Skin
How to Double Cleanse

How to Double Cleanse: Your Complete Guide To Cleaner Skin

By Franchesca Villar - 1 day ago

While double cleansing has been around for a long time (we’re talking as far back as the 14th century in Japanese, Korean, German and French skincare), it’s had a bit of a revival lately. Videos featuring this buzzword have over 205.5 million views on TikTok, and brands like Dermalogica have created products designed especially for double cleansing.

If you’re wondering what exactly this two-step cleansing process trend is all about, or you’ve heard of it but aren’t sure if you really need to be doing it, the Cosmetify team is here to answer all your questions and help you double cleanse the right way.

What is double cleansing and what are its benefits?

The name is pretty self-explanatory: you cleanse your face twice in order to get a better, deeper cleanse.

Double cleansing has been catapulted into viraldom thanks to its feature in the ten-step Korean skincare routine. However, the idea isn’t just to use any two cleansers but to start with an oil-based cleanser to really remove makeup, sunscreen, oil and dirt that have accumulated throughout the day. Then you follow up with a foaming, gel or water-based cleanser, which can be more targeted towards your specific skin concerns.

Not only does this remove stubborn makeup, oil, and build-up more thoroughly and improves skin cleanliness, but it helps your second cleanser and following skincare products better absorb into your skin. Who doesn’t want that?

Another big plus of double cleansing is how effective it can be for keeping those pesky breakouts at bay, particularly for those with acne-prone skin,

Well, that leads us to the next question. Do you actually need to double cleanse?

Who should double cleanse their skin?

Since the purpose of double cleansing is mainly to get rid of makeup, skincare experts like dermatologist Dr. Dray say you might not need it if you don’t wear any. A regular cleanser can be plenty for most people, and if you’ve already got dry or sensitive skin, you’ll want to be careful you don’t over wash and end up irritating your skin.

The experts at Paula’s Choice recommend double cleansing if you wear heavy or transfer-resistant makeup, as well as mineral-based sunscreens. They also love this method for those with oily skin that can’t handle a single, stronger cleanser. Dr. Vanita Rattan, a doctor in medicine and pharmacology who runs a great YouTube channel about products for darker skin tones tells Glamour Magazine, however, that for oily skin you might want to avoid using an oil-based cleanser in your double cleanse routine and instead use a salicylic acid cleanser twice.

Dermalogica is a strong supporter of this method whether or not you wear makeup, for the benefits an oil-based cleanser offers your skin barrier. If you live in an area with high pollution (which sadly is a lot of areas nowadays), then this could also be really beneficial for you.

How to double cleanse

Here's our step-by-step guide on how to perform the double cleansing method.

Apply a small amount of your chosen oil-based cleanser to your palms and massage it into your skin in circular motions.
Rinse with lukewarm water either using your hands or a soft washcloth.
Apply your water-based or gel cleanser to your palms, onto a cotton pad, or a cleansing brush and massage into damp skin.
Rinse off and pat dry.

If you’re worried about over-stripping your skin or don't want to use an oil-based cleanser, dermatologist Dr. Shereene Idriss loves to use micellar water as the first step in her double cleanse, which gently yet efficiently removes dirt, oil and makeup. Then follow with your second cleanser as normal.

How to choose the right double cleansers for your skin type

Finding the perfect double-cleansing duo for your skin type can feel a bit daunting, given there are so many on the market, but it’s easier than you may think!

Dry skin: Use nourishing, hydrating cleansers that maintain moisture. Start with oil-based or balm cleansers containing ceramides, antioxidants, shea butter, or natural oils. Follow with a creamy or hydrating gel cleanser to keep skin soft.

Oily skin: Select lightweight, non-comedogenic oils or foaming cleansers to remove excess oil without clogging pores. Then use a gel or foam cleanser with salicylic acid or tea tree to control shine and balance skin.

Sensitive skin: Opt for gentle, fragrance-free products. Begin with a mild cleansing oil or balm with soothing ingredients like cica or aloe vera and follow with a gentle milk or gel cleanser to clean without irritation.

The best cleansers for the first cleanse

Browse our selection of the best cleansing oils and balms to get rid of all that gunk left on your skin from the day.

For dry skin

Augustinus Bader The Cleansing Balm

£64.00

If you're looking to splurge on a balm, then we can't recommend enough this buttery slave that melts into a milky cleanser. It nourishes your skin with avocado, olive fruit oil vitamin E and squalane, refreshing your complexion and getting it ready for step two.

Weleda Skin Food Nourishing Cleansing Balm

£10.36 £13.50 (24% off)

For a rich and comforting first cleanse, Weleda’s Skin Food Nourishing Cleansing Balm is a total game-changer. This creamy balm melts into the skin, gently lifting away dirt and makeup while keeping your skin hydrated and soft - amazing for dry skin in need of some care. And, it’s packed with nourishing ingredients like sunflower oil, making it great for those with a drier complexion. A perfect first cleanse to start your routine on the right foot.

CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser

£14.00 £15.00 (7% off)

If you’re looking for a cleanser that’s both hydrating and effective, CeraVe’s Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser is the pick for you. It transforms into a gentle foam that effortlessly removes impurities while helping to maintain your skin’s moisture balance. It’s the ultimate choice for dry skin that needs a little extra care without feeling stripped or tight.

For oily skin

Medik8 Lipid-Balance Cleansing Oil

£29.00

This cleanser is a brilliant pick for oily skin in need of a deep cleanse without dryness. It's a lightweight oil that effortlessly removes excess oil, dirt, and makeup while helping to maintain your skin’s natural barrier. Just the thing for balancing oily skin, leaving it fresh and clean without over-drying.

Klairs Gentle Black Fresh Cleansing Oil

£23.00

Klairs Gentle Black Fresh Cleansing Oil is a fantastic option for oily skin that needs a bit of a refresh. The soothing blend of black sesame and black currant oils helps to clear away impurities while maintaining your skin’s moisture balance. It’s gentle yet effective at removing grime, makeup, SPF, and dirt, perfect for giving oily skin a thorough cleanse without feeling greasy.

For sensitive skin

Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Oil

£42.00

Dealing with sensitive skin that needs a gentle touch? Sulwhasoo’s Gentle Cleansing Oil is an absolute dream. This luxurious oil glides over the skin, dissolving makeup and impurities without causing irritation. Infused with calming ingredients like green tea and ginseng, it leaves your skin feeling clean, nourished, and comfortably balanced.

ESPA Tri-Active Regenerating Calming Cica Cleansing Balm

£37.50 £50.00 (25% off)

If your skin is easily irritated, the ESPA Tri-Active Regenerating Calming Cica Cleansing Balm is a must-try. This balm transforms into a soothing milk when massaged with water, effectively cleansing and calming the skin. Packed with calming cica and nourishing botanicals, it’s perfect for sensitive skin that needs a gentle yet thorough cleanse.

For all skin types

Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil With Ginseng Seed & Soybean Oil

£14.99 £19.99 (26% off)

Beauty of Joseon’s Ginseng Cleansing Oil is a versatile gem for all skin types. It effortlessly lifts away makeup and impurities, while the nourishing blend of ginseng seed and soybean oil helps to balance and hydrate your skin. The result? A deep cleanse that leaves your skin feeling refreshed and soft, without any greasy residue.

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm

£29.24 £35.00 (17% off)

This cleansing balm is a classic favourite for all skin types and a big hit with the Cosmetify team. It's a rich, buttery balm that melts into the skin, dissolving even the most stubborn makeup and dirt. It’s fragrance-free and gentle enough for sensitive skin, leaving your face feeling clean, smooth, and ready for the next step in your skincare routine.

Dermalogica Precleanse

£44.99 £49.00 (9% off)

This oil is designed specifically to be the first step in a double cleansing routine, so it's no surprise it's one of our favourites! It treats breakouts, dryness, oiliness, inflammation and eczema, nourishing your skin with borage seed, apricot kernel and kukui nut. There's also rice bran oil to help shield your skin against oxidative damage and vitamin E to leave your skin soft and supple.

The best cleansers for the second cleanse

Your second cleanse is all about getting deep into your skin to remove any leftover grime and give your complexion a proper refresh - and the right cleanser can make all the difference.

For oily skin

Clarins Purifying Gentle Foaming Cleanser

£18.64 £25.00 (26% off)

This is a creamy, invigorating cleanser that doesn't strip your skin. Purifying Alpine herbs calm the skin whilst squalane, meadowsweet extract and salicylic acid clear out your pores and mattify your complexion.

Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser

£8.00 £10.00 (20% off)

For a cleanser on a budget, we always reach for brands like Cetaphil. This cleanser offers a deep yet gentle cleanse and is also perfect for combination and sensitive skin as it preserves your natural skin barrier and balances your pH levels. Enriched with niacinamide and panthenol.

Avène Cleanance Micellar Water

£16.20 £20.25 (20% off)

Avène Cleanance Micellar Water is a brilliant pick for your second cleanse if you’ve got oily skin. This lightweight formula sweeps away any leftover impurities while helping to mattify and balance excess oil. Enriched with Avène’s signature thermal spring water, it’s gentle yet effective but not stripping.