A Guide to Double Cleansing

You’ve probably heard about double cleansing, and might be wondering if it’s worth the effort to use TWO natural cleansers in one session. Well, we’re here to give you the 411 on this K-Beauty cleansing phenomenon, and why you might want to consider implementing it into your skin care routine!

Follow along as we cover how to double cleanse, what skin types would benefit the most from it, and the best kind of natural cleansers to use. Ready, set – double cleanse!

Why Should I Double Cleanse?

We get it: sometimes it takes real effort to hype yourself up enough to wash your face. You’re super tired, not awake yet, or just don’t feel like doing it – so how on earth are we going to convince you to do it TWICE?! Before you click out of this blog post in fear, hear us out on why you should be double cleansing with your favorite natural cleansers.

The art of double cleansing, made world-famous by Korean beauty gurus, serves a very specific purpose. Double cleansing helps to take EVERYTHING off. As wonderful as your natural cleanser might be, sometimes it can need a little extra help. This is especially when you’ve had environmental pollutants infiltrating your skin all day, wore a bit extra makeup, or just need to deep clean your pores for skin upkeep.

The tag-team of cleansers will help get rid of the first layer of makeup, grime, and dirt with the help of an oil-based natural cleanser. The second wave, water-based natural cleanser comes in next to move further into your pores for a deep flush of anti-inflammatories and antibacterials. In this case especially, it takes teamwork to make the dream work!

Which Natural Cleansers Should I Use in a Double Cleanse?

To recap: the rule of double cleansing is an oil-based natural cleanser first, followed by a water-based one to finish the job.

STEP ONE: OIL
There are a lot of amazing natural oil-based cleansers to choose from, so we’ll focus on the varying consistencies to help lead you along.

Blood Orange Cleansing Balm
A thick, creamy natural cleanser made with luxurious oils from avocado, coconut, and olive leaf. You’ll love this natural oil-based cleanser if you’re looking for a natural cleanser to cut through stubborn makeup with ease, or to re-moisturize dry skin.

Argan Oil Creamy Cleanser
A creamy natural cleanser that’s loaded with silky argan oil, rosehips, and açai. You’ll love this natural oil-based cleanser if you’re looking for a face wash without harsh ingredients or detergents, which can irritate your delicate skin.

Coconut Cleansing Milk
A light natural cleanser made with skin softening coconut milk and oil, to deeply hydrate while gently washing away impurities. You’ll love this natural oil-based cleanser if you’re looking for a face wash that won’t strip or dehydrate your skin.

STEP TWO: WATER
After you’ve picked the best oil-based cleanser for you, it’s onward to cleanser number two: the water-based cleanser. The perfect companion to any of the oil-based above is our Rose Micellar Cleansing Water.

Tapping the hydrating benefits of roses, this water-based face wash is a gentle way to finish your double cleanse, by rinsing away any leftover makeup, oil, or impurities. Formulated with anti-inflammatory cornflower and mallow, this water-based natural cleanser will help purify and prime your skin any products you apply after cleansing.

PRO TIP: Up your double cleansing game by adding in a Charcoal Konjac Sponge. This natural cleansing sponge will help to further detox and cleanse your skin, working with your facial cleansers to draw out additional oil, dirt, and lingering environmental toxins.

Double Cleansing Cheat Sheet:

Step One: Oil-based cleanser
Step Two: Water-based cleanser
Step Three: Exfoliator (if desired)
Step Four: Serum
Step Five: Oil (if desired)
Step Six: Moisturizer

Which Skin Types Benefit from Double Cleansing?

When it comes to which skin type benefits from double cleansing, it’s important to consider how your skin reacts to various products and how much makeup, sunscreen, or pollution you’re exposed to daily. Generally, double cleansing works best for normal, combination, oily, or dry skin types because it helps remove excess oil, dirt, and impurities that build up throughout the day without overly stripping the skin of its natural oils.

Who Should Skip Double Cleansing?

If your skin falls under the uber-sensitive category, or if you struggle with severe acne, rosacea, or other inflammatory conditions, double cleansing may do more harm than good. Washing twice in a row, even with the gentlest natural cleansers, can lead to excessive irritation, disrupting your skin’s delicate barrier. This can cause redness, extreme sensitivity, and worsen pre-existing issues. If your skin is already compromised, sticking to a single, mild cleanser might be your best bet.

PRO TIP: The number of times you can double cleanse in a week is a bit of a trial. We’d recommend starting with one to two times a week, and working up or down from there. If you start to notice any irritation or extra dryness on your skin, cut down on the number of times you double cleanse per week.

For the readers who are still with us: thanks for hanging in there! Are you a double cleanse convert, or still sticking to your less-is-more skin care routine? We’d love to hear your thoughts on Instagram! Follow us all summer long while we cover the latest trends, new product launches, and skin care deep dives.

Frequently Asked Questions About Double Cleansing

Is double cleansing suitable for sensitive or acne-prone skin?

Double cleansing can be tricky for sensitive or acne-prone skin. If you have sensitive skin, washing your face twice may strip away too much of your skin’s natural oils, causing irritation, redness, and worsening your skin condition. However, if you still want to try double cleansing, choose ultra-gentle, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic cleansers. For acne-prone skin, double cleansing can help remove excess oil, dirt, and pore-clogging impurities, but be cautious not to use harsh or overly drying cleansers that could lead to further breakouts or irritation.

Should I double cleanse if I don’t wear makeup?

Yes, you can still benefit from double cleansing even if you don’t wear makeup. Throughout the day, your skin accumulates pollutants, sunscreen, excess oil, and other impurities that can clog pores. The first cleanse removes these surface impurities, while the second cleanse deeply cleanses the skin. If you don’t wear heavy makeup or sunscreen, you might not need to double cleanse every day—once or twice a week could be sufficient.

Can I use micellar water for the second step in double cleansing?

Micellar water is best suited for the first step in double cleansing, not the second. It’s designed to gently lift makeup, dirt, and oil from the skin, but it doesn’t provide the deeper cleanse a water-based cleanser does. For the second step, opt for a gentle foaming or gel-based cleanser that can more effectively clean your skin and prepare it for the rest of your skincare routine.

What skin types benefit the most from double cleansing?

Normal, combination, oily, and dry skin types benefit the most from double cleansing. For oily or combination skin, the first cleanse helps remove excess sebum, while the second cleanse addresses remaining impurities. For dry skin, it’s important to use hydrating cleansers in both steps to prevent stripping the skin of necessary moisture. People with normal skin can easily incorporate double cleansing into their routine without much concern for irritation.

How does double cleansing improve the effectiveness of serums and moisturizers?

Double cleansing creates a clean slate for the rest of your skincare routine. By thoroughly removing makeup, oil, and debris, your skin is better able to absorb active ingredients in serums and moisturizers. When your pores are clear and your skin is properly cleansed, the efficacy of your treatments increases, allowing them to penetrate more deeply and work more effectively, leading to better hydration, smoother texture, and enhanced overall skin health.