In the time it takes for your bathroom tap to warm up, one swipe of micellar water on a cotton pad would’ve had your waterproof mascara successfully dissolved, leaving you ready to dive into bed.
Or, if you’re doing us really proud, the next step of your skin care routine.
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With the texture comparable to a toner, micellar water is often labelled as a ‘no-rinse’ product. But before we take this as gospel, there are a few factors to consider.
While micellar water is effective at removing stubborn makeup and drawing out dirt and oil from our pores, unlike regular cleansers, they can leave residue on the surface.
This means you may just be swishing the dirt around your face, rather than actually cleaning it off, which according to facialist Kate Kerr, “can act like a film, blocking pores and oil, disrupting oil production,” she told Elle UK.
Although a godsend when it comes to removing thick mascara or long-lasting lipsticks that would otherwise have us scrubbing our skin raw, lingering product (particularly on sensitive skin) may trigger irritation or dehydration over time.
“Micellar waters can be great when used as a makeup remover, especially for stubborn heavy eye makeup” Kate shared.
But as the be-all and end-all for a skin care routine? Maybe not so much.
“I would always recommend using a cleanser containing salicylic acid afterwards to ensure the residue left over is fully removed from the skin” she said..
And for those nights where you just can’t rinse off? Don’t fret. Luckily, there are some soothing, mild micellar waters on the market which incorporate a blend of ultra-gentle ingredients to ensure skin is left feeling refreshed and hydrated.
bh recommends: Sukin Naturals Micellar Cleansing Water, Eau Thermale Avène Micellar Lotion, Glow Lab Micellar Water, Simple Waterboost Micellar Cleansing Water, Burt’s Bees Micellar Cleansing WaterMain image credit: @ming_nomchong_photosDo you rinse your micellar water off? Are you going to start?
I use micellar water although not one of those mentioned (Aldi’s rosewater one) but I don’t usually rinse it off. From today I will start! And this is the first time I’ve heard someone called a ‘facialist’.
I spritz my face with clean water and tissue off after micellar.
I have been saying this forever – rinse it off.
I like to rinse cleansing products off before applying any new moisturiser.
I rinse it off. I have only not long started to love it but I still like to do it before I shower.
I have to wash my face after using micellar water, even if it’s clean just because it’s a habit and my face can still feel sticky afterwards
Always rinsing. Micellar to me feels like a soap. Must be also too alkaline to the skin. Not good.
Good to know even though I havent used micellar water.
I do clean my makeup off with micellar water, but I also use a Toner to take off any residue before putting on my Serum and Night Cream.
I’ve never used it before but this is really good info
Good tips.
I don’t use it often, would prefer to use an ordinary cleanser.
Yes yes yes! I always rinse!
I always rinse
I always rinse off with a reusable makeup pad or microfibre cloth.
I’ve never heard of a facialist either. So, she’s not a dermatologist, she’s someone who gives facials at a salon?
Well in the past I have used it as a toner and not rinsed it off but I have only done this when I dont have any toner in the house but I guess i will stop doing that now. At the moment im using an Innoxa Micellar Water which has a scent that seems to react a little with my eyes.
I’ve never rinsed it off before but now I will be
I always use micellar water as a first cleanse/make-up remover and follow up with a rinse-off cleanser. With Covid around, I feel better rinsing it off.
Incidentally, hand sanitisers deactivate the virus but it’s still on your hands. Hand washing is always better if you have access to a tap.
I have always rinsed micellar water off as I felt the film left behind and I don’t think I could truly feel clean it if is not washed away.
I always rinse off.
I went through a micellar water phase and nowadays I’ve decided that I prefer to use a cleanser on my skin
I always follow up with a cleanser. Sometimes I use micellar as a temporary cleanser for eye makeup when I get home, but ultimately I still double cleanse that evening.
Back when I used to use Micellar water, I would always cleanse and rinse it off afterwards. I imagine leaving micellar water on would make your face so sticky!
I would rinse it off.
I do rinse after using Micellar water
I use bioderma sensibio micellar water after I have used a cleanser to remove the final traces of foundation ( I use a high coverage one). Then I rinse my face in cold water. Looks like I’ve been doing right all these years.
Me too. I had read on the label that you don’t need to rinse but my skin felt sticky so I rinse with cold water.
I do. My skin feels better after a cold rinse.
Yes I definitely rinse then use a cleanser afterwards
I’ve never used micellar water before so if I do use it I’ll now know to rinse it off. Thanks for the tip
Thank you for this info never used to wash it off so now I will.
I would just not feel clean without washing my face with a cleanser after using micellar water to do the heavy lifting.
i always rinse it off because it is sticky
I always rinse it off