If there is one skincare step that quietly separates the casually curious from the truly committed, it’s double cleansing. Not flashy, not new, and certainly not TikTok-born, this two-step ritual has long been the backbone of Korean skincare and for good reason. In an era where we layer SPF, long-wear foundation, cream bronzer, and city pollution before noon, a single cleanse simply doesn’t cut it anymore.
Double cleansing is exactly what it sounds like: cleansing your face twice, first with an oil-based cleanser, then with a water-based one. But the impact? Transformative. Think clearer pores, smoother texture, and better absorption of skincare.
Why One Cleanse Isn’t Enough
Traditional cleansers are great at removing sweat and surface dirt, but they struggle with oil-based impurities—makeup, sunscreen, excess sebum, and environmental pollutants. That’s where the first cleanse comes in. An oil cleanser works on the principle that like dissolves like, melting away stubborn residue without stripping the skin.
The second cleanse, usually a gel, cream, or foaming cleanser, then steps in to actually clean the skin. It removes what’s left behind: sweat, bacteria, and any lingering debris. The result is skin that’s genuinely clean, not just cosmetically so.
This is why dermatologists and estheticians often say that breakouts, dullness, and congestion aren’t always about the products you’re using. They're about what you’re not fully removing.
The First Cleanse: Oil, Balm, or Milk
The first step is all about breakdown. Oil cleansers and cleansing balms are designed to dissolve makeup and sunscreen efficiently, without harsh surfactants. Massage it onto dry skin, and watch everything melt away. Waterproof mascara, heavy foundation, even layers of SPF don’t stand a chance.
Contrary to popular belief, oil cleansers are suitable for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin. In fact, they can help regulate excess oil by cleansing without triggering that tight, over-stripped feeling that causes skin to overcompensate.
Balms tend to feel richer and more indulgent, while oils offer a lightweight slip. Milky oil cleansers are a happy medium, especially for sensitive skin.
La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Cleansing Oil
The Second Cleanse: Where Skin Gets Clean
Once you rinse off the first cleanse, the second cleanser actually cleans the skin itself. This step should be gentle, low-pH, and suited to your skin type. Dry skin benefits from cream or hydrating gel cleansers, while oily or congested skin may prefer a soft foam.
This is also where treatment ingredients can shine—think soothing centella, barrier-supporting ceramides, or mild exfoliating acids. Because your skin is already free of makeup and buildup, these ingredients can do their job more effectively.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Gentle Cream-to-Foam Facial Cleanser
The Real Glow-Up: What Changes Over Time
The magic of double cleansing isn’t always immediate, but it’s noticeable. Over time, pores appear clearer, skin texture looks smoother, and breakouts become less frequent. Makeup applies better. Serums absorb faster. Even your moisturizer performs differently when it’s not battling residue underneath.
Many people also find that their skin becomes less reactive once they stop over-cleansing with harsh, all-in-one products. Double cleansing is paradoxically gentler than scrubbing your face once with something too aggressive.
How Often Should You Double Cleanse?
At night, always. Especially if you wear makeup or sunscreen (which you should). In the morning, a single gentle cleanse is usually enough, if you cleanse at all. Skin doesn’t need to be stripped twice a day to be healthy.
If you’re new to double cleansing, start slow. Introduce it a few nights a week, then build up as your skin adjusts.
Cover Image Credit: @catparnell
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