Should you rinse off micellar water after each use?

by
Should you rinse off micellar water after each use?

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. 

RELATED: Our editors tested two leading micellar waters

RELATED: Why you need to stop sleeping in your makeup

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 WaterEau Thermale Avène Micellar LotionGlow Lab Micellar WaterSimple Waterboost Micellar Cleansing WaterBurt’s Bees Micellar Cleansing WaterMain image credit: @ming_nomchong_photosDo you rinse your micellar water off? Are you going to start?

Keep reading

What Our Community Really Thinks Of The Biggest Cult Beauty Products

What Our Community Really Thinks Of The Biggest Cult Beauty Products

Makeup — October 5, 2021

Share your thoughts

Comments 35

  1. 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’.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.