MICELLAR WATER, IS IT AS USEFUL AS IT IS SPEAKED ABOUT IT?
Composition and properties of micellar water. Micellar water recipes and expert reviews
INNA CODRU , SEPTEMBER 14, 2018
Over the past five years, interest in micellar water has increased significantly. It's often presented as a simple "on the go" miracle cure, such as washing your face after a workout, light skin cleansing while traveling, and quick make-up removal after a night out. Micellar water is also praised for its beneficial properties by cosmetologists, facial enthusiasts, and is especially known for its cult status in France, where micellar water is probably the largest fan base.
But what makes micellar water different from other cleansers or plain water? Let's see.
WHAT IS MICELLAR WATER?
If you're wondering what "micellar" means, it's a modern chemical term that comes from the root word "micelle". Micelle is a word referring to a group of molecules that combine to form colloidal solutions such as soaps and detergents. It can be said that Traditional micellar water is an aqueous and oil suspension. Theoretically, this is an all-in-one product that removes dirt, makeup, excess oil and other types of pollution from your face at the same time.
IS MICELLAR WATER REALLY ESSENTIAL FOR SKIN CARE?
According to experts, it depends on how you use it.
“In most cases, the use of micellar water is recommended as a make-up remover, but after you have used your usual cleanser, the use of only micellar water for make-up removal is allowed, but not all the time,” says the founder of the Rescue spa chain. Spa" Danuta Mieloch.
"I think people love it when they see the 'dirt' removed from the skin on a cotton pad used to wipe the face with micellar water," said dermatologist Kybele Fishman, MD. Like most estheticians, in order to get the most out of their facial cleansing, she recommends that most of her clients use both oil and cream cleansers and use them at the same time. In regards to good micellar water, she explained that micellar water is often a better option than many super foam cleansers.
It also comes in handy when you're on the road, whether you just want to clean your face on the go or prep your skin for professional makeup. “I always carry micellar water in my purse and sometimes in my travel bag,” says popular makeup artist Katya Denno. “You never know what is in the tap water when you arrive in a new place, what salts and minerals it contains, because it all changes from city to city and country to country.”
Most dermatologists and cosmetologists agree that micellar water does not do much harm if you use a pure, non-toxic version of it. Conventional micellar formulas are a no-nonsense daily skincare routine that can in most cases be replaced with a different cleansing product that is less irritating, completely free of surfactants, and simply more effective at cleansing the skin. But if you are a true micellar water lover, don't worry. Our experts have come up with some great eco-friendly options.
BEST MICELLAR WATER RECIPES
Making your own micellar water is not a big problem. Therefore, if you have the desire and time, then, having selected the necessary components, you can start cooking. Here are some of the recipes I provide:
Micellar water recipe for NORMAL and COMBINATION skin
- 45% mineral still water
- 40% hydrolat, can be pink, lavender or chamomile
- 2% D-panthenol
- 7% sweet almond oil
- 1% preservative (optichen-plus, GeogardUltra, phenoxyethanol, etc.)
- 3% honey extract
- 2% wheat amino acids (wheat germ oil)
Micellar water recipe for DRY skin
- 80% mineral still water (can be replaced with rose hydrosol)
- 2% D-panthenol
- 8% water soluble olive oil
- 1% preservative (optichen-plus, GeogardUltra, phenoxyethanol, etc.)
- 5% silk hydrolyzate
- 3% Aloe Vera gel
- 1% caprylyl
Micellar water recipe for OILY skin
- 85% chamomile hydrosol (you can use rosemary, mint or sage)
- 2% D-panthenol
- 5% water soluble grapeseed (or jojoba) oil
- 1% preservative (optichen-plus, GeogardUltra, phenoxyethanol, etc.)
- 3% fucogel
- 4% evermat
WHAT ARE THE ALTERNATIVES TO MICELLAR WATER
"A hydrosol has a hydrophilic part and a hydrophobic part," said Dr. Fishman, "that's what micellar water is essentially," so adding any hydrosol when creating micellar water is an easy way to add softness to your skin. Janssen Mild Cleansing Cream as the base and then MATIS Reponse Delicate . They do not just replace micellar water, but improve cleansing much better, containing both detergents and surfactants.
Noreva, Exfoliac , Cleansing Micellar Lotion , which does not contain methylisothiazolinone, soap, parabens, phenoxyethanol, can be recommended as well as the Italian brand GUAM, Micro biocellulaire , a toner for problem skin .
In addition to the aforementioned MATIS Reponse Delicate Cleansing Water, La Roche-Posay Cleansing Gel, Rosaliac . And as an added bonus, instead of using regular cotton pads, let the environment thank you, try using reusable organic cotton pads.
At present, on the market, this product is represented quite widely. You will find micellar water in one quality or another from each manufacturer, BUT the formulas of products may differ, so when choosing micellar water, it will be better to focus on trusted brands that you trust.