The Science of Micellar Water in Skin Care

Micellar water (MW) is a popular skincare product that can be used to cleanse the skin and remove makeup. It contains a mild detergent that forms micelles, a group of tiny particles that come together in a liquid. These particles have one end that loves water and another end that repels it, allowing them to surround and trap dirt, oil, and other impurities, making it easy to wash them away.

MW comes in various forms, including sprays, wipes, and liquid that you apply to your skin with a cotton pad. In this guide, I explain more about what micellar water is, how to use it, and what to watch out for.

A hydrating cleanser best used to “double cleanse” and remove makeup

Safe for eyelash extensions

Can be appropriate for most skin types

Must be rinsed off, as it contains surfactant ingredients

Micellar Water Uses

Micellar water can be used to “double cleanse” your skin after you’ve already used your primary cleansing product. This can be beneficial if you want to remove residual ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or oils from a cleansing oil or creamy cleanser that can be irritating to the skin if left on for long periods of time. Using micellar water as a second cleanser can also help to ensure you’ve fully removed all dirt, makeup, and oil from your skin.

MW also works well to remove makeup and is safe to use on eyelash extensions. If you are going to use micellar water to remove makeup, apply it to your skin before your regular cleanser, then cleanse your skin as usual.

Here are some of my favorite products with Micellar water:

Micellar Water Ingredients

Micellar water’s key ingredient is micelles – tiny oil molecules suspended in soft water. These micelles attract dirt, oil, and makeup, effectively cleansing your skin. In addition to micelles, common ingredients in micellar water include purified water, glycerin, and mild surfactants such as cetrimonium bromide. Glycerin , a common ingredient, helps to moisturize the skin while cleansing.

Is Micellar Water Oil-Free?

No, micellar water is not oil-free. The micelles in the water are composed of oil molecules, which help attract and remove impurities from the skin. However, micellar water is formulated to be lightweight and non-greasy, making it suitable for various skin types, including oily skin.

Micellar Water vs. Thermal Spa Water

While both are types of water you use on your skin, micellar water and thermal spa water have different uses. Thermal spa water is primarily used for its soothing and hydrating properties, often used as a spray or mist to refresh and calm the skin. Micellar water, on the other hand, is designed for cleansing and makeup removal.

Micellar Water vs. Toner

While micellar water is used to cleanse the skin and remove makeup, toner is applied after cleansing to remove any remaining impurities and restore the skin’s pH balance. It helps to hydrate, soothe, and prepare the skin for the next steps in your skincare routine. Toners can also address specific skin concerns like oiliness, dryness, or redness. Be sure to use a toner that is right for your Baumann Skin Type , however, as using the wrong toner for your skin can lead to dryness, stinging, and other side effects.

For Makeup Removal

One of the most popular uses of micellar water is for makeup removal. Its ability to break down and lift away makeup without harsh rubbing makes it ideal for sensitive areas like the eyes and lips. It is also safe to use on eyelash extensions.

For Acne

MW can be part of an acne-prone skincare routine, but it is not the best primary cleanser for acne. A salicylic acid cleanser is often more effective for treating acne, though the best cleanser for you will depend on your skin type. If you have sensitive skin, you can use micellar water as a second cleanse to remove any residual acne wash ingredients that might irritate the skin, such as benzoyl peroxide.

For Teens

MW can be an effective double cleanser for teens, especially those with acne-prone skin. As noted above, micellar water can help to remove any residual ingredients left on your skin from acne cleansers, such as benzoyl peroxide. However, micellar water is not the most effective primary cleanser on its own for treating specific skin problems like acne. Instead, find the best teen face wash for your skin type and pair it with micellar water if you prefer.

For Men

Micellar water is an excellent cleanser for men to use after shaving and is suitable for both oily and dry skin types. However, micellar water still needs to be rinsed off of the skin after using to avoid irritation after shaving.

For Mature Skin

For mature skin, MW offers a gentle way to cleanse without stripping the skin of its natural oils. It helps to maintain hydration and can be a soothing option for those with delicate or thinning skin.

For Dry Skin

MW can be a good choice for double cleansing dry skin, since it can remove residual ingredients from your primary cleanser that can cause irritation and more dryness. If you have dry or sensitive skin, look for a micellar water that is fragrance-free and alcohol-free, such as Bioderma.

For Oily Skin

MW is particularly beneficial for oily skin as a second cleanser. Start with an exfoliating cleanser containing salicylic acid to control oil and prevent breakouts, then follow with micellar water to remove any remaining residue. For the best results, choose products based on your specific skin type.

Bottom Line

Micellar water has become very popular in recent years and can be a beneficial addition to your skincare regimen to help ensure your skin is clean. However, like all products, micellar water is not necessarily right for everyone. Take the quiz to find out which of the 16 skin types you are to know for sure if micellar water could be a good choice for you.

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

Related Articles

Ad Blocker Detected