How to Double Cleanse Correctly

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 total 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 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.

After tons of research into what dermatologists and other skincare experts are saying about the double cleansing method, we’ve rounded up the pros and cons of adding double cleansing to your routine and some of the best products out there to get the job done.

WHAT IS DOUBLE CLEANSING?

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

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’ve accumulated throughout the day. Then you follow up with a water-based cleanser, which can be more targeted towards your specific skin concerns.

Not only does this remove residue more thoroughly, but it helps your water-based cleanser and following leave-on products better penetrate your skin. Who doesn’t want that?

Well, that leads us into 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

1. Apply your chosen oil-based cleanser to your palms and massage into your skin
2. Rinse with lukewarm water
3. Apply your water-based cleansed to your palms and massage into damp skin
4. 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.

BEST CLEANSERS FOR PART 1 OF DOUBLE CLEANSING

Browse our selection of the best oils, balms and micellar waters to get rid o' all that gunk left on your skin from the day.

BEST CLEANSERS FOR PART 2 OF DOUBLE CLEANSING

FOR OILY SKIN

Remember how one of the risks of double cleansing is over-cleansing and stripping your skin? It's also a trap a lot of people with oily skin fall into because they think they need to scrub the living daylights out of their faces to get rid of oil and clear out their pores. But you don't need to be (and shouldn't be) rough with your oily skin (or any skin type). Double cleansing, like we were saying earlier, is perfect for letting you use two gentler cleansers rather than one harsher one to get a great cleanse.

FOR DRY SKIN

Your skin's probably loving life after using an oil-based cleanser or balm, but following with a water-based cleanser will still benefit dry complexions and remove the last of your makeup and sunscreen. We love these nourishing cleansers for hydrating parched skin.

FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

If you've got this skin type, then you know by now how careful you need to be when adding in new products to your routine. You'll want to look for formulas free of synthetic fragrances, soaps and anything else that might trigger a reaction. We love these gentle, soothing cleansers that still get the job done!

FOR ALL SKIN TYPES

Now that you're a double cleansing expert, you might like to brush up your knowledge on the rest of your skincare routine. Discover the Best Toners for Poreless Skin and the Best Chemical Exfoliants for Soft, Smooth Skin.