Since the 1990s, micellar water has become an indispensable element in the world of cosmetics. Despite its increasing availability on the market, many people still have questions about micellar water. In this article, we explain what micellar water is and how it works.
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Everything you need to know about micellar water.
- What is micellar water?
- How does micellar water work?
- Micellar Water: Side Effects and Contraindications?
- Sources
What is micellar water?
In 1991, BIODERMA laboratories in France sought to create a gentle option for daily skin cleansing that could be suitable for all skin types: themicellar water. Indeed, tap water is considered too "aggressive", "hard" for the skin due to the presence of limestone. Since that day, micellar water has been commonly used as a makeup remover and general facial cleanser. It is a versatile skincare product whose consistency resembles that of water, but contains a low concentration of one or more different types of cleansing agents (surfactants).
There are various formulations of micellar water available to cater to the different needs and concerns of skin types. In addition to surfactants, they may include additional active ingredients such as zinc, vitamin C, niacinamide, cornflower, or chamomile, which provide soothing, antioxidant, and purifying properties to the skin. Indeed, micellar makeup remover water continues to reinvent itself in targeted and gentle formulas to be tolerated by all skin types. In fact, it can even be adapted for babies.
Our micellar water for the face, neck, eyes, and lips, with 96% naturally derived ingredients, has a minimalist formula with only seven ingredients for clean, fresh, and irritation-free skin.
How does micellar water work?
In the term "micellar water," we find the word "micelle," which plays a crucial role in the cleansing process. Indeed, micelles are spherical aggregates of amphiphilic surfactant molecules floating in the solution. Each one is equipped with a hydrophilic head that is attracted to water and a lipophilic tail that is attracted to fats. This micellar technology allows for the removal of makeup traces and impurities on the facial skin. Thus, the micellar water can be described as a two-in-one care product, used both as a cleanser and makeup remover.
While micellar water is touted as a "good cleanser", it cannot completely remove water-resistant makeup. It is not as effective as a more thorough cleansing with water and a traditional cleanser for the face, thus requiring additional products.
Whenmicellar water is sprayed onto a cotton pad (a hydrophilic material), for example, the micelles reorganize themselves so that the hydrophilic parts adhere to the cotton, while the lipophilic tails point outward. After the cotton pad is applied to the skin's surface, the layer of lipophilic tails seeks out oily substances (sebum, makeup, sunscreens, pollution particles, etc.). The captured dirt is then trapped and encapsulated by the surfactants. The hydrophilic heads are once again pointed outward to effectively remove impurities from the skin, without disturbing the skin's natural lipid barrier.
Most micellar waters can also contain moisturizing compounds (glycerin, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, cucumber extract, etc.), making them a gentle alternative to traditional cleansers.
Micellar Water: Side Effects and Contraindications?
Themicellar cleansing water is presented as a gentle cleansing product, which is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. However, it is not ruled out that the use of a new skincare product may cause irritation or an allergic reaction. It is therefore always advisable to perform a skin test on a small part of the body (behind the ear, inner wrist, etc.) before applying the product to the entire face.
With daily use of micellar water, the skin may potentially begin to exhibit skin reactions in the form of redness, skin dryness, itching, or a rash. If these signs appear, it is advised to immediately wash the face with clear water and stop using it. Moreover, repeated applications of micellar water on the face may also potentially be harsh for certain skin types.
Whether used as a light cleanser in the morning or as a makeup remover in the evening, our 7-ingredient micellar water is formulated without fragrance, essential oils, sulfates, alcohol, and irritating substances. As such, it can be used daily, even by those with sensitive or reactive skin.
Do we need to rinse off micellar water?
Micellarwater is renowned for being "rinse-free". While some surfactants can be harsh and drying, micellar water contains non-ionic surfactants which are supposed to be gentler, meaning they can be left on the skin. That being said, while this doesn't pose a problem for many people, others cannot tolerate them. Therefore, if you have sensitive skin or if you suffer from a skin condition such as psoriasis or eczema, we recommend following the use of micellar water with a cloth soaked in clear water.
Sources
HAWKINS S. & al. Sensitive skin compatibility of micellar water. Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology (2017).
REINHOLZ M. & al. Efficacy and safety results of micellar water, cream and serum for rosacea in comparison to a control group. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2020).
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