Micellar water is a watery cleanser which consists of tiny oil molecules which are called micelles which work like a magnet and pull out the impurities from the surface. These tiny molecules bind to surface oil and dirt and pull them off the skin. They are basically a no-rinse formula which can be wiped using cotton pads.
Gentle cleansers on the other hand are formulated with mild surfactants that help in cleansing the skin. They can be a cream or gel like formulation which helps in cleansing the skin when applied using water. It could be a foaming or non-foaming cleanser.
Understanding micellar water
Micellar water is a water based cleaning product which comprises soft water and tiny molecules called micelles which are mostly oil droplets. Micelles have an outer hydrophilic head which pulls the water based buildup from the skin and a lipophilic tail which enables it to properly lift off the oil based impurities from the skin.
This dual cleansing action of micellar water allows it to properly cleanse the surface of skin. It works on the surface only and does not clear the pores. It does not strip the skin at all. They are no-rinse products which do not require any extensive cleansing action.
Understanding face cleansers
Gentle cleansers are traditional formulations which are meant to be rinsed off with water after washing to cleanse. It can be a liquid, gel, or oil cleanser which is mostly formulated using mild surfactants or detergents that work by lifting off the impurities from the pores of the skin and upon rinsing with water give a clean skin.
It delivers more than just surface cleansing as it works by lifting off the impurities right from the pores of the skin. It is ideal for keeping the pores clear and prevents the occurrence of blackheads and other acne breakouts. Gentle cleansers formulated with the right ingredients help in hydrating the skin.
Also using a glycolic acid face wash in your daily routine could result in a clear and even toned skin. It would help in exfoliating the skin and promoting fresh skin cells to reveal.
Difference between micelles and surfactants
Skincare cleansers are formulated with mild surfactants that have a water-loving head and oil-loving tail which allows it to lift off the oil and water based impurities from the skin. Traditional cleansers use surfactants that work upon application with water to produce lather and cleanse the skin.
Micellar water has tiny spheres of oil droplets called micelles that trap surface impurities actively without using water for cleansing. It just needs to be wiped off using a cotton pad to clear the surface impurities like makeup.
Better fit for skin type
Skin type plays an important role in choosing the best type of gentle cleanser that works well.
Dry skin: People with dry skin can mostly use micellar water as it is more comfortable. It does not cause skin irritation while cleansing or damage the skin barrier, It also helps in keeping the skin barrier intact as no rising is required which does not remove any natural oils from the skin.
Oily skin: A traditional gentle face wash might be a better option for routine cleansing. The surfactants in a face cleanser can help in removing excess sebum effectively from the pores and helps in keeping the pores uncongested. Also people with oily skin can use micellar water in a double cleansing routine to clear makeup and then use a cleanser for gentle cleansing.
Sensitive skin: Micellar water is a better choice for people with sensitive skin as it does not strip the moisture barrier of the skin. It works only on the surface by lifting off the impurities from the surface leaving the skin barrier intact.
Acne prone skin: Gentle face cleanser is suitable for people with acne prone skin. It helps in effectively cleansing the skin by lifting off the buildup from the pores and keeping them clear which prevents breakouts. It also helps in clearing the excess oil from the pores which suits best for acne prone, oily skin.
Purpose of each cleanser
Micellar water is basically meant for the purpose of surface cleansing. It is used for clearing up the buildup of heavy makeup or some dirt from the face. It is also used for a mild cleansing during travelling. It won’t be able to deeply clear the skin.
Cleansers are meant for deep skin cleansing. They help in clearing out the buildup of impurities from the skin which occurs throughout the day. It is used for proper routine skin cleansing.
Wrapping up
Micellar water and gentle cleansers focus on cleansing the skin through different mechanisms. One is meant for surface cleanse while the other is meant for skin purification. One has a simple use of no-rinse cleanse while the other needs to be rinsed off. Yet they deliver proper cleansing action for the skin. Choosing the best depends on your skin type.
