Micellar water can neither entirely fall into the makeup category or the skincare category. It’s the perfect in-between product that’s an important step before moving on to skincare, after removing makeup.

Here’s the simple definition: Micellar water is a first-step cleanser that breaks down makeup, grime, and sebum. It is used to fully remove cosmetic products on the face before washing it with a facial cleanser.

Here’s the scientific definition: Micellar water is made from a kind of surfactant known as micelle. This component has two sides to it. One is known as the water-loving head (hydrophilic) and the other contains oil-loving tails (hydrophobic). It is the oil-loving tails that trap makeup, oil, grime, etc. The water-loving head then helps rinse off the makeup from the face.

Before you learn how to use micellar water, here is an important thing to know: Micellar water is not a finishing product but a cleansing product. Therefore, you shouldn’t leave your face as is after using it. It must be followed up with a gentle cleanser to wash any remaining residue of makeup and the film that micellar water leaves behind.

Micellar water contains surfactants. If it stays longer on your skin, it will cause irritation and affect the moisture barrier. That’s why it’s essential to rinse it off thoroughly with a gentle face wash like the simple kind to skin refreshing facial wash.

Now that this out of the way, here is how to use micellar water:

• Saturate a cotton round/pad with a gentle micellar water like the Simple Kind To Skin Micellar Cleansing Water. Start with a small quantity.
• Using a gentle touch, remove makeup.
• If needed, saturate a fresh cotton pad with micellar water to remove excess makeup.
• Once the makeup is removed, wash your face with lukewarm water and a gentle facial cleanser.

Micellar water should always be a part of a double cleansing routine so that your face gets a proper cleanse. If you don’t follow a double cleansing routine, residual makeup and grime could be left behind on your face, clogging your pores leading to skin concerns like acne, pimples and blackheads.

Double cleansing routine is when you follow a two-step cleansing routine if you wear makeup or sunscreen or both. This isn’t the same as regularly cleansing your face twice a day.

Most makeup products and sunscreens are oil, cream or wax based. Therefore, just using a face wash won’t cut it. The cleanser will have a tough time breaking down the makeup. This is where micellar water comes into picture. The sole purpose of micellar water is to break down makeup and grime so that when you move on to the second step which is the face wash, the cleanser will easily clean your face, leaving the pores clean and fresh.

If you are someone who doesn’t wear makeup every day, then you need not follow this routine every day except on days you do feel like applying a dab or two of makeup. Well in this case, you just need a small amount of micellar water like the Simple Kind to Skin Micellar Cleansing Water that also comes in a 50ml pouch.

If you have sensitive, acne-prone skin, then go for something a little more gentle like the Simple Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner 200ml.

Just like many beauty products, micellar water is yet another product that is subjective to people’s preferences and skin type. If your skin or eyes don’t react negatively to micellar water, you can continue using it. But if you have sensitive skin or eyes, be careful before using the product. Always do a patch-test. If your skin doesn’t take to it or your eyes sting, then micellar water may not be for you.

It's better to go for alternatives like a makeup removing balm or oil. Unlike micellar water, which is dominantly water-based, makeup removing balms and oils can be oil based, butter based, or wax based. Since these are made with mild, plant-based ingredients, chances are it would suit your skin type. However, always do a patch-test.

One last thing to remember, always remove your makeup before going to bed. Feeling too tired or lazy? Then you can go for a simple, quick step like the Simple Kind To Skin Cleansing Facial Wipes that remove waterproof makeup and even waterproof mascara.