What is Micellar Water and how to use it?

Find out what micellar water is, its benefits and the best ways to use and implement micellar water into your skincare routine.

What is Micellar Water and how to use it?

Micellar water is becoming a key component in the beauty world; however, you may be wondering what is micellar water and how am I supposed to implement it in my routine? Read on to discover everything you need to know about gentle facial cleansing with micellar cleansing products and how to use micellar water to remove dirt particles quickly and thoroughly. Due to micellar water being so gentle on the skin, it is particularly suitable for sensitive eye areas with many other micellar water benefits mentioned below.

What Is Micellar Cleansing Water?

Although you may have heard the term micellar water, you may still have the question; ‘What is micellar water? Micellar water such as NIVEA Micellar Cleansing Water is a cleanser that contains micelles. These suspended surfactant molecules are hydrophilic and oleophilic, meaning they attract water, oil, and the dirt that comes with them. When combined with a cotton pad or wipe, they remove stubborn makeup.

The unique properties of micellar cleansing water mean that it can be used as a facial wash, make-up remover, and moisturiser, depending on your skin type. Now we’ve answered: what is micellar water, you might be wondering what micelles are?

WHAT IS MICELLAR WATER?

What Are Micelles?

Whether in make-up remover or facial tonic, the term micelles is well known in the beauty sector.

- Micelles are formed by the aggregation of microscopic surfactant molecules that are both water-loving (hydrophilic) and fat-loving (lipophilic).
- Micelles can remove both water-soluble and fat-soluble residues of make-up or dirt.
- Thanks to micelle technology, using one good micellar water product is all that’s needed to cleanse your face thoroughly.
- Due to the gentle yet effective micellar water formula, there’s no need for excessive face rubbing, which could irritate the skin.

So you now know what is micellar water and what micelles are, read on to find out how to use micellar water?

How To Use Micellar Water

You don’t need much beauty expertise for micellar water application; it can be made simple by soaking micellar water in a clean cotton pad. Then, gently sweep across the face to easily remove dirt, make-up and even mascara.

Step By Step For How To Use Micellar Water

1. Wash your hands: Before you start to use any facial product, it is essential to begin by washing your hands as this will ensure you aren’t rubbing more dirt onto your face and into your pores.

2. Select the right cleanser: Next, you must choose micellar water that's suitable for your skin type (dry, sensitive, normal). Different micellar water products can have different formulae for your specific skin type.

3. Soak a cotton pad and wipe: Take your cotton pad, pour micellar water generously onto it and let it soak quickly; once soaked, you can then wipe the pad gently across the face.

4. Finish with moisturiser: The final step is to soothe the skin with a moisturiser or soothing face cream to add that extra bit of hydration.

A common question people ask is does the micellar water need to be washed off. The answer to this is no! Micellar water is a cleansing liquid that does not require washing off, so use the product and continue with your regular routine.

WHAT IS MICELLAR WATER?

Is Micellar Water A Toner?

There may be some confusion as to “what is micellar water and how is it different to toner”. However, there are critical differences between toner and micellar water. So, what are the differences?

Micellar water is an excellent multi-purpose product generally used as a cleanser, the first step in removing any impurities, makeup, and dirt built up throughout the day. Due to its formula, micellar water also adds hydration back into the skin, just like a moisturiser, as well as helping restore the skin's pH balance, the role of a toner.

While micellar water can be used as a face wash, makeup remover, toner and moisturiser, the roles aren’t reversed when it comes to toner. Toners are in place to be used after cleansing to restore the skin’s pH and prep the skin for further products; however, a toner cannot be used as a cleanser or makeup remover. So, that is the difference between toner and micellar water.

5 Micellar Water Benefits

More gentle than traditional cleansers: This means micellar water is suitable for all skin types, especially those with sensitive skin. This can be attributed partially to most of the best micellar water products being alcohol-free.

Promotes hydration and moisture: Most types of micellar water feature compounds like glycerine which has been shown to help the skin retain moisture. Therefore is more hydrating than regular make-up wipes.

Helps with acne: The best micellar water for acne-prone skin is one that doesn't leave residue behind. This is because those that do leave residue can clog your pores, making it harder for toxins to leave the skin, resulting in acne, whiteheads, and blackheads.

Draw out oils and dirt that clog pores: Micelles can also increase your skin's permeability, allowing cleansers to reach deeper layers of skin.

Portable and convenient: As a multi-use product that can be used as a make-up remover, cleanser, and toner, it eliminates the need for multiple products. The micellar water face wipes are great to use on the go and can be used throughout the day.

So it is clear there are many micellar water benefits. All of these micellar water benefits can be easily added to any beauty regime; on top of this, micellar water benefits by not requiring any rinse before or after use!

Top Tips For Removing Eye Make-up With Micellar Water

One of the best micellar water benefits is that it is the perfect eye make-up remover; this is possible as the features mentioned in ‘what is micellar water’ mean it is gentle on skin, particularly sensitive skin around the eyes.

- Let the micellar water-soaked cotton pad or wipe rest on your closed eyes to soften the make-up before you sweep across the face and eyes.
- Be careful not to rub too much around the sensitive eye area
- Repeat gentle wipes until your pad or wipe comes off clean. There’s no need to use too much pressure.
- Ensure to remove all the eye makeup before cleaning the rest of your face.
- When it comes to tough, stubborn makeup like waterproof mascara, Micellar Wipes act like a magnet to wipe the makeup away from your sensitive eye area for quick, gentle, and easy removal.

Shop NIVEA Eye Makeup Remover

What is the best micellar water for you and your skin?

After learning about “what is micellar cleansing water”, you’ll want to discover how to find the best micellar water for you. With so many products out there, it can be difficult to choose. To find the best micellar water for you, it is important to decide what the intended benefits are. Are you looking for a micellar water that's good for acne, one for sensitive skin or one to energise your skin?

If you are looking for the best micellar water to revitalise and energise your skin, we recommend our new NIVEA Energy Micellar Water 3X Antioxidants formula, which includes vitamin C, Vitamin B3, and Cranberry to ensure your skin is deeply cleansed while leaving skin feeling revitalised a vegan formula.