Micellar water - Why the hype?

Touted as the “French girl’s beauty secret”, you may have heard of micellar water before. It’s a non-rinse, soap-free alternative to cleanser, but does it stand up to the hype? We investigate.

HOW DOES MICELLAR WATER WORK?
The micellar water formula is made of micelles: nano-sized, fatty oil molecules suspended in soft water. Micelles are attracted to dirt and oil, so when applied to the skin they pick up sebum and dissolve dirt and makeup. There’s no need to rinse-off afterwards, just apply by via a cotton pad and leave to absorb before moisturising.

SHOULD I TRY IT? 
Micellar water is particularly good for those with sensitive or very dry skin. If you find that foamy cleansers or toners leave your skin taut, tingling or blotchy, then try switching your cleansing routine for micellar water. But note: it’s not as thorough as a cleanser, so avoid waterproof or long-wear makeup that’s harder to remove.

If you have ageing concerns or are acne-prone, micellar water will not be as effective as a targeted cleanser and toner duo. It will however offer a gentle alternative to makeup remover and can be a highly effective pre-cleansing product. THE VERDICT:
The idea that micellar water is a makeup remover, cleanser, toner and moisturiser all in one is unrealistic – no product’s that good!

It is however, a quick and easy makeup remover that’s gentle on the skin. If you have dry or sensitive skin, it’s certainly worth investing in (try Diamond Cellular‘s Solution), but you’ll still need to follow with moisturising products and SPF for daywear.

For other skin types, micellar water comes into it’s own when used on the go. It’s an ideal cleansing replacement when you are somewhere with little access to water and need to hydrate or remove makeup quickly. But for everyday wear take a more targeted approach to skin care.

Words by: Photographs by: Fotolia