Dermatologist reveals why you’re using Micellar water wrong – and it’s giving you a watery eye
- Makeup remover can cause irritation if not rinsed off for people with sensitive skin
- Micellar water contains molecules that act as magnets for dirt and makeup
- READ MORE: What is micellar cleansing water and which one is best?
Dermatologists and makeup enthusiasts know the main rule well: always wash your face before going to bed.
And few products make that easier than micellar water, an H20-based solution that acts like a magnet to remove eye and face makeup with a few simple swipes of a cotton pad.
But dermatologists now say the no-rinse products are leaving people with blotchy, irritated skin and watery eyes.
Micellar water consists of small balls of molecules called micelles that attract and remove dirt from the skin.
But micelles can disrupt the skin’s structure, according to New York-based dermatologist Rachel Nazarian said: ‘My advice is to always rinse micellar water just to be safe.’
Dermatologists warn that not rinsing micellar water can cause irritation in people with sensitive skin
Micellar water has become a big moneymaker for cosmetic brands. Garnier’s micellar water is flying off the shelves at a rapid pace 15 bottles per minute.
That’s 900 bottles per hour, 21,600 bottles per day, 151,200 bottles per week and almost eight million bottles per year.
The molecules in the liquid are called surfactant molecules, which are found in most detergents.
These molecules have two ends. One attracts water and the other attracts oils, meaning the product can bring together two ingredients that don’t normally go together.
Micellar water also contains another chemical called a humectant, which attracts moisture and binds it to the skin.
But people with sensitive skin should be careful.
Dr. Nazarian said, “While most people can tolerate surfactants on the skin (especially if they are the gentle kind), some are irritating and some people may even be allergic to them.
‘If you are allergic to surfactants, your skin may become red, itchy or swollen with repeated use.’
If fragrance has been added to a product, this can also lead to irritation.
Dr. Shirley Chi, a board-certified dermatologist in California, said: ‘There are some people who can’t leave anything on their skin because they are so reactive, so these people should rinse with micellar water.’
Experts add that this irritation can be particularly acute in the eyes.
Beverly Hills-based dermatologist Julia T Hunter says that if you don’t rinse your face, you may be left with makeup residue on the delicate eye skin blockage of the oil glands on your eyelids.
This can lead to infections, which can lead to itching, swelling, dryness and eventually watery eyes.
Micellar water is recommended for all skin types and is very effective at removing most makeup. However, an oil or traditional cleanser and water may be needed to remove stubborn waterproof mascara and a thick layer of foundation.
New York-based dermatologist Dr. Shereene Idriss, said: ‘If you wear makeup, heavier makeup, or even light makeup and you wipe a white towel after using a cotton pad of micellar water, you may see some residue left behind. That’s why I personally use it as the first cleanse in my routine.’