Micellar water - is it really good for the skin?

Micellar water is the absolute winner on the beauty shelves. If we didn't even know about its existence until a few years ago, we can no longer do without it when removing make-up. But is this cleansing miracle actually good for our skin?

What is micellar water?

It is supposed to gently and thoroughly cleanse our skin and pull dirt particles and makeup off our face like a magnet. But how does it actually work?

From the chemistry kit, it sounds like this: If you put elongated molecules that are non-polar on one side (i.e. water-repellent) and polar (water-friendly) on the other in polar water, they form tiny spheres, the so-called micelles. They are particularly fat-dissolving and clean into the deep layers of the skin without rubbing or pressure. 

Small particles of make-up, mascara, lipstick, and dirt are trapped by the micelles and transported away - solely 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 micellar water

and read at the same time that some products are criticized. They should contain questionable substances that are neither good for the skin nor the environment. Aggressive cleaning surfactants such as polyethylene glycol derivatives (PEGs), poloxamers, or polysorbates, for example, weaken the skin's protective barrier and make it more permeable to environmental influences. In addition, sensitive skin types react with redness, dehydration, and flaking. An investigation by Ökotest showed that even some micellar water contains polyaminopropyl biguanide (PHMB for short) - a preservative that has been classified as suspicious of cancer. 

What should I look out for with micellar water?

Lots of micellar water

work without fragrances, preservatives, and alcohol - especially those that were designed for very sensitive skin. Even more gently clean Mizellenwasser containing no synthetic surfactants. Sugar or coconut fat are alternatives that are mostly used in certified natural cosmetics. The natural cosmetic micellar waters are gentler on the skin, but do not always remove waterproof make-up with one wipe. 

The INCI list provides information on the ingredients: If you are unsure whether your favorite micellar water is not harmful to your skin or the environment, you can use the Code check app to check the ingredients. Simply enter the product or check the barcode.

Facial cleansing in a gentle way: the dosage of micellar water

We mostly use micellar water in the evening to cleanse our face and grab a cotton pad

. Please do not use too much cleaning water, because some contain alcohol and others contain aggressive detergents. When buying, it is essential to pay attention to which skin type it fits, because in a micellar or facial toner for oily skin, alcohol even makes sense in small quantities, as it can remove fat from the skin. Alternatively, cleaning wipes are now also available

who work with micellar technology - including dosing of active ingredients. 

If you want to make sure that no surfactants or other drying or harmful ingredients of the micellar water remain on the skin, you can rinse again with water after cleaning.