin.

Alternative formats

Micellar water in its pure form has already become a classic of the genre. Improved formulas and new formats are now appearing in this category.

Micellar water with oils

Being the heirs of popular two-phase products, these products took from their predecessors the ability to effectively dissolve even super-resistant cosmetics without irritating the skin. Such products do not leave a greasy or sticky film and have more pronounced caring properties, which is nice.

Micellar gel

A very delicate product with a more gentle formula compared to conventional gels and foams. Ideal for morning cleansing and works great as part of a two-step evening wash. Lather a little gel in your palms, apply with massaging movements and rinse your face with water.

Rating of the best funds

At first glance, micellar water is a simple and universal product for everyone. In fact, among the new products in this category, many products have appeared for different skin types, including sensitive ones.

For dry skin

The best micellar water for dry skin, according to skin.ru.

Biosource, Biotherm softens the skin, removes makeup from the face and eyes.

L’Oréal Paris micellar water for dry and sensitive skin: The hypoallergenic formula contains glycerin for added hydration.

For combination and oily skin

The best micellar water for combination and oily skin, according to skin.ru.

Effaclar Ultra, La Roche-Posay: zinc controls sebum production, and glycerin moisturizes the skin.

Balancing micellar lotion, L’Oréal Paris: The hypoallergenic formula does not contain alcohol or fragrance.

Micellar lotion Normaderm, Vichy – has a calming and sebum-regulating effect due to zinc in the composition.

For sensitive skin

The best micellar water for sensitive skin, according to skin.ru.

Ultra Reactive Skin, La Roche-Posay Provides gentle cleansing and moisturizing thanks to glycerin.

Micellar water “Clean Skin”, Garnier removes makeup residue and soothes.

Micellar water with rose essential oil Aroma Cleanse, Decléor cleanses and softens the skin.

For all skin types

The best micellar water for all skin types, according to skin.ru.

Cleansing water for makeup removal Eau Micellaire Douceur, Lancôme Removes makeup quickly and effectively, leaving you feeling fresh.

Biphasic micellar water L’Oréal Paris – the alcohol-free formula does not dry out the skin, does not leave a greasy film, and washes off waterproof makeup.

Micellar water with oils, Garnier provides a cleansing effect. The 400 ml volume is enough for 200 uses.

Micellar lotion Pureté Thermal 3-in-1, Vichy: Thanks to Gallic rose extract and panthenol, it delicately cleanses the skin without disturbing the natural protective barrier.

Micellar gel

The best micellar gels, according to skin.ru.

Micellar cleansing gel, Garnier: The gentle, fragrance-free formula is suitable for removing makeup from lips and eyes.

Micellar Water Gel, La Roche-Posay – delicate formula, ideal for sensitive skin prone to allergies.

Micellar water is a modern beauty product that can be found in the arsenal of any modern woman. This indispensable cosmetic product has a mild cleansing effect and at the same time provides delicate care to the skin. However, even using this popular tool, not everyone understands what it is, what it consists of and how it should be used. This product also raises other questions that interest readers, such as how this cleanser works and whether it should be washed off after removing makeup. You will find answers to all these questions in this article.

What is micellar water

This beauty product is intended for removing makeup and cleansing the skin. It dissolves decorative cosmetics, dirt and dust well, while maintaining the balance of the hydrolipidic shell. It also does not have a specific smell or color.

This cleanser is based on micelles. Advertisers position them as super magical ingredients that magically remove dirt and makeup. But everything is much simpler.

"Mika" translated from Latin means grain or particle. Micelles are oil particles immersed in soft water. They have one remarkable quality - they attract dust, dirt and makeup residues like a magnet, so they cleanse the skin without damaging its lipid barrier. In a cleanser, they act as emulsifiers, dissolving even the most insoluble compounds (sebum, makeup, dirt, waxes) that cannot be removed with plain water and regular soap.

If you pay attention to the structure of the micelles (photo below), you can see that they resemble structures with two ends: one end has a hydrophilic property (loves water), and the other is hydrophobic (afraid of water). These structures float in an aqueous environment that resembles a blackberry-shaped sphere, with one end pointing inward with the hydrophobic end and the other pointing outward with the hydrophilic end. Inside the sphere is an active component, which, when it hits the skin, first evaporates water and then is absorbed into it.

Thus, micelles are particles of famous surface-active substances (surfactants). Surfactants are chemicals that are part of any cleaning product (shampoo, gel, soap). These surfactants consist of a hydrophilic base, which gravitates towards water, and a hydrophobic base, which gravitates towards fats.

When such particles fall into water, the hydrophobes begin to reach out to each other, trying to avoid the water. Thus, particles of surfactants form spheres with a well-known structure. This is why surfactants dissolve lipids so effectively, because fat particles hidden from water in the middle of the micelle can be easily found and neutralized.

What is micellar water used for?

Micellar liquid was originally used to treat dermatological ailments (psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis). Gradually, solutions with micelles were improved and improved until a new cleanser with innovative properties was invented. These solutions are good because they do not dry the skin or irritate the sebaceous glands, and do not require rinsing. These qualities make micellar water a universal product that is suitable for all skin types, as well as for removing eye makeup. After all, the eye area is the most delicate and vulnerable, requiring delicate care.

Micellar solutions do not contain soap, fragrance, parabens, alcohol, acids, dyes or silicones. Instead, they contain flower extracts, such as rose petal extract, which is rich in phytophenols, which eliminates redness and irritation of the epidermis, or minerals containing zinc, which reduce sebum production and soften the skin.

Why do cosmetologists recommend using micellar water as a cleanser? The fact is that micellar water for makeup removal acts like a magnet, attracting molecules of fat and dirt, which are easily and simply removed from the surface of the face. In addition, after using it, the skin does not experience dryness, tightness or discomfort. This product has a complex effect on the skin, solving several problems simultaneously:

1. high-quality and delicate cleansing of the face, including the skin around the eyes;
2. removing decorative cosmetics;
3. providing skin toning.

However, it should be understood that the micellar solution is intended for everyday use, but for deep cleansing, for example, professional makeup and make-up, other specialized preparations are used.

Who can use micellar water

You should know that micellar does not always cope with complex makeup, which includes a foundation with a dense structure. This type of makeup can be done with hydrophilic oil or regular sunflower oil, which every housewife has in her kitchen.

If you rub a small amount of micellar between your fingers, you will notice that its texture is very different from water. It has a certain viscosity, but in general it is similar to water.

As a rule, cosmetologists recommend this product to women with sensitive, irritated and very dry skin. Therefore, micellar water is very important for sensitive skin; it provides truly delicate care. After all, traditional makeup remover foam removes precious moisture from the surface of the skin, and overly active chemicals injure sensitive skin.

The active components of water - micelles have some unique properties:

1. neutralize the effects of irritating ingredients that are included in its composition;
2. deactivate hazardous chemicals;
3. attracts and removes dirt, dust and makeup residues.

Composition of micellar water

The micellar cleansing solution contains:

1. Distilled water. Very often, such water is enriched with flower extracts. Thermal micellar water is also useful.
2. Tenzins. These are active substances that prevent the fusion of oil molecules and make the liquid stable.
3. Vegetable glycerin. An excellent moisturizer.
4. Hydrolates. These are tinctures of plant herbs that heal damage to the epidermis.
5. Aloe and other plant extracts.

The composition of such micellar water should not include chemicals and aggressive substances that can damage the epidermis.

The micellar makeup remover solution contains more aggressive ingredients, since they need to cope with the heavy structure of decorative cosmetics and reliably remove its residues.

This water contains:

1. Water based. Such water should not contain harmful impurities. This can be melted or distilled water.
2. Cetrimonium bromide. It is a surface substance that emulsifies water and oil.
3. Vegetable oils. Oil particles “do” all the dirty work. They are the ones who push dirt out of the pores and break down waterproof decorative cosmetics.
4. Panthenol and glycyrin. These moisturizing components saturate the skin with moisture and promote healing of the epidermis.
5. Propylene glycol. This substance is used to create transparency and colorlessness of the product.

How to apply to skin

Clean the skin with a cotton pad, onto which a certain amount of liquid is applied. It is not recommended to apply micellar water with your hands. Firstly, it is inconvenient, and secondly, the binding properties of water are better demonstrated on a cotton pad. Those with oily, acne-prone skin should consult a cosmetologist, as micellar water may not have the desired effect. In this case, patients will recommend other alcohol-based cleansers containing stronger ingredients. You can also combine a classic product with alcohol and micellar liquid.

To wash off or not to wash off – that is the question

Micellar liquid has surpassed all other makeup removers and skin cleansers in popularity. Advertisers claim that this is a universal product for all skin types that does not require rinsing. But is this really so? Let's figure it out.

Above we talked about the unique properties of this drug and found that it has practically no contraindications. However, in some cases, the method of application of the drug is a contraindication. What does it mean? The fact is that almost all labels of this product say “does not require rinsing.”

In addition, some drugs are labeled “does not require subsequent toning.” One can argue with these statements, and in order to understand this issue once and for all, it is worth explaining the following.

Some micellar liquids contain silicone, which covers the face with a film and thereby prevents normal air exchange. This fact leads to the formation of comedones (black spots in the pores of the skin). It is also worth noting that in order to ensure the stability and durability of the drug (so that it does not lose its presentation), a large number of surfactants (lower alcohols, butylene glycol, propylene glycol) are introduced into its composition. This leads to a deterioration in the appearance of the skin, it becomes irritated, red and dry. To prevent this from happening, a cleaning solution containing PEG (polyethylene glycol) and sorbates must be washed off.

However, there are micellar preparations that do not contain PEGs. For example, emulsifiers containing poloxamers: Poloxamer 188 and Poloxamer 407. They came to cosmetology from pharmaceuticals and were used as tablet fillers. Another group of emulsifiers, the so-called “green chemistry,” consists of sugars and plant fatty acids. All these products are absolutely safe, do not irritate the skin and mucous membranes of the eyes and do not require rinsing.

Thus, when choosing micellar water, you should look at the label and read it carefully. If there are PEGs in it, the product must be washed off. The presence of poloxamers allows the emulsifier not to be washed off. It should also be remembered that this product does not have an exfoliating effect, so the skin is deprived of basic regeneration. For these purposes, it is worth at least occasionally using traditional means for cleansing: peelings, scrubs, more active cleansing preparations and water.