Is micellar water safe?
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The bottom line
Micellar water is a cosmetic product that is used to remove dirt, oil, and makeup from the face. Micellar water is made up of water mixed with soap, hydrating chemicals, and perfumes. A small amount of micellar water is unlikely to cause poisoning if swallowed. Micellar water can be irritating if it gets in the eyes.
Prevention tips
Keep micellar water in its original container.
Store micellar water products out of reach of children.
Do not leave micellar water products open and unattended.
If micellar water is swallowed, do not induce vomiting.
This really happened
A 3-year-old boy drank a sip of micellar water while out shopping with his mother. He was given a snack and never developed symptoms.
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What is micellar water?
Micellar water is a cosmetic product that is used as a facial cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and makeup from skin. The main ingredient is water. The remaining ingredients are soap, hydrating chemicals, and perfumes. The term “micellar” comes from the chemistry term “micelle.” Micelles are little clusters of molecules that trap oils, making them easier to wash off.
What happens if you accidentally swallow micellar water?
A small amount of micellar water is unlikely to cause poisoning, whether it is swallowed or used on the skin, because the product is mostly water. If swallowed, the most likely symptom to develop will be mild nausea. Someone with a sensitive stomach might vomit or have diarrhea. If someone unintentionally drinks micellar water, have them drink a few small sips of regular water to rinse the remaining material into their stomach.
What to do if someone has a reaction to micellar water
If you suspect someone has been exposed to micellar water and is having a problem, use the webPOISONCONTROL® online tool to get help, or call your poison center at 1-800-222-1222. Whether online or by phone, expert guidance is always free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day.
Is micellar water safe to use around children or during pregnancy?
Micellar water is intended to be used on the skin, which will minimize any absorption of its ingredients. When used as directed, there is no reason to expect that it will be a danger to children or pregnant women.
What are the ingredients to watch out for in micellar water?
Only a tiny fraction of micellar water is anything but water. A person might still be sensitive to one of the other ingredients. If a rash or other skin irritation develops, stop using the product.
What to do if micellar water gets in your eyes
Although the ingredients are mild, micellar water can be irritating if it gets in the eyes. If someone experiences eye irritation after getting micellar water in their eyes, gently rinse the exposed eye with room-temperature water for 10–15 minutes. See a doctor for eye pain or other symptoms that do not go away.
What are the advantages of micellar water?
Micellar water is gentler than other skin cleansing products and does not need to be rinsed off. It can also help keep skin moisturized. Compared to many facial cleansers, it is less likely to cause skin irritation and is safe to use on damaged skin.