Understanding Micellar Water: Its Definition and Mechanism

Micellar water is a popular product used for removing makeup and sunscreen. It contains micelles, which are clusters of molecules that effectively remove oily substances. Micelles are formed by surfactants, which have a hydrophilic head and a hydrophobic tail. When added to water, surfactants self-assemble into micelles, with the hydrophilic heads pointing outwards and the hydrophobic tails pointing inwards. The hydrophobic pocket in the center of the micelle attracts oils, making it effective at removing makeup and sunscreen. When micellar water is applied to a cotton pad, the hydrophilic heads are attracted to the wet cotton, while the hydrophobic tails attract contaminants on the skin. As the cotton pad is swept across the skin, the contaminants bind to the hydrophobic tails and are removed. Micellar water is chosen for its mild and well-tolerated surfactants, making it suitable for most people’s skin. However, it may not effectively remove thick or heavy makeup and some products may leave a residue. It is recommended to test micellar water on a small patch of skin before using it on the entire face.