Contents
If you still do not know what micellar water is, what are its benefits and what new formats have been developed based on it, read our article. The rating of the best micellar products, according to the editors of Healthy-Food, is at your disposal.
What is micellar water
Composition
Micellar water looks like ordinary water, but it contains micelles – microscopic particles of surfactants with a special structure. They consist of a hydrophilic “head” (stretches towards water) and a hydrophobic tail (repels water molecules). Micelles draw in fat, dust particles, dead cells, make-up and other micro-pollutions and are then easily removed from the skin surface.
The formula of micellar water does not contain soap, and the peculiarity of its formulation allows you to avoid the use of parabens, silicones and fragrances. Manufacturers often include useful auxiliary components in its composition, such as plant oils and vitamins.
Micellar water was invented in France © L’Oréal Paris
History of development
Micellar molecules were discovered at the University of Bristol back in 1913, but the history of micellar water began in France only in the early 2000s. The novelty was intended to help French women suffering from the hardness of tap water, and marked the beginning of the trend for waterless washing. Very soon, she became an indispensable element in the beauty arsenal of girls with dry and sensitive skin.
Now such products can be found in any supermarket, but at first they were sold only in pharmacies. Pharmacy brands such as La Roche-Posay and Vichy have become trendsetters for “micellar water”.
Our test will help you find out which micellar water is right for you.
How to choose micellar water
Now it is one of the most popular categories of products in the “cleansing” section. Almost all brands have micellar water – from those that specialize in care to professional brands for makeup artists. Funds from a more expensive price category contain more valuable components, but you can find an excellent product at a reasonable price. Focus on the active ingredients and the fragrance – it can be natural floral, lightly perfumed, or not at all.
Types of micellar water
As for the recommendations for each skin type, here you should pay attention to the composition.
Universal
Micellar water marked “for all skin types” is a real find for makeup artists, but for you and me it is a great option for every day. Suitable for almost everyone for removing makeup (including around the eyes) and washing.
For sensitive skin
Does your skin quickly turn red, react to wind, frost and hard water, and is far from friendly with every cream? Pay attention to the label “for sensitive skin.” Skin-friendly products are fragrance-free and include more emollients.
For oily and problem skin
As a rule, such water has an additional matting property due to absorbent and sebum-regulating components (for example, salicylic acid). These products are not recommended for use in the area around the eyes, and they are not suitable for owners of dry and sensitive skin in principle.
There is micellar water for different skin types. © L’Oréal Paris
Feature of application
Despite the fact that this is almost the easiest cleanser to use, it raises a lot of questions from users.
Do I need to rinse?
Manufacturers try to make the composition of their products as delicate as possible, but cosmetologists advise rinsing off micellar water. The use of the product is safe, but its particles can form a film on the surface of the skin, which can cause discomfort and lead to irritation.
After using micellar water, dermatologists advise to wash © L’Oréal Paris
Can it be used instead of tonic?
It is worth distinguishing between these categories, since they solve different problems, although they have the same form factor (which is why buyers often get confused). Any micellar water, despite the presence of vitamins and emollients in the composition, is a cleanser. And for pronounced caring properties, it is better to turn to lotions and creams.
Tonic is an important step in care. He should complete the skin cleansing procedure by restoring the pH level disturbed during washing.
Is it suitable for removing make-up?
Yes. Moreover, this product was popularized by makeup artists, who use it as a tool for quick, high-quality removal of cosmetics and preparation of the skin for makeup application. Micellar water will not remove stage and cinema make-up – oil-based products will come to the rescue here. But with a daytime and even evening make-up, it will cope with a bang.
Micellar water is ideal for correcting makeup mistakes. It does not leave a greasy film, which means that you can correct the arrow or the uneven contour of the lips in just one movement, as if erasing with an eraser.
Micellar water can remove even stubborn makeup © L’Oréal Paris
How to use micellar water correctly
To remove a light daytime make-up (loose foundation, unstable pencils, liners and mascara), it is enough to wipe the skin with a cotton pad dipped in micellar water with a light movement, then rinse your face with water or use a tonic.
To remove stubborn shadows and lipstick or to dissolve a thick layer of foundation, micellar water is also suitable, but the process will take a little longer. If the product does not give a XNUMX% result, use a cleansing gel or foam.
Looking for a gentle morning cleanser? Take a look at this product. At night, our skin actively produces sebum and sweat, its glands do not stop working even for a minute.
In the morning, washing with plain water is not enough, as it is unable to dissolve the fatty components of the skin sebum. This can only be done by special cleansers containing surface-active components. For example, micellar water.
Application limitations
If you have sensitive or allergy-prone skin, do not rush to give up micellar water. Find the right one: Look for the label “for sensitive skin” on the packaging, avoid fragrances. Be sure to rinse with micellar water. If you feel discomfort, do not tempt fate and give the bottle to a friend with less sensitive skin.
Micellar water is suitable even for sensitive skin © L’Oréal Paris
Alternative formats
Pure micellar water has already become a classic of the genre. Now in this category there are improved formulas and new formats.
Micellar water with oils
As the heirs of the popular two-phase products, these products take from their predecessors the ability to effectively dissolve even super-resistant cosmetics without irritating the skin. Such products do not leave a greasy and sticky film, have more pronounced caring properties, which is nice.
Micellar gel
A very delicate product with a more gentle formula compared to conventional gels and foams. Ideal for morning cleansing and works great as part of a two-step cleanse in the evening. Lather a little gel in the palms of your hands, apply with massaging movements and rinse your face with water.
Rating of the best funds
At first glance, micellar water is a simple and versatile product for everyone. In fact, among the new products in this category, there are many products for different skin types, including sensitive.
For dry skin
Micellar water Biosource, Biotherm softens the skin, removes make-up from the skin of the face and eyes.
Micellar water for dry and sensitive skin, L’Oréal Paris Hypoallergenic formula contains glycerin for added hydration.
For combination and oily skin
Micellar lotion Normaderm, Vichy has a calming and sebum-regulating effect due to zinc in the composition.
Effaclar Ultra, La Roche-Posay contains zinc, which controls sebum production, and glycerin moisturizes the skin.
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For sensitive skin
Ultra Reactive Skin, La Roche-Posay provides gentle cleansing and moisturizing thanks to glycerin.
Micellar water “Clean skin”, Garnier removes make-up residue, soothes oily and combination skin, if it is also sensitive.
Micellar water Pureté Thermale, Vichy Thanks to minerals, it gently cleanses the skin without disturbing the natural protective barrier.
For all skin types
Cleansing water for removing makeup Eau Micellaire Douceur, Lancôme quickly and effectively removes make-up, leaving a feeling of freshness.
L’Oréal Paris Biphasic Micellar Water – alcohol-free formula does not dry the skin, does not leave a greasy film, washes off waterproof makeup.
Micellar water with oils, Garnier provides a cleansing effect. The volume of 400 ml is enough for 200 applications.
Micellar gel
Micellar cleansing gel, Garnier Gentle, fragrance-free formula suitable for lip and eye make-up removal.
Cleansing gel for removing makeup Micellar Water Gel, La Roche-Posay – delicate formula, ideal for sensitive skin prone to allergies.