Do You Know What’s Double Cleansing?

Have you ever wondered why your skin still feels dull or congested despite washing it daily? The answer might be in your cleansing routine — or lack of a double cleanse. Originating from Korean skincare, double cleansing has become a must-know technique for anyone serious about clear, healthy, and glowing skin. If you wear sunscreen, makeup, or live in a polluted city, double cleansing is a game changer. Here’s everything you need to know about what double cleansing is, why it works, and how to do it properly.

What is Double Cleansing?

Double cleansing is a two-step face cleansing method:

• Step 1: use an oil-based cleanser removes makeup, sunscreen, excess sebum, and oil-soluble impurities.
• Step 2: finish with a water-based cleanser washes away sweat, dirt, and any remaining residue for a deep clean.

Why Double Cleansing is Important

Even the best single cleanser can leave behind residue, so it can help to remove stubborn makeup & sunscreen. By thoroughly removing oil-based and water-based impurities, it can help to prevent clogged pores & breakouts. A truly clean skin absorbs serums and moisturizers better, improving its texture & radiance. If you have oily and combination skin, it can help regulate excess sebum without over-stripping.

• Fun fact: Even if you don’t wear makeup, daily sunscreen use makes double cleansing essential.

How to Double Cleanse Correctly

Step 1: Oil-Based Cleanser

Use a cleansing oil, balm, or micellar water designed to dissolve oil-based impurities. How to apply:

• Massage onto dry skin for 30–60 seconds.
• Focus on areas with makeup, sunscreen, or blackheads.
• Add a splash of lukewarm water and continue massaging to emulsify.
• Rinse thoroughly.
• Tip: Choose non-comedogenic oils like squalane or grapeseed if you’re acne-prone.

Step 2: Water-Based Cleanser

Follow with a gentle foaming, gel, or cream cleanser that targets sweat, dirt, and water-based debris. How to apply:

• Apply to damp skin.
• Massage for 30 seconds.
• Rinse with lukewarm water and gently pat dry.

Who Should Double Cleanse?

Double cleansing is perfect if you:

• Wear makeup or waterproof sunscreen
• Have oily or acne-prone skin
• Live in a city with pollution
• Want brighter, smoother skin
• Tip: If you have dry or sensitive skin, choose very gentle formulas and avoid over-cleansing, which can disrupt your barrier.

Our Top Picks

Oil based cleansers:

• Segle Clinical Cleansing Oil: with a lightweight and non-greasy formula, it effortlessly removes makeup and impurities, while it adds radiance and softness to the face.
• Clinique Take The Day Off Makeup Remover: perfect for sensitive eyes, it quickly dissolves eye and lip makeup, removing the most resistant and waterproof makeup.
• Nuxe Very Rose Delicate Cleansing Oil: enriched with 99% ingredients of natural origin, this gentle, but effective oil removes, perfectly, make-up while soothing the skin, providing comfort to the face. Suitable for face, lips and eyes, it helps to maintain the skin’s natural balance.
• Esthederm Osmoclean Micellar Cleansing Oil: not only it easily removes impurities and all types of make-up, including waterproof make-up, as it also nourishes and strengthens the skin.
• Isdin Isdinceutics Essential Cleansing Oil-Based Cleanser: the effectiveness of an oil, with the smoothness of an emulsion, provides deep cleansing while maintaining hydration and leaving skin luminous.
• Filorga Skin Prep Perfecting Cleansing Oil: inspired by professional skin cleansing techniques, this perfecting cleansing oil prepares, cleanses and renews the skin on a daily basis.

Water-based cleansers:

• Etat Pur Cleansing Gel: with a texture that forms a generous foam when in contact with water, it helps to clean, purify and remove excess oil for a fresh, clean skin.
• Rilastil Xerolact Cleansing Gel: it gently cleanses the skin, while moisturizing and protecting it. Not only it soothes down irritation, dryness and restores the skin barrier as it can be used on the face and body.
• Skin Resist Velvet Gentle Cleansing Gel: enriched with aquammunist, skincalm booster and niacinamide, it removes makeup, while it calms down and reduces discomfort in more reactive skin.
• Macca Clean & Pure Cleansing Foam: a cleansing foam that removes makeup and purifies the skin while it helps to control sebaceous production and reduces pimples and blemishes. Perfect for oily skin.
• Avène Cleansing Foam: with a gentle mousse texture, it helps to perfectly cleanse, purify and remove makeup, maintaining the skin’s natural balance.
• Apivita Cleansing Foam Face & Eyes: a soothing antiseptic cleansing foam, it removes all dirt and, even the toughest makeup.

FAQs

Q: Can I double cleanse every day?
A: Yes! It’s safe for most skin types to double cleanse daily at night, especially if you wear sunscreen or makeup.

Q: Should I double cleanse in the morning?
A: It’s not usually necessary. A single cleanse or even rinsing with water is enough unless your skin feels particularly oily.

Q: Will double cleansing dry out my skin?
A: Not if you use gentle, hydrating cleansers and avoid harsh ingredients like sulfates.

Q: Do I need to use hot water?
A: No, lukewarm water is best. Hot water can strip natural oils and irritate your skin.

Double cleansing might sound like an extra step, but it’s the foundation of a truly effective skincare routine. By deeply cleansing without damaging your skin barrier, you set the stage for better absorption of your serums, moisturizers, and treatments — and a brighter, healthier complexion. Are you ready to give it a try?