By now we all know what is micellar water. A lot of us might not know the technology behind it but we all know what a blessing micellar water is! Today we’re exploring micellar water, learning about the various ways it can be used and why it is one of the best skincare products for sensitive skin. PS: it does more than remove makeup.
Micellar Water: The Gentle Cleansing Solution for Sensitive Skin: The Basics
Micellar water is a liquid with purified water, moisturising agents and mild detergents to clean skin. It originated in France and gets its name from “micelle”, which means a collection of molecules. The soap content in the formula is so low that you cannot even feel it if you rub the water in your palms. The texture is exactly like water, but it works as a cleanser and water in a bottle.
Due to its mild formulation, micellar water makes a great makeup remover for sensitive skin. It not only wipes off makeup but also acts as the first step in cleansing after a long day. When you have sensitive skin, removing every trace of your day from your skin is extremely crucial – and micellar water can do that for you.
Benefits of Using Micellar Water
Micellar water has many benefits and can be used in countless ways. Make the most of your bottle with these five micellar water uses that we have for you. Along with the hacks, we’re spilling our favourite micellar water and best micellar water products to help you achieve the best skin ever.
1. To remove makeup
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First and foremost, the most common usage of micellar water has to be as a makeup remover. A drenched cotton pad of micellar water is all it will take for you to break down your makeup and get squeaky clean skin. We prefer this over double-cleansing for sensitive skin as the rubbing motion with oil cleanser might irritate the skin. Moreover, oil-based cleansers might also clog pores if not rinsed properly.
If you have sensitive skin and suffer from acne every time you use makeup, get your hands on the Simple Micellar Cleansing Water. This BeBe-approved micellar cleansing water is non-comedogenic and super gentle on the skin.
Tips on How to Use
Take a cotton pad and pour the Simple Micellar Cleansing Water directly onto the pad.
Hold the wet cotton pad on your skin for a few seconds and wipe it away.
If you’re wearing heavy makeup, try using multiple cotton pads to remove it completely.
While micellar water is a great way to remove makeup, sometimes stubborn mascaras and eyeliner need more. Try an oil-based or hybrid cleanser for the eyes and follow it up with micellar water. For such occasions, turn to the Lakmé Absolute Bi-Phased Makeup Remover first. This half ‘n’ half bottle of oil and water is incredible to wipe off rigid makeup. Break down your mascaras with this and wipe off the remainder with your Simple Micellar Cleansing Water.
2. To fix makeup blunders
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Running late but dared to pick a liquid eyeliner? Micellar water wipes have your back! Use these to wipe off the lipstick running out of lines or to sharpen your winged eyeliner. These are also mess-free options for unfortunate days when you don’t like your makeup and feel like starting over.
Tips on How to Use
Wrap a wipe around your finger and clean off the target area with this.
For larger areas, Use the wipe as usual to clean the skin.
Our go-to makeup wipes are the Simple Micellar Cleansing Wipes. The texture is super soft and doesn't leave your skin feeling rough and irritated. Additionally, they’re enriched with vitamin B, vitamin E and triple purified water so your skin doesn’t feel dry.
3. To gently clean skin
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Micellar water wipes can also remove dirt from the skin, thanks to the little surfactant in the formulation. If you’re having a dull skin day, you can simply use it to wipe your face and you’ll feel cleaner and refreshed. In fact, these should be in every gym lover’s bag. If you don’t wash off the grime and sweat in time, you’re inviting acne and skin troubles. So, simply pull out a wipe after your workout session and clean your skin. You can also use micellar wipes on your hands and feet if they’re feeling dusty after being out and about all day.
Tips on How to Use
Use a micellar water wipe or cotton pad with micellar water and gently rub it across your skin.
4. To clean makeup palettes
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If you’re a makeup enthusiast, you must have experienced your palettes looking super muddy and dirty after a while. The powders from every pan fly around and settle on the casing of the palette, making it look unhygienic and used up. But get this – the easy fix has always been in your vanity case! Micellar water can be used to clean your makeup products and make them look brand new, even if you’ve had them for years.
Tips on How to Use
Take a small piece of cotton, wet it with micellar water and clean your palettes as needed.
If you’re using a wipe, make sure you fold it small as it should not touch the product, only its packaging.
Let your palettes dry for a couple of minutes then keep them back where they belong. It’s that simple!
5. To wipe off perfume
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Ever loved a perfume only to realise it hurts your head within a few hours? We’ve all been there and understand the pain. But now there’s a solution for that – a solution that does not require you to aggressively wash your wrists with soap. Just wipe off your perfume with micellar water. The surfactant molecules break down perfumes and wipe it off with ease; and the moisturising agents in micellar water keep your skin feeling nourished.
Tips on How to Use
Hold the wipe or cotton pad on your skin for a few seconds and wipe it off. Repeat a few times to completely remove the fragrance off your skin.
**Note: Be sure to note Precautions and Limitations:
Although we cannot praise micellar water enough, we must acknowledge that everyone’s skin is different. It is always wise to patch test a product before smearing it all over your face, for you may never know what could irritate your skin. If you have extremely sensitive and allergic-prone skin, consult a dermatologist before giving micellar water a shot.
Micellar Water’s Gentle Cleansing Action Explained:
Micellar water is made up of two main components that form micelles. These are tiny spherical structures that are formed when surfactants come in contact with water. Surfactants are like a magnet –their head is attracted to water (hydrophilic), and tail rejects water (hydrophobic). When micellar water is applied onto the skin, the hydrophobic aka the tails of the surfactants are instantly attracted to the oils and dirt on your skin. Upon contact with the hydrophobic part of the surfactants, all the oil-based products and grime on the skin is solubilised and hence easily wiped out with the hydrophilic part. This process is also called micellar solubilisation.
Is Micellar Water Ideal for Sensitive Skin?
Micellar water is an ideal makeup remover for sensitive skin due to its gentle approach to removing unwanted substances from the skin. The mild surfactants in the formula rarely disrupt or irritate the skin. The low quantity of surfactant also means that micellar water is not stripping or overly harsh on the skin.
FAQs about Micellar Water Being the Gentle Cleansing Solution for Sensitive Skin
Q1: Is micellar water suitable for all skin types?
Yes, micellar water works beautifully on all skin types.
Q2: Can I use micellar water as a toner?
No, micellar water and toner have different properties and they cannot be interchanged.
Q3: How often can I use micellar water?
You can incorporate it in your daily skincare routine and use it in the day and night as part of your cleansing routine.
Written by Sanya Hamdani on Jun 07, 2023
Sanya Hamdani is a skincare enthusiast and lipstick hoarder, she truly believes no two red lipsticks look exactly alike. With a Master's degree in Communication & Journalism and 5+ years of digital writing experience up her sleeve, Sanya has some of the biggest beauty experts in the country on her speed dial. When she's not swatching products or writing about the latest trends in beauty, you will find her watching F.R.I.E.N.D.S. or cooking up a storm in the kitchen.