Micellar water is the absolute winner on the beauty shelves. Until a few years ago, if we didn't even know about its existence, we can no longer do it without makeup. But is the cleaning miracle really good for our skin?
What is micelle water?
It is supposed to gently and thoroughly cleanse our skin and pull dirt particles and make-up off our face like a magnet. But how does it work?
It sounds like this from the chemistry kit: If you put elongated molecules that are non-polar (i.e. water-repellent) on one side and polar (water-friendly) in polar water on the other, they form tiny spheres called micelles. They are particularly fat-dissolving and clean down to the deep layers of the skin without rubbing and pressure.
Small particles of make-up, mascara, lipstick and dirt are trapped and removed by the micelles – just through the bipolar charge of the molecules in the beads.
Gentle or aggressive? Is micellar water good for the skin?
We appreciate the pragmatism of the Micelle water and read at the same time that some products are criticized. They are said to contain harmful substances that are not good for the skin or the environment. Aggressive cleansing surfactants such as polyethylene glycol derivatives (PEGs), poloxamers or polysorbates, for example, that weaken the protective barrier of the skin and make it more permeable to environmental influences. In addition, sensitive skin types react with redness, dehydration and dandruff. An investigation by Ökotest showed that even some micelle water contains polyaminopropyl biguanide (PHMB for short) – a preservative that has been classified as suspected of being cancerous.
What should I look for in micellar water?
Lots Micelle water work without fragrances, preservatives and alcohol – especially those that are designed for very sensitive skin. Micellar water that contains no synthetic surfactants cleans even more gently. Sugar or coconut fat are such alternatives that are mostly used in certified natural cosmetics. The natural cosmetic micellar water is gentler on the skin, but does not always remove waterproof make-up with a single wipe.
The INCI list provides information on the ingredients: If you are unsure whether your favorite micelle water is not harmful to the skin and the environment, you can use the Codecheck app to check the ingredients. Simply specify the product or check the barcode.
Facial cleansing on a gentle tour: the dosage of micelle water
We usually use micellar water in the evening to clean our face and snap in Cotton pad. But please do not use too much cleaning water, because some contain alcohol, others aggressive washing substances. When buying, be sure to pay attention to what skin type it suits, because in a micelle or facial tonic for oily skin, alcohol even makes sense in small quantities, since it can remove fat from the skin. There is now also an alternative Cleaning wipeswho work with micelle technology – drug dosage included.
If you want to make sure that no surfactants or other drying or harmful ingredients of the micelle water remain on the skin, can rinse again with water after cleaning.
By the way: micelles show their power not only in facial cleansing: there is now also micelle shampoo! How Micellar shampoo works, we explain to you …
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