What is Micellar Water and is It Good for My Skin?
Brittan Bates
Global Brand Storytelling
4 min read
Micellar water is an attractive skin cleansing solution. Fresh, lightweight, rinse-free, this cleanser and makeup remover unclogs pores and effectively absorbs makeup. Nevertheless, its use isn’t without consequences on the skin. What about a cleansing facial care product that eats the benefits of micellar water while overlooking its disadvantages? Fresh you guide to finding your next favorite makeup remover!
Micellar water is a type of facial cleanser containing micelles. The micellar water gently removes makeup and leaves a fresh effect on the face. Its consistency is reminiscent of the texture of water, unlike some makeup remover oils or biphasic solutions. She leaves no finish greasy, which is perhaps the reason for her success.
This care remover has become one of the fetish solutions of cosmetics brands. Its function is quite simple: the micelles grab particles of water, oil (sebum) and other impurities to desincrust the skin. A few passes of this product without rinsing is enough to remove mascara or eyeliner with the help of a cotton swab.
Nevertheless, repeated passages of micellar water on the face can be aggressive for the skin. While there are cleaner micellar waters than others, they don’t always represent the most effective solution for makeup removal over the long term.
Before embarking on your facial cleansing phase, consider washing your hands. This will avoid the proliferation of bacteria and allow you to distribute on a clean and neat basis.
To apply a micellar water, the simplest is to sprinkle a square of cotton swab. After depositing a hazelnut of micellar water on your cotton, apply it by gently rubbing it on your face. The imbibed cotton quickly absorbs even waterproof makeup residue such as mascara, eyeliner or even foundation.
Attention, a single pass of this makeup remover solution turns out to be insufficient. Be sure to well repeat the operation several times, until the cotton springs white.
The micellar water is reputed to be rinse-free, that said, we highly recommend rinsing your face after using it. You can therefore spray a little floral water on your face to avoid any skin drying effect and chain with your moisturizing care.
Micellar waters have quite a few advantages. That’s the reason why they have taken a place of choice in many bathrooms.
All-in-one, the micellar water cleanses both the face, eyes and lips. It perfectly takes off the annoying impurities and particles from the surface of the skin. Almost liquid like water, it is pleasant to use since it quickly melts between the fingers to debug the entire face thanks to its gel texture. She is useful for avoiding both makeup and pollution.
It’s possible to use a micellar water on all skin types. It suits normal, combination and oily skins very well and can even be applied on reactive or sensitive skin. It also allows to avoid the use of tap water and therefore potential limestone overload to the epidermal surface.
Cherry on the cake: micellar water is cost-effective.
Yet, it’s true, this cosmetic solution also carries some drawbacks.
It’s not for nothing that we advocate rinsing micellar water. Its use, usually with a cotton disc, doesn’t really allow you to ensure you don’t leave a deposit of product on the skin.
Or, the micelles contained in the micellar water attract water, as we have seen. Micellar water can therefore impair the function of the hydrolipid film, this natural dermal barrier of the epidermis. This phenomenon of skin dryness destroys the interest of this product that is supposed to be used “in one gesture” and “without rinsing”.
The skin may start to present skin reactions when using micellar waters on a daily basis. Blushes, plates, buttons... Don't panic, there are some interesting alternatives to counter this!
If you just want to give a little kick of freshness to your face, you can turn to a tonic lotion for the face.
But we also have some makeup removers to suggest you to replace the micellar waters.
First of all, our indispensable Fresh, the soy cleansing and makeup remover gel. It is designed to preserve the acidity level (pH) of the skin. Composed of an aloe vera gel, cucumber extract, castor oil and soy protein, this cleansing face and eye care is both refreshing and non-drying.
Just like micellar water, it presents itself in aqueous gel form. Nevertheless, it preserves the natural function of the epidermis thanks to the oil and actives in its formula.
For proper application, use it on damp skin performing gentle circular motions on the face as well as the eye contour. Rinse before moving on to the rest of the care.
Another option: our kombucha facial cleanser and makeup remover. It’s a two-in-one care, both cleansing and removing makeup. It removes impurities, makeup and pollution particles optimally.
Even if it’s not a foaming makeup remover, this one is both fresh and scented. It leaves the skin luminous and protects the structure of the epidermis.
Written by Brittan Bates for Fresh. Brittan is an NYC-based writer, editor, and storyteller with 9 years of experience spanning digital and print journalism, copywriting, brand strategy, and more. Her work has appeared in publications such as Teen Vogue and brands including Diane von Furstenberg, abc carpet & home, FRĒDA SALVADOR, and more.