Testing the Micellar Water Trend, Two Weeks Without Cleanser to Uncover Its Effectiveness on Facial Cleansing

Trying out a new skincare routine can be a bit nerve-wracking. However, as a beauty writer, experimenting with skincare is part of my job. Recently, I decided to replace my cleanser with micellar water for two weeks to see how it would affect my skin.

While on a trip to Mexico, I forgot my cleanser but had some micellar water on hand. Since French women endorse using micellar water, I thought I’d give it a try to see if it lives up to the hype.

What is micellar water?

Micellar water is a mixture of purified water, hydrating ingredients, and mild surfactants that form microscopic spheres called micelles. These micelles act as magnets for dirt and oil, making micellar water an effective way to remove impurities from the skin. However, experts don’t recommend using it as a standalone cleanser.

Skin-care experts’ predictions for replacing my cleanser with micellar water

Skin-care professionals suggest that micellar water can be beneficial, especially for individuals with sensitive or compromised skin. It offers gentle cleansing properties without drying out the skin. Despite this, they emphasize that it should be followed by a more exfoliating cleanser containing AHA or BHA.

While one expert believed my skin would be fine using micellar water, another predicted that I might experience some breakouts after the first week.

What happened to my skin when I replaced my cleanser with micellar water

During the experiment, I used micellar water with a washcloth and at times without it. Initially, my skin felt clean and didn’t show any signs of breakouts. However, as the days went by, my skin started feeling dry, dull, and I developed a pimple. This confirmed the prediction made by the expert, highlighting the importance of using a proper cleanser to thoroughly clean the skin.

Ultimately, I realized that while micellar water is great for removing makeup, it doesn’t provide a deep enough clean for the pores. Following the experiment, I was relieved to reunite with my face wash and reaffirmed the value of a proper cleansing routine.