Micellar water: what is it, what is it for, how to make, use

What are micelles?

Micelles are microscopic particles that are part of any chemical or cosmetic solution. Their structure consists of two parts: hydrophobic and hydrophilic. The former, when dissolved in water, combine with each other. As a result, a sphere is formed, the middle of which consists of hydrophobic elements. They attract dirt and remove makeup from the face. The outer part allows the micelle to dissolve freely in the liquid.

In fact, micelles are quite interesting particles that can be compared to a “tadpole”, whose head loves to eat all kinds of dirt, and whose tail loves cleanliness.

Composition of micellar water

Micellar water gently cleanses the skin of impurities without penetrating deep into the epidermis. The composition includes plain water, hydrolates, vegetable glycerin, tensides, panthenol, plant extracts, vitamins. Manufacturers often add dyes and fragrances to add color and scent.

Micellar water should not contain alcohol, soap or synthetic preservatives, as they can damage the epidermis.

History of invention

Micelles were discovered in 1913 at the University of Bristol. A liquid containing these particles was used to wipe the skin of infants and people who suffered from eczema and dermatitis. After this, medicinal ointments were applied. Micellar water began to be used as a cosmetic product only at the end of the 20th century. Small bottles were produced in France. She replaced the French women with ordinary water with high hardness, which caused dryness and allergies to the skin.

Pharmaceutical companies (Avene, La Roche-Posey, Vichy) are considered the first manufacturers of micellar water. It was bought only in pharmacies.

In the early 2000s, it spread to the markets of other European countries and America. Professional makeup artists began to use water with micelles in their work. Over time, the product gained popularity among ordinary women.

Interesting: What is hydrophilic oil needed for: how it works and rating of the best.

Leaders of sells

Among the popular manufacturers of micellar water, the top three brands include Garnier, L'Oreal and Bioderma. All three products contain Poloxamer 184, which is responsible for gentle cleansing of the skin around the eyes.

Garnier produces two types of water - pure and with oil additives. The second is not suitable for people with oily skin because it covers the epidermis with an additional layer of fat, leading to the risk of developing comedones and rosacea.

Pure micellar waters are also produced under the L'Oreal and Bioderma brands. Their composition is almost identical, differing only in the type of surfactant.

A comparative review of micellar water from different manufacturers is presented in the video.

What are the benefits and harms of micellar water for the face?

Most types of micellar water are absolutely safe for the face. They quickly remove any makeup and do not dry out the skin. The product has no age restrictions: suitable for teenagers and older women. Herbal ingredients do not cause allergies or irritation. They quickly moisturize and refresh the face. Micellar water without impurities can be used to remove makeup from the eyes. Such products do not require rinsing after use.

Additional substances that manufacturers add to the composition cause harm to the skin. Preservatives, fragrances, dyes and oils can cause a severe allergic reaction. If the product gets into the eyes, a person will feel a burning sensation. This water should be washed off to avoid skin problems.

Depending on the individual characteristics of the skin, after using water, an oily sheen or a feeling of tightness may appear.

Indications and contraindications

This article provides a detailed answer to the question of what micellar water is made from. What is it used for? Its scope of application is due to the following advantages.

It has a beneficial effect on the epidermis, saturating it with useful substances.
Cleanses pores of impurities and waste products of the sebaceous glands, minimizing the risk of acne.
Micellar water can help remove makeup and correct it (by moistening a cotton swab in it, you can easily remove excess cosmetics, including waterproof ones).
Characterized by a high level of hypoallergenicity.
It is a good moisturizer and prevents skin from drying out.
Helps relieve irritation and heal microcracks.

The following conditions are considered contraindications for the use of micellar water.

An allergic reaction to a certain type of plant contained in the solution.
Oily skin prone to breakouts. Some types of dispersed water contain silicone; it covers the skin with a film, preventing oxygen from reaching it.
Pregnancy. The product sometimes contains preservatives and fragrances, so it is not recommended for pregnant and lactating women to use this micellar to remove makeup.
Greater skin sensitivity. If the composition contains artificially synthesized glycerin and bromides, peeling and itching of the skin is possible.

What is micellar water used for?

It is designed to remove any impurities from the face and moisturize the epidermis. Dermatologists recommend buying it if you have acne, rosacea or skin diseases. Thanks to the product, a woman can easily remove makeup and at the same time refresh her skin. Shake the bottle before use.

To remove makeup, moisten a tampon with micellar water. The face is wiped with light movements along the massage lines. If glycols are present in the composition, at the end of the procedure you need to wash your face with warm water. To remove eye make-up, apply one cotton pad to the upper eyelid, the second to the lower eyelid. They are left for 1 minute, after which the cosmetics are removed in the direction of eyelash growth. Water can be frozen in molds to eliminate puffiness and dark circles under the eyes.

If the skin is sensitive or dry, apply a gel or serum to moisturize after cleansing.

Erborian Aux 7 Herbes Cleansing Water

Price: from 1800 rubles.

Erborian Aux 7 Herbes Cleansing Water is the best water according to most girls. Despite the high cost, the product is gradually becoming a sales leader. Why did the collection of seven herbs captivate the fair sex? Getting to know healing water begins with an incredibly attractive bottle. The rich sea color is intriguing, and the complex of natural ingredients actively moisturizes the skin, removes even the most complex makeup and gives an even tone. The product effectively fights all types of cosmetics and does not need to be washed off. The manufacturer recommends applying the elixir to the skin in the morning and evening.

Pros:

perfectly moisturizes;
cleanses carefully;
has a pleasant aroma and beautiful design;
It is used sparingly.

Minuses:

high price.

The aroma of herbs captivates and intoxicates, the liquid itself is perfectly absorbed, leaving no traces. An excellent choice for anyone who appreciates the naturalness of the product, as it contains exclusively natural ingredients.

How to choose? Kinds

When choosing micellar water, you cannot focus only on the brand. It is better to choose a product based on the characteristics of the skin and the composition of the product. Depending on the main component, the following types of products are distinguished:

With nonionic surfactants, lauryl glucoside or cocoglucoside, which are obtained from sugar and coconut, are standardly used. They remove dirt well and do not harm the skin. Such substances are characterized by low foaming;
With poloxamers - considered artificial surfactants, but they are not harmful to health. Poloxamers 184, 188 and 407 are found in cosmetics. Micellar water based on them does not need to be washed off;
With polyethylene glycol, hexylene glycol or propylene glycol - these are not true alcohol, but contain 2 alcohol groups. If more than 20% of this substance is present in the composition, there is a risk of allergies and irritation. Such water must be washed off.

Oily, dry and normal skin require different care, so the necessary components in micellar water are different.

For all

Products without additional components are suitable for any skin type. They do a good job with the main functions - removing makeup and moisturizing the epidermis. If there is no acne on your face, you can use water with polyethylene glycol. After cleansing, it is necessary to wash your face, as the active substance may cause irritation.

For sensitive

Water with poloxamers is a good option due to its gentle removal of contaminants. It does not need to be washed off, so the skin is not subjected to additional stress. You can choose a product with the addition of plant components, vitamin C and E. In this case, the following plant oils are suitable:

chamomile;
lavender;
roses;
Candeans;
rosewood.

Sensitive skin is soothed by water with cucumber extract, green tea, and aloe juice. Kalanchoe and agave oils protect from sun rays. A plant-based product can refresh your face throughout the day.

For oily or problematic

For women with such skin, micellar water based on nonionic surfactants is recommended. A product with polysorbate helps narrow pores and reduce sebum production. Thanks to this, a greasy film stops appearing. After removing makeup, it is not necessary to wash your face, but you also need to treat your face with tonic.

Features of use for different skin types

The best cleansing is what suits your skin type. Although micellar water is a universal cleanser for all skin types, its formulas also differ according to the needs of the epidermis.

For dry and sensitive skin

For this type, choose soft formulas based on intense moisturizing and moisture-retaining, soothing and restorative components. Pay attention to the “hypoallergenic” label.

For sensitive skin on the face and eyes, choose Ultra Micellar Water, which is formulated to gently cleanse and remove makeup while soothing the skin.
For hypersensitive skin and skin prone to allergies, Ultra Reactive Micellar Water is suitable, the formula of which will thoroughly cleanse and remove makeup, reduce redness and tightness, and also moisturize the skin.

For oily and combination skin

Micellar water for oily types contains sebum-regulating components that reduce sebum production (pay attention to the “non-comedogenic” label). The product mattifies the skin, prevents its dehydration, maintains normal pH, and has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. There is no alcohol or other aggressive elements in the composition.

For oily, problematic facial skin, use Effaclar Ultra Micellar Water: the zinc in the composition controls sebum production, and glycerin moisturizes the skin.

How to use it correctly?

Cleansing your face with micellar water is easy. Shake the bottle before use. After wetting the disc, apply light massage movements over the skin.

Does it need to be rinsed off?

Manufacturers indicate on the label whether or not to wash off micellar water. Most cosmetologists recommend always washing your face after using the product. If you constantly leave micelles with dirt particles on your face, acne may appear. It is not necessary to rinse off only with micellar water, which does not contain additional components.

Will it replace tonic?

Micellar water is not a substitute for toner as they serve different purposes. The first product is aimed at cleansing the epidermis of dirt, dust and makeup. The second product refreshes and tones the skin. Tonic maintains water balance and soothes problem areas. It will not be able to remove makeup and remove sebum. Washing with tonic is an intermediate step between cleansing and applying cream.

Suitable for makeup removal?

The product is used to remove any makeup. Micelles attract particles of powder, blush and other cosmetics, gently cleansing the face. The procedure does not require much effort. This water does a good job of removing eye makeup.

Operating restrictions

To cleanse effectively, you need to take time. It is necessary to thoroughly treat the entire face so that there are no dirty areas left. Do not wipe your face with just a cotton pad. During the procedure, it is changed several times to avoid accumulation of dirt and clogging of pores. It is not recommended to use such water in case of burns, deep scratches and cuts. Its use is limited to women with a rash on the face so that harmful microorganisms do not spread to other areas.

How to prepare the solution yourself?

You can prepare the product at home. For it you will need hydrolate of lavender or another plant (90 ml), castor sulfate oil (3 ml), rosehip oil (5 ml) and vitamin E (20 drops). All components are mixed with a plastic or glass rod. The result will be a brown oily liquid.

Before starting work, wipe the product container and hands with alcohol.

It is stored in a cool, dark place. The shelf life does not exceed 2 - 3 months. To increase it, you can add ecosil, potassium sorbate, phenoxyethanol or willow bark extract to the water. Additional components are glycerin and d-panthenol. Castor oil can be replaced with wheat germ, almond or grape seed oil.

By the way, don’t miss a useful article on our website facesave.ru about 4 beneficial properties of lavender oil for skin health.

Other types of micellar products

Other types of products containing micellami are used for skin care. It is enough to wash your face with gel to cleanse your face of dirt. There is no need to wipe it with a cotton pad. Micellar solutions combine 3 functions: removing makeup, toning and moisturizing the skin. Such “3 in 1” products are distinguished by deeper cleaning without damaging the epidermis.

? Don’t miss an interesting article on our Yandex.Zen channel about the unusual use of tonic - the Korean “7 steps” technique for a porcelain face.

Librederm Seracin

Price: from 310 rubles.

Librederm Seracin is an excellent cleansing gel that not only cleanses the skin, but also restores it. Many people have probably heard about the miraculous tandem of sulfur and zinc, so Librederm took this secret into service, creating a truly effective product. A standard green tube contains a sufficient portion of a liquid gel-like substance. Natural components in combination with sulfur and zinc have a healing effect on the skin, eliminating redness, itching and peeling. After just a few days, irritated skin calms down, redness goes away, and tone evens out.

Pros:

mattifies well;
no feeling of dryness and tightness;
the gel perfectly cleanses the skin;
budget tool.

Minuses: