It’s Time to Master the Art of Double Cleansing—Here’s Why

If you’re a skin care junkie like we are here at Skincare.com, you probably scope out the latest skin care trends on the regular. By now, you’ve likely seen the term double cleansing floating around, but do you know what it is? If the answer is no, we’re about to change that. Whether you have oily, dry, sensitive, combination or mature skin, double cleansing can be added to your skin care routine (and quite frankly, should). Ahead, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about double cleansing, including what double cleansing is, the benefits of double cleansing, the best face washes for double cleansing, and more!

What Is Double Cleansing?

Double cleansing is a Korean beauty, or K-beauty, skin care trend that’s taking over the beauty scene. The regimen is just what you may think—cleansing twice in your skin care routine. The concept is to first use a no-rinse cleanser—like a cleansing oil or micellar water—to remove any surface makeup, dirt, impurities or excess oils. Right up next, use a rinse-off or foaming cleanser to remove any lingering impurities or cleanser residue from the surface of your skin. It’s pretty much like having a back-up plan for your first cleanser to help ensure your skin’s surface is truly clean and all pore-clogging debris is effectively whisked away. 

What Are the Benefits of Double Cleansing?

Now now we know what you lazy girls may be thinking: cleansing your skin twice in a row? Even getting around to cleansing once is a struggle! Here us out though because double cleansing boasts some skin care benefits you don’t want to miss out on. The biggest benefit of double cleansing your skin is that you’re achieving a deeper clean. Even the most powerful cleansers can miss some spots. This is especially true if you don’t take the extra time to massage a cleanser into your skin well.

Double cleansing can be beneficial to everyone, but especially for those who tend to wear a lot of makeup. A quick sweep of a cotton pad may not be dislodging every bit of concealer, foundation and blush. If this makeup sits on your skin overnight, it could cause you to wake up to a duller-looking complexion or even breakouts. If you live in a big city, double cleansing should also be considered. That’s because the high pollution levels could be causing microscopic pollution particles to sit on the surface of your skin and wreak havoc. When environmental aggressors aren’t whisked off your skin’s surface day in and day out, they can prohibit your skin’s regeneration process overnight which can lead to visible signs of premature skin aging over time.

The Best Face Washes for Double Cleansing

While you can double cleanse in the morning, we prefer to do so at night after going through a day exposed to pollutants, makeup, and environmental assaults. Ready to try the trend? We’re sharing our favorite cleansers—from the L’Oréal portfolio of brands—to use in a double cleansing routine. 

Vichy Pureté Thermale Cleansing Micellar Cleansing Oil

This cleansing oil and makeup remover uses micellar technology to gently dissolve impurities from the skin, including waterproof makeup. The cleanser is formulated with nourishing Camellia Oil and can leave skin supple, soft, and moisturized. Use this cleanser as the first step of your double cleansing regimen.

Vichy Pureté Thermale Cleansing Micellar Cleansing Oil, $18 MSRP

L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Detox & Brighten Cleanser

This clay-to-mousse daily cleanser is formulated with 3 pure clays and charcoal and can clarify and detoxify skin so it feels as though it can breathe better. Use this as the second step in your double cleansing routine.

L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Detox & Brighten Cleanser, $6.00 MSRP

Biotherm Biosource Total Renew Oil

This self-foaming oil removes long-wear foundation, lipstick, and waterproof eye makeup without drying out your skin. Formulated with a blend of natural botanical oils, this cleansing oil removes sweat, makeup, and impurities. Give it a try as the first step in your double cleansing routine.

Biotherm Biosource Total Renew Oil, $31 MSRP

Garnier SkinActive Refreshing Cream Face Wash with Aloe

Formulated with aloe juice, this cream cleanser removes makeup and impurities without stripping skin of its natural moisture. It’s suitable for sensitive skin and can be used as the second step in your double cleansing regimen.

Garnier SkinActive Refreshing Cream Face Wash with Aloe, $8.99 MSRP

Lancôme Énergie de Vie The Smoothing & Purifying Cleansing Oil

This lightweight cleansing oil is a gentle two-in-one makeup remover and cleanser that removes impurities without over-drying the skin. Your skin will look more radiant and renewed with a fresh, dewy glow. Use this cleanser as the first step in your routine.

Lancôme Énergie de Vie The Smoothing & Purifying Cleansing Oil, $42.00 MSRP

SkinCeuticals Soothing Cleanser

This foaming cleanser gently removes impurities while soothing and comforting sensitive, compromised, or post-procedure skin. The soap-free formula provide a mild yet effective clean This cleanser is ideal as the second formula of your cleansing routine.

SkinCeuticals Soothing Cleanser, $34.00 MSRP

Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil

This lightweight essential oil cleanser is enriched with evening primrose Oil, omega-6 fatty acids, and lavender essential oil and can gently, yet effectively, dissolve even the hardest to remove makeup and impurities without over-drying.

Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil, $32.00 MSRP

How to Complete Your K-Beauty Skin Care Routine

Want to try out a K-beauty skin care routine to match your new double cleansing skills? After double cleansing, follow the below steps to complete your routine!

Moisturize Your Skin

K-Beauty is big on layering hydration, so use a hydrating moisturizer to add moisture to your skin after cleansing. Try the L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care Moisturizers. These water-based moisturizers are formulated with hyaluronic acid and aloe water and provide intense, continuous hydration.

Use a Face Serum

To continue layering on your hydration, apply a hydrating face serum like the La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum. This serum is formulated with two types of pure hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and madecassoside and can help plump the look of skin and repair the skin's moisture barrier.

Apply an Eye Cream

You guessed correct—more hydrating! Next, apply a hydrating eye cream, like the Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado. The formula gently moisturizes the delicate eye area without migrating into the eye.

Apply a Face Mask

K-Beauty is known for their innovative face masks. From bubble masks to jelly masks, there are quite a few options to choose from. For a jelly option, use the Lancôme Moisturizing Rose Jelly Overnight Mask, infused with hyaluronic acid, rose water, and honey, which can lock in moisture and reveal smoother, softer, and suppler-looking skin.