Micellar water does not replace regular facial care, but can be a great addition to it. This is a universal cleanser, toner, and moisturizer for any skin type.
What are micelles
The chemical composition of micellar water provides its cleansing properties. It contains microscopic micelles - round molecular structures. When applied to the epidermis, micelles, due to their physical properties and surface tension, act like a magnet and cleanse the skin of dust and other impurities.
These are balls consisting of surfactant molecules (surfactants) that assemble into a special spatial structure. Surfactants are substances that reduce surface tension upon contact with solid particles and promote the rapid dissolution of contaminants. They are contained in small quantities in micellar water, so they do not form foam.
Surfactant molecules consist of two parts: hydrophilic (tending to come into contact with water) and hydrophobic, repelling its molecules. When they enter a liquid, the hydrophobic ends of such molecules come closer together, “protecting” themselves from the aqueous phase by a hydrophilic layer. As a result, a spherical structure is formed - a micelle.
Micelles in an aqueous solution refract light, so micellar water is usually opaque or has a faint bluish color.
Manufacturers select the composition and amount of surfactants in such a way that they provide sufficient cleaning power without turning into a gel.
Micellar water components
It is better to choose brands containing thermal or floral water.
Micellar water may contain:
- poloxamers (pluronics, proxanols, emuxols) - high-quality surfactants that do not cause irritation and perfectly cleanse the skin, have digital designations, for example, 124, 188 or 184;
- tensides (detergents) - mainly synthetic substances that can potentially damage the skin by destroying its surface lipid layer, are active surfactants, have good cleansing ability, and are also emulsifiers;
- glycols (hexylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol) - substances containing 2 alcohol groups, but do not have the antiseptic properties of ordinary alcohol; used to retain moisture on the surface of the skin;
- benzyl salicylate – part of UV filters, protects against exposure to sunlight;
- panthenol – a drug that promotes the healing of microdamages, relieving inflammation and irritation of the skin;
- glycosides – substances of plant origin that activate metabolism in cells;
- plant extracts enriched with vitamins, various oils and other natural additives.
Beneficial features
- Makeup removal
Microparticles-micelles have the property of attracting pollution. The liquid can be used regardless of skin type. Micellar water helps remove even waterproof makeup without rubbing or damaging.
- Cleansing your face while traveling
Just like using hand sanitizer when traveling when there is no running water, using micellar to cleanse your face anytime, anywhere is also beneficial. After treatment, it dries very quickly, and dirt does not settle on the treated surface.
- Daily care
You can cleanse your face morning and evening as a regular care routine instead of using toner or washing with soap. Use before bed helps rejuvenate the skin and cleanse it of all the impurities accumulated during the day. It also helps maintain the physiological balance of acids, lipids and other substances on the surface of the epidermis.
- Matting
For oily skin, mcellar water eliminates excess sebum and shrinks pores, controlling sebum secretion.
Mode of application
How to use micellar water to preserve all its beneficial properties?
- first you need to shake the bottle well, since many micellar waters have a two-phase formula;
- then moisten a cotton pad with the solution and apply it to the surface to be cleaned for a few seconds, then gently wipe the skin.
Types of micellar water
When choosing, you need to pay attention to the main components.
- The safest and most effective micellar water is based on Poloxamer. It very rarely causes skin irritation and is considered soft and non-aggressive. It does not need to be washed off after use. The following drugs are available on the market from Garnier, L’Oreal, and Vichy.
- If the composition contains polyethylene glycol and tensides, such micellar water will cleanse the skin well and remove makeup almost instantly. However, glycol concentrations greater than 20% can potentially cause irritation. Therefore, it is better to wash off such products with clean water without soap, and then apply a caring cream to the skin.
- There are also eco-cosmetics that practically do not contain surfactants, including glycosides and plant oils; it is not as effective as other representatives of this type of cosmetics and more often causes allergic reactions.
Possible side effects
Like any other industrially produced cosmetic product, micellar water can cause a negative skin reaction: dryness, a feeling of tightness, irritation, increased acne. Therefore, before purchasing, you need to study the composition and give preference to poloxamer-containing without propylene glycol, or wash it off after use.
Even with single use, some women experience symptoms such as swelling, redness and itching of the skin. In this case, you need to take an antihistamine and consult a dermatologist.
To avoid such a reaction, if you are prone to allergies, before using any new cosmetics, it is useful to conduct a sensitivity test: apply 2-3 drops of the drug to the area in the upper part of the forearm above the elbow, and evaluate the result after 48 hours. If redness or other negative symptoms appear, it is better not to use this micellar water.
Most popular drugs
Micellar water has become such a popular skin care product that it can be found in the lineup of almost every major cosmetics manufacturer.
With a “3-in-1” effect, it includes, in addition to micelles, almond oil particles and panthenol. Does not contain preservatives or perfume, so it is suitable even for the most sensitive and irritation-prone skin. Thanks to the oils in the composition, it nourishes the eyelashes. Characterized by good moisturizing, cleansing and softening effects.
Used to moisturize, cleanse, and remove makeup, including from the eyes. Suitable for any type of dermis, in particular those prone to inflammation, irritation, acne or excessive dryness.
The brand also produces two-phase micellar water, the peculiarity of which is the ability to quickly remove waterproof makeup without the formation of a greasy film and a sticky feeling.
L'Oreal
A line of products is produced for different skin types. Therefore, you need to take this into account when purchasing. Although micellar water is suitable for any dermis, if you use a product that matches the desired skin type, its effectiveness will be greater.
This manufacturer offers a traditionally high-quality product, designed to meet the needs of different dermal types, and has an anti-allergenic effect.
Premium products
Used for any skin type, including dry, sensitive, and allergy-prone. Tones, improving complexion and smoothing out unevenness.
La Roche-Posay
Designed specifically for oily skin. In addition to its general properties, it fights acne, removes excess sebum and prevents its secretion, thus eliminating oily sheen. The mattifying effect lasts throughout the day, and regular treatment allows you to gradually normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands on the face.
H2O-C-PURE has a significant toning and whitening effect, is well suited for middle-aged and mature women, combats pigmentation and dull complexion.
French preparation with black tea extract. Used for sensitive, irritated skin, has an anti-allergenic effect.
Based on thermal water. Nourishes the dermis with minerals and other beneficial substances contained in volcanic springs.
An excellent drug for girls who are concerned about oily skin on the face, it narrows, reduces the production of sebum and the tendency to form acne, removes oily sheen, and mattifies for a long time. Suitable not only for oily, but also for normal skin.
Compliment
Provides a mattifying effect for up to 12 hours. Contains beneficial plant extracts.
Spring (MedicaMed)
Contains colloidal silver ions, which have antiseptic properties, as well as hyaluronic acid.
Belcosmex
“Ideal Fresh” guarantees perfect cleanliness. Designed primarily for removing makeup, gently cleansing the sensitive area around the eyes.
Ecotex
The manufacturer produces Eco-micellar water in the form of a spray. It contains plant extracts of sage flowers and leaves, chamomile, glycerin, citric acid, hydrogenated castor oil.
There are three types of product available under this brand:
- two-phase for removing waterproof makeup, cleansing, nourishing and toning;
- hypoallergenic;
- matting – with a hypoallergenic effect.
Black Pearl
Has an anti-aging effect, contains up to 20% active caring serum. It destroys not only external pollution, but also helps remove toxic substances from the epidermis.
Aqua balance
This brand produces several types of micellar water: toning, moisturizing, rejuvenating. They include.
Natura Siberica
This micellar water from an already quite popular manufacturer in Russia is created on the basis of thermal springs of the Far East in combination with 5 oil extracts (sea buckthorn, lingonberry, cranberry, blueberry and stone fruit). It instantly removes waterproof makeup without intense impact, tones, and moisturizes. In addition, it has a mattifying effect, normalizing sebum metabolism.
Vitex
Belarusian-made cosmetics containing natural thermal water. Designed for dry skin prone to aging and age-related changes. Excellent for applying over makeup, it does not wash off, but sets it. Therefore, it can be used throughout the day by spraying it on the face. This is especially useful during long stays in rooms with insufficient air humidity.
Advantages
Regardless of which product a woman chooses, she can count on the following advantages of micellar preparations over regular washing and using other care products:
- micelles help remove fatty stains without soap; in addition, their round molecules transport vitamins well, especially group B;
- despite thorough cleansing, this product usually does not cause irritation or damage to the epidermis; it can be used instead of regular washing in the morning and evening;
- Helps reduce enlarged pores with daily use; its use leads to a significant reduction in oily shine; it can be used for care even after sports activities or on the beach, simply by spraying it on the face;
- this product can be used as a toner, moisturizer, and makeup remover;
- combines well with other cosmetic products without entering into chemical interactions with them, does not contain alcohol;
- Great for mixed, sensitive or combination skin, and after treatment with high-quality micellar water, no additional care cream is required.
