Micellar water - what is it really and what is it for?

What are micelles?

Micelles are microscopic particles that are part of any chemical or cosmetic solution. Their structure consists of two parts: hydrophobic and hydrophilic. The former, when dissolved in water, combine with each other. As a result, a sphere is formed, the middle of which consists of hydrophobic elements. They attract dirt and remove makeup from the face. The outer part allows the micelle to dissolve freely in the liquid.

In fact, micelles are quite interesting particles that can be compared to a “tadpole”, whose head loves to eat all kinds of dirt, and whose tail loves cleanliness.

WHAT ARE MICELLES?

To understand what the main feature of micellars is, let’s dig a little deeper and find out who micelles are and where they come from.

“Mica” – translated from Latin means “particle, grain”.

Micelles are tiny particles that are formed by surfactants in water at a certain concentration.

A surfactant molecule consists of a water head (hydrophilic) and a fatty tail (lipophilic). When such molecules come into contact with water, the fat tails begin to attract each other. It turns out to be a kind of ball of molecules, with fatty tails concentrated inside, and water heads sticking out outside. This is a micelle.

It should be noted that micelle beads are formed only where there is a high concentration of surfactants. These water-fat particles can be found not only in micellar water, but also in products such as facial washes and others like them.

Micelles are able to attract fat particles, which is why they are valued as an excellent cleanser.

Composition of micellar water

Micellar water gently cleanses the skin of impurities without penetrating deep into the epidermis. The composition includes plain water, hydrolates, vegetable glycerin, tensides, panthenol, plant extracts, vitamins. Manufacturers often add dyes and fragrances to add color and scent.

Micellar water should not contain alcohol, soap or synthetic preservatives, as they can damage the epidermis.

Benefit or harm

I want to immediately reassure those who are already prepared to hear that micellar water is EVIL and can ruin your skin in a matter of days.

Micellar water itself is not Evil, you can even say that it is Good, especially in extreme situations. But the way manufacturers and marketers recommend using micellar water is often truly evil.

This evil lies in the fact that on most micellar water labels you can find a recommendation: do not rinse off, does not require rinsing . Moreover, both in Russian and in other languages.

In addition, somewhere next to this inscription there is usually a note: “Approved by dermatologists and ophthalmologists.”

Moreover, already in the reference literature for cosmetologists, in the description of micellar water, I came across a remark - it does not require rinsing and subsequent toning. But this particular recommendation is very controversial and can cause real harm to your skin.

To clarify the situation and dot the i's, in this article I will express not only my opinion as a practicing cosmetologist, but also give the opinion of experts who kindly agreed to comment on the situation with micellar water for the Cosmetologist.net website.

History of invention

Micelles were discovered in 1913 at the University of Bristol. A liquid containing these particles was used to wipe the skin of infants and people who suffered from eczema and dermatitis. After this, medicinal ointments were applied. Micellar water began to be used as a cosmetic product only at the end of the 20th century. Small bottles were produced in France. She replaced the French women with ordinary water with high hardness, which caused dryness and allergies to the skin.

Pharmaceutical companies (Avene, La Roche-Posey, Vichy) are considered the first manufacturers of micellar water. It was bought only in pharmacies.

In the early 2000s, it spread to the markets of other European countries and America. Professional makeup artists began to use water with micelles in their work. Over time, the product gained popularity among ordinary women.

Interesting: What is hydrophilic oil needed for: how it works and rating of the best.

Compound

As already mentioned, the product is practically no different from plain water. The only difference is that it contains microscopic-sized micelles. Once on the skin, these compounds, like a magnet, attract particles of dust and contaminants and are then removed from the surface.

Also, depending on the brand, micellar may contain:

• glycols - retain moisture;
• poloxamers - do not cause irritation;
• benzyl salicylate - provides protection against ultraviolet rays;
• panthenol - has a healing effect on microcracks and also relieves inflammation;
• glycosides - activate metabolic processes at the cellular level;
• plant extracts, vitamin complexes and other beneficial components.

What are the benefits and harms of micellar water for the face?

Most types of micellar water are absolutely safe for the face. They quickly remove any makeup and do not dry out the skin. The product has no age restrictions: suitable for teenagers and older women. Herbal ingredients do not cause allergies or irritation. They quickly moisturize and refresh the face. Micellar water without impurities can be used to remove makeup from the eyes. Such products do not require rinsing after use.

Additional substances that manufacturers add to the composition cause harm to the skin. Preservatives, fragrances, dyes and oils can cause a severe allergic reaction. If the product gets into the eyes, a person will feel a burning sensation. This water should be washed off to avoid skin problems.

Depending on the individual characteristics of the skin, after using water, an oily sheen or a feeling of tightness may appear.

Advantages and disadvantages

Now you can move on to the PROS and CONS of micellar water. To make it easier to make decisions about purchasing and using a product.

Let's start with the positive benefits of micellar:

• Convenient removal of makeup from the face. Dedicated to all the lazy people who can sometimes go to bed wearing makeup. You can't do that. No matter how tired or lazy you are, take a cotton pad and micellar water and quickly and easily remove all impurities and makeup from your face.
• Can be used on all parts of the face, it is suitable for washing eyes, lips and even the décolleté area.
• Suitable for sensitive skin. Micellar water gently cleanses the skin without damaging it.
• The composition is always transparent, you can make sure that there are no fragrances, silicone or parabens among the ingredients.
• An inexpensive product that allows you to replace gels or foams for washing.

Let's talk about the disadvantages of micellar water:

• Due to additional components, it may cause allergic reactions, so read the composition carefully.
• There may be a feeling of skin tightness before applying the cream.
• Some need to be washed off.
• May cause stinging if it gets into the eyes.

And the most interesting thing is reviews about micellar water.

What is micellar water used for?

It is designed to remove any impurities from the face and moisturize the epidermis. Dermatologists recommend buying it if you have acne, rosacea or skin diseases. Thanks to the product, a woman can easily remove makeup and at the same time refresh her skin. Shake the bottle before use.

To remove makeup, moisten a tampon with micellar water. The face is wiped with light movements along the massage lines. If glycols are present in the composition, at the end of the procedure you need to wash your face with warm water. To remove eye make-up, apply one cotton pad to the upper eyelid, the second to the lower eyelid. They are left for 1 minute, after which the cosmetics are removed in the direction of eyelash growth. Water can be frozen in molds to eliminate puffiness and dark circles under the eyes.

If the skin is sensitive or dry, apply a gel or serum to moisturize after cleansing.

Micellar water Compliment 3 in 1 (makeup removal + deep cleansing + hydration and tone), 200 ml

To my great surprise, it became my favorite. And I was surprised by the price, around 100 rubles (probably, in a store I would have passed by cosmetics for 100 rubles, but having received it for testing, I am already actively using the second jar), as a result I received the ideal micellar for myself. Gently but efficiently cleanses the skin without leaving traces of cosmetics on it, does not dry it out, and has a subtle aroma. The packaging states that it can be washed off with water, and it contains both the necessary poloxomers and the notorious PEGs.

From the manufacturer:

A special formula with a high content of moisturizing and soothing components effectively removes makeup from the face and eyes, is easily absorbed by skin cells, instantly giving a feeling of freshness and comfort.

The hyaluronic acid contained in the composition retains the moisturizing effect for 24 hours, evens out skin texture, increases elasticity and protects against premature aging factors.

The hypoallergenic formula does not contain alcohol, parabens and silicones, does not tighten or irritate the hydrolipid layer of the skin. Especially recommended for people with sensitive skin who require gentle care without the use of soap.

Application: moisten a cotton pad and wipe the skin of the face and eyes. If necessary, rinse with warm water. Use morning and evening.

How to choose? Kinds

When choosing micellar water, you cannot focus only on the brand. It is better to choose a product based on the characteristics of the skin and the composition of the product. Depending on the main component, the following types of products are distinguished:

1. With nonionic surfactants, lauryl glucoside or cocoglucoside, which are obtained from sugar and coconut, are standardly used. They remove dirt well and do not harm the skin. Such substances are characterized by low foaming;
2. With poloxamers - considered artificial surfactants, but they are not harmful to health. Poloxamers 184, 188 and 407 are found in cosmetics. Micellar water based on them does not need to be washed off;
3. With polyethylene glycol, hexylene glycol or propylene glycol - these are not true alcohol, but contain 2 alcohol groups. If more than 20% of this substance is present in the composition, there is a risk of allergies and irritation. Such water must be washed off.

Oily, dry and normal skin require different care, so the necessary components in micellar water are different.

For all

Products without additional components are suitable for any skin type. They do a good job with the main functions - removing makeup and moisturizing the epidermis. If there is no acne on your face, you can use water with polyethylene glycol. After cleansing, it is necessary to wash your face, as the active substance may cause irritation.

For sensitive

Water with poloxamers is a good option due to its gentle removal of contaminants. It does not need to be washed off, so the skin is not subjected to additional stress. You can choose a product with the addition of plant components, vitamin C and E. In this case, the following plant oils are suitable:

• chamomile;
• lavender;
• roses;
• Candeans;
• rosewood.

Sensitive skin is soothed by water with cucumber extract, green tea, and aloe juice. Kalanchoe and agave oils protect from sun rays. A plant-based product can refresh your face throughout the day.

For oily or problematic

For women with such skin, micellar water based on nonionic surfactants is recommended. A product with polysorbate helps narrow pores and reduce sebum production. Thanks to this, a greasy film stops appearing. After removing makeup, it is not necessary to wash your face, but you also need to treat your face with tonic.

Features of use for different skin types

The best cleansing is what suits your skin type. Although micellar water is a universal cleanser for all skin types, its formulas also differ according to the needs of the epidermis.

For dry and sensitive skin

For this type, choose soft formulas based on intense moisturizing and moisture-retaining, soothing and restorative components. Pay attention to the “hypoallergenic” label.

• For sensitive skin on the face and eyes, choose Ultra Micellar Water, which is formulated to gently cleanse and remove makeup while soothing the skin.
• For hypersensitive skin and skin prone to allergies, Ultra Reactive Micellar Water is suitable, the formula of which will thoroughly cleanse and remove makeup, reduce redness and tightness, and also moisturize the skin.

For oily and combination skin

Micellar water for oily types contains sebum-regulating components that reduce sebum production (pay attention to the “non-comedogenic” label). The product mattifies the skin, prevents its dehydration, maintains normal pH, and has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. There is no alcohol or other aggressive elements in the composition.

• For oily, problematic facial skin, use Effaclar Ultra Micellar Water: the zinc in the composition controls sebum production, and glycerin moisturizes the skin.

How to use it correctly?

Cleansing your face with micellar water is easy. Shake the bottle before use. After wetting the disc, apply light massage movements over the skin.

Does it need to be rinsed off?

Manufacturers indicate on the label whether or not to wash off micellar water. Most cosmetologists recommend always washing your face after using the product. If you constantly leave micelles with dirt particles on your face, acne may appear. It is not necessary to rinse off only with micellar water, which does not contain additional components.

Will it replace tonic?

Micellar water is not a substitute for toner as they serve different purposes. The first product is aimed at cleansing the epidermis of dirt, dust and makeup. The second product refreshes and tones the skin. Tonic maintains water balance and soothes problem areas. It will not be able to remove makeup and remove sebum. Washing with tonic is an intermediate step between cleansing and applying cream.

Suitable for makeup removal?

The product is used to remove any makeup. Micelles attract particles of powder, blush and other cosmetics, gently cleansing the face. The procedure does not require much effort. This water does a good job of removing eye makeup.

Softening micellar water 3 in 1 NIVEA, 200 ml

I started my acquaintance with this product with the NIVEA brand; in my arsenal there was micellar water for sensitive and normal skin.

The packaging says it does not require rinsing, but PEG 40 is present. When shaken, it forms a thick foam, almost odorless. Cleans well and removes makeup. Moisturizes and soothes the skin with grape seed oil and panthenol.

Used as an SOS remedy for lazy people late in the evening to remove fragile makeup. I washed it off and then used a facial toner.

From the manufacturer:

Now the packaging of NIVEA micellar water is 2 times larger: 400 ml instead of 200 ml. At the same time, the price remains affordable, and the new economical format allows you to use the product for daily cleansing for much longer. Micellar water is free of parabens, silicone and fragrance and still gently and effectively removes makeup and impurities without leaving your face feeling greasy. A unique formula with natural ingredients provides gentle care already at the cleansing stage, and does not cause dryness and irritation even in the sensitive area around the eyes. NIVEA products are created taking into account the characteristics of different skin types, so they provide individual, expert care for each of them.

Thanks to the content of almond oil and panthenol, softening micellar water 3 in 1 for dry and sensitive skin:

• Provides particularly gentle cleansing
• Gently removes makeup even from the eyes
• Has a calming effect

Retail price is around 220 rubles.

Operating restrictions

To cleanse effectively, you need to take time. It is necessary to thoroughly treat the entire face so that there are no dirty areas left. Do not wipe your face with just a cotton pad. During the procedure, it is changed several times to avoid accumulation of dirt and clogging of pores. It is not recommended to use such water in case of burns, deep scratches and cuts. Its use is limited to women with a rash on the face so that harmful microorganisms do not spread to other areas.

Kinds

There is a specific type of cosmetic product suitable for a specific type of epidermis. Let's look at each of them.

For all

This is a true treasure for any girl and the most suitable option for daily use. It is useful not only for makeup removal (this also includes the treatment of eyelids and eyelashes), but also for cleaning.

For sensitive

It will be a godsend for those who suffer from redness and a sharp reaction of the skin to strong temperature changes. This micellar water gives a softening effect, which is due to the presence of a lot of useful ingredients in its composition.

For oily or problematic

Typically, such a product has a matting effect due to absorbent components. But it is better not to apply it to the area around the eyelids.

How to prepare the solution yourself?

You can prepare the product at home. For it you will need hydrolate of lavender or another plant (90 ml), castor sulfate oil (3 ml), rosehip oil (5 ml) and vitamin E (20 drops). All components are mixed with a plastic or glass rod. The result will be a brown oily liquid.

Before starting work, wipe the product container and hands with alcohol.

It is stored in a cool, dark place. The shelf life does not exceed 2 - 3 months. To increase it, you can add ecosil, potassium sorbate, phenoxyethanol or willow bark extract to the water. Additional components are glycerin and d-panthenol. Castor oil can be replaced with wheat germ, almond or grape seed oil.

By the way, don’t miss a useful article on our website facesave.ru about 4 beneficial properties of lavender oil for skin health.

Other types of micellar products

Other types of products containing micellami are used for skin care. It is enough to wash your face with gel to cleanse your face of dirt. There is no need to wipe it with a cotton pad. Micellar solutions combine 3 functions: removing makeup, toning and moisturizing the skin. Such “3 in 1” products are distinguished by deeper cleaning without damaging the epidermis.

? Don’t miss an interesting article on our Yandex.Zen channel about the unusual use of tonic - the Korean “7 steps” technique for a porcelain face.

Micellar water LV 3 in 1, 250 ml

This Finnish brand will appeal to allergy sufferers and people who do not like fragrances. Gently cleanses and moisturizes the skin, without reminding itself at all, and does not sting the eyes, which is important. This water is colorless and odorless. It’s as if it exists and as if it doesn’t exist. Not a bad composition, hypoallergenic, the presence of alcohol was a little confusing, but I didn’t feel any dryness on my skin. My allergy sufferers are already aware of this brand and now use it with pleasure.

From the manufacturer:

Designed to remove makeup and cleanse sensitive skin of the face, neck and décolleté, gently moisturizes and tones the skin. Micellar water is based on an emulsion in which micro-drops of caring oil are dissolved to provide additional nourishment to the skin. Contains soothing and moisturizing ingredients. Without fragrances and dyes. Suitable for washing without water - does not require rinsing, ideal for skin care while traveling.

Suitable for asthmatics, allergy sufferers, and all skin types. A pH level of 5.5 is precisely this weakly acidic environment that is ideal for the skin. Developed together with allergists and specialists from the Finnish Allergy and Asthma Alliance.

Retail price is around 300 rubles.