Kayla Young
If you wear a lot of make-up or mascara, you’re likely well-acquainted with micellar water, the miracle product promoted by both beauty blogs and health professionals alike. The water is terrific for removing oils, dirt, and make-up, and since 1991 it’s been a product that’s entirely safe.
It’s also alcohol-free, hydrating the skin while also reducing any irritation. It’s a fantastic product, made mostly of water. But just because something is made of water doesn’t mean it should be used the same.
Can you drink micellar water? What would happen if you drank micellar water?
If you drink only a small amount of micellar water, probably nothing would happen. Perhaps a little nausea. If you drank a lot, you may get sick and should reach out to poison control.
In this blog, we’ll go over the effects of drinking micellar water as well as dispel a myth that has long been believed about micellar water.
Can You Drink Micellar Water?
The primary ingredient in micellar water is right there in the name: water. There are very small amounts of humectants, surfactants, and fragrances. In other words, it contains a little bit of soap, perfumes, and hydrating chemicals.
So what would happen if you drank micellar water? Is micellar water poisonous?
Since the product is mostly water, however, ingesting a small amount will not harm you. If you’ve accidentally swallowed a little soap or perfume in the past, it’s certainly unpleasant, but it didn’t lead you to frantically dial poison control.
If you do swallow a little, you may feel some nausea. People who are particularly sensitive to it may experience vomiting. If you do ingest a few sips, it’s best to chase it immediately with some regular water to help rinse the chemicals through your stomach.
Micellar water is also irritating to the eyes, much like soap would be. If it’s a small amount, washing it out should not be difficult, but large amounts on the eyes should be dealt with by a medical professional.
If you decided you wanted to chug several bottles of micellar water, you may well get sick. But if you accidentally ingest a bit, no big deal.
What Kind of Micellar Water is Best?
Although any micellar water is suitable for all skin types, there are various formulas available that are specific to certain skins.
If you have oily skin that is prone to acne, a gel product that dissolves make-up while also removing impurities would be ideal. Dry skin might work best with a milk cleanser.
For sensitive skin, water products are usually recommended. Water does not need to be rinsed, and make-up removal requires less scrubbing. For those concerned with abrasions, dabbing a cotton ball with micellar water and rubbing it gently where the make-up was applied is the safest option.
Using micellar water to remove light make-up should be a fairly quick process, though the heavier the make-up has been applied, the more effort it will take to properly remove it.
Obviously, you should never intentionally drink micellar water!
What Would Happen If You Drank Micellar Water? I’ve Heard It’s Cancer-causing
There was legitimate concern about an ingredient in micellar water that potentially caused cancer. Polyaminopropyl biguanide (PHMB) was used in many personal care products, including micellar water.
The ingredient has been banned in personal care products since January 2015. However, the Danish Consumer Council THINK chemicals found the substance in 36 care products six months after the ban.
It’s extremely important to check the ingredients on your micellar water. If they contain PHMB, discontinue using them immediately.
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