The Double cleansing method started in Japan and Korea. It is a two-step way to wash your face that removes all makeup, sunscreen, and dirt while keeping your skin healthy. A study showed that this method makes your skin cleaner and healthier. In a test with 32 people, skin retained 18% more moisture when using double cleansing, indicating that it helps keep the skin hydrated. The study also found that double cleansing helped skin stay soft and less oily for longer. These results show real benefits for your skin. How to Double Cleanse:
Step 1: Wash your face with an oil-based product to remove skin oils, sunscreen, and makeup.
Step 2: Use a water-based cleanser to gently wash away sweat, dirt, and any residue that may be left behind.
Double cleansing deeply cleans the skin by first dissolving makeup, sunscreen, and oils with an oil-based cleanser, followed by the removal of sweat and dirt with a water-based cleanser. This method helps keep skin balanced, clean, and less likely to dry out, proving more effective than single cleansing.
Double cleansing can be started with an effective routine using a simple two-step combo: one oil-based cleanser and one water-based cleanser that are affordable, easy to find, and gentle enough for daily use. It is recommended to incorporate double cleansing nightly rather than twice daily, as over-cleansing can lead to skin irritation. This approach ensures the process remains effective while being mindful of skin health.
First Step: Oil Cleaner
On dry skin, apply 1-2 pumps of cleansing oil or balm.
Gently massage regions with a lot of makeup for one to two minutes.
Add water to the oil and gently rub until it emulsifies and turns milky.
Use lukewarm water to rinse well.
Step 2: Water Cleaner
Depending on the type of skin you have, use a gentle gel, cream, or foam cleanser.
Spend 30 to 60 seconds massaging.
After rinsing with warm water, pat dry.
Before selecting products for double cleansing, it’s helpful to understand your skin type. Consider answering the following questions to better identify your skin’s needs:
When choosing products for double cleansing, focus on tailoring your routine to your skin’s characteristics. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, opt for lightweight oils like olive or hemp, as they are less likely to clog pores. Sensitive skin will benefit from gentle, soothing ingredients such as chamomile or aloe vera, reducing the chance of irritation. Prioritize products with a pH close to your skin’s natural level, around 5.5, as this helps maintain your skin’s protective barrier. Ingredients like cocamidopropyl betaine cleanse gently without causing issues. Some cleansers offer antioxidants, which can further support your skin. Use these guidelines along with the product examples below to select options that best match your skin needs.
Oil cleansers remove oil-based impurities such as SPF, foundation, and waterproof mascara, while water-based cleansers clear away residual dirt and oil, ensuring your skin is fully clean. Even if you don’t wear makeup, sunscreen still requires oil cleansing for proper removal.
Affordable beginner-friendly picks:
Cream-to-oil formula that’s fragrance-free, non-stripping, and good for sensitive skin.
Doubles as a gentle morning cleanser if needed.
Olive oil-based, effective at melting off heavy makeup.
The mini size is great for testing before committing to the full size.
Technically not an oil, but the micellar and oil phases work similarly.
Good for a quick first cleanse without rinsing (though rinsing is still better)
This second cleanse ensures your skin is clear of oil cleanser and impurities, helping prevent clogged pores and supporting healthy skin.
Affordable beginner-friendly picks:
Contains ceramides and niacinamide, balances skin without stripping.
Great for normal to oily skin.
Gentle, skin-friendly pH works for all skin types.
Tea tree oil gives a mild, fresh scent and helps with blemishes.
No fragrance, colorants, or harsh chemicals—good for sensitive skin.
Even people who are knowledgeable about double cleansing can make mistakes, and understanding what to avoid can help you achieve better results. Common mistakes include using harsh, foamy cleansers that make your skin feel tight, using hot water, which can strip moisture away, and skipping the crucial step of emulsifying oil cleansers. Research indicates that cleansers with a high pH can damage the skin’s protective layer, leading to irritation and dryness. One study found that using these cleansers regularly can cause your skin to become rougher over time, so it’s essential to choose products that are pH-balanced to maintain healthy skin. To support you in avoiding these pitfalls, remember to always be gentle and mindful during your cleansing routine.
Understanding double cleansing is like cleaning a greasy pan. First, you soak the pan in water to loosen the dirt, just like water-based cleansers wash away things that dissolve in water. However, to remove tough grease, you need soap that can cling to the oil, just like an oil cleanser removes makeup and skin oils. If you skip the soap and only use water, the stubborn grease remains, much like leftover oils and impurities that stay on the skin with single cleansing. The oil cleanser breaks down the oily stuff on your face, and then the water-based cleanser washes away both oil and dirt. Using both steps ensures your skin is thoroughly clean and feels fresh, just as using soap leaves a pan sparkling and ready for the next use.
01: It’s too severe.” – Not if you use mild, pH-balanced cleaning products.
02: It’s only for women.”—Everyone should take care of their skin.
03: It causes dryness.”—Harsh products, not the process, are the cause of dryness.
Double cleansing is a straightforward method for maintaining clean and healthy skin. It helps skin appear brighter and prepares it for the rest of a routine, whether sunscreen or makeup is used. With regular double cleansing, skin often feels fresher and may require less moisturizer in the morning. Trying this method can make a skincare routine easier and more effective.
