Can Micellar Cleansing Water Cause Acne?

October 13, 2023

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Can Micellar Cleansing Water Cause Acne?

Originally a French skincare staple, micellar water is a make-up remover and facial cleanser. This multi-tasking cleansing solution looks similar to regular water in both consistency and color and is often advertised as being suitable for sensitive skin. Because it can remove sunscreen, makeup, excess oil, and other impurities so effectively, this skincare product is a must-have in many skincare routines. As great as this product is, it has left some people wondering. Can micellar water cause acne breakouts?

So today, let’s go over precisely what micellar water is and if it’s actually good for your skin. As well as whether or not it can cause acne, the best way to use it, and the best micellar waters for various skin types.

What Is Micellar Water?

Micellar water’s origins began in France and were first used in skincare at the beginning of the 1900s. Tap water was harsh on the skin and sometimes hard to come by, as the plumbing was unreliable. Even though it’s been in use as a skin care product for over a century, its popularity has skyrocketed in more recent years. French pharmaceutical company Bioderma released Sensibio H2O micellar water in 1991, and it quickly became an everyday beauty staple.

Micellar water is made with a mild concentration of surfactant molecules suspended in a purified water cleanser base. Micelles are tiny spherical structures, or microscopic bubbles. This is where the name micellar water comes from. Because most brands typically make micellar water without the use of harsh chemicals and alcohol, it’s a great choice for those with sensitive or dry skin.

How Does Micellar Water Work?

Micellar water is a mix between a facial cleanser and a makeup remover. The tiny droplets of oil attract dirt and, much like cleansing balms and cleansing oil, is excellent at removing heavy makeup. However, micellar water does not work like a traditional cleanser. Instead you apply the cleansing water to a cotton pad or muslin cloth and then sweep over the skin’s surface. The tiny micelles on the cotton pad then pull and lift dirt, oil, and makeup off the skin. Although it works great at cleaning your skin, micellar water should be used as the first step in your skincare routine and should never replace the use of a regular cleanser.

Micellar Water Benefits

Micellar water is an easy way to effectively cleanse your skin and remove make up. Because its formula is made without harsh ingredients like alcohol, it’s a gentle alternative for those with sensitive acne-prone skin. Many brands also contain hydrating ingredients like glycerin, which help maintain healthy skin by protecting the skin barrier. Micellar water is more environmentally friendly than makeup remover wipes but equally as convenient to have on hand when you’re traveling or without access to clean water. Lastly, micellar water is suitable for all skin types, but for the best results, you should use the right formula for your skin.

Cons of Micellar Water

Although it’s often advertised as a multipurpose or all-in-one type of product, this is not necessarily true. Stubborn makeup, like waterproof mascara or heavy foundation, may require additional cleansing products to remove all traces of makeup from the surface of your skin. Failing to remove eye makeup thoroughly can cause eye irritation, itchiness, cysts, and infection.

Can Micellar Water Clog Pores?

Even though it’s excellent at removing makeup, oil, and grime, the bottom line is micellar water can be bad news for people with acne. While it’s great to have on hand in an emergency, it shouldn’t take the place of using a traditional cleanser. Using a gentle cleanser to wash your face after using micellar water will help maintain your skin’s natural oils and protect your skin barrier.

Can Micellar Water Cause Acne?

Micellar water is generally considered suitable for all skin types and is designed to be a leave-on formula, like skin toner. However, when left on the skin, it has the potential to cause a breakout, especially for those with acne-prone or oily skin. There are a few things that are worth trying that can help avoid breakouts from occurring. One of the first things to do is look for a micellar cleanser with a formula suitable for acne-prone skin. The fewer ingredients inside a beauty product, the less likely it is to cause skin irritation. Look for a formula free of fragrance and essential oils. The second thing you can do that will significantly reduce your chance of breaking out is double cleansing.

Begin by soaking a cotton pad with micellar water and wipe over the surface of your skin. Try and remove all traces of makeup, but avoid any harsh rubbing. Next, you will deep cleanse your skin by washing your face with your regular cleanser. This will remove all traces of oil on the skin’s surface. Follow this with your regular skincare routine.

Is Micellar Cleansing Water Good For Acne?

If micellar water can cause acne, how can it also be good for acne-prone skin? It’s easy to understand how this can be confusing. Using it as the first step of your skincare routine to thoroughly remove sunscreen, makeup, and impurities is incredibly beneficial. Following up with a gentle cleanser will remove all surface residue left on your skin while helping maintain your skin barrier. This is very important if you want less breakouts. Stripping your skin of its natural oils will actually increase the skin’s oil production as it tries to maintain its natural moisture levels.

Bioderma Micellar Water — **Bioderma Sensibio H2O Sensitive Skin Micellar Water**

Choosing The Best Micellar Cleansing Waters For Acne-Prone Skin And Other Skin Types

Best Overall Micellar Water

Bioderma Sensibio H20.

This is the product that started it all. With over 42,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, it’s safe to say this micellar water is a cult favorite. Its gentle formula effectively sweeps away dirt, makeup, and all traces of the day, while soothing and clarifying the skin. There is an astounding one bottle of Sensibio H2O sold every 2 seconds worldwide.

Best Hypoallergenic Micellar Water

SKINTIFIQUE • Cleanser with Micellar Water for Sensitive Skin.

This gentle micellar water is specially designed for sensitive skin. It’s made with only five ingredients, and the formula is free of alcohol and fragrance to preserve the skin’s natural oils. Use in your morning routine and evening to cleanse the skin of impurities, excess sebum, traces of pollution, and makeup, without fear of overdrying your skin.

Best Hydrating Micellar Water

CeraVe Micellar Water

If you’re unsure of what skincare brand to use, CeraVe is a good place to start. The brand is well known for its gentle and affordable products that are highly effective. The hydrating micellar water removes foundation makeup, mascara, and excess oil, leaving skin feeling fresh and hydrated. The formula contains glycerin to help hydrate skin & retain moisture. As well as three essential ceramides to help restore and maintain the skin’s natural barrier.

Best Micellar Water For Acne Prone Skin

Bioderma – Sébium H2O – Micellar Water

If you have acne, it’s best to include a product that is formulated for acne prone skin, like Sebium H20 as part of your skincare routine. It’s also a good idea to wash your face with a gentle cleanser after using micellar water.

Bioderma Sebium H2O is the first makeup-removing micellar water formulated especially for combination skin. It effectively removes dirt, oil, and even waterproof makeup. And because the formula mimics the natural composition of the skin, it’s non-irritating. Formulated with zinc gluconate and copper sulfate to help purify the skin and reduce sebum secretion. This limits oil production and prevents pores from clogging, resulting in clearer, cleaner skin.

Best Non-Irritating Micellar Water

Vinoclean Micellar Cleansing Water

This soap-free, no-rinse micellar water can be used morning and evening to cleanse, hydrate, soothe skin, and remove makeup in one step. Key ingredients include grape water to moisturize and soothe and chamomile extract to reduce redness for a fresh, clean complexion. The gentle formula will remove impurities without stripping the skin, making it a great option for those with sensitive skin.

Best Micellar Water For Oily Skin

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Micellar Cleansing Water Toner for Oily Skin

It may seem counterintuitive, but if you have oily or acne prone skin, you’ll want to avoid any harsh drying skincare products. As this will actually make your skin condition worse.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Micellar Water soothes oily skin with mineral-rich La-Roche Posay thermal spring water. The formula contains glycerin to hydrate the skin and zinc to remove excess oil and refresh the skin. This micellar water is non-comedogenic, paraben, soap, and alcohol free making it suitable for sensitive skin.

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I think it’s clear to see that this skincare product is popular for a reason. The use of micellar water is not only a good option, but also one of the easiest ways to remove dirt, makeup, and dead skin cells. Being able to improve the overall health of your skin so easily may even make these bottles of simple micellar water a miracle product.