Should You Be Using Micellar Water?

Physicians are dispelling the benefits of trendy micellar water, a facial cleanser with micelle molecules that seem to effortlessly wipe away dirt and makeup. Although the water feels light and gentle to the touch and appears to have the miraculous ability to clear off daily grime, according to dermatologists, micellar water isn’t effective at removing all the dirt on your face. In fact, the makeup and other debris it leaves behind can provoke infection.

Over the last few years, beauty blogs and websites have been singing the praises of this magic French water that they claim both deeply cleans and nourishes the skin. Unlike other cleansers, micellar water doesn’t require harsh scrubbing and instead leaves the skin feeling silky smooth and hydrated.

In an article for Business Insider, dermatologists and other specialists explain the consequences of using micellar water on a regular basis. According to Beverly Hills-based dermatologist, Julia T. Hunter, MD, by failing to fully remove makeup from your skin, your moisturizers and other face treatments are less efficient. Optometrist Kambiz Silani, OD, told the news site that using products like micellar water can clog the pores with residual makeup and result in bacterial overgrowth, which can lead to Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). "MGD is a serious condition that causes damage, inflammation, and/or atrophy of the eyelid's oil glands. When these oil glands are lost, the eyes can feel gritty, dry, irritated, and red,” said Silani.