The French know skincare well, so it's no surprise that they've been relishing the benefits of a simple and gentle yet effective product known as micellar water for years. The multipurpose water that does a little bit of everything, from cleansing the skin to toning it and even removing makeup, may be the transformative skincare product you didn't know you needed. While the product looks like water and feels like it on the skin, hence its name, micellar water never dries out the skin and always comes in handy when you're on the go and need a quick skin refresh.
Meet the Experts
- Lisamarie Garguilo, Director of Education for Luzern Laboratories
- Dr. Alex Roher, MD of San Diego Botox
What is Micellar Water?
Micellar water, which originated in France more than 100 years ago, is a trending skincare product even though its origins are deep-rooted. This multi-functioning skincare staple both cleanses and tones the skin. With the same lightweight consistency and texture as water, micellar water cleanses the skin and removes dirt, oil, makeup, debris, and impurities simply by wiping the skin with the formulation—there's no need to rub, scrub or tug at the skin. Since micellar water is free of harsh chemicals and surfactants, it is often gentle enough to use on sensitive skin, while also protecting the skin's barrier.
The name micellar water is derived from the term micelle, which are tiny cleansing oil molecules activated when they come into contact with the skin and therefore don't require any water. So, how exactly does micellar water work, you ask? “Micellar water is made up of micelles, which trap impurities in the skin (sebum, pollution, oil and traces of makeup), so they can be wiped away easily,” says Lisamarie Garguilo, Director of Education for Luzern Laboratories. While micellar water is known to be alcohol-free, it is safe to use around delicate areas of the face, as Dr. Alex Roher, MD of San Diego Botox explains, “Micellar water doesn't contain alcohol and never stings, so you can use it safely around your eyes.”
Benefits of Micellar Water
- Easily removes makeup
- Cleanses skin more gently than many traditional cleansers
- It can be used as an all-over toner
- Hydrates and refreshes skin on the go
- It’s a non-drying alternative to makeup wipes
How to Use Micellar Water
Makeup Remover
Simply shake the bottle and pour some of your micellar water onto a cotton pad or ball. Softly smooth the cotton pad across your eyes, lips, and face, holing it over the eyes for a few seconds before removing it Take extra care not to scrub, rub, or pull at your skin.
Cleanser and Toner
When using your hands, which provides more of a toning and cleansing benefit, first pour the micellar water into your hands. Then, gently splash it onto your skin. Next, you’ll want to massage the water into your skin until you feel as if it has fully absorbed.
You can also use micellar water as the first step in a double cleanse, making for a more effective skin cleanse. First, apply micellar water to the skin, either with your hands or a cotton round, and let it sit on the skin for 30 seconds to lift away the oil and any oil-based products. Then, use a cotton round (a new one if you applied it with one first) saturated in the micellar water and wipe the entire face without tugging the skin. Next, you'll want to wash your face with either a gel or foaming cleanser, and finally, pat the skin dry with a clean towel.
Now, Shop the Best Micellar Waters
1. Avène Make-Up Removing Micellar Water
2. Dermalogica Micellar Prebiotic Precleanse
3. Caudalie Vinoclean Micellar Cleansing Water
4. Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water Duo
FAQs
What's the Difference Between Micellar Water and Traditional Cleansers?
Micellar water can be used as a facial cleanser to attract and then remove makeup dirt and oil from the skin, but they can also allow cleansers (when double cleansing) to reach further into the skin because of their functionality. Cleansers just wipe away whatever is sitting on the skin's surface. Both micellar water and facial cleansers can help hydrate the skin, but since cleansers necessitate water, they can be more stripping, especially if you're washing your skin with hard water. Some cleansers also contain soaps and alcohol, which can dry out the skin, whereas micellar waters do not.
All skin types benefit from micellar waters and facial cleansers. Still, micellar water may be more beneficial for sensitive skin since it can limit irritations and inflammation—some cleansers can irritate those conditions. Micellar waters are non-stripping in nature, making them a good option for dry and mature skin.
The Bottom Line
All skin types benefit from micellar water, and making it a part of your daily skincare routine is easy to incorporate. Whether you're on the go, in a pinch or don't want to bother with the hassle of a traditional cleanser and water, micellar water is an excellent alternative. Their formulaic makeup is gentler on the skin than a cleanser, making them less drying and more nurturing. But beyond its cleansing capabilities, micellar water can also remove makeup and act as a toner of sorts.
Discover Dermstore’s curated collection of micellar waters here.
Next up, How to Hydrate Skin Properly: 9 Dermatologist-Reviewed Tips
