French Women Don’t Use Face Wash—Here’s Why
by Faith Xue
We’re endlessly fascinated by French women’s beauty routines—mainly because it doesn’t seem like they really have one. No, they’re just effortlessly cooler than we’ll ever dream of being, and though we’re slowly coming to terms with that fact (kidding, we’ll never stop trying to emulate Marion Cotillard), we haven’t stopped trying to decipher every facet of their laissez-faire beauty routines.
Thus, when we stumbled on the French skincare secret that is micellar water, our Francophile hearts leapt with joy and wonder. Was this product the secret to French women’s hydrated-but-never-oily complexions? Is this why every French It girl ever interviewed always says, “Not much,” when asked about what she uses on her face? We spoke with Simple Skincare’s advisory board member and Beverly Hills dermatologist Dr. Debra Luftman and asked her to explain what this magical water does and why we should maybe consider doing as the French do and stop washing our face with normal water. Keep scrolling to find out why micellar water is a serious beauty game changer, and shop some of our favorites ahead!
First things first—what exactly is the “micellar” in micellar water? “Micellar water contains small particles called micelles,” Luftman explains. “They work like a miniature sponge, mopping up dirt and makeup while hydrating your skin. Micelles have an oil-loving ‘tail’ that traps dirt, oil, and makeup and a water-loving ‘head’ that allows the micelles to dissolve impurities so they can easily be wiped away.” So, that all sounds way, way better than the regular water we use to wash our face—and it is. In fact, Luftman explains that the reason micellar water is so popular in France is because of the notoriously hard water in Paris, which can be extremely harsh on the skin. “Micellar waters are super-gentle, so they won’t strip or irritate the skin while cleansing,” she says. “All skin types can benefit from micellar water, but I especially recommend it for those with dry, sensitive, or acne-prone skin. Simple Skincare’s Micellar Cleansing Water boosts skin’s hydration by 90%, is triple purified, and enriched with vitamins.”
Related: 10 Things Girls With Perfect Skin Always Do
To use micellar water, you simply pour it into a cotton pad and rub it over your face, like a toner. Then, just carry one with your skincare routine as normal—no need to rinse afterward. “Micellar water can replace any daily cleansing routine,” Luftman says. “I recommend using it in the morning, followed by an SPF moisturizer, and again in the evening followed by a night cream.” One note: We’ve tried a couple of micellar waters (and loved all of them), and though they never leave your skin feeling sticky, we recommend removing heavy makeup with a makeup-removing wipe beforehand.
Micellar sounds just like the gentle, hydrating cleanser we’ve been searching for our entire lives—and lucky for us, a trip of France is no longer required to stock up on them. Bioderma’s much-loved CréalineH Micelle Solution (a model favorite) is available on Amazon, and brands like La Roche-Posay, Avène, and even Garnier have all come out with their own versions you can buy right at your local drugstore. Keep scrolling to shop our favorite micellar waters!
Simple Skincare Cleansing Micellar Water
Orlane Vitality Radiance Micellar Cleansing Water
Related: 6 Reasons You Don’t Have the Skin You Want
Bioderma CréalineH2O Micelle Solution
La Roche-Posay Physiological Micellar Solution
Decléor Aroma Cleanse Soothing Micellar Water
Related: 3 Model-Approved Facial Exercises for Glowing Skin
Dior Instant Cleansing Water with Pure Lily Extract
Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water
Avène Micellar Lotion Cleansing and Makeup Remover
Darphin Paris Azahar Cleansing Micellar Water
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