Micellar water is often touted as a miracle skincare product that can replace a few other products in your bathroom cabinet. But is micellar water good for your eyelashes?
Micellar water is safe to use on eyelashes as it has a conditioning and soothing effect. It can also remove dirt and oil but it is not effective at removing waterproof eye makeup. Some may also find that it can cause irritation to the eye area.
What Is Micellar Water?
Micellar water is a multi-purpose skincare product that has become a favorite amongst beauty gurus in recent years.
It’s made out of three key ingredients:
- Purified water
- Moisturizers such as glycerin
- Mild surfactants (cleansing compounds)
The molecules of the surfactants join together to form “micelles”, which are a kind of spherical chemical structure that pulls makeup, dirt, and oil from the skin.
Micellar water is extremely gentle; it removes impurities without drying out the skin. It clears out the pores while toning and moisturizing the skin.
Benefits of Micellar Water
Micellar water is a multi-functional product that has many potential benefits for the skin. These include:
- Supports skin hydration
- Effective cleanser
- It’s suitable for all skin types, even sensitive
- Helps to keep skin clear
- It’s multifunctional – can be used as a makeup remover, cleanser, and a toner
- Good for traveling – useful for situations where you may not have access to clean running water
2 Reasons Why Micellar Water Is Good For Eyelashes
It Effectively Removes Eye Makeup
One of the main reasons for eyelash breakage and loss is not removing your mascara before bed.
Micellar water serves as an effective eye makeup remover, although it’s not very effective at removing waterproof makeup.
It’s A Gentle Cleanser
Because micellar water is a gentle cleanser, it isn’t too harsh to use around the eye area.
It is gentle and promotes moisture, so may help to condition your eyelashes and prevent breakage and loss.
2 Reasons Why Micellar Water Is Bad For Eyelashes
It’s Not Good At Removing Waterproof Eye Makeup
While micellar water is effective at removing light eye makeup, it is not very good at removing heavier, waterproof makeup such as waterproof mascara.
Going to bed with mascara still on your lashes can cause eyelashes to become dry and brittle. It can also lead to flakes of mascara falling in your eyes and irritating them.
It May Cause Oil Build-Up
Micellar water is often oil-based. Not only can this be a problem for those with oiler skin types, but it can also lead to problems for your eyelashes.
An oil-based cleanser can clog the oil glands of your eyelids.
According to the Beverly Hills-based optometrist Kambiz Silani, OD, this can lead to the eye becoming dry and itchy, and eventually lead to bacterial overgrowth, causing meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).
This will leave your eyes feeling gritty, dry, and irritated, causing blurry vision. You’ll also be likely to rub your eyes, which will lead to lash loss.
Should You Use Micellar Water On Eyelashes?
There is no conclusive evidence to say that micellar water is bad for eyelashes. It really depends on your preferences and experience with micellar water.
Some people with more sensitive skin may find that micellar water can cause irritation if they don’t rinse it off.
Those with oilier skin may find it doesn’t effectively cleanse their skin, which could cause problems with the oil glands in their eyelids over time, potentially leading to eyelash loss.
If you find that using micellar water causes irritation to your eyes, stop using it.
You may find it works better as just the first step of your skincare regimen, or just for travel and in situations where there is no running water.
Can Micellar Water Help Grow Eyelashes?
There is no evidence to suggest that micellar water can directly help grow eyelashes. That being said, it’s a gentle cleanser, which some may find is good for the health of their eyelashes.
Healthier eyelashes grow better, so micellar water may be indirectly beneficial for eyelash growth.
The only way to be sure is to try it and see if it works for you.
If you find that micellar water causes eye irritation, stop using it, as this can cause damage to your eyelashes and eyes in the long run.
3 Alternative Cleansers That Are Good For Eyelashes
As an alternative to micellar water which is good for your eyelashes, consider investing in one of these products:
Eye Makeup Remover
Look for a dedicated eye makeup remover that is ophthalmologist-tested. These are specially formulated for use around the sensitive eye area.
This is especially important if you want to remove waterproof eye makeup as micellar water isn’t always effective.
Oils
Natural oils such as coconut oil and olive oil are a gentle and highly effective way of removing eye makeup.
They will gently melt away your eye makeup, so you can simply sweep it away.
Always be sure to buy oil that is cold-pressed and unrefined for the best quality oil.
Vaseline
This multi-functional product is not just for your lips and cuticles – it’s also great for removing eye makeup.
Vaseline is safe for use around the eyes and also helps to condition your lashes at the same time. You only need to use a thin layer rather than a big glob.