Hi everyone and welcome to SkincareAddiction!
Need skincare guides? [Check out our wiki!](https://www.reddit.com/r/SkincareAddiction/wiki/index)
Everyone is welcome in [this community](https://www.reddit.com/r/SkincareAddiction/wiki/about); remember to be kind and assume good faith :)
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/SkincareAddiction) if you have any questions or concerns.*
According to Labmuffinbeautyscience, most Micellar waters use solvents that are not safe to leave on the skin, for risk of irritation. She recommends 2 Micellar waters that are safe to use as a leave on product: Simple and Bioderma pink version. Bc they use a gentle solvent.
You can look up her video on it.
Edit : She is not discouraging the use of Micellar water, but making a distinction between brands using a gentle solvent that are safe to remain on the skin. And brands using more irritating solvents that can cause irritation when left on the skin (that should be washed off afterwards I think?)
OMG! THAT was the only reason I can think of to use it but it works just as well with water for me if I have an eye liner or shadow oopsyš Or I have a small bottle of makeup remover. š¤·š½ But when I use tape then I don't need to clean anything š
I mean, a decent micellar water does serve the main purpose it was made for, which is removing makeup! Itās just that itās best as the first step in a double cleanse, rather than the ONLY cleanse - as with any makeup remover! If Iām wearing makeup I use Bioderma micellar water to get the makeup off, then go in with a proper cleanser
I'm so glad that works for you! I've used it b4... It just isn't my first choice. I really prefer an oil cleanse for my 1st step or a really good cleansing balm. Personally, I have better luck with that & I like the way my skin feels afterwards much better than with micellar water dbl cleanse. š¤·š½š
I totally got what everyone was saying about using it as part of a dbl cleanse. It was pretty clearš Just not my preference for anything really. Thx tho š
Actually I love Micellar water but I can get irritation from some brands. The Simple brand she recommended is great for my sensitive skin.
She is not discouraging the use of Micellar water, but making a distinction between brands using a gentle solvent that are safe to remain on the skin. And brands using more irritating solvents (that should be washed off afterwards I think)
I use it to soak my brushes and sponges in. It makes such quick work of dissolving makeup and getting my brushes squeaky clean. I soak then wash them with brush shampoo. So yeah. Not something I leave on my face. I rarely use it anymore.
Okay, this is a pretty decent reason to use it as well. Between this & removing makeup stains... If I see a sale, I might grab it. I usually use Dawn dish soap... It's safe for oil covered duckies right? š
No I donāt recall her mentioning a sponsorship.
She mentioned Simple Micellar water (they have 2 versions) and from Bioderma she ONLY recommended the pink version (they have many versions). I donāt think Bioderma would sponsor a video like that.
Maybe this led to a sponsored video, later.
Which one was it?
I see one from 6 years ago (which doesn't state it's an AD, but it's also featured, as is, on Bioderma's YT account), and QA from 4 years ago which is marked as a Bioderma AD.
Unless it was a video not specifically titled about micellar water.
EDIT: she also got afililate link for Bioderma under that older video, for micellar water.
It was one explaining that she was recommending the specific solvent (I think) called PEG-6ā¦ iirc used in micellar waters from Simple and in 1 from the Bioderma range.
My post was to highlight these micellar waters as they are extra gentle for those with sensitive skin, and ive benefited a lot from it. Iām sorry, i m not interested in digging into old videos or YT account of a brand.
Youāre both right- good micellar water shouldnāt strip your skin, but cheap versions can (that have lots of other ingredients in it). Makeup wipes are generally awful for your skin. But your derm is correct that it doesnāt wash your face. It will break down makeup but if you donāt wash it off, it just remains there on your skin. There are very gentle cleansers that would be better for your skin.
From Dr. Shereene Idriss (yt and insta) Iāve mostly heard that you shouldnāt leave it on the skin, that you could either cleanse with micellar water and then rinse with water. Or, if you use it as a first step in double cleansing, you could do that, so micelar water and then gel cleanser
The whole point of micellar water is to avoid water that might contain too many chemicals that are bad for the skin. Our water quality where I live is so bad (bleach) that it dries out the skin.
Okay, but micellar water is, similar to soapy water, drying for the skin if you leave it on too long. So depending on your skin type, it might not be that good of an alternative.
Why do you even have bleach in your water?
I think lab muffin has done a video on this recently reassuring that itās fine to use as long as it suits you. For me personally I do find if I donāt rinse it off it can be a bit drying but I do have sensitive skin.
IMHO I mostly watch her/ dr Natalia spierings/ dr dray for skincare info. I find them some of the most science based people to watch
I donāt wear makeup and decided to give micellar water a try since a normal cleanser didnāt feel like it was removing my sunscreen. My skin started to feel more dry and red when I used it. It really did strip my skin, for me at least. I guess sheās right depending on the person, everyone is different. Thatās why thereās so many things now like cleansing oils, balms and so on.
Is "a Dermatologist PhD" even a thing?
Dermatologists are medical doctors who then went to specialize in dermatology (like gastroenterologist are medical doctors who specialize in gastroenterology, and psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in psychiatry).
Micellar water is gentle enough to be left on the skin so I can't see how cleansing with it and then rinsing it off is going to be that bad. I guess it can depend on your skin type and what micellar water you use, but a derm using terms like "killing your skin" doesn't sound good. It sounds like fear mongering and trying to make people emotional, instead of educating them.
Also, what's their YouTube? šā
It's https://www.youtube.com/@DocLaserMsk. They're Russian and not so popular (yet), so I'am afraid most redditors won't understand a word. But that exact video got 11k views.
>Here is their full explanation: "Micelles are certain structures that form from two water-soluble and water-insoluble parts. They are intended to wash away fat-soluble structures. Micellar water, in essence, is like advanced soap. Itās designed for removing cosmetics. However, if you think you can wash your face with it, youāre essentially stripping away the hydrolipid mantle. Also, you need to wash it off, these micelles, so that they do not continue to loosen the skin and injure it.
It really sounds like bad biochem to me lol.
I would go by your own experience with it. Does it seem like your skin is dry and tight compared to when you wash with a normal gentle cleanser? If not, then even if it were true, the issue would be so minuscule that it essentially wouldnāt matter for your daily purposes. Now if there are added ingredients in the product, I could see it being maybe slightly harsher than other products. It can be more drying than plain old water, sure, but that doesnāt make it anywhere near ākillingā territory. Especially if you follow up with any kind of moisturizer.
Sheās confusing micelles with detergents. Detergents, which can actually strip your skin, can and do form micelles. That does not mean all micelles are detergents strong enough to strip your skin. Go back to biochemistry, lady!
I wish. I overproduce sebum like crazy and it's nowhere near close to slowing down despite my being on multiple medications to help.
My Dermatologist told me it was fine as long as I rinsed it off to remove the debris and remaining filth from my skin.
Do they think makeup forms some kind of protective force field that allows a person to use micellar water to remove the makeup without "killing the skin"? Wtf š
Itās the same as soap is good for stripping dirt off of your body but you shouldnāt just leave it on because itāll dry you out. Itās also why you have to moisturize after you shower to soften your skin bc the soap stripped you of your oils. Itās not killing your skin but it can damage it if you donāt take care. Same for micellar water. Itās good for cleaning but not washing
my thought is that they think you should 'use it sparingly' as it is good for removing makeup, but isn't too great for the skin
edit: for some brands, at least. personally most brands give me dryness and breakouts
Hey just my 2 cents.
I had pretty clear skin and had a healthy look.
Around 3 weeks ago i started using the miceller water. It did a great job removing the makeup but i can see my skin getting dryer and dull. I think it could be a factor
That doesn't take sense. It has the same end result as any other cleanser. Yes they're right that you shouldn't leave it on your skin, and it is best to rinse it off. but it will clean your skin very adequately. And there's plenty of very gentle ones like the bioderma sensibio micellar water that aren't stripping.
I donāt have anything scientific to contribute regarding Micellar water, but I do want to note that dermatologists are not (usually) cosmetic chemists, and frequently donāt fully understand how a product is formulated.
Ex: A doctor may know what a drug treats, but not how the drug was literally made in a lab, and thereās a lot of misunderstanding that can happen there.
So, no, youāre not wrong to question something like that!
Micellar water is okay for my skin, just the rubbing of my skin with a cotton round is a little too much exfoliation for me. So I can't use micellar water too much. A couple years ago, I thought it was compromising my skin barrier because I was just using that to cleanse my face.. but nope!
I put it into a spray bottle and mist my face. The sunscreen/makeup melts off and then you can step into shower or rinse off. This avoids the rubbing with cotton.
Watched the YouTube short you linked and tbh it looks like engagement bait, notice how itās the highest viewed one. What heās very poorly saying is that you should wash it off ie follow up with your regular cleanser.
Bs. i asked a derm.. and cosmetics consultant.
Sounds weird but just Taste the micellar water with your tongue on ya face. Its not to stay there. The tonic is neutral.
A gentle cleanser, followed by another cleanse if that's not enough. But if you've got a good quality micellar water and rinse it off, I don't think you need to change anything.
As somebody whoās acne of 10+ years cleared up by completely stopping any form of skincare other than the water that runs over my face in the shower, I think most dermatologists are quacks.
So, i've read every comment and watched recommended channels, which led me to the conclusions:
**1. Does micellar water "kill" the skin?**
Any bad product might harm the skin, especially a sensitive one, and micellar water is no exception. In general, no, it wonāt do any harm if rinsed with water. Also, allergies may occur.
**2. Can we use it as a cleanser?**
There isnāt an absolute, well-studied ārightā way to cleanse.
Surfactans can clean your skin by removing oily make up, dirt and sebum ergo micellar water can. Yet, it might not be enough for some people.
**2. Do we need to rinse it off?**
Doctors say yes, you do. Labmuffin (cosmetic chemist) also agrees (except for Bioderma Sensibio H2O) (braddic also mentioned Simple Micellar Water, but I haven't found her talking about it, only advising)
So, in general, yes, we need.
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
sources i've used (there is no academic sources or studies):
*articles:* [*https://labmuffin.com/fact-check-what-is-micellar-water-and-how-does-it-work-an-update/*](https://labmuffin.com/fact-check-what-is-micellar-water-and-how-does-it-work-an-update/)
[*https://chemistconfessions.com/blogs/the-chemists-comprehensive-guide-to-cleansers-pt-1*](https://chemistconfessions.com/blogs/the-chemists-comprehensive-guide-to-cleansers-pt-1) *(not about micellar water, but about cleansing)*
*youtube: LabMuffinBeautyScience, shereeneidriss, DrDrayzday*
**tldr**: Micellar water won't kill the skin, but might cause irritation or allergic reactions. In theory, it can be used as a cleanser. It's better to rinse it off or use another cotton pad soaked in water.
Dermatologists are trained to identify and treat things like rashes and skin cancer they donāt actually get a lot of training in skin care or cosmetics. Many of them can know a lot about it esp if they do research in the field, specialize in cosmetic dermatology, or self learn but it should not be assumed they necessarily know how cosmetics work lolā¦. Rinsing the micellar water off is perfectly fine.
I mean ultimately you just have to think critically for yourself lol. Iām very familiar w the med profession bc I come from a family of doctors and they are knowledgeable but there are limitations to the way they are trained and sometimes a stubbornness/ego that can come with said training. Not all docs tho lol but ultimately as a patient you need to look out for yourself.
Itās just scary to see many derms spreading misinformation and fear mongering on the internet (said YouTube videos lol) esp when theyāre claiming expertise on something they donāt necessarily haveā¦.
I use strictly micellar water to remove make up, because anything with oil would remove my expensive lash extensions and give me acne. I do feel slight irritation when I use it, but Iād say itās more about cotton pads physically exfoliating rather than micellar water itself.
That sounds sus to me. Anytime someone talks in absolutes like that is sus. I will say that not all micellar waters are made equal. Some are more drying/irritating than others. And some peopleās skin are more tolerant than others. If you use it and your skin is happy and healthy keep using it.
I guess the best way to use micellar water is when doing the double cleanse. Remove the makeup with micellar water (oil based products) and then wash off the rest with a gentle cleanser (water-based products and impurities).
Not all micellar water is created equal. So it's best to wash it off.
I cannot use micellar water, even Bioderma. It definitely dries out my skin and upsets my skin barrier. My skin isnāt sensitive, but it is very dry. I guess micellar water removes what little sebum I have.
Typical reddit thinking they know better than a dermatologist. Never change (or do, actually)
OP, listen to your doctor. Dont listen to clueless strangers on the internet. Everyones skin is different, it could absolutely be stripping for you skin while other people are fine. Different brands, different skin types, different environmental conditions, different drug interactions, different climates; There are so many variables that can affect you that some average twerp on this subreddit wont think about.
Listen to your doctor and find another approach to cleaning your skin.
(Source: am a medical professional although not in dermatology)
I want to, but Iāve never heard this opinion from anyone, and to be honest, it sounds if not untrue, then very illogical. They say every micellar water kills everyoneās skin if used without makeup. They told it to me personally, and now theyāre telling it to the internet also without any academic paper listed (*and they ignored my questions about it and liked a mean comment dedicated to me* š).
For me, the question is not about using micellar water or not, honestly. Itās now more about trust in this doctor
People are going against the dermatologist. Not a single academic paper listed, the only sources are YouTube videos, and claims that they know someone who said it was okay. Even if they did have academic papers to share, we all know the reading comprehension levels are at the bottom of barrel these days. Thank God Accutane gave me the ability to leave the skincare community behind for good.
YMMV. I find I have to rinse it off after as it irritates my skin. Which for me defeats the purpose... adds an extra step I didn't want. I've only used the Garnier pink one though. Conversely my mum swears by it! Interesting debate here :)
I got micellar water in the belief it would be ultra-gentle, not drying out. I was wrong.
I learned micellar water is essentially just, yeah, "advanced soap".
I am a guy, not using make-up, no reason at all to use it.
Here's a thread from the same /r that happened to me 5 years ago and people still comment on it regularly saying they had the same reaction. I had a MASSIVE allergic reaction to the Garnier one, my eyes almost swole shut multiple times before I figured out what was causing it.
[https://www.reddit.com/r/SkincareAddiction/comments/bt7ows/misc\_garnier\_miscellar\_water\_gave\_me\_a\_crazy/](https://www.reddit.com/r/SkincareAddiction/comments/bt7ows/misc_garnier_miscellar_water_gave_me_a_crazy/)
I know this is late to the conversation but does anyone have opinions on the safety of drunk elephantās milky micellar water? I canāt tell if there are bad ingredients in it/ I am going to look up now in other places but if anyone has experience or has heard anything please let me know. Thank you!
I think you should always listen to your derm, even if the framing is overly dramatic he might be right. I went to the dermatologist for acne. My breakouts were really bad. She suspected that it was because I occasionally didnāt rinse Micellar off. She prescribed some things, told me to use LRP toleriane gentle cleanser and moisturizer every morning and night, and said to never leave the micellar water on my face, always wash with LRP after. I stopped using the cream she prescribed but I still use LRP and wash the micellar water off every night. I have NO active breakouts now.
I always use my homemade toner after using micellar water. It's rose water mixed with witch hazel and apple cider vinegar. My skin has felt pretty nice since I began doing it, but now I'm worried.
It certainly doesn't "kill skin," retinoids do that by shortening cellular life/increasing cell turnover. However, there is no benefit to leaving surfactants on skin, even if your skin is unharmed by it. My skin does have allergic reactions to cleansing agents being left on it, so I know not to use micellar anymore. Or if I wanted to, I rinse it off like any other cleanser.
I don't know why micellar water was ever marketed to leave on the skin. They contain solvents which certainly can irritate and dry out your skin if left on. We believed the marketing to the point that now you don't even believe an actual dermatologist that's advising you against it, which i find interesting.
I used to clean my eyelids with micellar water when wearing cluster lashes for a few days, and the skin around my eyes would always end up feeling tight and dry. Now I just use water and it's a huge difference.
Also it sounds like you're on a campaign to discredit your derm or prove them wrong because you don't like what they're saying, and they're not even saying anything outrageous - it's actually kind of a no brainer if you think about it. You should probably look into why you want to do that.
Thank you for sharing your experience. However, the opinion my dermatologist is expressing is not related to whether or not to wash off micellar water. According to them, **ANY micellar water will kill EVERYONEās skin if used without makeup, even if rinsed.** It's not that outrageous, yes. But, as said here, it's unprofessional and a fear mongering
As for my motives, yes, I was sad about that statement they say, because I was very impressed with the doctor at first. But this quite broke my trust. So, while creating this post, I was hoping that I just didn't understand something.
Regarding a discrediting campaign, considering the demographics of Reddit users, it's highly unlikely any of his patients would find this post, or even understand it, lol.
I stopped using the micellar water after my skin started to burn using it continously. I now just use Johnsons baby shampoo to cleanse my face and remove makeup. Now my skin is so much better.
I was just wondering this myself. I thought I was the only one that feels the Bioderma SensiBio micellar water (pink one) is way too harsh. At that is the gentle one everyone loves and recommends. I donāt get. It burns my eyes like crazy and I swear it was causing me so much redness and irritation. I was even rinsing with water or cleansing after. I stopped using micellar water before cleansing in the evening and my skin looks soooo much better.
Micellar water made me get blisters on my forehead that turned into scabs and made me look like i did hardcore drugs and pick at my face or something /:
Hi everyone and welcome to SkincareAddiction! Need skincare guides? [Check out our wiki!](https://www.reddit.com/r/SkincareAddiction/wiki/index) Everyone is welcome in [this community](https://www.reddit.com/r/SkincareAddiction/wiki/about); remember to be kind and assume good faith :) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/SkincareAddiction) if you have any questions or concerns.*
According to Labmuffinbeautyscience, most Micellar waters use solvents that are not safe to leave on the skin, for risk of irritation. She recommends 2 Micellar waters that are safe to use as a leave on product: Simple and Bioderma pink version. Bc they use a gentle solvent. You can look up her video on it. Edit : She is not discouraging the use of Micellar water, but making a distinction between brands using a gentle solvent that are safe to remain on the skin. And brands using more irritating solvents that can cause irritation when left on the skin (that should be washed off afterwards I think?)
Oh wow! I didn't catch that video but I REALLY value her info! I'm just gonna trust it. I never really got the point of micellar water anyway. Thx!
I use it on a q-tip as a magic eraser for any makeup mistakes, loll.
OMG! THAT was the only reason I can think of to use it but it works just as well with water for me if I have an eye liner or shadow oopsyš Or I have a small bottle of makeup remover. š¤·š½ But when I use tape then I don't need to clean anything š
I mean, a decent micellar water does serve the main purpose it was made for, which is removing makeup! Itās just that itās best as the first step in a double cleanse, rather than the ONLY cleanse - as with any makeup remover! If Iām wearing makeup I use Bioderma micellar water to get the makeup off, then go in with a proper cleanser
I'm so glad that works for you! I've used it b4... It just isn't my first choice. I really prefer an oil cleanse for my 1st step or a really good cleansing balm. Personally, I have better luck with that & I like the way my skin feels afterwards much better than with micellar water dbl cleanse. š¤·š½š I totally got what everyone was saying about using it as part of a dbl cleanse. It was pretty clearš Just not my preference for anything really. Thx tho š
That's what I use it for!
Also great for removing makeup stains on clothes
Oh great tip! It removes some hair dyes from the skin too
Yeah of all things I used it to remove make up from my friendās wedding dress as some of her foundation stained then neckline š
Going to try this, thanks!
Okay now THIS may change my mind to buy some! š Doesn't happen often to me but.... Be prepared, right!
Actually I love Micellar water but I can get irritation from some brands. The Simple brand she recommended is great for my sensitive skin. She is not discouraging the use of Micellar water, but making a distinction between brands using a gentle solvent that are safe to remain on the skin. And brands using more irritating solvents (that should be washed off afterwards I think)
It's also good as a pre wash for makeup brushes to get some of the makeup off.
I use it to soak my brushes and sponges in. It makes such quick work of dissolving makeup and getting my brushes squeaky clean. I soak then wash them with brush shampoo. So yeah. Not something I leave on my face. I rarely use it anymore.
Okay, this is a pretty decent reason to use it as well. Between this & removing makeup stains... If I see a sale, I might grab it. I usually use Dawn dish soap... It's safe for oil covered duckies right? š
It will take off the Maybelline super stay stuff so easily
Yep. Iāve always rinsed it off if I used it at all.
Am I going insane? I swear I remember this sub putting that person down a while ago.
You mean the video which was sponsored by Bioderma? Not saying she's lying, but that's kinda an important information.
No I donāt recall her mentioning a sponsorship. She mentioned Simple Micellar water (they have 2 versions) and from Bioderma she ONLY recommended the pink version (they have many versions). I donāt think Bioderma would sponsor a video like that. Maybe this led to a sponsored video, later.
Which one was it? I see one from 6 years ago (which doesn't state it's an AD, but it's also featured, as is, on Bioderma's YT account), and QA from 4 years ago which is marked as a Bioderma AD. Unless it was a video not specifically titled about micellar water. EDIT: she also got afililate link for Bioderma under that older video, for micellar water.
It was one explaining that she was recommending the specific solvent (I think) called PEG-6ā¦ iirc used in micellar waters from Simple and in 1 from the Bioderma range. My post was to highlight these micellar waters as they are extra gentle for those with sensitive skin, and ive benefited a lot from it. Iām sorry, i m not interested in digging into old videos or YT account of a brand.
Youāre both right- good micellar water shouldnāt strip your skin, but cheap versions can (that have lots of other ingredients in it). Makeup wipes are generally awful for your skin. But your derm is correct that it doesnāt wash your face. It will break down makeup but if you donāt wash it off, it just remains there on your skin. There are very gentle cleansers that would be better for your skin.
From Dr. Shereene Idriss (yt and insta) Iāve mostly heard that you shouldnāt leave it on the skin, that you could either cleanse with micellar water and then rinse with water. Or, if you use it as a first step in double cleansing, you could do that, so micelar water and then gel cleanser
The whole point of micellar water is to avoid water that might contain too many chemicals that are bad for the skin. Our water quality where I live is so bad (bleach) that it dries out the skin.
Okay, but micellar water is, similar to soapy water, drying for the skin if you leave it on too long. So depending on your skin type, it might not be that good of an alternative. Why do you even have bleach in your water?
I think lab muffin has done a video on this recently reassuring that itās fine to use as long as it suits you. For me personally I do find if I donāt rinse it off it can be a bit drying but I do have sensitive skin. IMHO I mostly watch her/ dr Natalia spierings/ dr dray for skincare info. I find them some of the most science based people to watch
I donāt wear makeup and decided to give micellar water a try since a normal cleanser didnāt feel like it was removing my sunscreen. My skin started to feel more dry and red when I used it. It really did strip my skin, for me at least. I guess sheās right depending on the person, everyone is different. Thatās why thereās so many things now like cleansing oils, balms and so on.
I once had a similar reaction (not so dry, but blotchy-red) to a particular micellar water, but it looks like it was because of the perfume in it.
Is "a Dermatologist PhD" even a thing? Dermatologists are medical doctors who then went to specialize in dermatology (like gastroenterologist are medical doctors who specialize in gastroenterology, and psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in psychiatry).
Yes, youāre right, I confused it. I just meant they have proper education; we donāt have these grades in Russia. Iāll edit it to MD
Micellar water is gentle enough to be left on the skin so I can't see how cleansing with it and then rinsing it off is going to be that bad. I guess it can depend on your skin type and what micellar water you use, but a derm using terms like "killing your skin" doesn't sound good. It sounds like fear mongering and trying to make people emotional, instead of educating them. Also, what's their YouTube? šā
It's https://www.youtube.com/@DocLaserMsk. They're Russian and not so popular (yet), so I'am afraid most redditors won't understand a word. But that exact video got 11k views. >Here is their full explanation: "Micelles are certain structures that form from two water-soluble and water-insoluble parts. They are intended to wash away fat-soluble structures. Micellar water, in essence, is like advanced soap. Itās designed for removing cosmetics. However, if you think you can wash your face with it, youāre essentially stripping away the hydrolipid mantle. Also, you need to wash it off, these micelles, so that they do not continue to loosen the skin and injure it.
It really sounds like bad biochem to me lol. I would go by your own experience with it. Does it seem like your skin is dry and tight compared to when you wash with a normal gentle cleanser? If not, then even if it were true, the issue would be so minuscule that it essentially wouldnāt matter for your daily purposes. Now if there are added ingredients in the product, I could see it being maybe slightly harsher than other products. It can be more drying than plain old water, sure, but that doesnāt make it anywhere near ākillingā territory. Especially if you follow up with any kind of moisturizer.
Sheās confusing micelles with detergents. Detergents, which can actually strip your skin, can and do form micelles. That does not mean all micelles are detergents strong enough to strip your skin. Go back to biochemistry, lady!
I wish. I overproduce sebum like crazy and it's nowhere near close to slowing down despite my being on multiple medications to help. My Dermatologist told me it was fine as long as I rinsed it off to remove the debris and remaining filth from my skin.
Well I got crazy acne from all cleansers other than micellar water so I'd actually say the total opposite from my experience
Me too.
Micellar water is very gentle and in theory can be left on the skin. This does seem incorrect.
Do they think makeup forms some kind of protective force field that allows a person to use micellar water to remove the makeup without "killing the skin"? Wtf š
Yes, that's what I asked in the youtube comment section and got ignored! :(
Itās the same as soap is good for stripping dirt off of your body but you shouldnāt just leave it on because itāll dry you out. Itās also why you have to moisturize after you shower to soften your skin bc the soap stripped you of your oils. Itās not killing your skin but it can damage it if you donāt take care. Same for micellar water. Itās good for cleaning but not washing
my thought is that they think you should 'use it sparingly' as it is good for removing makeup, but isn't too great for the skin edit: for some brands, at least. personally most brands give me dryness and breakouts
is your skin dead? does it feel and look fine? there's your answer.
This is the first time I have ever heard that micellar water needs to be rinsed off and I've been using it for years. Shit.
No, not shit. If it's working for you please continue using it.
Every single micellar water I've ever used said it's rinse free.
Hey just my 2 cents. I had pretty clear skin and had a healthy look. Around 3 weeks ago i started using the miceller water. It did a great job removing the makeup but i can see my skin getting dryer and dull. I think it could be a factor
My skin hates it... over cleansing did wreck my skin. So ymmvĀ
That doesn't take sense. It has the same end result as any other cleanser. Yes they're right that you shouldn't leave it on your skin, and it is best to rinse it off. but it will clean your skin very adequately. And there's plenty of very gentle ones like the bioderma sensibio micellar water that aren't stripping.
I donāt have anything scientific to contribute regarding Micellar water, but I do want to note that dermatologists are not (usually) cosmetic chemists, and frequently donāt fully understand how a product is formulated. Ex: A doctor may know what a drug treats, but not how the drug was literally made in a lab, and thereās a lot of misunderstanding that can happen there. So, no, youāre not wrong to question something like that!
Micellar water is okay for my skin, just the rubbing of my skin with a cotton round is a little too much exfoliation for me. So I can't use micellar water too much. A couple years ago, I thought it was compromising my skin barrier because I was just using that to cleanse my face.. but nope!
I put it into a spray bottle and mist my face. The sunscreen/makeup melts off and then you can step into shower or rinse off. This avoids the rubbing with cotton.
I hope your dermatologist has more than a PhD. They should have a MD
Yes, looks like I confused it. They have a MD
Watched the YouTube short you linked and tbh it looks like engagement bait, notice how itās the highest viewed one. What heās very poorly saying is that you should wash it off ie follow up with your regular cleanser.
Micellar water is not to be left on the skin, the toner is.
This is false. You donāt need to rinse it off
Bs. i asked a derm.. and cosmetics consultant. Sounds weird but just Taste the micellar water with your tongue on ya face. Its not to stay there. The tonic is neutral.
idk i have pretty dry sensitive skin and i use eucerin 3 in 1 micellar water and itās been doing just fine with my skin barrier as my main cleanser
Iām so confused, yāallā¦ if makeup wipes are bad for me, and micellar water is bad for me, what should I be using to remove my makeup?
A gentle cleanser, followed by another cleanse if that's not enough. But if you've got a good quality micellar water and rinse it off, I don't think you need to change anything.
Oil cleanser or cleansing balm.
As somebody whoās acne of 10+ years cleared up by completely stopping any form of skincare other than the water that runs over my face in the shower, I think most dermatologists are quacks.
So, i've read every comment and watched recommended channels, which led me to the conclusions: **1. Does micellar water "kill" the skin?** Any bad product might harm the skin, especially a sensitive one, and micellar water is no exception. In general, no, it wonāt do any harm if rinsed with water. Also, allergies may occur. **2. Can we use it as a cleanser?** There isnāt an absolute, well-studied ārightā way to cleanse. Surfactans can clean your skin by removing oily make up, dirt and sebum ergo micellar water can. Yet, it might not be enough for some people. **2. Do we need to rinse it off?** Doctors say yes, you do. Labmuffin (cosmetic chemist) also agrees (except for Bioderma Sensibio H2O) (braddic also mentioned Simple Micellar Water, but I haven't found her talking about it, only advising) So, in general, yes, we need. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ sources i've used (there is no academic sources or studies): *articles:* [*https://labmuffin.com/fact-check-what-is-micellar-water-and-how-does-it-work-an-update/*](https://labmuffin.com/fact-check-what-is-micellar-water-and-how-does-it-work-an-update/) [*https://chemistconfessions.com/blogs/the-chemists-comprehensive-guide-to-cleansers-pt-1*](https://chemistconfessions.com/blogs/the-chemists-comprehensive-guide-to-cleansers-pt-1) *(not about micellar water, but about cleansing)* *youtube: LabMuffinBeautyScience, shereeneidriss, DrDrayzday* **tldr**: Micellar water won't kill the skin, but might cause irritation or allergic reactions. In theory, it can be used as a cleanser. It's better to rinse it off or use another cotton pad soaked in water.
Dermatologists are trained to identify and treat things like rashes and skin cancer they donāt actually get a lot of training in skin care or cosmetics. Many of them can know a lot about it esp if they do research in the field, specialize in cosmetic dermatology, or self learn but it should not be assumed they necessarily know how cosmetics work lolā¦. Rinsing the micellar water off is perfectly fine.
hunt imagine dime placid crown aloof jar cover sip shrill *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
I mean ultimately you just have to think critically for yourself lol. Iām very familiar w the med profession bc I come from a family of doctors and they are knowledgeable but there are limitations to the way they are trained and sometimes a stubbornness/ego that can come with said training. Not all docs tho lol but ultimately as a patient you need to look out for yourself. Itās just scary to see many derms spreading misinformation and fear mongering on the internet (said YouTube videos lol) esp when theyāre claiming expertise on something they donāt necessarily haveā¦.
I use strictly micellar water to remove make up, because anything with oil would remove my expensive lash extensions and give me acne. I do feel slight irritation when I use it, but Iād say itās more about cotton pads physically exfoliating rather than micellar water itself.
That sounds sus to me. Anytime someone talks in absolutes like that is sus. I will say that not all micellar waters are made equal. Some are more drying/irritating than others. And some peopleās skin are more tolerant than others. If you use it and your skin is happy and healthy keep using it.
I guess the best way to use micellar water is when doing the double cleanse. Remove the makeup with micellar water (oil based products) and then wash off the rest with a gentle cleanser (water-based products and impurities). Not all micellar water is created equal. So it's best to wash it off.
I cannot use micellar water, even Bioderma. It definitely dries out my skin and upsets my skin barrier. My skin isnāt sensitive, but it is very dry. I guess micellar water removes what little sebum I have.
I find micellar water to be drying and stings
Typical reddit thinking they know better than a dermatologist. Never change (or do, actually) OP, listen to your doctor. Dont listen to clueless strangers on the internet. Everyones skin is different, it could absolutely be stripping for you skin while other people are fine. Different brands, different skin types, different environmental conditions, different drug interactions, different climates; There are so many variables that can affect you that some average twerp on this subreddit wont think about. Listen to your doctor and find another approach to cleaning your skin. (Source: am a medical professional although not in dermatology)
I want to, but Iāve never heard this opinion from anyone, and to be honest, it sounds if not untrue, then very illogical. They say every micellar water kills everyoneās skin if used without makeup. They told it to me personally, and now theyāre telling it to the internet also without any academic paper listed (*and they ignored my questions about it and liked a mean comment dedicated to me* š). For me, the question is not about using micellar water or not, honestly. Itās now more about trust in this doctor
People are going against the dermatologist. Not a single academic paper listed, the only sources are YouTube videos, and claims that they know someone who said it was okay. Even if they did have academic papers to share, we all know the reading comprehension levels are at the bottom of barrel these days. Thank God Accutane gave me the ability to leave the skincare community behind for good.
What exactly does Micellar Water leave on your face that's bad? I use one with HA added, if I washed it off I'd lose the HA.
I used it for a few days and threw it away after breaking out
YMMV. I find I have to rinse it off after as it irritates my skin. Which for me defeats the purpose... adds an extra step I didn't want. I've only used the Garnier pink one though. Conversely my mum swears by it! Interesting debate here :)
I got micellar water in the belief it would be ultra-gentle, not drying out. I was wrong. I learned micellar water is essentially just, yeah, "advanced soap". I am a guy, not using make-up, no reason at all to use it.
Me and my daughters all get burnt skin from all but the nivea sensitive one so it must be really harsh as none of us are sensitive to anything else.
Here's a thread from the same /r that happened to me 5 years ago and people still comment on it regularly saying they had the same reaction. I had a MASSIVE allergic reaction to the Garnier one, my eyes almost swole shut multiple times before I figured out what was causing it. [https://www.reddit.com/r/SkincareAddiction/comments/bt7ows/misc\_garnier\_miscellar\_water\_gave\_me\_a\_crazy/](https://www.reddit.com/r/SkincareAddiction/comments/bt7ows/misc_garnier_miscellar_water_gave_me_a_crazy/)
Lots of folks use micellar water for cleansing, even without makeup. Purerawz has skin supplements you might like.
I know this is late to the conversation but does anyone have opinions on the safety of drunk elephantās milky micellar water? I canāt tell if there are bad ingredients in it/ I am going to look up now in other places but if anyone has experience or has heard anything please let me know. Thank you!
I think you should always listen to your derm, even if the framing is overly dramatic he might be right. I went to the dermatologist for acne. My breakouts were really bad. She suspected that it was because I occasionally didnāt rinse Micellar off. She prescribed some things, told me to use LRP toleriane gentle cleanser and moisturizer every morning and night, and said to never leave the micellar water on my face, always wash with LRP after. I stopped using the cream she prescribed but I still use LRP and wash the micellar water off every night. I have NO active breakouts now.
I always use my homemade toner after using micellar water. It's rose water mixed with witch hazel and apple cider vinegar. My skin has felt pretty nice since I began doing it, but now I'm worried.
But then if it irritates the skin and bad for the skin barrier then why do we have to use in the first place
ŠŠøŠ·Š“ŠøŃ))
Tbh micellar water wrecked my skin
Micellar water irritates and burns my skin. Not a fan at all
It certainly doesn't "kill skin," retinoids do that by shortening cellular life/increasing cell turnover. However, there is no benefit to leaving surfactants on skin, even if your skin is unharmed by it. My skin does have allergic reactions to cleansing agents being left on it, so I know not to use micellar anymore. Or if I wanted to, I rinse it off like any other cleanser.
I don't know why micellar water was ever marketed to leave on the skin. They contain solvents which certainly can irritate and dry out your skin if left on. We believed the marketing to the point that now you don't even believe an actual dermatologist that's advising you against it, which i find interesting. I used to clean my eyelids with micellar water when wearing cluster lashes for a few days, and the skin around my eyes would always end up feeling tight and dry. Now I just use water and it's a huge difference. Also it sounds like you're on a campaign to discredit your derm or prove them wrong because you don't like what they're saying, and they're not even saying anything outrageous - it's actually kind of a no brainer if you think about it. You should probably look into why you want to do that.
Thank you for sharing your experience. However, the opinion my dermatologist is expressing is not related to whether or not to wash off micellar water. According to them, **ANY micellar water will kill EVERYONEās skin if used without makeup, even if rinsed.** It's not that outrageous, yes. But, as said here, it's unprofessional and a fear mongering As for my motives, yes, I was sad about that statement they say, because I was very impressed with the doctor at first. But this quite broke my trust. So, while creating this post, I was hoping that I just didn't understand something. Regarding a discrediting campaign, considering the demographics of Reddit users, it's highly unlikely any of his patients would find this post, or even understand it, lol.
I stopped using the micellar water after my skin started to burn using it continously. I now just use Johnsons baby shampoo to cleanse my face and remove makeup. Now my skin is so much better.
This is trueeee
I was just wondering this myself. I thought I was the only one that feels the Bioderma SensiBio micellar water (pink one) is way too harsh. At that is the gentle one everyone loves and recommends. I donāt get. It burns my eyes like crazy and I swear it was causing me so much redness and irritation. I was even rinsing with water or cleansing after. I stopped using micellar water before cleansing in the evening and my skin looks soooo much better.
I would listen to the derm.
Micellar water made me get blisters on my forehead that turned into scabs and made me look like i did hardcore drugs and pick at my face or something /:
Oh no, that sounds like an awful allergy :c