You are standing in front of the mirror at the end of the day to remove your makeup, leaning to get your micellar water and cotton pads. But wait, there are no cotton pads in your drawer! What’s your next option to use micellar water with?
Your fingertips, a makeup eraser, an exfoliating organic muslin cloth, and reusable makeup remover pads are some environment-friendly alternatives to environmental-destructive cotton pads.
It is unclear why cotton pads are dangerous to the environment, but remember that they cannot be reused, end up in the landfill, and usually come in plastic packaging. (1)
Moreover, cotton pads are made nonorganically, releasing chemicals into the environment and polluting the ecosystem, thus impacting the planet negatively.
Read on below to learn more about the alternatives to cotton pads.
Article Contents
Ways to Use Micellar Water Without Cotton Pads
Micellar water cleanses the face. It has gained popularity for light makeup removal and general cleansing. (2)
The wonderful thing about using micellar water is that if there are no cotton pads, you can use your fingertips, a makeup eraser, reusable makeup remover pads, and exfoliating organic muslin to wipe away your makeup.
The only issue is the cloth you are using will require regular washing. If you use reusable cotton pads, there will be more than one cotton pad to wash once a week.
Here are simplified steps to use these alternatives with micellar water.
1. Fingertips
Using your fingertips is one of the easiest ways of applying micellar water to your face.
How to use:
- Pour some micellar water on your face.
- Massage it using your fingertips.
- Wash your face with lukewarm water.
- Pat your face dry.
2. Makeup eraser
A makeup eraser is a safe, gentle, and cruelty-free cloth for all skin types. It has thousands of tiny hair-like fibers that draw excess oil, makeup, or dirt from the skin.
It is free from fragrance, parabens, oil, sulfates, and alcohol. It can be reused for up to 5 years with proper maintenance. Always wash the makeup eraser before using it to activate the fibers.
How to use:
- Soak a makeup eraser in micellar water.
- Put enough micellar water on it for best results, and move it in circular motions around your face. Start with the short-fiber side to remove makeup
- After removing your makeup, turn to the long-fiber side of the eraser (side with the tag) to exfoliate your skin and remove any leftover makeup.
3. Exfoliating organic muslin cloths
An exfoliating organic muslin cloth is a multilayered, 100% cotton, and reusable fabric that eliminates makeup dirt and dead skin cells from the face. It is an ideal option for individuals with sensitive skin.
You can easily wash (by hand or laundry machine weekly for deep cleaning), maintain, and reuse them. This cloth quickly absorbs and collects micellar water for cleansing or exfoliating the skin.
How to use:
- Wet the exfoliating organic muslin cloth with micellar water.
- Gently remove your makeup using the cloth.
- Wash the cloth properly.
4. Reusable makeup remover pads
Reusable makeup remover pads are made with 100% polyester and can last up to a thousand washes. The softness of the fabric increases the more you use it, making it appropriate for every skin type.
Reusable makeup remover pads contain microfiber components that trap excess oil and dirt. You can use these pads easily on your face, eyes, and lips.
How to use:
- Wet the pad with an adequate amount of micellar water.
- Move the pad in circular motions to cleanse your face.
- Wash the pad with soap and water after every use, dry it, and store it in a dry, clean place.
Skin Benefits of Using Micellar Water
The following are the benefits of micellar water for the skin.
1. Removes impurities and hydrates and moisturizes the skin
Micellar water is an ideal skin-cleansing agent (2)(3) for sensitive skin as it is an excellent moisturizer that causes minimal irritation.
It contains tiny particles known as micelles, which work as miniature sponges, removing makeup and dirt from the skin while hydrating it. (3) Micelles trap oil, dirt, and makeup and dissolve them to be wiped away quickly. (4)
2. Reduces unpleasant skin sensations
Micellar water makes your uncomfortable or irritated skin feel better. Your pulling, burning, painful, itching, or tingling skin can be put to ease with micellar water. (5)
3. Treats acne
No formal studies have been performed to confirm whether micellar water treats acne. However, experts suggest its cleansing properties are helpful for acne treatment.
When bacteria or oil clog pores, acne arises, causing inflammation, swelling, and redness. (6) Micellar water naturally removes skin oil and debris, (4) reducing acne breakouts and preventing them from getting worse.
A cleanser that removes too much skin oil triggers more oil production, leading to a breakout.
Is Soap Cleansing Different From Micellar Water Cleansing?
Yes, soap cleansing is different from micellar water. Soap strips the natural oils of the skin, especially acne-prone skin. It can turn your face red and irritated.
Micellar water, on the other hand, cleanses your skin and hydrates it. It calms your skin instead of aggravating it. (4)
Soaps remain on the skin even after washing, disrupting the skin barrier and leaving it dry. The surfactants in soap extract skin compounds while cleansing and stay on the stratum corneum (outmost epidermis layer) after cleansing. This disrupts the skin’s structure and degrades its barrier properties. (7)
General Queries
Is micellar water good for all skin types?
Yes, micellar water is suitable for all skin types as it is super gentle and doesn’t irritate or strip skin moisture while cleansing.
How often should you use micellar water?
Micellar water can be used whenever you need to cleanse your skin. You can use it twice daily, morning and before bed.
When should you avoid using micellar water?
If you have heavy makeup on, skip micellar water, as it won’t have many benefits for your skin. Use a proper cream-based makeup remover and water in such cases. Moreover, avoid micellar water containing skin-harming chemicals such as dye, alcohol, sulfates, and parabens.
Why should you consult a dermatologist before using micellar water?
Micellar water is usually safe for all skin types. However, if you have skin issues such as eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea, consult your dermatologist before deciding anything. They can recommend you the right brand.
Some DIY micellar water options are:
1. Aloe vera spray
2. Rose water spray
3. Herbal flower spray
Final Word
Every woman’s beauty bag must contain micellar water, which promises a complete cleansing skin routine. Consult your dermatologist for a suitable micellar water for your skin.
References
- Prata JC, Silva ALP, da Costa JP, et al. Solutions and integrated strategies for the control and mitigation of plastic and microplastic pollution. International journal of environmental research and public health. July 7, 2019. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6651478/.
- Define_me. https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(17)31391-9/fulltext.
- Sensitive skin compatibility of micellar water | request PDF – researchgate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/318019950/.
- A special micellar water apt to perform a cleansing … – IOSR journals. https://iosrjournals.org/iosr-jpbs/papers/Vol12-issue5/Version-7/N12050798100.pdf.
- Taieb C, Gayraud F, Dinet D, Sayag M, On behalf on the project “Ma Peau & Moi.” Interest in micellar solution to reduce unpleasant skin sensations. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology. August 25, 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8403560/.
- Acne-causes and amazing remedial measures for acne – researchgate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/340874478/.
- Walters RM, Mao G, Gunn ET, Hornby S. Cleansing formulations that respect skin barrier integrity. Dermatology research and practice. 2012. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3425021/.