Cleansing with micellar water is considered to be one of the most effective! But are you sure you're using it correctly? Should micellar water be rinsed off after cleansing, or can it be left on the face? Here's the lowdown. 

In the family of make-up removers, we ask for micellar water! The flagship product of the 2000s, micellar water has remained in the shadows since its heyday. Put aside in favor of more innovative and attractive products such as cleansing foam, cleansing oil and cleansing balm, micellar water is now making a comeback with totally rethought and much more contemporary formulations. 

What is micellar water? 

Micellar water is a cosmetic product used to cleanse, remove make-up and refresh facial skin. It has become popular because of its effectiveness on all skin types and its ease of use. 

What does it consist of?

Micellar water is made up of water and micelles (which helps us understand its name). Micelles are small spherical structures made up of surfactants, molecules that have both a hydrophilic (water-loving) anda lipophilic (fat-loving) part. These micelles act like magnets, attracting and dissolving impurities, make-up particles, excess sebum and dirt from the skin... When micellar water is applied to the face with a cotton pad or wipe, the micelles are gently deposited on the skin, capturing most impurities. Urban legend has it that there's generally no need to rinse the skin afterwards, as micellar water is designed not to leave any residue, except that micellar water contains cleansing agents (the famous micelles) which are considered to be soap! To avoid any disappointment, it's best to always rinse your skin when applying a cleanser. Even if it contains water, it appears totally 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 contains no 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 make-up from the eyes and facial skin before bedtime.

Let's discover some specific recommendations for each skin type:

1. For normal skin: micellar water is an excellent choice for so-called normal skin types, 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 moisturizing micellar water containing nourishing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerine or plant oils. All these active ingredients will help preserve skin moisture while gently cleansing it.

3. For oily or blemish-prone skin : Oily or acne-prone skin will choose a micellar water specially formulated to regulate excess sebum and help reduce imperfections. Products containing purifying ingredients such as salicylic acid or zinc are preferred.

4. For sensitive skin: Micellar water is often recommended for sensitive skin, as it is generally fragrance- and alcohol-free, reducing the risk of irritation. In any case, sensitive skins should always be sure to choose a gentle formulation suited to their skin type.

It's important to note that everyone's skin is unique, so what works for one person may not work for another. To avoid any inconvenience, it's best to do a preliminary test on a small area of skin (such as the hollow of the elbow) before using micellar water on the whole face. If no reaction is observed, you're all set. 

How to optimize the use of your micellar water?