All about micellar cleansing water

Micellar cleansing water is a gentle and effective cleansing solution which has quickly established itself as a must-have in facial care routines. It’s even the first choice of the French for a cleansing product1. Composed of micelles – small surfactant particles – micellar water offers a deep cleansing solution. This formulation allows the effective removal of makeup, impurities and pollution residue while leaving the skin fresh and hydrated.

What is micellar cleansing water?

Everyone’s talking about micellar water. Fresh, light, simple to use… Is this product going about to replace the cleansing milk in your evening routine? Keep an eye on this cosmetic product that’s growing in popularity.

What is micellar water made of?

Micellar cleansing water is usually composed of a water base to which molecules with a hydrophilic and a lipophilic part are added. Micellar water may also contain other beneficial ingredients such as plant extracts, vitamins and moisturising agents for complete cleansing while caring for the natural balance of the skin.

How does micellar water work on the skin?

This product contains micelles. These work as cleansing agents that draw impurities, makeup and sebum from the skin. They are composed of two parts. The hydrophilic part attracts water and the oleophilic part attracts oil. The micelles therefore “magnetise” impurities and makeup to gently remove them from the skin. A little cleansing product and quality cotton wool and makeup is removed! There’s no need to rub the skin excessively to rid it of pollution or the traces of a busy day.

What is the difference with other cleansers?

Compared to other types of cleansers such as oils, creams or cleansing milks, micellar water is popular because it’s light and easy to use. It doesn’t leave a greasy film, which makes it an ideal choice for people with normal to oily skin. It is also a convenient cleansing product when you’re on the go.

Can micellar cleansing water be used for total cleansing?

Cleansing shouldn’t be taken lightly – the eyes, mouth and neck are all sensitive areas that must be taken care of. But can you always use a micellar water cleanser? Yes… or nearly always!

Can sensitive areas of the face be cleansed with micellar water?

L’Eau Soir et Matin can be used safely on the eyes, face, neck and all sensitive areas.

L’Eau Soir et Matin

38 €
3-in-1 cleansing water and toner
4.7 141 reviews

This is thanks to the careful selection of organic active ingredients renowned for their gentle and soothing properties. Absolution has decided to make this water toner and cleanser a complete treatment: aloe vera, cornflower, witch hazel, helichrysum… Nature is full of treasures with multiple benefits.

Good to know – micellar water for men
Men can also use this micellar water after shaving or simply as a face cleanser.

Does micellar cleansing water remove waterproof mascara?

However, micellar water does have a weak point – it doesn’t remove heavy make-up, in particular waterproof cosmetics. To remove this type of product you should replace micellar water with another type of cleanse.

Le Baume Céleste is an effective option to remove long-lasting lipsticks and waterproof makeup. Use these products in addition to micellar water to ensure complete and effective makeup removal.

Our cleansers and makeup removers

Le Baume Céleste

39 €
Gel-in-oil makeup remover and cleanser
4.7 196 reviews

La Crème Douce Démaquillante

36 €
Makeup removing cream and cleanser
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Le Nettoyant Pureté

29 €
Sulfate-free face gel cleanser
4.8 285 reviews

Micellar water is not only a cleanser

Cleansing waters aren’t just intended to remove makeup residue. They can simply be used as an initial cleanser or as a refreshing and moisturising solution to get rid of impurities and dirt while preserving the natural hydration of your skin. At the end of the day, micellar water is also ideal for removing excess sebum and dirt, even if you’ve spent the day indoors.

Micellar cleansing water – is it suitable for my skin type?

When it comes to choosing skin care products, it’s essential to consider the type or condition of the skin. Do you know yours? Carry out a quick diagnosis to discover your skin type! 

Take your quizz !

Micellar water offers a versatile solution suitable for most skin types: dry, oily, sensitive or normal. Its light and non-irritating formula makes it an ideal choice for sensitive or dry skin because it cleanses deeply without causing irritation or drying. Absolution’s L’Eau Soir et Matin has been carefully formulated with as few micelles as possible and an ultra-soft surfactant to respect the sensitive skin ecosystem.

Good to know – natural active ingredients take care of sensitive skin
Soothing natural ingredients complete the 99% natural formula of our micellar water, such as calming neroli hydrosol  and olibanum resin with anti-inflammatory properties.

Oily skin will also benefit from the daily use of micellar water because it cleanses deeply without clogging the pores or leaving greasy residues. Cedar essential oil has the power to tighten the skin’s pores, which are often the cause of imperfections.

What are the benefits of Absolution’s organic micellar water for the skin?

Absolution selects the best plants to develop organic cosmetics that care for your skin and the environment. 

It soothes the most sensitive skin

Enriched with natural active ingredients with soothing properties, such as linden and neroli hydrolat, Absolution micellar water calms irritations and redness. It gives a pleasant, comfortable and soft feeling after application. The potassium in the formulation of L’Eau Soir et Matin, along with cornflower hydrolat, helps to soothe irritated eyes.

It tones the skin and promotes cell renewal

Absolution’s organic micellar water tones the skin and stimulates cell renewal. Helichrysum hydrolat also helps to even out the complexion and purifiy small imperfections. Essential oil of geranium helps to renew the skin cells to avoid a dull complexion, and let’s not forget aloe vera, a true pro-aging plant.

It purifies the epidermis

Thanks to purifying ingredients such as lemon balm hydrolat and hazelnut oil, Absolution’s micellar water deeply cleanses the skin’s pores – the tiny openings located on the surface of the skin. For inflammation, frankincense resin calms the epidermis. L’Eau Soir et Matin is therefore a true blend of benefits for the skin. 

How to use cleansing waters?

Morning? Evening? To rinse or not? When it comes to applying a new product to the face, several questions arise. Here are our tips to get the most out of cleansing water.

Apply your micellar water correctly

Use micellar water as a toner at the beginning of the day and as a cleanser in the evening. Hold the bottle of Absolution’s L’Eau Soir et Matin upright and use cotton wool or a clean reusable wipe. All you have to do is place your cotton wool on the top of the dispenser and press the pump three times to dispense the correct amount with no waste. Don’t have reusable wipes? Why not make them yourself following our DIY advice ? Good for your skin, your wallet and the environment!

Next, wipe the cotton wool over your face. Be careful not to rub, as this may cause redness and skin irritation. Make small circular movements from the base upwards for gentle, but effective cleansing. Repeat with more cotton wool until it’s perfectly clean.

Does micellar water have to be rinsed off after application?

This question comes up often, and the answer depends on your preferences. Our micellar water is not very concentrated in surfactants – but that’s not the case for all micellar cleansers on the market! Therefore it doesn’t necessarily need rinsing off especially if you have mature or dry skin. However, if you have sensitive skin, you might want to rinse. If you do this, rinse your face with clear, fresh water.

How to continue with your skincare routine?

After cleansing your face, continue with the following steps for a complete evening routine:

Use a gentle cleanser to remove any remaining traces of impurities. Le Nettoyant Pureté is perfectly adapted to sensitive skin and offers easy, gentle water cleansing. Massage the product onto damp skin then rinse with lukewarm water. Pat lightly with a soft towel or cloth to avoid irritations.

Then moisturise your skin using Le Sérum Anti-Soif – perfect for any skin prone to dehydration. Its light and non-greasy texture leaves a matte, fresh finish.

Finally, apply La Crème du Soir, which is rich in muscle relaxant magnesium. This cream regenerates and soothes the skin during the night thanks to its antioxidant-active ingredients such as marshmallow extract and hyaluronic acid. The result: plumped and smooth skin when you wake up!

Three things to remember : 

  • Micellar cleansing water is a gentle and effective cleansing solution, ideal for all skin types.
  • Its composition allows rinse-free cleansing, removing makeup and impurities.
  • After using micellar water, moisturise the skin and continue with an organic beauty routine adapted to your skin type.

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