Guide
What is micellar water and how do you use it?
Micellar water looks like plain water, but it contains tiny molecular clusters (micelles) that trap oil and dirt. Because you can remove makeup and sunscreen simply by wiping with a soaked cotton pad, it is especially practical for sensitive skin, after workouts and when travelling.
Where it fits in your routine
- Cleanse
- Tone
- Treat
- Moisturize
- Protect
How does micellar water work?
Micellar water contains a very low concentration of gentle surfactants. In water these molecules cluster into tiny balls called micelles. One end of each molecule loves oil and the other loves water; when you sweep a cotton pad across your skin, oil and makeup particles cling to these clusters and lift away with the pad.
This lets micellar water cleanse with less friction and less dryness than foaming cleansers. It still contains cleansing agents, though, so it is not "just water".
Who should use it?
Micellar water is especially popular with dry, sensitive or redness-prone skin because it cleanses without tightness or dryness. It is also handy for removing eye makeup, wiping away sweat after exercise, freshening up quickly in the morning or cleansing when there is no water around.
On oily and acne-prone skin, micellar water alone may not be enough. Using it as a first step and then washing with a gel cleanser gives better results for these skin types.
What to look for when buying
- Fragrance-free and alcohol-free (alcohol denat.) formulas, especially if you will use it around the eyes
- A bi-phase micellar water (with an oil phase and a water phase, shaken before use) for waterproof mascara and long-wear makeup
- For oily skin, lightweight formulas labelled "for oily and combination skin"
- For sensitive skin, products with a short ingredient list that have been ophthalmologist or dermatologist tested
How to use it
Soak a cotton pad well with micellar water. For eye makeup, press the pad onto the closed eyelid for a few seconds, then wipe gently downwards; do not rub back and forth. Continue over the rest of your face with fresh pads until the pad comes away clean.
Micellar water is sold as "no rinse", but rinsing with water or following with a cleanser afterwards reduces surfactant residue on the skin, especially on acne-prone skin or in your evening routine.
A well-soaked pad reduces friction. Wiping with a dry pad causes unnecessary irritation, especially around the eyes.
Common mistakes
- Treating micellar water as the only evening cleanse and not fully removing heavy makeup and sunscreen
- Wiping the whole face with the same pad
- Rubbing hard around the eyes
- Using a bi-phase micellar water without shaking it
FAQ
Can micellar water replace washing your face?
Now and then it can for dry and sensitive skin when you are not wearing makeup. If you wear makeup or water-resistant sunscreen, or have oily skin, it is better to follow micellar water with a cleanser.
Do you need to rinse micellar water off?
It is not required, but rinsing off the residue with water is recommended for acne-prone or sensitive skin. If you prefer not to rinse, continue with your toner or moisturizer.
Does micellar water remove eye makeup?
It removes regular mascara and eyeshadow. For waterproof mascara, a bi-phase micellar water with an oil phase or a dedicated eye makeup remover works better.
Can micellar water cause breakouts?
It rarely causes breakouts by itself, but cleanser and makeup residue left on the skin can be a problem for acne-prone skin. Rinsing or washing your face afterwards is a good habit.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. If you have a skin condition, are pregnant or take regular medication, talk to your dermatologist or pharmacist before starting a new product.
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