Everyone knows how to use micellar water, right? It’s an essential part of makeup removal and an important step to carry out correctly because leftover makeup, especially in the eye area, can lead to infections like conjunctivitis and styes.
Now, before you start to worry “Do I know how to use micellar water?,” we asked dermatologist Dr. Mary Sommerlad exactly what to do (and what not to do) when it comes to using this hero product for makeup removal.
Ahead, you'll find out everything you need to know about how to use micellar water correctly and. most importantly, the one most common mistake to avoid.
What is micellar water?
“Micellar water is a gentle cleansing solution containing millions of micelles, which are tiny spherical clusters of surfactant (cleansing) molecules suspended in soft, purified water,” says Dr. Sommerlad. While it’s almost the same as ordinary water in texture and consistency, at a molecular level, there’s more than meets than eye.
“Each micelle has a water-loving outer shell and an oil-loving core,” the dermatologist continues. “Think of them as microscopic magnets: They are attracted to oil, dirt, and makeup, drawing these impurities off the skin’s surface and into the solution, rather than simply pushing them around.” With its oil-attracting core, micellar water is the perfect product for removing makeup when used properly. Even the most stubborn products, like waterproof mascara, are no match for it.
How do I apply micellar water correctly?
Now that you understand what micellar water does, the next important thing to know is how to use it correctly. We asked Dr. Sommerlad to break the process down step by step. “I recommend micellar water as the first step of an evening double-cleanse routine,” she says. “The focus is removing makeup, sunscreen, and daytime skin care and impurities such as pollution and pollen and dust.”
- Shake the micellar water bottle first, then saturate a soft (ideally reusable) cotton pad fully with micellar water. Do not be sparing.
- Hold the saturated pad gently against closed eyes or a makeup-heavy area for 10 to 15 seconds before any movement in order to let the micelles lift off impurities and makeup.
- After 15 seconds, swipe with a single, light, outward stroke. Avoid vigorous rubbing. The eye area especially is thin and does not respond well to repeated friction. You may need to repeat the process if you were wearing very heavy makeup or eyebrow creams.
- Repeat the steps using a fresh pad for each area: forehead, cheeks, nose, and jawline.
- Finally, follow with a proper facial cleanser as part of a double-cleanse routine, particularly if you were wearing SPF or a full-coverage foundation.
@self.skin I do this for a living people! #skincaretips #skintok #micellarwater #garniermicellarwater #skincare101 #skincareviral ♬ original sound - Maja
What are the downsides of micellar water?
While micellar water is a great product for removing makeup, it can be used incorrectly—causing issues around the eye area where the skin is the most delicate and sensitive. Dr. Sommerlad refers to this as mechanical misuse. “Users who rub vigorously rather than following the soak-and-glide method negate its gentleness advantage entirely,” she says.
Though it can be tempting to aggressively scrub away any trace of makeup—especially at the end of the day, when you want to hop into bed—taking the time to gently remove makeup will not only protect your eyes but make the removal process much smoother.
When should I not use micellar water?
Generally, micellar water is well-tolerated. Those with very dry or sensitive skin may find that the formulas for sensitive skin are more suitable. While there are no issues with daily use, Dr. Sommerlad suggests avoiding micellar water if you have known sensitivity to any of the ingredients in the formulation.
She also notes that people who have recently undergone aesthetic procedures—including laser, microneedling, and chemical peels—also shouldn’t use it. “The disrupted barrier is more susceptible to anything topical,” she explains. “Use only what your clinician advises: Ask them directly what you can cleanse with.”
@danicahelensmith STOP USING MICELLAR WATER 🚫#micellarwater #makeup #skincare #skincaredonts #eczema #dryskin #dryskincare #dryskintips #dryskincareroutine #dryskinmakeup #makeupremover #dontbuy #dontusethisanymore #greenscreen ♬ original sound - Danica Smith
Do I need to wash my face if I use micellar water?
Knowing what you’ve learned about micellar water and how it works, you’d be forgiven for thinking that you can substitute it as a replacement for your cleanser. While you technically could, Dr. Sommerlad advises only doing this in certain circumstances. “Micellar water is an excellent first-step cleanser and makeup remover, but it is not a comprehensive substitute for an evening facial cleanse,” she explains. “A proper cleanser at the correct pH, applied to wet skin and emulsified before rinsing, actively lifts and removes sebum, pollutants, dead skin cells, and microbial debris.”
The few instances when it may suffice as a sole cleanser, she says, are for people who have very dry or sensitive skin and only on days where SPF or significant makeup isn’t worn—situations that apply to very few.
@drderrickphillips Micellar water 👀 Leave it on or wash it off? There's no clear consensus on this one. Which camp are you in? #micellarwater #micellar #doublecleansing #beautytips #skincaretips ♬ original sound - Dr Derrick Phillips
Can micellar water be overused?
Generally, no. However, while daily use (even twice daily) shouldn’t cause any issues, extreme overuse is possible. “Micellar water does contain surfactants and is not ‘just plain water’ alone, so overuse can lead to irritation and eventually disrupt the skin barrier leading to easy reactivity,” Dr. Sommerlad says.
Originally published on Glamour UK.
