Micellar water makeup removal is considered one of the most effective! But are you sure you're using it correctly? Should you rinse off micellar water after removing makeup or can you leave it on your face? Let's take stock.

In the makeup remover family, we ask for micellar water! A flagship product of the 2000s, micellar water has nevertheless remained in the shadows after its moment of glory. Set aside for more innovative and more attractive products such as cleansing foam, makeup remover oil or makeup remover balm, micellar water is back today with completely redesigned and much more current formulations.

What is micellar water?

Micellar water is a cosmetic product used to cleanse, remove makeup and refresh facial skin. It originally became popular due to its effectiveness for all skin types and its ease of use.

What is it made of?

Micellar water is composed of water and micelles (now you can understand its name better). Micelles are small spherical structures made up of surfactants, molecules that have both a hydrophilic part (which likes water) and a lipophilic part (which likes fats). These micelles act like magnets that attract and dissolve impurities, makeup particles, excess sebum and dirt present on the skin... When you apply micellar water to your face using a cotton pad or a wipe, the micelles delicately settle on the skin and capture most of the impurities. An urban legend says that it is generally not necessary to rinse the skin afterwards, because micellar water is designed not to leave any residue , except that micellar water contains cleansing agents (the famous micelles) which are considered soap! To avoid any disappointment, it is best to always rinse your skin when applying a cleanser. Even if the cleanser contains water, it seems completely neutral.

Micellar water, an asset for all skin types

Micellar water (or micellar solution) is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, as it is gentle and generally does not contain alcohol or harsh ingredients. It can be used in the morning to refresh the skin and remove traces of sebum accumulated during the night, but also in the evening to remove eye makeup and facial skin before bed.

Let’s discover some specific recommendations according to each skin type:

1. For normal skin: Micellar water is an excellent choice for so-called normal skin type, as it gently cleanses without drying out the dermis or disturbing its natural balance.

2. For dry skin: If you have dry skin, opt for a hydrating micellar water that contains nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin or vegetable oils. All of these active ingredients will help preserve the skin's moisture while gently cleansing it.

3. For oily or blemish-prone skin: Oily skin or acne-prone skin will choose a micellar water specially formulated to regulate excess sebum and help reduce blemishes. We are moving towards products that contain purifying ingredients such as salicylic acid or zinc.

4. For sensitive skin: Micellar water is often recommended for sensitive skin because it is usually formulated without fragrance and alcohol, which reduces the risk of irritation. In any case, those with sensitive skin should always make sure to choose a gentle formulation that is suited to their skin type.

It is important to note that each person's skin is unique, so what works for one person may not work for another. To avoid any inconvenience, it is best to do a preliminary test on a small area of ​​the skin (like the crook of the elbow) before using micellar water on the entire face. If no reaction is observed, then it is all good.

How to optimize the use of your micellar water?