Gentle cleansing: micellar water or milk?

The wider the range of cosmetics, the more difficult the choice. And the same goes for cleansers. Let’s start with the question, which is more suitable for the skin, cleansing milk or micellar water?

Why cosmetic products are better than water for skin cleansing

Yes, cleansing cosmetics for the skin are better than water, even the cleanest and freshest. After all, it is almost impossible to wash off sebum (the peak of its production occurs in the early morning), as well as remove makeup and impurities that have settled on the skin during the day, with water alone is almost impossible.

Water cannot dissolve fats, and therefore, remove makeup and care products that contain them.

And hard tap water also disrupts the pH of the skin, which takes several hours to restore.
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The difference in the principle of action of micellar water and milk

It took scientists almost a hundred years to develop micelle-based cleansing cosmetics. These surfactant microspheres have an amazing combination of hydrophilic and hydrophobic parts, that is, they are able to remove both ordinary and oily impurities from the surface of the skin.

When we apply a micellar solution to a cotton pad and sweep it over our face, the micelles collect both water-soluble dust and oil-soluble impurities and makeup from the surface of the skin.

The texture of the milk can be either completely fluid and light, or reminiscent of a soft cream.

Cosmetic milk is an emulsion. Only its “fat content” the manufacturer can vary over a wide range, sometimes turning cleansing milk into “cream”. In any case, fat-soluble compounds dissolve impurities (sebum, cosmetics, etc.). And the fluid water base allows them to be removed with a cotton pad.

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What is the difference between micellar water and milk in application

The specificity of both products is gentle cleansing of the skin and make-up removal, which do not require rubbing the skin. Both products provide the first (preliminary, “dry”) stage of cleansing. However, there are slight differences in application.

  • Milk is the best choice for dry skin.

  • Milk is unlikely to cope with persistent makeup, and micellar water is easy. Especially when it comes to the biphasic formula.

  • Micellar water is suitable for all skin types. When choosing a milk, specify for what type of skin the product is recommended.

  • As for the possibility of using products on the skin around the eyes, read the manufacturer’s instructions.

  • After the milk, use a tonic to complete the cleansing and remove the remnants of the cleanser from the skin. Micellar water can be limited, although even after it, dermatologists recommend washing with water and using a tonic, since micelles are surfactants and there is no need to leave them on the skin.

Below is a diagram of the competent use of cleansing milk:

© Healthy-Food

© Healthy-Food

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Differences in the form of release and composition

Since we are talking about a fluid texture, both milk and micellar water are sold in bottles. Both funds are also released in travel formats. However, when traveling, it is more convenient to take micellar water, which does not require rinsing.

Both cleansers may contain caring ingredients such as:

  • moisturizing ingredients (for example, glycerin);

  • antioxidants (for example, vitamin E).

However, milk suggests the presence of a larger number of useful additives. Still, this is not just a means of cleansing, but also care. The composition may include:

  • oil;

  • plant extracts;

  • sebum-regulating components (for oily and combination skin).

Initially, micellar products were developed specifically for skin prone to atopy, for which washing with water is a real torment.

Usually, the composition of micellar water looks extremely concise, which attracts connoisseurs of cosmetics with a minimum content of components. For them, this is the best choice.

Pay attention to what type of skin the milk is addressed to. Alcohols, which are part of products for oily skin, are not needed at all for skin prone to dryness.

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Differences in texture

Micellar water has a watery texture. And the milk can be fluid, like a fluid, or relatively dense, closer to cream in consistency.

However, micellar water can also contain oil. But then this is already a two-phase remedy: half of the bottle is an oil solution, and half is micellar water. To take advantage of both ingredients, shake the bottle before use to mix the phases. At rest, according to the laws of physics, they will again find themselves on opposite sides of the border.

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L’Oréal Paris Gentle Cleansing Review

Choose what is closer to you: micellar water or make-up remover milk. And don’t forget about your skin type.

For dry and sensitive skin

Micellar water for dry and sensitive skin, L’Oréal Paris

The basis of the product is purified water. Formulated with glycerin to facilitate skin gliding and hydration. Gently cleanses and soothes the skin. Does not contain parabens and fragrances.

Make-up remover milk “Absolute tenderness” for dry and sensitive skin of the face and area around the eyes, L’Oréal Paris

The composition includes soothing extracts of rose and jasmine, corn oil. Not only cleanses, but also softens and moisturizes the skin. Has a pleasant aroma.

For normal to combination skin

Micellar water for normal and combination skin, L’Oréal Paris

95% of the composition is purified water. Delicate micelle cleanser removes make-up from face, eyes and lips. Thoroughly cleanses oily areas of combination skin, refreshing it.

Infinite Freshness Makeup Remover Milk for normal to combination skin for the face and eye area, L’Oréal Paris

The formula is enriched with soothing rose extract and moisturizing lotus extract. Suitable for cleansing the area around the eyes. Provides extra skin care.

For all skin types

Biphasic micellar water for all skin types for face, eyes and lips, L’Oréal Paris

It is a combination of an aqueous phase with micelles and an oil phase. Allows you to remove even waterproof makeup from any type of skin without much effort and unnecessary friction.

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Precautions and Tips

  • Stock up on patience. Not always one cotton pad is enough to completely cleanse the skin.

  • To remove stubborn makeup, do not rub the skin, but simply press a cotton pad soaked in the cleanser to your face for a few seconds.

  • Choose a cleanser according to your skin type. Read the label carefully.

  • After washing, do not forget about the final stage of cleansing – the use of tonic.

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