Micellar water: Should you leave it on your skin? The real answer

So, we’ve all finally come to terms with the fact that face wipes are a no no, and certainly are unacceptable when not consciously coupled with a good cleanse. But what about micellar water? 

I’ve tried many brands, I’ve liked very few. Micellar water is supposed to be a miracle product that’s suitable for all skin types and will work mini miracles on the skin from cleansing to hydrating and more. Micellar water is made up of micelles (tiny cleansing oil molecules) suspended in soft water. The idea is that micelles are attracted to dirt and oil, so they are able to draw out impurities without drying your skin.

GOOD OR BAD?

But of course, not all micellar waters were created equally. Susan Fox is the managing director of Eden Beauty Group and is the Irish distributor of Casmara Skincare. She gave me her two cents on micellar water and it made me think.

“With most micellar waters, it’s fine as a second cleanse,” Susan recommends. “But it won’t take absolutely everything off the face. Micellar water gets bad press because some people don’t think they cleanse well – but you can’t ask a micellar water to do the same job, cleansing off a full face of makeup. So cleanse first, then use your micellar water as your second cleanse. In those instances you can leave it on your skin without worrying too much.”

“What I would use it for is to get any excess dirt or anything you might have missed in the first cleanse off your skin, alternatively if you’re just giving your skin a once over in the morning or during the day if you’ve had no makeup on.” says Susan.

My three favourites of all the micellar products I’ve tried are as follows:

Casmara Micellar Water, €18

Interestingly, this one has a pollutant blocker in it which could be beneficial to the skin as the day goes on, so might be a good choice for someone who’s facing the elements a lot.

YonKa Micellar Water, €24.40

This is alcohol free and completely gorgeous too use as a sensorial experience, but it’s all extremely soothing on the skin. I love the lavender addition too, very calming.

REN 3-in-1 Cleansing Water, €19.95

Not strictly a micellar water, this one has rose extract complex and is vegan too, always a plus. It’s not irritating at all and makeup goes on surprisingly well over it.