Micellar water and which hazel are widely used and much-loved skincare products. Which is best for you? This article looks at it

Micellar water and which hazel can be used for the same purpose, they can be used as a toner or to cleanse your skin between washing your face. The difference is that which hazel has therapeutic properties and is an astringent. Micellar water contains oil particles so it is more moisturizing.

Micellar water and which hazel have been advertised as being products that will allow you to clean your face without having to rinse off (yes that means one step cleaning).

Both these products have been a hot topic in recent times. They have been the go-to products when looking for a good affordable toner.

This article looks at the two, micellar water vs which hazel. Which is the one for you?

If you want a break from using your facial wipes to remove make up then these might be the products for you.

If you’re not keen on using just water, facial foams, facial cleansers or face washes then you are in luck. Micellar water or which hazel might be your saving grace.

Micellar water vs witch hazel

What is micellar water?

Micellar water has been the “it” product in recent times.

It is a liquid used by beauty industry professionals to removes the likes of long-lasting liquid lipstick and waterproof mascara.

These are known to be the more difficult products to try to remove. Micellar water is a cleansing water.

The water is able to attract and remove any oil and dirt that may be sitting on your face all day or night

The product, depending on which one you pick, can clean out pores by entering and flushing out anything that may be clogging them.

Unfortunately, some micellar water will contain oils that leave a residue on the skin. This residue can clog pores and cause breakouts.

The residue and clogging is usually the result of the suspended oil molecules that you find in some micellar waters.

This is a well-meaning ingredient. The oils in micellar water are meant to hydrate the skin (oils are known to do and do well) but in some cases, the oils can clog pores.  

If the micellar water contains some fragrance then the product will irritate the skin.

You need to make sure you are using the right micellar water for your skin type. People with normal or dry skin can use this product.

What is which hazel?

Witch hazel is a clear liquid product, a natural astringent that can be used to fight skin issues.

It is an all-round product that can help with oiliness, skin redness, sunburn and puffy eyes.

The raw ingredient is a shrub, the processing of the plant’s bark, twigs and leaf produce which hazel.

We can use the plant extract to make ointments for the skin as well. When it comes to using it in skincare we usually go for using the clear liquid version

The witch hazel has benefits which include tightening the pores and firming the skin. Its astringent properties give the skin this effect.

It’s a great natural toner that will balance the oil if you have combination or oily skin.

I recommend you use this product if you have oilier skin as it can control oil production and help give you a matte look.

The liquid is packed with a variety of antioxidants which are very beneficial to the skin.

That being said which hazel, when used on skin types which are prone to drying, will give you even drier skin.

The antioxidant that has this effect on the skin is called tannins. If the which hazel is of good quality then the tannins is destroyed.

If the tannins is not destroyed and the which hazel if of low quality it can dry out your skin. The which hazel might contain alcohol.

If the witch hazel contains alcohol then I suggest you don’t use it, alcohol is known to be very drying.

Is micellar water the same as witch hazel?

Which hazel and micellar water pretty much do the same thing. They clean your face of dirt or pollution between washes.

If you only wash your face at night time you can use this in the morning to refresh your face.

Alternatively, if you wash your face twice a day then either can be used after the face wash to remove any residue and give you a clean fresh feel.

You can use both these products just as you would with any toner. Apply some on a cotton pad, and wipe away any leftover residue after you wash your face.

The difference between them is that which hazel has a variety of therapeutic properties.

The witch hazel is also a natural astringent, this works to make the pores appear smaller.

Which hazel when compared to micellar water more often than not has 100% natural ingredients in the formulation.

There are also no fragrances and dyes in traditional which hazels.

Can you use micellar water and witch hazel?

These two products practically do the same thing.

Using them together would be like using a face wash and a face cleanser right after each other, they are different but they basically do the same thing.

When choosing between which hazel or micellar water knowing which one to use depends on your skin type.

You can use one or the other, as long as you moisturise well after using which hazel and you don’t use a comedogenic micellar water on your acne-prone skin then you’ll be alright.

Does micellar water clog pores?

Micellar water can clog pores depending on your skin type. Generally, micellar water will clarify the skin, it will also give you skin that is dewy and hydrated.

The cleansing properties are all thanks to the oil molecules in the product which collect the excess oil, dead skin cells, makeup and any other debris that may be on your face.

If you have oily skin and reside from the micellar water is left on your skin after use this can mix with your dead skin cells and clog your pores.

Should I moisturize after witch hazel?

Regardless of your skin type, it is necessary to moisturise your skin after using which hazel.

Its astringent properties can be drying to some people’s skin. If you have normal to dry skin this can lead to your skin becoming drier.

If you have oily skin the added drying effects can cause your skin to produce more oil in an effort to moisturise itself.

For this reason, it’s important to use a good hydrating moisturiser on your skin after toning with witch hazel, this is a great one.

Good options to use:

Which hazels:

Thayers Witch Hazel Toner

This is a cult favourite that is loved and used far and wide.

There are variations of this toner depending on what your needs are, the original toner is fragrance-free and simple.

There is also a rose water scented toner and a cucumber scented toner.

Regardless of which you prefer the toner will help get rid of any redness and issues with skin tone.

If you want a cleansing and toning product then this is the one for you.

Dickinson’s Enhanced Witch Hazel Alcohol-Free Hydrating Toner with Rosewater

This is a gentle witch hazel that won’t dry out your skin.

The original formula is harsher on the skin but the company has released this one that contains hyaluronic acid, this acid helps to moisturise and nourish your skin.

It also contains vitamin e which will keep that moisture locked in. If you need something that will help with improving your acne-prone skin this is the one for you.

Micellar water:

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

If you’ve heard of micellar water you’ve heard about the Garnier micellar water.

It’ll do a great job at moisturising and hydrating your skin as well as removing any makeup from the day.

The oil in the product will loosen and remove any dirt on your face in a gentle way. This includes removing waterproof makeup.

It works to remove makeup but won’t irritate your skin even if your skin is sensitive

Simple Kind to Skin Cleansing Water

This is also a great product to use on your skin if you have sensitive skin. It is tough on makeup and does a great job at cleansing the skin.

It also gives you softer and more hydrated skin.

In addition to this, you’ll be glad to know that there are no artificial perfumes, harsh chemicals or dyes in this product that can irritate your skin.

Conclusion

Both are pretty good at removing makeup but they have their negatives as well.

If you don’t moisturise well enough after using the witch hazel it can be drying on the skin as it removes oil.

If you use the wrong type of micellar water then you can get clogged pores.

So I suggest you moisturise well after using the which hazel. Use a micellar water that won’t clog your pores.

Alternatively, you can choose to do the oil cleansing method which will hydrate your face without clogging your pores, this is a great oil cleanser to use.

The oil cleaning method entails applying then removing the oil from your face. This is how to do to the oil cleansing method.

Here are some good essential oils you can use for it.

I hope you enjoyed and are informed about micellar water vs which hazel. If you enjoyed this article please share it.