Everything you need to know about micellar water.

In 1991, BIODERMA laboratories in France sought to create a gentle option for daily skin cleansing, suitable for all skin types: themicellar water. Indeed, tap water is considered too "aggressive", "hard" for the skin due to the presence of limescale. Since that day, micellar water has been commonly used as a makeup remover and general facial cleanser. It is a versatile skincare product whose consistency resembles that of water, but contains a low concentration of one or more different types of cleansing agents (surfactants).

There are various formulations of micellar water available to cater to the different needs and concerns of skin types. Besides surfactants, they may include additional active ingredients such as zinc, vitamin C, niacinamide, cornflower or chamomile, which provide soothing, antioxidant and purifying properties to the skin. Indeed, micellar makeup remover water continues to reinvent itself in targeted and gentle formulas to be tolerated by all skin types. In fact, it can even be adapted for babies.

Our micellar water for the face, neck, eyes and lips, with 96% naturally derived ingredients, has a minimalist formula with only seven ingredients for clean, fresh and irritation-free skin.

In the term "micellar water", the word "micelle" is key, playing a crucial role in the cleansing process. Indeed, micelles are spherical aggregates of amphiphilic surfactant molecules floating in the solution. Each one has a hydrophilic head that is attracted to water and a lipophilic tail that is attracted to fats. This micellar technology enables the removal of makeup traces and impurities on the facial skin. Thus, the micellar water can be described as a two-in-one care product, used both as a cleanser and makeup remover.

Whilst micellar water is deemed a "good cleanser", it cannot fully remove water-resistant makeup. It is not as effective as a more thorough cleanse with water and a traditional cleanser for the face, thus necessitating additional products.

Whenmicellar water is sprayed onto a cotton pad (a hydrophilic material), for instance, the micelles reorganise themselves so that the hydrophilic parts adhere to the cotton, while the lipophilic tails point outwards. Upon application of the cotton pad to the skin's surface, the layer of lipophilic tails seeks out oily substances (sebum, makeup, sun creams, pollution particles, etc.). The captured dirt is then trapped and encapsulated by the surfactants. The hydrophilic heads are once again pointed outwards to effectively remove impurities from the skin, without disturbing the skin's natural lipid barrier.

Most micellar waters can also contain moisturising compounds (glycerine, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, cucumber extract, etc.), making them a gentle alternative to traditional cleansers.

Themicellar cleansing water is presented as a gentle cleansing product, which is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. However, it is not ruled out that the use of a new skincare product may cause irritation or an allergic reaction. It is therefore always advisable to perform a skin test on a small part of the body (behind the ear, inner wrist, etc.) before applying the treatment to the entire face.

With daily use of micellar water, the skin may potentially begin to exhibit skin reactions in the form of redness, skin dryness, itching, or a rash. If these signs appear, it is advised to immediately wash the face with clear water and cease its use. Furthermore, repeated application of micellar water on the face could also potentially be harsh for certain skin types.

Whether used as a light cleanser in the morning or as a makeup remover in the evening, our 7-ingredient micellar water is formulated without fragrance, essential oils, sulfates, alcohol, and irritating substances. As such, it can be used daily, even by those with sensitive or reactive skin.

Do we need to rinse off micellar water?

Micellarwater is renowned for being "rinse-free". While some surfactants can be harsh and drying, micellar water contains non-ionic surfactants which are supposed to be gentler, meaning they can be left on the skin. That being said, while this doesn't pose a problem for many people, others cannot tolerate them. Therefore, if you have sensitive skin or if you suffer from a skin condition such as psoriasis or eczema, we recommend following the use of micellar water with a cloth soaked in clear water.

• HAWKINS S. & al. Sensitive skin compatibility of micellar water. Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology (2017).

• REINHOLZ M. & al. Efficacy and safety results of micellar water, cream and serum for rosacea in comparison to a control group. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2020).