Micellar water is a solution for cleansing the skin and removing makeup. As a rule, without color and smell.
Micellar solutions were originally used for the care of infants and the treatment of skin diseases (eczema, psoriasis, acne). Then the cosmetics manufacturers finalized the composition in their chemical laboratories, and it turned out to be an “innovative remedy” for the care of themselves.
What are micelles
Marketers present micelles as a supercomponent that magically removes dirt and makeup. But it’s a little simpler.
Mica in Latin means “particle”.
Micelles are particles in any solution, including in a solution of surface-active substances (surfactants).
Surfactants are compounds widely used in cosmetology and household chemicals. This is the main component of detergents and shampoos.
Molecules of surface-active substances are fat-soluble (hydrophobic) and water-soluble (hydrophilic) parts. In shape they look like tadpoles: head – hydrophiles, tail – hydrophobes.
When dissolved in water, the hydrophobic constituents are attracted to each other, forming spheres. Obtained balls with fat-soluble tails inside and water-soluble heads on the surface. These are micelles.
The structure of the micelle is not rigid. When we carry a cotton disc soaked in a micellar in the face, hydrophobes absorb the skin fat, and hydrophiles work like water, leaving a pleasant feeling of purity.
So micelles are not any supercomponent. These are microparticles, which are formed in a solution of surfactants. Which specifically depends on the manufacturer.
Composition of micellar water
A product called “micellar water” is almost all cosmetic brands. And all these means differ from each other in composition.
It is possible to distinguish three types of micellar, depending on which surfactant is taken as a basis.
- Micellar water based on “green chemistry”. Produced from non-ionic surfactants: most often from lauryl glucoside and cocoglucoside. They are made from sugar and coconut oil. Such surfactants effectively remove sweat and dirt and do not damage the skin.
- Micellar water based on poloxamers. These are artificial, but absolutely harmless substances. They dissolve well and mix. Poloxamers are many: poloxamer 184, 188 and 407 are commonly used in cosmetology. Such micellar is not irritating to the skin and does not require flushing.
- Micellar water based on polyethylene glycol (PEG). PEG is a classic emulsifier. At a concentration of not more than 20% is safe, but can cause dryness and irritation of the skin.
In any case, there should not be soap and alcohol in the micellar water.
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 advantages:
- Delicately cleans. Micellar water removes dirt well, while moisturizing the epidermis and, as a rule, does not cause irritation. Suitable even for dry and sensitive skin.
- Quickly removes makeup. No need to rub, no divorce and “panda eyes”. Some micellar shells do not require flushing (more on this later), which is especially convenient when traveling.
- Suitable for eye make-up. Micellar water does not mucilate and does not cause redness. This is especially important for those who wear contact lenses.
- Suitable for women of all ages. Micellar water is equally good in care for both acne sufferers and wrinkled skin.
However, micellar water is a universal, but not an ideal means.
Some micellar waxes are formed by the formation of a sticky film after use. Others – in 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 of additives.
Supplements also provoke allergic reactions. The micellar solution itself is neutral, but the essential oil added to it may well lead to rashes and itching. Therefore, if you do not fit the micellar water of one brand, try another one.
How to choose micellar water
When buying cosmetics, one can not be guided by the principle “The better the brand is, the better.”
The ideal micellar water is the one that suits your skin type and meets your needs for care.
If you do not have problematic, fatty skin and acne skin, and you only need micellar for removing makeup at the end of the day, you can use budget products with PEG. The main thing – remember that this micellar water must be washed off.
If the skin is prone to fat, stop for “green chemistry”. Means with polysorbate (this non-ionic surfactant) close the pores, reducing the production of sebum. Such micellar water does not need to be washed off, but after cleansing it is recommended to rub the face with a tonic.
Possessors of dry and sensitive skin are also suitable for “green chemistry”, but it is better to use products based on poloxamers. They are delicate, do not require flushing, and therefore suitable for refreshing the face during the day. Well, if in the composition of micellar water, there are additional moisturizing components.
How to use micellar water
- Moisten the cotton pad with a micellar solution.
- Wipe your face, moving on massage lines.
- If you wash off the make-up from your eyes, squeeze the swab for eyelashes for five seconds. Then draw them from the inner to the outer corner of the eye – mascara and shadows will remain on the disk.
- If your micellar requires flushing, be sure to rinse your face with warm water.
After cleansing with micellar water, other products for skin care can be used.
Micellar water ≠ tonic.
Micellar cleans, and the tonic tones the skin. It is used on a clean face to prepare for the application of cream or serum.
How to prepare a micellar solution at home
If you understand the ingredients and a little bit of a problem, the micellar water can be prepared by yourself. On the Internet, many recipes: for daily cleansing, to remove waterproof make-up, for various types of skin.
Here’s just one of them.
Conclusion
A cloud of marketing dust is hovering around the micellar water: “Innovative formula with micelles”, “Deep cleansing”, “No flushing”. But if you brush it off, it’s just a good way to take care of yourself.
Correctly selected micellar water perfectly cleanses the skin and easily removes makeup. If the composition corresponds to the characteristics of the skin, micellar can be used every day without dryness and irritation.
