Micellar Water and Gentle Cleansing: The Foundation of Healthy Skin
A good skincare routine always starts with cleansing. Removing impurities, excess sebum, pollution, and makeup is essential, but doing so without harming the skin is even more important. In this guide, we explain how to cleanse effectively and respectfully.
Our gentle cleansing options
The quickest and most practical choice: removes makeup and impurities in a single step, without rubbing and without a greasy feeling. Ideal for sensitive skin and for refreshing skin at any time of day.
An organic certified cleansing balm that dissolves even the most resistant makeup and sunscreen, transforming on contact with the skin. Perfect as the first step of a double cleanse.
The solid and zero-plastic version, with jojoba oil, for those who want a gentle and sustainable cleanse at the same time. With a top score of INCI Beauty 20/20.
What micellar water is and how it works
Micellar water contains micelles, tiny spheres formed by molecules with one end that attracts fat and another that attracts water. These micelles capture dirt, sebum, and makeup like a magnet, suspending them so they can be removed with a simple cotton pad.
- Cleanses and removes makeup in one step.
- Light texture, no oily residue.
- Ideal for quick cleansing and for sensitive skin.
After micellar water, rinsing is optional, but it is recommended if your skin feels sticky.
Double cleansing: when and why
For heavier makeup, sunscreen, or at the end of a long day, double cleansing is the ideal approach:
- First oil-based step (balm or oil): based on the principle that "like dissolves like," lipids dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and sebum much better than water.
- Second gentle step (micellar water or gentle gel): removes what's left and refreshes the skin.
Cleansing without destroying the skin barrier
Here's the most common mistake: over-cleansing, or using overly aggressive products. The skin has a skin barrier, a "bricks and mortar" structure made of cells and lipids (ceramides, fatty acids, cholesterol) that retains water and protects against aggressors.
Highly alkaline soaps and strong surfactants remove these lipids, increase water loss, alter the skin's acid mantle, and can compromise the barrier and microbiome. The result is skin that feels dry, tight, and, paradoxically, more reactive and oily.
That's why we prioritize gentle, pH-balanced, non-aggressive formulas, and we recommend not over-washing your face (see references at the end, in English).
Less is more: the prudent choice
Many conventional cleansing products rely on aggressive surfactants and a long list of ingredients. Individually, few have a proven risk, but absence of proof is not a guarantee of safety, and regulation always lags behind science.
What matters is not a single wash, but repeated exposure, day after day, over years, and the cumulative effect of everything we apply to the skin. That's why we prefer the simpler and more prudent approach: gentle, short, and clean formulas that cleanse effectively and respect the skin's barrier. There's no need to wait for confirmation of a problem to choose what provides the most guarantees for your health.
The ideal cleansing routine
- Remove makeup / cleanse with micellar water or cleansing balm.
- Apply the serum appropriate for your goal.
- Moisturize with the cream suitable for your skin type.
Ready for a better cleanse?
For daily use, quick and gentle:
The simplest cleansing step, for the whole family.
For a deep removal at the end of the day:
The organic balm that dissolves everything and cares for the skin.
Discover our entire selection of natural facial cleansing and care at Prana Market.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does micellar water work?
It contains micelles, tiny spheres that attract fat and makeup like a magnet, allowing you to cleanse your skin gently, without rubbing or drying it out.
Do you need to rinse after micellar water?
It's optional, but recommended if your skin feels sticky. For heavy makeup or sunscreen, use a balm or oil beforehand (double cleansing).
Does aggressive cleansing damage the skin?
Yes. Highly alkaline soaps and strong surfactants remove natural lipids, compromise the skin barrier, and leave the skin dry and reactive. Opt for gentle, pH-balanced formulas.
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References (in English)
- American Academy of Dermatology: Face washing 101 (in English)
- Lin et al., Int J Mol Sci (2018): Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils (in English)