How To Double Cleanse Correctly, According to Dermatologists

August 06, 2024

By: Larell Scardelli | skincare.com by L'Oréal

Close-up of a person’s hands pumping the Youth to the People Superfood Cleanser

There are many Korean skincare trends we love, but double cleansing is definitely one of our favorites. The technique involves washing your face twice—first with an oil-based cleanser and then a water-based cleanser—to remove oil, makeup, and other debris. While it may seem pretty straightforward, knowing how to double cleanse correctly is essential if you’re embracing this trendy technique, as overwashing your face can lead to dryness or dehydration.

If you’re interested in double cleansing but aren’t quite sure how to start, keep reading. Ahead, we’ll reveal the benefits of double cleansing, explain what the double cleansing method entails, and offer advice on the best products to use for clean—but not stripped—skin. Once you try this beloved K-beauty technique, you may never go back to your standard single wash again.

What Is Double Cleansing?

According to dermatology resident physician Dr. Joyce Kim, “Double cleansing is a two-step cleansing method that typically consists of [using] an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser.” The first cleanse helps dissolve makeup, oil, sunscreen, and other impurities, while the second cleanse helps remove any residual debris to ensure a thorough, deep clean without stripping your skin.

What Are the Benefits of Double Cleansing?

After a long day of work, your evening HIIT class, and dinner with friends, your skin can feel pretty grimy. That’s where a double cleanse can come in handy. The method “is a great way to remove as much debris as possible (think makeup, sweat, dirt, or oil),” says Dr. Kim. By thoroughly removing pore-clogging debris, it may also help to keep clogged pores—and by extension, blackheads—at bay.

It’s important to keep in mind, however, that while double cleansing can be useful for those with more oily skin, it’s not for everybody. If you have dry or sensitive skin or are prone to conditions like eczema, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Gary Goldfaden says, “You may want to skip this trend altogether.”

How To Double Cleanse

Step 1: Wash your face with an oil-based cleanser

Start your double cleansing routine by washing your face with an oil-based cleanser. These formulas can help remove makeup (even waterproof makeup), sunscreen, and excess sebum. How you use your cleansing oil depends on the formula—some are designed to be applied to dry skin, while others work best on slightly dampened skin. We suggest reading the instructions on the packaging for a clearer idea of how you should lather up with your chosen oil cleanser.

Editor’s note: If you’re wearing long-lasting or waterproof eye makeup, consider soaking a clean cotton pad with your oil cleanser of choice and holding it over your closed eyes for a few moments before rinsing.

Step 2: Emulsify with water and rinse

Massage your oil cleanser onto your face for about 30 seconds to help loosen surface debris. Then, wet your hands with lukewarm water and continue to massage in upward circular motions for another 30 to 40 seconds. At this point, you should notice the oil-based cleanser begin to emulsify (in other words, turn milky). Once it does, you can rinse your face to remove the cleanser.

Step 3: Cleanse with a water-based face wash

After rinsing off your cleansing oil, wash your face again, this time with a water-based cleanser. This second cleanse will help remove any impurities left behind, ensuring a deep, thorough clean. Washing your face with a water-based cleanser is fairly straightforward—simply dispense a small amount of product into your palms, lather, massage it onto your face for roughly 30 seconds, then rinse. Use lukewarm water when rinsing, as hot water can strip your skin of essential oils and leave it feeling dry.

Step 4: Complete your routine

Once your skin is clean, you can apply your toners, serums, and moisturizers as usual. Remember to apply your products in order of consistency from thinnest to thickest to ensure everything absorbs as it should.

7 of Our Favorite Oil-Based Cleansers

Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil

Dissolve makeup and impurities without stripping your skin with this luxurious cleansing oil from Kiehl’s. The lavender oil-infused cleanser transforms from a lightweight oil to a cleansing milk when mixed with water and leaves the skin feeling soft, supple, and replenished. This pick is also great for those with acne-prone skin, as the indulgent formula is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores.

Aēsop Parsley Seed Facial Cleansing Oil

If you’re prone to dryness or sensitivity, we suggest giving this herbaceous cleansing oil a try. The vitamin E-infused formula helps remove impurities while nourishing the skin, and it’s gentle enough for use morning and night.

Youth To The People Superberry Dream Cleansing Balm

Not all oil-based cleansers are liquids—cleansing balms also fall into the cleansing oil category. Upon contact with the skin, the unique formula transforms from a solid balm to a milky cleanser that easily melts away even waterproof makeup without leaving the skin feeling oily or greasy.

CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser

CeraVe is well-known for its lineup of gentle, non-irritating cleansers, but this oil-based pick is among our favorites. It contains a nourishing blend of squalane, hyaluronic acid, and the brand’s signature ceramides, and provides a gentle lather that whisks away dirt and impurities without disrupting the skin’s natural moisture barrier.

La Roche-Posay Lipikar Ap+ Gentle Foaming Cleansing Oil

Streamline your shower routine with this multi-purpose cleansing oil, which is designed for use on the face and body. We love that the glycerin-infused formula hydrates as it cleanses—the fact that it’s suitable for all skin types (even highly sensitive skin) is just the cherry on top.

THE FACE SHOP Rice Water Bright Light Facial Cleansing Oil

The Face Shop’s rice water-infused cleansing oil is among Dr. Kim’s favorites to use for a gentle double cleanse. According to the brand, the non-sticky formula instantly melts away waterproof makeup and sunscreen. Over time, it also helps brighten the skin and minimizes the appearance of pores.

DHC Deep Cleansing Oil

DHC’s cult-classic Deep Cleansing Oil has nearly 18,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, and it’s easy to see why. Per the brand, the olive oil, rosemary oil, and vitamin E-based formula instantly washes away dirt, makeup, and oil without leaving behind a greasy residue. Another perk? It’s non-comedogenic and suitable for all skin types—even blemish-prone skin.

7 of Our Favorite Water-Based Cleansers

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Foaming Face Wash

Water-based cleansers can come in an array of textures, from foams to lightweight creams and gels. If you’re a fan of the latter, give this affordable drugstore option a try. The oil-free formula creates a gentle foam that lifts away surface debris to leave the skin feeling clean and refreshed. It’s suitable for all skin types and can be used alone or as the second step in your double cleansing routine.

Kiehl’s Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash

Those with sensitive or easily-irritated skin should consider adding this gentle foaming cleanser to their in-shower lineup. The calendula extract-infused formula helps soothe and calm the skin as it cleans, promoting a fresher-feeling, more balanced complexion.

Vichy Pureté Thermale Gel Cleanser

If you live in an urban area, chances are good you have hard water (which means that the water that comes out of your tap or showerhead has a high concentration of minerals). For some, bathing in hard water can contribute to skin concerns such as dryness or sensitivity. This water-based cleanser from French brand Vichy helps counteract the damaging effects of hard water, strengthens the skin barrier, and leaves the skin looking healthier from the very first use.

Youth to the People Superfood Cleanser

We like to think of this cult-favorite gel cleanser as a green juice for your face. It contains a powerful blend of antioxidants from superfoods including kale, spinach, and green tea, and helps prevent buildup and balance the skin’s pH without leaving it feeling dry or tight.

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser

If you have oily skin, you’ll want to look for a cleanser that can help break down excess oil without stripping your skin or disrupting its natural moisture barrier. CeraVe’s classic Foaming Facial Cleanser is a great pick. It contains barrier-friendly ingredients including hyaluronic acid and ceramides and provides a thorough cleanse without drying out your skin. Plus, it’s fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and suitable for use on the face and body (we love a multi-tasker).

SkinCeuticals LHA Cleansing Gel

Adding an exfoliating cleanser to your routine is a great idea if you frequently struggle with congested pores, dullness, or unevenness. We love this one from SkinCeuticals, as it contains a 12% blend of lipo-, alpha-, and beta-hydroxy acids—all of which are effective exfoliants. Use it daily to reveal brighter, smoother-looking skin over time.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser

If your skin tends to feel dry or tight after cleansing, consider swapping out your current cleanser for this ultra-gentle option from La Roche-Posay. It’s made with glycerin, niacinamide, and ceramides and helps maintain the skin’s natural moisture barrier to leave the skin feeling hydrated and comfortable.

How Often Should You Double Cleanse?

Knowing how to double cleanse is only one part of the equation—it’s also important to ensure you’re following the right schedule for your skin type. Unfortunately, skincare is rarely one-size-fits-all. While some can double cleanse a few times per week, others may want to adopt a less frequent schedule to avoid disrupting their skin barrier, Dr. Goldfaden says.

Ultimately, the best way to determine the right cleansing schedule is to pay close attention to your skin and how it looks and feels after cleansing. If you’re still unsure what schedule is best for you, consult with your dermatologist. They can help you determine when and how often to double cleanse to keep your skin looking and feeling its best.

Next Up: How Much of Each Skincare Product Should I Apply?