Micellar water: why everyone is crazy about it and is it so useful

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Micellar water has been a hit in the beauty industry in recent years. And yet, few people know what this tool consists of and how to use it correctly.

Micellar water is a solution for cleansing the skin and removing make-up. Typically colorless and odorless.

Micellar solutions were originally used to care for babies and treat skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis, acne). Then the cosmetics manufacturers finalized the composition in their chemical laboratories, and the result was an "innovative tool" for personal care.

What are micelles

Marketers present micelles as a supercomponent that magically removes dirt and makeup. But it's a little simpler.

Mica means "particle" in Latin.

Micelles are particles in any solution, including a solution of surfactants (surfactants).

Surfactants are compounds widely used in cosmetology and household chemicals. It is the main ingredient in detergents and shampoos.

Surfactant molecules have fat-soluble (hydrophobic) and water-soluble (hydrophilic) moieties. They are similar in shape to tadpoles: the head is hydrophilic, the tail is hydrophobic.

When dissolved in water, hydrophobic components are attracted to each other, forming spheres. The result is balls with fat-soluble tails inside and water-soluble heads on the surface. These are micelles.

The micelle structure is not rigid. When we rub a cotton pad dipped in micellar over our face, hydrophobes absorb sebum, while hydrophiles work like water, leaving a pleasant feeling of cleanliness.

So micelles are not a supercomponent at all. These are microparticles that are formed in a solution of surfactants. Which one exactly depends on the manufacturer.

Micellar water composition

Almost all cosmetic brands have a product called micellar water. And all these funds differ from each other in composition.

Three types of micellars can be distinguished, depending on which surfactant is taken as a basis.

1. Micellar water based on "green chemistry". It is produced from nonionic surfactants: most often from lauryl glucoside and cocoglucoside. They are made from sugar and coconut oil. These surfactants effectively remove sweat and dirt without damaging the skin.
2. Micellar water based on poloxamers. These are artificial, but absolutely harmless substances. They dissolve and mix well. There are many poloxamers: in cosmetology, poloxamer 184, 188 and 407 are usually used. Such micellar does not irritate the skin and does not require rinsing.
3. Micellar water based on polyethylene glycol (PEG). PEG is a classic emulsifier. Safe at a concentration of less than 20%, but may cause dryness and irritation of the skin.

In any case, the composition of micellar water should not contain soap and alcohol.

But to enhance the cosmetic and marketing effect, manufacturers use additional components: plant extracts, minerals, fragrances.

Pros and cons of micellar water

Micellar water has many benefits:

1. Cleans delicately. Micellar water removes impurities well, while moisturizing the epidermis and, as a rule, does not cause irritation. Suitable even for owners of dry and sensitive skin.
2. Removes makeup quickly. No rubbing, no streaks and no panda eyes. Some micellars do not require rinsing (more on this later), which is especially handy when traveling.
3. Suitable for eye makeup remover. Micellar water does not pinch the mucous membrane and does not cause redness. This is especially important for contact lens wearers.
4. Suitable for women of all ages. Micellar water is equally good at treating acne and wrinkled skin.

However, micellar water is a versatile but not ideal remedy.

Some micellars are sinister in the formation of a sticky film after use. Others - by the fact that they dry the skin and give a feeling of tightness. Both of these phenomena are usually associated with imbalance of micelles in solution and individual intolerance to additives.

Supplements can also trigger allergic reactions. By itself, the micellar solution is neutral, but the essential oil added to it may well lead to rashes and itching. Therefore, if one brand of micellar water does not suit you, try another.

How to choose micellar water

When purchasing cosmetics, one should not be guided by the principle “The more famous the brand, the better”.

The ideal micellar water is the one that suits your skin type and meets your skincare needs.

If you have no problem skin that is not prone to oily and acne, and you only need micellar for removing makeup at the end of the day, you can use budget products with PEG. The main thing is to remember that such micellar water must be washed off.

If the skin is prone to oily, opt for "green chemistry". Products with polysorbate (a nonionic surfactant) close the pores, reducing the production of sebum. It is not necessary to rinse off such micellar water, but after cleansing it is recommended to also wipe the face with a tonic.

For owners of dry and sensitive skin, “green chemistry” is also suitable, but it is better to use products based on poloxamers. They are delicate, do not require rinsing, and therefore are suitable for refreshing the face during the day. It is good if micellar water contains additional moisturizing components.

How to use micellar water

1. Moisten a cotton pad with the micellar solution.
2. Wipe your face along the massage lines.
3. If you are removing eye makeup, press the swab against your lashes for five seconds. Then move it from the inner to the outer corner of the eye - mascara and shadows remain on the disk.
4. If your micellar requires rinsing, be sure to rinse your face with warm water.

After cleansing with micellar water, you can use other skin care products.

Micellar water ≠ tonic.

Micellar cleanses and tonic tones the skin. It is used on a clean face to prepare for applying a cream or serum.

How to prepare micellar solution at home

If you understand the ingredients and get a little confused, you can prepare micellar water yourself. There are many recipes on the Internet: for daily cleansing, for removing waterproof makeup, for various skin types.

Here is just one of them.

Output

Around the micellar water there is a cloud of marketing dust: “Innovative formula with micelles”, “Deep cleansing”, “Does not require rinsing”. But if you brush it off, you just have a good self-care product.

Properly selected micellar water perfectly cleanses the skin and removes makeup easily. If the composition matches the characteristics of the skin, micellar can be used every day without dryness and irritation.