What is Micellar Water? Uses
and Benefits for Your Skin
What began as a skincare secret by women in France in the early 1900s is now known worldwide as a wonderful multipurpose skincare product. And if you’ve ever surfed the Internet for answers on how to cleanse your face or remove makeup without scrubbing your skin raw, you likely already know about micellar water.
But what exactly is this skincare product that looks and feels just like water, but is actually a cleanser? Here’s the expert guide on what micellar cleansing water is, how to use it, and all of its benefits.
What is micellar water?
Micellar (pronounced my-sell-aar) water is a type of cleanser that removes all the dirt, impurities, and makeup from your face without you having to scrub – or even rinse. This cleansing skincare product is a combination of purified water, a moisturizing particle like glycerin, and mild surfactants (more on this below).
In short: micellar water gently cleanses your skin without stripping your face of its protective barrier.
Use Clarins’ plant-based Cleansing Micellar Water to get instantly clean and refreshed skin.
How does micellar water work?
Micellar water may look (and feel) just like normal water, but there’s actually a powerful science behind it that allows it to double down as a cleanser. Let’s look at what is in micellar water.
Surfactants – which are found in micellar water – have one job: cleansing. They typically have two parts – a water-loving or hydrophilic tail and a fat-loving or lipophilic head. In micellar water, molecules of these surfactants come together to form tiny bubble-like particles called “micelles.” When these micelles meet the oil and dirt on your face, they draw and trap these impurities within them. So, when you wipe the micellar water away from your face, these micelles take all the dirt with them, leaving your skin fresh and clean!
Yes, you read that right! Micellar water cleanses your skin without you having to rinse! This means your skin barrier remains undisturbed, preventing your skin from getting irritated. As a result, micellar cleansing water is an ideal option for people with sensitive or dry skin.
Benefits of micellar water
If you’re thinking, “what does micellar water do that my normal facial cleanser can’t?” We are here to tell you that the micellar water benefits are plenty, making it a great addition to your skincare routine. Here are some of the wonderful ways in which it helps your skin:
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It cleanses your skin gently, but thoroughly, without needing to rinse
The best thing about micellar water is that it’s gentler on your skin than traditional soaps and cleansers, without compromising on quality facial skin cleansing. Even better, you can get rid of the grime on your face even if you cannot rinse. You only need to wipe away the micellar cleansing water, and you can get back to your day!
The micelles that hang out in micellar water are excellent at lifting the oily impurities off your face. This includes any substance that tends to build up on your skin, such as dirt, dead cells, impurities like pollen, pollutants such as heavy metal ions, makeup, and even sunscreen.
But that’s not all. Research shows that micelles also increase the permeability of your skin.
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It’s a great makeup remover
Micellar water doubles up as a gentle makeup remover. Since it doesn’t contain alcohol, micellar cleansing water doesn’t sting and can be safely used to wipe the makeup from your face and your eyes in one fell swoop. Think of it as a makeup wipe and cleanser, rolled into one.
While micellar water can get rid of almost all types of makeup, and will be sufficient for most people, you should know that it might not be effective in removing very heavy or specialized cosmetic products (such as stage makeup), especially if it’s waterproof makeup. So, if that’s you, combine micellar cleansing water with a gentle foaming face wash, such as Clarins’ Foaming Face Cleanser, to get all of it off.
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It’s very lightweight and keeps your skin clear
Micellar water is very lightweight (it does feel just like water, after all) and leaves you feeling refreshed. As a bonus, being a water-based product, it also keeps your skin visibly clear unlike some oil-based cleansers and makeup removers that leave your face feeling oily and doesn’t clog your pores. And, of course, it removes oil and dirt particles, helping to prevent and reduce blocked pores.
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It prevents natural oil from being stripped from your face
Not only do conventional soaps and cleansers strip much-needed natural oils from your skin, leaving it feeling tight and dry, they also upset the delicate pH balance of your face, making it more susceptible to bacteria and breakouts.
But micellar water? It’s so gentle on your skin that its natural barrier isn’t disturbed at all! You’ll feel refreshed instead of dull and dry.
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It’s suitable for all skin types
Whether you have dry, combination, natural, or oily skin, cleansing micellar water makes the perfect addition to your skincare routine. Since it doesn’t irritate your skin, or strip away the natural oils, it’s ideal for dry and sensitive skin (even if you have skin conditions like rosacea). It also provides benefits for oily and combination skin such as visibly unclogging your pores.
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Hydrates your skin
Micellar water contains humectants (hydrating compounds) like glycerin that are excellent at restoring hydration on your skin. For added benefit, combine your micellar water cleansing routine with a moisturizer. Clarins’ Face Moisturizers revitalize your skin and give your face a healthy-looking, hydrating glow.
See the full set of hydrating skincare products here.
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It can be used on the go
Since cleansing with micellar water doesn’t need any rinsing, you can use it on the go – whether you’re at the office, at the gym, or on the way home. Throw a bottle of micellar cleansing water along with some cotton pads in your bag, and use it whenever you need a little pick-me-up.
How to use micellar water
Now for the most important question: how to use micellar water properly? The process is pretty simple. Take a cotton pad and pour a few drops of micellar cleansing water on it. Gently swipe the soaked cotton pad over your face till all the areas are covered. No harsh rubbing, scrubbing, or rinsing needed afterwards!
Best ingredients for micellar water
Typically, the best micellar water ingredients are purified water, mild surfactants, and humectants (or moisturizing agents).
At Clarins, we use several plant-based ingredients to enhance the properties of our cleansing micellar water. Here’s a breakdown of everything that goes into this multipurpose skincare product:
- Maris aqua, a type of highly purified seawater.
- Hydrogenated castor oil, which has good moisturizing properties.
- Lemon balm extract, which soothes and softens your skin.
- Golden gentian extract, which has anti-inflammatory properties and soothes your skin.
- Crocus extract, which keeps your skin’s microbiota balanced.
- Moringa extract, which eliminates pollutants from your face and prevents dirt from visibly clogging your pores.
- Poloxamer 184, a mild surfactant that cleanses your face gently.
- Glycerin and caprylyl glycol, humectants to keep your face skin hydrated.
- Disodium EDTA, which binds with pollutants such as metal ions, allowing a deeper cleanse of your face.
In short, Clarins’ Cleansing Micellar Water is safe for your skin, removes dirt and impurities with one swipe, and leaves your face feeling soothed and refreshed!
Get instant freshness on the go with Clarins
Here, at Clarins, we care about your skin, which is why all of our products contain plant-based ingredients. Not only are they safe and gentle on your skin, they also revitalize you and make your face glow!
FAQs
Why use micellar water?
Micellar water is a lightweight cleansing agent that lifts all the dirt and grime from your face without having to rinse. It’s also gentle on your skin and hydrates your face.
Is micellar water good for your skin?
Yes, micellar water is good for your skin because it’s non-irritating, cleanses without any scrubbing, leaves your skin barrier intact, and doesn’t throw the pH of your skin off balance.
Is micellar water oil-based?
No, micellar water is water-based, not oil-based. Its primary ingredient is purified water.
Should micellar water be rinsed off?
No, you don’t need to rinse off the micellar cleansing water, although you can do so if you wish.
What’s the difference between micellar water vs. toner? Can micellar water be used as a toner?
While both toners and micellar water cleanse and refresh your skin, micellar water is typically used as a pre-cleanser product, while a toner is applied after you cleanse. A toner primes your skin for makeup. However, you can use micellar water as a toner.
Does micellar water expire?
Like any other skincare product, micellar water does expire. It typically has a shelf life of 6-12 months, so make sure to replace it before the expiry date.
What is the best makeup to use?
While you’re getting educated on a gentle makeup remover, now is your chance to explore high-quality makeup too.
All of Clarins’ makeup products contain plant-powered formulas that help you look and feel your best. Discover our range of face beauty products below:
Read more skincare FAQs below:
