What is micellar water?

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What is micellar water? Blog Image

Overview:

Micellar water, a product found in supermarkets, chemists and bathroom cabinets around the world, is a very effective cleanser and many people swear by it as part of their skincare routine.

About Micellar water

  • Micellar water products contain something called micelles – clusters of molecules that are very effective at removing oily substances. 
  • The micelles in micellar water are formed by special molecules known as surfactants.
  • These micelles have a hydrophilic exterior, meaning that they are very happy to remain mixed throughout water.
  • It is a commonly used skin care product that helps remove impurities and makeup from your skin.
  • It’s a very gentle solution that contains a very mild detergent.
  • Working
    • When you apply some micellar water to a cotton pad, another convenient interaction occurs.
    • The wet cotton is hydrophilic (loves water). Consequently, some of the micelles will unravel, with the hydrophilic heads being attracted to the wet cotton pad.
    • Now, sticking out from the surface will be a layer of hydrophobic tail groups.
    • These hydrophobic tails cannot wait to attract themselves to makeup, sunscreen, oils, dirt, grease and other contaminants on your face.
    • As you sweep the cotton pad across your skin, these contaminants bind to the hydrophobic tails and are removed from the skin.
    • Some contaminants will also find themselves encapsulated in the hydrophobic centres of the micelle.
    • Either way, a cleaner surface is left behind.

Q1) What is surfactant?

The compounds that lower the surface tension between two phases, like between two liquids, a gas and a liquid, or a liquid and a solid are called surface active agent or surfactants..

Source: What is micellar water and how does it work?