What is micellar water?
15-02-2024
10:29 AM
1 min read
Overview:
Micellar water, a product found in supermarkets, chemists and bathroom cabinets around the world, is a very effective cleanser and many people swear by it as part of their skincare routine.
About Micellar water
- Micellar water products contain something called micelles – clusters of molecules that are very effective at removing oily substances.
- The micelles in micellar water are formed by special molecules known as surfactants.
- These micelles have a hydrophilic exterior, meaning that they are very happy to remain mixed throughout water.
- It is a commonly used skin care product that helps remove impurities and makeup from your skin.
- It’s a very gentle solution that contains a very mild detergent.
- Working
- When you apply some micellar water to a cotton pad, another convenient interaction occurs.
- The wet cotton is hydrophilic (loves water). Consequently, some of the micelles will unravel, with the hydrophilic heads being attracted to the wet cotton pad.
- Now, sticking out from the surface will be a layer of hydrophobic tail groups.
- These hydrophobic tails cannot wait to attract themselves to makeup, sunscreen, oils, dirt, grease and other contaminants on your face.
- As you sweep the cotton pad across your skin, these contaminants bind to the hydrophobic tails and are removed from the skin.
- Some contaminants will also find themselves encapsulated in the hydrophobic centres of the micelle.
- Either way, a cleaner surface is left behind.
Q1) What is surfactant?
The compounds that lower the surface tension between two phases, like between two liquids, a gas and a liquid, or a liquid and a solid are called surface active agent or surfactants..