How to use micellar water effectively

How to apply micellar water

1. 1Prepare the bottle and pad. If using Garnier's Waterproof Makeup Remover, shake it before applying. Wet a soft cotton pad thoroughly; Garnier recommends fully saturating the pad for eye makeup. Avoid textured pads if your skin is sensitive.
2. 2Gently cleanse your face. Move the pad over your skin without scrubbing. Bioderma's Sensibio H2O directions also include the neck.
3. 3Give eye makeup time to loosen. With a formula intended for the eye area, gently hold the wet pad over closed eyelids for a few seconds before wiping. Garnier advises holding slightly longer for waterproof makeup and sweeping downward to reduce tugging on lashes.
4. 4Change pads rather than continuing with a dirty one. Garnier advises using a freshly saturated pad after removing most makeup, then continuing until no dirt or makeup remains on the pad.
5. 5Follow with a gentle cleanser if removing sunscreen or cosmetics. Apply the cleanser with your fingertips, rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft towel.
6. 6Continue your usual skincare. Apply any toner or spot treatments you already use, then moisturizer. Finish your morning routine with sunscreen.

Do you need to rinse or cleanse again?

Rinsing micellar water off and using another cleanser are different decisions. Many micellar waters are designed to stay on the skin; Bioderma Sensibio H2O and Garnier's standard and Waterproof versions have no rinse directions. Garnier also allows rinsing if you prefer. A no rinse label saves a trip to the sink, not every other step in your routine.23

For sunscreen or cosmetics, use micellar water as the first cleansing step rather than assuming it replaces a wash. Heavy or waterproof makeup can need an additional cleanser. If you have acne and wear makeup, remove it before bed, including eye makeup, then wash with a gentle cleanser. Choose an oil free makeup remover and a cleanser labeled noncomedogenic, meaning formulated not to clog pores.15

When and how often should you use it?

Micellar water can be your morning cleanser, your evening makeup removal step, or both. Bioderma directs daily morning and/or evening use for Sensibio H2O. Keep full face washing to twice a day and after heavy sweating, rather than adding repeated cleansing sessions. After sweating heavily, wash your skin as soon as possible.34

What does micellar water actually do?

Micelles are tiny clusters of cleansing molecules that attract and lift away dirt, oil and makeup. The benefit is cleansing during use, not an acne treatment or wrinkle treatment that builds over weeks. Micellar water belongs at the cleansing stage, not the toner stage, even if the bottles look like they attended the same design meeting. Toners serve different purposes, such as hydration or delivering ingredients for specific concerns.1

What if your skin is sensitive?

Micellar water is a gentle cleansing option for dry or sensitive skin because it removes less of the skin's natural oils than some cleansers. For a specific example, Bioderma Sensibio H2O is formulated for sensitive skin and is alcohol free and unfragranced. Those features apply to that product, not every micellar water. Keep pressure light and avoid scrubbing. If you have concerns about cleansing or finding a suitable product, a dermatologist can help.1346