Micellar water? Do not tell me you still have not heard of the makeup remover from Bioderma, which is also available from Avene and even Garnier. Mmm. Let’s fix that with a simple explanation of its chemical nature, what it contains, and what this cosmetic product is used for.
What micellar water is
It is a facial cleanser composed of water, PEG-6, caprylic / capric glycerides, Cucumis sativus (cucumber) fruit extract, mannitol, xylitol, rhamnose, frutooligosaccharides, propylene glycol, Disodium EDTA, and cetrimonium bromide. If you look at the components of other brands, they are very similar; the fragrance and some extracts change. For example, the one from Lancôme contains rose extract, which gives it a different touch, and Garnier micellar water has fewer substances, but the basic ones are present.
And why am I telling you all this? If you look closely, there is nothing magical here. These are all very ordinary cosmetic products. So what happens? Why is this product so popular? And why is it present on all the stands in perfumeries and cosmetic stores?
The chemistry behind micellar water products
Micelle is the name given to a group of molecules that form spherical liquid crystals. Micelles are structures that are very small, so small that it is impossible to see them with the naked eye. This is actually an advantage, because they are very common in nature. They appear when certain molecules in an aqueous environment group together. What matters here is that micelle molecules have a mechanism that allows them to trap water inside; in simple terms, they come together and water is retained within the structure.
The benefits of micelles are that they reduce irritation caused by detergents and help neutralize certain substances. They often form around other molecules and can reduce toxic effects, although they can also enhance others by removing different compounds. One of the key properties of micelles is their ability to trap small amounts of oil, which turns micellar water into a facial cleanser or a makeup remover for the face that is gentle and low-irritation.
The price of micellar water
To be honest, it is not necessary to study chemistry or have deep knowledge of cosmetics to create a good micellar makeup remover. There are micelles in many makeup-removing cosmetics, and most do not mention them. You can obtain micelles through trial and error, the old method used to create new products, although if you have knowledge of the subject, you can probably make one without difficulty.
So why does micellar water cost more than plain water? Should it not be cheap? That is the usual question. Almost all cosmetic products are largely composed of water, but they require formulation and packaging. In the end, the amounts used are so small that it is not worth mixing ingredients at home to make homemade micellar water. Or maybe it is. That depends on each person, how much money they have, the free time they enjoy, and their personal interests. For people who like experimenting, working with micelles can be very engaging.
In any case, since cost has come up, there are different products available at different prices. You can rely on the usual brands such as Bioderma micellar water, Avene, and Garnier, or choose others that are somewhat cheaper. Honestly, it is worth buying rather than experimenting at home.
