Washing your face thoroughly is essential for nurturing happy and healthy skin. However, it can sometimes be hard to know which steps and solutions will give you the best results. Micellar cleansing water is one product that claims to be a simple fix for removing face makeup, dirt, and grime—but how well does it really work?
Many people who stumble upon this product find themselves wondering, is micellar water a cleanser?
In this article, we’ll dive into what micellar cleansing water is, when it can be helpful, and how it ultimately falls short in some key areas of your skincare routine.
We know: The path to great skin can often feel complicated. Our personalized, clinically effective, 3-step skincare routine makes it easy.
What is Micellar Water?
Whether you’ve heard of a micellar water product before or not, you might be curious about what ingredients actually go into a bottle of micellar water.
Micellar water generally consists of [1]:
- Purified water
- Moisturizers
- Mild surfactants
Its name comes from the micelles (little clusters of cleansing oil molecules) that are found within the water [2]. The micelles attract contaminants, allowing you to clear dirt and oil from your face when you remove the product after applying it [3].
Micellar water has become trendy with brands in recent years because the idea of such a simple cleanser makes it seem like a miracle product. However, micellar water is typically marketed as a viable solution for times when running water isn’t available, such as during a vacation or on a nature excursion. In these situations, micellar water can be a convenient makeup remover and refresh your face.
It can be especially helpful for those with dry skin or for those who are looking to make it a part of a double cleanse routine.
Does Micellar Water Actually Work?
Micellar water is indeed a legitimate method of cleaning the skin—but that doesn’t mean it’s the most effective product available.
Some people will point to micellar water as a simple, straightforward solution for your skincare needs. And in some cases, this may be true. For instance, if your face is already mostly clear of dirt, makeup, and acne, then micellar water could be sufficient for a quick cleanse.
However, if you really want to get serious about cleansing, removing contaminants from your face entirely, and tackling deeper skin problems, micellar water isn’t the best product to use.
In fact, there are two main situations where micellar water may be considered:
- Removing heavy or stubborn makeup – Micellar water may provide some benefits as part of a double cleanse to help remove makeup and buildup. And at the end of a long day, it’s important to ensure your face is completely clean so that impurities don’t sit on your skin overnight and cause inflammation, clogged pores, and breakouts.
- Treating specific skin concerns such as dry or irritated skin – Using micellar water can be especially good for someone with dry or sensitive skin as it is less likely to cause dryness or irritation on the skin.
Better Alternatives for Skin Cleansing
While micellar water might bring a few benefits to some, generally speaking, it can’t offer the deep cleansing action you need to remove impurities, exfoliate dead skin cells, and address specific skin concerns.
If you want to truly invest in the longevity and well-being of your skin, you need a cleanser that’s been specifically formulated to permeate deep into your pores, like PROVEN’s personalized facial cleanser.
These types of effective cleanser formulas will typically contain ingredients designed to:
- Exfoliate the skin to remove dead skin cells – This helps prevent breakouts and allows new skin cells to come to the surface, giving you the appearance of more youthful skin.
- Hydrate and moisturize the skin – Effective hydration and moisture help to boost the natural skin barrier, meaning it’s more capable of preventing damage from environmental factors, like pollution.
- Clear pores of dirt and grime – When dirt and grime are effectively removed from your pores, your pores are less likely to become clogged—meaning you’re less likely to experience an acne breakout.
The bottom line? Micellar water can work as a baseline cleanser if you need a quick refresh or if you don't have access to water. However, for daily cleansing, you need a more advanced formula approved by dermatologists.
Find Personalized Skincare That Works With Proven
Just because a product is capable of accomplishing the bare minimum when it comes to cleansing doesn’t mean that it’s the best option for your skincare routine. For thoroughly cleansed, hydrated, and protected skin, invest in skincare products that contain effective, science-backed ingredients. And with PROVEN on your side, doing that is easier than ever before.
Simply take our 3-minute skincare quiz, and we’ll be able to determine which natural ingredients are best suited for your unique skin type, concerns, needs, and goals. Then, we’ll use those ingredients to create a 100% personalized skincare routine featuring a 3-in-1 cleanser, daily moisturizer with SPF, and restorative night cream.
Get started with PROVEN today to embark on your journey toward skin feeling clearer, brighter, and healthier.
