What is Micellar Water? How to Use and Benefits

What is
MICELLAR WATER?

Micellar water is a skincare product that looks and feels like regular water but has special cleansing properties. It is composed of particles made up of cleansing molecules aggregated in the form of spheroids in fresh water. These particles are called micelles. These micelles trap dirt, oil, and makeup from the skin, making it easy to clean your face without harsh rubbing or rinsing.

Close-up of a blonde woman cleansing her cheek with a round white reusable facial pad

What does micellar water do?

What are micelles?

The micelles in the micellar water are microscopic structures made up of amphiphilic molecules, i.e. those with a hydrophilic head (has an affinity for water) and a long lipophilic chain (has an affinity for oil) at the ends. When applied to a cotton pad, they attract dirt and makeup with their lipophilic ends, while the hydrophilic ends allow the solubilisation of impurities and their elimination from the skin.

Is micellar water a toner?

Both may seem similar, but they serve slightly distinct purposes. Micellar water is primarily a cleanser; it removes makeup, dirt, and oil from the skin. A toner or tonic water is used after cleansing to help balance the skin's pH level, hydrate, and prepare the skin for moisturising. While both products are in aqueous form, micellar water focuses on cleansing, whereas a toner focuses on toning and hydrating the skin. However, some micellar waters can also have a moisturising and toning action and can also be used as a toner.

6 Micellar
Water Benefits

Micellar water offers several advantages for maintaining clean and healthy-looking skin:

Clear bottle of NIVEA Regenerating Micellar Water with 5% serum floating above a hand on a blue background

1
Gentle cleansing:
It effectively removes dirt, oil, and makeup without harsh scrubbing, making it suitable for sensitive skin.

2
Hydration:
Unlike some traditional cleansers, micellar water does not strip the skin of its natural oils, helping to maintain moisture.

3
Convenience:
It is easy to use and does not require rinsing, making it perfect for quick cleansing on the go.

4
Versatility:
Can be used on all skin types, including oily, dry, and combination skin.

5
Dual function:
Acts as a makeup remover and cleanser in one, simplifying your skincare routine by eliminating the need for multiple products.

6
Addition of serum:
Certain micellar waters have serums added in their formula to offer multiple benefits. For example, Vitamin C and Vitamin E to provide bright and energised skin.

Micellar Water for
DIFFERENT SKIN TYPES

Oily skin: Removes excess oil and sebum from the skin's surface without drying it out, reducing the risk of clogged pores and breakouts. By reducing oil on the skin's surface, it helps keep the skin looking less shiny and more balanced.

Dry skin: Cleanses the skin gently without causing irritation or dryness, making it suitable for those with dry skin.

Sensitive skin: Formulated to be gentle and soothing, making it an ideal choice for sensitive skin types prone to irritation. The NIVEA Micellar Water Soothing formula is enriched with cleansing micelles and amino Acids to cleanse and soothe the skin, calm, and leave no residue.

Blemish-Prone skin: Helps remove excess oil and impurities that can clog pores and cause breakouts. The gentle nature of the formula in micellar waters usually reduces the chance of irritation, which is crucial for blemish-prone skin.

Facts overview

Micellar
FACE CARE

Purpose: Micellar water grabs dirt, oil, and makeup without harsh scrubbing.

On-the-go clean: No rinsing needed! Quick and convenient for any skin type.

Stay hydrated: Keeps skin's natural moisture intact, so no dryness or tight feeling.

Choosing the
RIGHT MICELLAR WATER

When choosing micellar water, it is essential to consider a few key factors to ensure it meets your skin's needs:

Woman holding a reusable cleansing pad with makeup residue beside her eye against a blue background

1
Skin type:
Your skin type plays a significant role in determining which micellar water is best for you. Whether you have oily, dry, sensitive, or combination skin, there is a micellar water designed for your specific needs.

2
Ingredients:
Always check the ingredients list. Look for micellar water with gentle ingredients and free from ethyl alcohol, especially if you have sensitive skin. Choose formulas that have been dermatologically and ophthalmologically tested for skin and eye compatibility.

3
Purpose:
Some micellar waters are formulated to remove makeup, while others are better suited for general cleansing. Choose one based on the primary use.

4
Additional benefits:
Many micellar waters offer extra benefits that enhance your skin. Some include ingredients like hyaluronic acid for hydration or antioxidants like Vitamins C and E to help protect and nourish the skin.

How to use Micellar Water
IN YOUR ROUTINE

One of the great benefits of NIVEA micellar waters is their cleansing action in a single step, breaking down stubborn makeup and impurities. Micellar water is incredibly easy to use in a few simple steps:

1
Soak a cotton pad:
Firstly, saturate a cotton pad with the makeup remover.

2
Gently massage onto skin:
Using circular motions to avoid harsh tugging (which could cause them to break), letting the formula do the work. Begin by removing any eye makeup, taking care around your lashes, and then proceeding to the rest of your face.

3
Rinse or leave on – it's your choice!
Most micellar waters do not require rinsing. However, if you prefer, after removing all traces of make-up and impurities, you can choose to rinse to remove any product residue from the skin. However, if you want to get the maximum benefit from the serum added to certain micellar waters, such as those in the NIVEA range, it is preferable not to rinse to encourage its penetration into the skin.

4
Round off with your usual care routine
Once you've finished cleansing, continue with your usual face care routine of serums and moisturisers to help replenish and restore your skin.

NIVEA Serum-infused
MICELLAR WATER

NIVEA micellar waters have been carefully created to cater to various skincare needs and preferences. Enriched with serums to give your skin a boost, the bi-phase cleansing and makeup removal action effectively acts as a double cleanse, meaning fewer steps in your evening skincare routine.

Smiling woman holding yellow and blue bottles of NIVEA micellar water against a clear blue sky

NIVEA Regenerating serum-infused Micellar Water

The NIVEA Regenerating Serum Infused Micellar Water innovative formula is 5% serum containing Panthenol, squalane, and an amino Acids complex. Designed to cleanse while restoring moisture and promote skin regeneration. Its formula, which has been dermatologically and ophthalmologically tested for compatibility with skin and eyes, leaves no oily residue and gives a rested skin effect in the morning.

NIVEA skin glow serum infused Micellar Water

Enriched with 5% serum with Vitamin C & E + amino Acids complex, the NIVEA Skin Glow Serum Infused Micellar Water brightens and hydrates the skin, for a more even and instantly glowing skin complexion. Dermatologically and ophthalmologically tested for skin and eye compatibility, this gentle cleanser is designed to care for dull or sensitive skin.

Struggling with
STUBBORN OR HEAVY EYE MAKEUP?

If you are prone to wearing heavier makeup around the eyes, then you can combine your micellar water with the use of a specific eye makeup remover. Use the NIVEA Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover as a first step by soaking a cotton pad and gently wiping away makeup. The formula is specifically designed to lift away even extreme waterproof mascara with ease, whilst caring for your lashes. Follow up with your usual micellar water on the rest of your face to complete your makeup removal and cleansing routine.

Summary

Micellar water is a versatile skincare product that gently cleanses and hydrates the skin thanks to micelles, which attract and lift away dirt, oil, and makeup without the need for harsh scrubbing or rinsing. Suitable for all skin types, including oily, dry, sensitive, and blemish-prone skin, incorporating micellar water into the skincare routine can simplify and enhance the daily regimen.