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.
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.
What is the difference between micellar shampoo and regular shampoo?
When purchasing a new shampoo, you may be faced with a dilemma: choose a micellar or regular option. This new cosmetic product is highly effective and economical to use: a small portion of the product is enough for high-quality hair washing. Other important differences between micellar shampoos that should be considered when purchasing:
- have a light texture and medium foaming;
- due to the special components in the composition, they do not dry out the hair even with frequent use without balm;
- do not contain aggressive surfactants that can cause brittleness and dull hair;
- universal in their properties - suitable for cleansing different types of hair and any age (can be used for the whole family).
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.
Methods and features of application
Many girls and women believe that the method of using micellar water is one of its most important advantages and features. The fact is that you don’t need to do any complicated steps to use it. It comes in fairly convenient bottles, although different manufacturers prefer to produce their own distinctive containers. You will also need a cotton pad or regular cotton wool.
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.
Micellar solutions made by famous brands
Since this product entered the cosmetic bag of modern women, its composition is constantly being improved, and brands compete to create the most original formula. Typically, small amounts of surfactants are added to the water to make the skin smooth, as well as natural additives. Let's talk about several favorites of Russian customers.
Top Secrets toning and cleansing micellar solution from Yves Saint Laurent is a “3 in 1” format so beloved by all business women. It can reduce the number of cosmetic bottles on the bathroom shelf by three times and reduce the washing time by the same amount. Water gently removes makeup, including from the eyes, moisturizes the skin and improves complexion. According to the manufacturer, the product nourishes the skin, helping to enhance its natural radiance and shine. This is why kombucha extract was included in its composition. It sounds promising!
Soothing Micellar Water Aroma Cleanse is one of nine hits in the Aroma series of the Decleor . His main trump card is delicacy, guaranteeing careful care. Rose essential oil will revitalize even dehydrated skin, while natural bisabolol, derived from candea essential oil, will soothe and restore natural balance. The micellar solution has a subtle scent and pleasant texture. Of course, there is no question of any greasy film, as well as other unpleasant evidence of its use. The only negative that was noticed with it was a slight tingling sensation during application, which, however, can be attributed to the individual characteristics of the skin.
Micellar water from Bioderma is a name that, perhaps, more often than others can be found in reviews of beauty bloggers. The French brand was one of the first to launch a micellar solution. Currently, three brand products are particularly successful: Sensibio H2O (for sensitive skin), Sebium H2O (for oily skin) and Hydrabio H2O (for dry and dehydrated skin). A distinctive feature of the solutions is all-season use. In summer they remove sweat and dust particles that clog pores, and in winter they perfectly moisturize. Despite the fact that these pharmacy cosmetics are represented in 65 countries around the world, they cannot be found in offline stores everywhere and not always.
Top Secrets Micellar Solution by Yves Saint Laurent
Micellar water Soothing Micellar Water Aroma Cleanse from Decleor
Micellar water Sebium H2O from Bioderma
Micellar solution for removing makeup from the face and eyes Purete Thermal based on Vichy , in addition to cleansing, performs two more important tasks: relieves irritation and swelling, and also soothes the skin. The composition contains phytophenols (petal extract) of the Gallic rose. This is a great option for those who wear contact lenses, but unfortunately, the product is not suitable for those who prefer waterproof makeup. Along with Purete, it is worth noting Normaderm, which is indicated for problematic sensitive skin. Its antibacterial and sebum-regulating component Zink PCA eliminates excess sebum, helping to combat clogged pores and uneven skin.
Lancome Eau Micellaire Douceur is positioned as an SOS makeup remover. A refreshing micellar solution removes makeup, cleanses and protects skin from drying out. Extracts of white lotus, French rose and cedar have a rejuvenating effect and provide a pleasant fragrance. What’s especially nice is that it is suitable for any skin type, however, the lifting effect does not last as long as we would like.
But Demaquillant Douceur from Lierac will be the ideal choice if you are looking for an antiage product. Extracts of linden, mallow and oat amino acids form a fairly strong anti-aging complex that can guard your youth. Using Demaquillant Douceur allows you to combine the correction of the first signs of aging and daily care. However, of course, we should not forget about cosmetics that maintain skin tone. According to the description, micellar water is designed for sensitive skin.
Micellar solution Purete Thermal from Vichy
Micellar solution Lancome Eau Micellaire Douceur
Micellar water Demaquillant Douceur from Lierac
Of course, this is not a complete list of brands that offer micellar solutions. Eau Demaquillante Micellaire from Nuxe, containing extracts of three varieties of roses, Solution Micellaire Physiologique La Roche-Posay, which contains thermal water with a high content of selenium, Bourjois water with white water lily and many others are very popular today.
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.
Alternative options
The pure version of micellar water has long become a classic. But the cosmetics industry does not stand still, and manufacturers are developing new formulas.
With oils
This format allows you to remove even the most persistent makeup without harming the skin. Another advantage of the variety is that it does not leave any stickiness or film.
Gel
We figured out what micellar water means. But this type is practically the same, only in a different concentration. It is enough to foam a drop of the product in your palms and apply it to your face with massage movements, and then rinse off.
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.
Rules of use: step-by-step instructions
You can remove eye makeup in just three steps:
- moisten a cotton pad with the product;
- close your eye, apply a cotton pad to your eyelid for a few seconds;
- gently wipe the skin.
The procedure is repeated until all makeup is removed. Foundation and other products are removed by simply wiping the skin of the face.
You can cleanse your skin with this product in the morning, after washing your face. To do this, moisten a cotton pad with it and wipe your face.
Cleansing helps prepare the skin for further care, applying a moisturizer or nourishing cream.
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.
Advantages and disadvantages
Now you can move on to the PROS and CONS of micellar water. To make it easier to make decisions about purchasing and using a product.
Let's start with the positive benefits of micellar:
- Convenient removal of makeup from the face. Dedicated to all the lazy people who can sometimes go to bed wearing makeup. You can't do that. No matter how tired or lazy you are, take a cotton pad and micellar water and quickly and easily remove all impurities and makeup from your face.
- Can be used on all parts of the face, it is suitable for washing eyes, lips and even the décolleté area.
- Suitable for sensitive skin. Micellar water gently cleanses the skin without damaging it.
- The composition is always transparent, you can make sure that there are no fragrances, silicone or parabens among the ingredients.
- An inexpensive product that allows you to replace gels or foams for washing.
Let's talk about the disadvantages of micellar water:
- Due to additional components, it may cause allergic reactions, so read the composition carefully.
- There may be a feeling of skin tightness before applying the cream.
- Some need to be washed off.
- May cause stinging if it gets into the eyes.
And the most interesting thing is reviews about micellar water.
