What is micellar water made of?

What do the cleansing molecules do?

The cleansing molecules are surfactants, substances that help remove oily dirt that water alone cannot easily lift. Each surfactant has a part that mixes with oil and a part that mixes with water. The oil friendly part attaches to oil and dirt, loosening them from the skin. The water friendly part allows those materials to be washed away. In micellar water, clusters of cleansing molecules do the lifting.12

What does each ingredient contribute?

• Purified water forms the watery base. Water also helps remove the parts of dirt that dissolve in water.
• Mild cleansing agents form micelles and remove dirt, oil and most makeup.
• Moisturizers help retain moisture in the skin. In cleansers generally, moisturizing ingredients also help replace skin oils.

Other ingredients depend on the formula. Cleansers can contain preservatives to prolong shelf life and prevent mould, fragrance for scent, and emulsifiers to keep ingredients from separating into layers. Ingredients such as glycerine can help with texture and appearance. These are general cleanser ingredients, not a checklist that every micellar water contains. To identify what is in a particular bottle, use its ingredient list rather than assuming the product name describes the whole formula.2

Does that make micellar water gentle?

Micellar water uses mild cleansing agents and suits many skin types, including dry and sensitive skin. The full formula still matters: cleanser fragrances, preservatives and some surfactants can cause irritation or allergic reactions. Excessive washing can remove surface oils and increase dryness. A cleanser that leaves skin stinging, red, itchy or chafed is a reason to reconsider the product, not wash harder.12

Is micellar water the same as toner?

Micellar water cleans rather than tones, even if the bottle looks ready to audition for either job. Toners are also water based, but usually hydrate or deliver ingredients for specific concerns rather than provide the same cleansing action.1

How should you use it?

Use micellar water in the morning, before bed, or both.

1. 1Apply a small amount with your hands, a cotton pad or a reusable microfiber cloth.
2. 2Gently massage over your face. Micellar water typically does not need rinsing.
3. 3Follow with a gentle cleanser when removing sunscreen or cosmetics, especially heavy or waterproof makeup.
4. 4Apply your usual treatments, then moisturizer. Finish with sunscreen in the morning.

For eye makeup, choose a gentle, fragrance free micellar water or eye makeup remover, followed by a facial cleanser. Remove mascara every night without rubbing your lashes: rubbing can damage them. Avoid harsh products and scrubs near your eyes.3

Micellar water removes everyday grime; it does not treat acne or erase wrinkles, despite skincare's enthusiasm for assigning every bottle several careers.1