IT has been said that micellar water has been used in France for decades, as the water in areas such as Paris is hard and contains a high percentage of minerals which could irritate the surface of the skin.

Over the years, micellar waters and cleansing wipes have become widely popular as part of people’s skin care routines as make-up remover and facial cleanser and are promoted by many skincare companies.

I have heard many times that they are bad for your skin, that they are for lazy people and that they don’t thoroughly cleanse your skin.

Others say they are stripping to the skin, but it really depends on the choice of product, your skin type and not overusing them.

Micellar water is made up of small oil molecules called surfactants, which are designed to act like a magnet to lift oil, dirt, and make-up away from the skin.

Some micellar waters are not good for a sensitive skin, and it generally depends on what additives are in the product.

Some cleansing waters are strong enough to deal with grease or make-up, but don’t strip the skin of any protective oils.

As I have a dry and sensitive skin, this really suits me for a gentle morning cleanse before I shower.

In my opinion, it is choosing the correct cleansing wipes or micellar water and how and when you use them that counts, as every skin has different needs.

When to use cleansing wipes or micellar water

Both products are great as part of a double cleansing routine, either when a lot of make-up has been worn or for removing excess sweat or dirt after exercise, as they are handy to keep in your gym bag.

They are good for in a morning for a quick and gentle cleanse and after being in the sun to remove surface sun cream prior to a deeper cleanse.

You can also use micellar water in between sun cream applications to avoid breakouts, but remember to apply sunscreen immediately after this quick cleanse to avoid sun exposure to your face.

They can be used for a quick freshen-up prior to make-up in a hurry and are good for long-haul flights and busy overnight stays away from home.

Micellar water is good when you have made a mistake with your make-up application. Use with a cotton bud to remove errors ready for correction.

Making the right choice

The reason why professionals say that micellar cleansing water is bad is due to the residue that some brands can leave on your skin.

You can rinse them off, however a good cleansing water shouldn’t require rinsing.

The simpler the ingredients, the better for your skin and the lower the chance of upsetting sensitive skin.

Choose alcohol free wipes or cleansing water, which are free from parabens and fragrance, and also choose biodegradable wipes to consider the environment.

Do your research by looking at reviews and look for products that are compatible for your skin type.

If there is a choice in product size, try the smallest first to see if it suits your skin.

Men and women can use micellar water or face wipes, although cotton wool on stubble is not great, so go for a micellar cleansing wipe or pad instead.

My favourite

I would recommend Skin Matrix HD Micellar Cleansing Pads. I love skin Matrix as a company and so far, its products that I have tried have been great.

I have been trialling its cleansing pads for the past few weeks, and you can choose between hydrating, sensitive or exfoliating.

My favourite was the hydrating pads, as it was one of my daughters. My other daughter loves the sensitive pads.

I will be stocking the pads at my salon I like them so much, as they left my skin fresh and bright without any sensitivity.

I will continue to use these as part of my skin care routine, and I will keep them in the fridge on a hot day for extra coolness.

The cleansing pads are fragrance, alcohol, and paraben free, are made from biodegradable cotton and are cruelty free.

The formula is safe to remove eye makeup on false lashes and lash extensions.

My other recommendations are:

  • Elemis smart Cleanse Micellar Water.
  • Caudalie Cleansing Water
  • BIODERMA Sensibio H2O
  • La Roche-Posay micellar water
  • Simple facial wipes

I don’t think cleansing wipes or micellar waters are skin care baddies if you choose well and use them correctly.

Make sure that you still include a traditional cleansing product as part of your skin care routine.

Even if your micellar water or cleansing wipes contain extra moisturisers, you still need to apply your serums, moisturisers, and sunscreens.