Micellar water composition
Modern cosmetology is constantly being replenished with new products. Each of them is perceived differently: something remains in women's cosmetic bags for many years, and something quickly becomes uninteresting. There are also cosmetic products that companies are actively promoting to the masses. Micellar water is one such remedy. She came to the cosmetology market quite recently, but quickly took a leading position among cleansing cosmetics.
What are micelles?
The study of micellar water should be started with the micelles, from which the name comes from. Micelles are particles formed from surfactants (surfactants) at a certain concentration in water. Among the micellar products, the most famous are various cleansing cosmetics - for example, foam for washing. When micelles enter the water, the hydrophobic constituents are attracted to each other.
In fact, the micelles seem to try to stay away from the water. The main properties of these particles are to attract fat particles, as well as the remains of cosmetics. In this case, micelles also envelop these substances. Surfactants are a connecting bridge between water and fats.
Surfactant molecules form components that look like spherical crystals. Some of their tops are directed towards the center, while others - towards water molecules. The breakdown of fat by surfactants occurs due to the fact that fat droplets penetrate and end up inside the micelle, and then are easily washed off with water. Soap solution has similar properties, but it is not suitable for the skin.
In cosmetology, micelles are loved for the fact that they can reduce irritation from cleansers.... It is worth noting that at low concentrations of a substance such as sodium lauryl sulfate, irritation from the cleansing agent will be more severe.
This is due to the fact that a small amount does not allow micelles to form, while the activity of some substances also decreases.
The toxic effect of the components is reduced due to the fact that micelles are formed around their molecules. But it's worth remembering that some substances can still be beneficial to the skin, and in this case, the positive effect of them will not be achieved... Nevertheless, the main property of micelles is that they allow you to remove even the smallest particles of fat, which means they do an excellent job of removing makeup.
The benefits of micelles and micellar water are quite numerous:
- beneficial effect on the skin and saturation with various useful components;
- good cleansing of pores from dirt and waste products produced by the sebaceous glands (as a result, acne will practically not appear);
- removal of decorative cosmetics (including waterproof) or makeup correction;
- high hypoallergenicity;
- excellent skin hydration;
- removal of irritation and healing of microcracks.
However, do not get carried away with these miraculous particles if the skin is oily and profuse rashes may appear. Also micellar water is not suitable for women with sensitive skin, pregnant and lactating women.
What does it consist of?
The composition of micellar water can be different. You should not choose cosmetics that contain alcohol, propylene glycol, soap, cetrimonium chloride. All of these constituents have an adverse effect on the skin. However, there are certain components that can be found in all types of this drug.
- Purified water - an important component in a micellar agent. It is best to choose options with melt or glacial liquid, which are great for soothing and nourishing the skin. Moreover, the effect of such water is softer.
- Thermal liquid filled with a variety of minerals that have a very beneficial effect on the skin. Floral water obtained from the processing of plants has a cleansing, toning and moisturizing effect. At the same time, it is well suited for people with problem skin. Sea water is able to cope with edema, smooth out fine wrinkles, and give a bactericidal effect.
- Hydrolates heal and heals the skin. This ingredient is an herbal tincture that differs depending on the type of skin.
- Tenzins are surfactants. They are necessary for fat molecules to stick together.
- Panthenol and Glycerin have a healing and moisturizing effect, fight against the feeling of tight skin. It is desirable that the glycerin is of vegetable origin.
- Plant extracts you need to choose according to your skin type. For example, normal or oily skin responds well to rosemary, calendula, lavender, mint and various citrus fruits. For owners of dry or hypersensitive skin, chamomile, ginseng, aloe vera, rose, thyme, sage are suitable.
Women with mature skin should pay attention to the presence of extracts of such plants as lotus, mallow, rose, cornflower, linden, cedar in micellar water.
Types of micellar water depending on the base
Micellar water is based on various components, and depending on this, the tool is divided into the following types.
- "Green chemistry" basically implies the content of nonionic surfactants. Most often you can find them under the name Coco Glucoside, Lauryl Glucoside and others. They help to bind dirt and sweat particles without causing damage to the skin. Often they are supplemented with coconut oil and sugar.
- Synthesized poloxamers in the composition are designated as poloxamer 188, 407 and others. Micellar water with such a component interacts well with fat particles and does not need to be washed off.
- Polyethylene glycol or PEG - a classic emulsifier that prevents oil and water from stratifying. However, the safe concentration of this substance is only 20%. However, PEG can make the skin dry and irritated or cause contact dermatitis.
Therefore, it is better to rinse the skin with plain water after such micellar water, and then apply a caring cosmetic product to it.
Comparison of the formulations of different brands
Before choosing the right micellar water, it's worth considering formulations from different brands. Indeed, behind the names of all well-known brands, not always pleasant surprises can lurk. For example, the Garnier company contains alcohol in all types of micellar water, which dries out and tightens the skin. A component such as hexylene glycol may not be suitable for girls with very sensitive skin. Despite these disadvantages, in general, the products of this brand do an excellent job of cleansing the skin.
Remedies from Bioderma Sensibio do not contain alcohol, but they contain propylene glycol, which is harmful to the skin, as well as the toxic Cetrimonium Bromide. Given the high cost, micellar cosmetics from this brand are clearly inferior to similar preparations from Garnier.
L`Oreal creates micellar water based on poloxamer 184. The most dangerous substance in the composition is hexylene glycol. The product does an excellent job with makeup and has a soothing effect. Suitable for those with sensitive skin.
Micellar cosmetics from "Clean Line" copes well with removing dirt and decorative products, but not at all suitable for sensitive skin. Of course, among the positive aspects, it is worth noting the presence of plant extracts and healing allantoin.
Among the harmful components, attention should be paid to the carcinogens DMDM hudantoin and sodium benzoate, as well as sodium methylparaben. Judging by the composition, the most harmful substances do not exceed the permissible concentration, but not everyone will dare to check this on their skin.
Micellar water from "Black Pearl" not always able to cope with makeup the first time, while it has a tough composition. Among the undesirable components, propylene glycol, diazolidinil (irritating the mucous membranes of the eyes), Disodium EDTA, DMDM hudantoin preservative, propylparaben, sodium benzoate, sodium hydroxide are noted. A pleasant point is the presence of extracts of kelp and rose.
Nivea offers a micellar treatment with panthenol and almond oil. They do a good job of cleansing and nourishing the skin. The composition does not contain preservatives and perfumery ingredients, which makes it possible to use this water for sensitive skin.
It is worth noting that such a product does not need to be washed off.
For what micellar water is and how to use it correctly, see the next video.