Move over micellar, washing your face with sparkling water is trending

Micellar water changed the cleansing game when it blew up our beauty cabinets two years ago. But now there’s a brand new way to cleanse: by using carbonated water. 

While it could be considered odd, the trend is emerging thanks to skincare trendsetters in the J and K-beauty space who have been long “…using carbonated water in beauty products, such as sheet masks and toners,” as Soko Glam founder Charlotte Cho recently told Cosmopolitan. 

Related Brands: 

There’s genuine science behind the claims that washing your face with effervescent water will work better than tap water too. Speaking with Allure, US dermatologist Roberta Del Campo explained: “Bubbly water has a slightly acidic pH of 5.5, which coincidentally is the same pH as our skin. On the other hand, tap water has a pH of 7, which can disrupt the skin's outermost layer, leading to dryness and irritation." 

Using soda water to wash away cleansers is also something everyone can partake in, even those with sensitive skin; albeit with a warning: "For some individuals with extremely sensitive skin, the skin will need to adjust over time and, therefore, there may be initial irritation if used daily,” Del Camp added. 

Other benefits to cleansing with carbonated water include increased circulation as the CO2 brings blood and oxygen to your skins tissue; and unclogged pores with minimised irritation thanks to the carbonation working to break up dirt and oil in clogged pores. 

Admittedly the practice could be quite expensive, so if you’re looking to stick with cleansing balms, micellar water or wipes check out our recommendations below.

Try: Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing BalmBioré Baking Soda Micellar Water, La Roche-Posay Micellar Cleansing Water, Swisspers Cleansing Facial Wipes with Micellar & Coconut 25s, Avene Micellar Lotion.