Raechele Cochran Gathers, MD Micellar water is a multifunctional type of skin care product, and it’s composed mostly of water. Micellar water is typically a blend of purified water; mild dilute cleansers, called surfactants; and hydrating ingredients like glycerin. Because of it’s gentle formula, micellar water can have many benefits for the skin.
Micellar water contains micelles, which are sphere-like clusters of surfactant (cleansing) molecules, with hydrophobic (loves oil, hates water) and hydrophilic (loves water, hates oil) ends.
Micelle
Five Benefits of Micellar Water
1. Cleanses Oil and Debris
When you cleanse your face with micellar water, the hydrophobic ends of the micelles act like a magnet for dirt, oil, and makeup on your skin—pulling them away from your skin and leaving your skin cleaner. Some sources also claim that micellar water is good for acne prone skin, since it cleanses without stripping and over-drying the skin. Gentle cleansing of the skin twice daily has been shown beneficial in reducing acne and blackheads.
2. Easy to Use
Another benefit of micellar water that people love is that it’s super portable and easy to use. You don’t need water, just a cleansing wipe or cotton swab. Because it’s an all-in-one product, it’s easy to use and can simplify a hectic routine.
3. Gentler on the Skin
Micellar water is perceived to be gentler on the skin than traditional cleansers. This benefit of micellar water may make it a good choice for sensitive skin. It’s generally free of soaps and alcohol. In fact, micellar water was originally produced in France, since Paris had infamously hard water that could be rough on the skin. Micellar water typically contains glycerin, which has been show in some studies to help reduce irritation and inflammation.
4. Improved Hydration
Micellar water is said to cleanse the skin and leave it more hydrated. These dual benefits are obviously attractive to people looking to simplify their routines, since another moisturizer may not be needed. Micellar water typically contains hydrating compounds like glycerin, which can help the skin maintain greater moisture levels.
5. No Rinsing Required
Micellar water is portable and convenient, and you can use it almost anywhere since no rinsing is required. This benefit of micellar water makes it great for use after a workout or when you’re on the go. However, many experts still recommend rinsing your face with water after using micellar water, since micellar water may still leave behind a film on the skin that might clog your pores or prevent the absorption of other products that you might be using on your skin. Also, there are some claims that since micellar water may not adequately remove eye makeup, the oil glands around the eyes may become clogged, leading to inflammation, irritation or other eye issues.
Popular Micellar Waters:
Bioderma Sensibio H2O is one of the originals, and is made in France where micellar water first originated.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar. For oilier skin types, contains zinc to help remove excess oils.
