Let's look at the science behind it, with a little more chemistry depth about hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties.
Micellar water comes from the word micelles, and the word micelle is derived from the Latin micella, from mica (grain).
Micellar water is water with tiny droplets of oil suspended in it. But why is it such an effective cleanser? To understand, we need to look at the chemistry behind it.
Water and oil are usually not a good match. This is because of their chemical properties: water is a polar substance, meaning it has a charge and dissolves well in other polar substances, while oil is non-polar and does not dissolve well in water. This is why regular soap is needed to remove oil from your skin – soap contains substances that can bind water and oil.
Here’s the interesting part: micellar water contains substances that have both hydrophobic (water-scared) and hydrophilic (water-friendly) properties. These substances, known as surfactants or emulsifiers, have a unique structure where part of the molecule is water-repellent and another part is water-loving.
When you use micellar water, these surfactants spread through the water. Due to their structure, they align themselves so that the hydrophobic parts point inwards and the hydrophilic parts point outwards. In this way, they form small balls, called micelles, in which the hydrophobic oily particles are trapped.
This is where micellar water gets its powerful cleansing properties. The micelles act like tiny magnets, with the hydrophobic parts attracting the dirt and oil, while the hydrophilic parts remain facing outward, in contact with the water.
The result? A gentle yet effective cleansing of the skin, removing dirt, makeup and excess sebum without stripping the skin of its natural protective oils. This also explains why micellar water is often perceived as less irritating than traditional soap, as it better preserves the skin’s natural balance.
So, in summary, micellar water uses the science of hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions to provide a gentle and effective cleansing solution that removes dirt and oil from the skin without drying or irritating it. It’s a clever innovation in skincare that combines both science and beauty.