Micellar water

16.02.2024

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Why in the news?

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.

                                                           Source: The Hindu