A couple of years ago, few people were familiar with the concept of “micellar water”. Today, this clear liquid is a must-have product for many girls and women around the world. The world's leading makeup artists characterize micellar water as the best makeup remover that gently cleanses the skin and removes makeup residues and other impurities. Let's look at all the pros and cons of this product and learn how to choose and use it correctly.
Today we will find out: what micellar water is, we will study the power of micelles and whether they cleanse the skin and remove makeup so well, how to use the product correctly, and we will test micellar water from several manufacturers from different price ranges.
What is micellar water
Initially, this product was invented to care for the skin of babies; it was intended to gently cleanse the delicate skin of babies. Then the miracle product was noticed by French manufacturers of cosmetics, and so a new product appeared on the cosmetics market, which perfectly removes impurities, cleanses the skin, easily copes with makeup, even waterproof, and does not dry out the skin, while having an unobtrusive odor or completely without it, in appearance resembles ordinary water, which forms foam when shaken. At the same time, manufacturers claim that micellar does not need to be washed off with water; often tonic components are added to its composition; it is stated that it can also replace a facial toner. We'll find out a little later if this is true.
Micelles - what are they?
So, let’s answer in detail the question, what is micellar water? It got its name from micelles - particles that are formed from surfactants (in other words, surfactants) when their concentration in water reaches a certain level.
Micellar products include foam for washing, various cleansers, etc. When micelles get into water, the lipophilic components are attracted to each other, staying away from the water. Micelles attract both fat particles and cosmetic residues, enveloping them.
Surfactants serve as a kind of bridges from water to fats. From their molecules, components are formed in the form of spherical crystals. They have lipophilic (fat) tips that point towards the center, and hydrophilic ones that tend to reach the water molecule.
Surfactants are able to break down fats: their droplets are “hidden” in the center of the micelle, which allows them to be easily washed off. The structure of a soap solution is similar, but the effect of micellar water is softer and does not dry out the skin.
To complete the review of the issue, what is micellar water, we note that micelles are characterized by the following features:
- reduce the irritating properties of cleansers. Paradoxically, irritation from sodium lauryl sulfate is greater if it is contained in a low concentration in the cleanser (insufficient to form micelles);
- deactivate some substances. The formation of micelles occurs around molecules, i.e. an obstacle to the toxic effects of ingredients is created. However, the downside is that they can inhibit substances beneficial to the skin, and cosmetic products may not give the predicted result;
- wash away the smallest particles of fat, which is why micellar water is the optimal makeup remover.
Compound
The main components of the product in question, regardless of the manufacturer, are:
- Water;
- Glycerin has a moisturizing effect. Does not make the skin feel too oily or wet;
- Hexylene glycol is a solvent, emulsifier, preservative. Moisturizes the skin and is characterized by anti-allergenic properties;
- Polyaminopropyl buguanide is a substance that has a detrimental effect on bacteria and microorganisms. Does not cause irritation or inflammation;
- Polysorbates are needed to make the product foam a little. This makes the process of applying it easier;
- Panthenol promotes skin cell renewal and healing of small wounds.
Additional components include extracts of various plants, eau de parfum, solutions, and preservatives.
Composition and properties of micellar water
Let's look deeper and find out what the product consists of and what micelles are.
Micelles are small particles that are able to break down fats and hide them in their molecule, and then dirt and fats are removed with water. Essentially it is a solution containing oils, water and emulsifiers.
Explaining supper in simple terms, the micelle can be compared to a “tail”, whose head loves to eat all kinds of dirt, and the tail loves cleanliness. Therefore, when it gets on the skin, which is usually contaminated with cosmetics, dust and other environmental influences, as part of micellar water, the joyful tail begins, out of love for water and cleanliness, to drive the micelle over the skin, which successfully devours all this dirt.
How to make micellar water at home
Few people can guess that you can easily prepare healthy micellar water at home! It will take very little time, but the result will pleasantly surprise you.
For this you will need:
- rose water - 90 ml,
- castor oil 0 - 3 ml (can be replaced with wheat germ oil, grape or almond oil),
- vitamin E - 20 drops,
- rosehip oil - 5 ml.
Method for preparing micellar water:
- Mix all the ingredients together thoroughly: to do this, you just need to shake the bottle that is used to prepare the water.
- In order not to lose the beneficial properties, it is advisable to store home-made water in a dark and cool place for up to a week.
Do I need to rinse off micellar water?
An emulsifier is an integral part of micellar water, and it is its type that will determine whether the product needs to be washed off after application. Look at the back of your micellar jar. Look at the composition. The fewer components, the better; ideally, all components should fit in a couple of lines.
So, the basis of micellar water:
- Poloxamers (the composition will say Poloxamer 188 or Poloxamer 407). This is a good indicator, it means that such water will be gentle on your skin, will not irritate it, and such micellar water does not need to be washed off.
- The so-called “Green Chemistry”. In the composition you will see Lauryl Glucoside, Coco Glucoside. There is no real horror from this, they are low-toxic, so if sometimes you do not wash off such water, it will not lead to bad consequences.
- And the most important components are PEG emulsifiers, they can be supplemented with co-solvents (butylene glycol, propylene glycol, etc.). If your water contains these substances, be sure to wash it off. Otherwise, you risk getting irritated and dry skin with impaired barrier function.
Which micellar water is better and how to choose it
Any micellar water is completely safe for normal and sensitive skin, so for such categories the choice of products is unlimited. For oily skin, micellar water should be only one of the stages of cleansing. In addition, when using the product, you need to carefully monitor the reaction in order to avoid possible harm and consequences in the form of inflammation of the epidermis in time.
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.
Harm
Despite the above advantages, the product has some disadvantages and can have harmful effects:
- Causes allergies . Many micellar products are hypoallergenic (according to manufacturers' statements), but you need to remember that they contain chemicals that can cause an allergic reaction in the form of burning and itching of the skin, red spots, rashes, etc.
- Leaves a sticky film on the surface of the skin . Many girls who used this product complained that it left a sticky layer on the face and caused a feeling of tightness and dryness. If after washing with micellar water such an unpleasant film remains on your face, then the product must be washed off.
- Causes a burning sensation in the eyes . When removing eye makeup with micellar, burning and stinging often occurs, which is especially unpleasant for those who wear contact lenses. After this, you have to wash your eyes and lenses, which is not very convenient.
Girls with oily skin definitely need to wash micellar water off their face, otherwise they can cause acne and even more intense work of the sebaceous glands.
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.
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.
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.
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.
