Skincare trends come and go, but some stick around because they actually work. Double cleansing is one of them. If you’ve ever wondered why your skin still feels grimy after washing your face—or why your expensive serums aren’t working like they should—this extra cleansing step might be the missing piece.

Double cleansing isn’t about overcomplicating your routine. It’s about cleansing smarter, not harder. Let’s get into what it is, why it matters, and whether it’s right for your skin.

What Is Double Cleansing?

Double cleansing is exactly what it sounds like: washing your face twice, using two different types of cleansers.

Step one is usually anoil-based cleanser. Its job is to break down makeup, sunscreen, excess sebum, and any oil-soluble debris on the skin. Step two is awater-based cleanser, which removes leftover residue, sweat, and dirt, while cleaning deeper into the pores.

This method became popular in K-beauty routines but has since gone mainstream because, well, it works. Our skin faces a lot—pollution, long-wear sunscreen, heavy makeup, and just daily grime. One cleanser alone often doesn’t cut it.

Benefits of Double Cleansing

So why double up? Because a single wash can leave behind buildup, even if your facefeels clean.

Here’s what double cleansing does well:

• Deep, thorough cleansing: The oil cleanser breaks down stubborn stuff like waterproof mascara or mineral sunscreen, which a water-based cleanser alone might miss.
  
  

• Better product absorption: A clean canvas means your serums and moisturizers can penetrate better instead of sitting on top of residue.
  
  

• Prevents breakouts and congestion: Removing all the grime means there’s less gunk clogging your pores, which helps prevent blackheads and breakouts.
  
  

• Gentler on skin: Surprisingly, this method can be more gentle than harsh scrubs or stripping foaming cleansers, especially when oil-based cleansers are involved.
  
  

• Supports balanced skin: Oil cleansers can help maintain the skin’s moisture barrier, reducing that tight, dry feeling after cleansing.
  
  

If your skin often feels dry, irritated, or like it’s notreally clean after washing, double cleansing may be your fix.

How To Start Double Cleansing

Getting started is simple. You just need two cleansers:

1. Oil-Based Cleanser (Step 1): Apply to dry skin. Massage it in for 30-60 seconds to dissolve makeup and oil-based grime. Rinse with lukewarm water.
   
   

2. Water-Based Cleanser (Step 2): Apply to damp skin and massage in. This cleanser removes water-based dirt, sweat, and any residue from step one. Rinse thoroughly.
   
   

Pat dry gently with a clean towel, and follow up with your usual routine.

Some tips:

• Do this at night. You don’t need to double cleanse in the morning unless you’ve layered heavy products overnight.
  
  

• Don’t rush. Take time massaging the cleansers in—especially the first one. This helps loosen buildup and stimulate circulation.
  
  

• Choose cleansers that suit your skin type (more on that below).
  
  

Is Double Cleansing Okay for All Skin Types?

Yes, but with some customization.

Oily or acne-prone skin:

Double cleansing can be a game changer. Oil cleansers help dissolve sebum and reduce clogged pores. Just make sure the second cleanser is gentle and non-comedogenic—nothing too harsh or drying.

Dry or sensitive skin:

Yes, you can still double cleanse. Just avoid strong foaming cleansers or anything with sulfates. Look for hydrating, creamy formulas for both steps, and don’t overdo it—once a day is enough.

Combination skin:

Go with a balanced approach. Use a lightweight oil cleanser followed by a gentle gel or milk cleanser. Adjust as needed based on how your skin feels.

Minimal makeup or sunscreen users:

Even if you don’t wear makeup, you likely wear sunscreen—and that’s enough to warrant an oil-based cleanse at night. Environmental pollutants and excess oil build up, too. A double cleanse helps keep your skin truly clean without stripping it.

The bottom line: any skin type can benefit, but the key is choosing theright products and not over-cleansing.

Supporting Your Double Cleanse With The Right Skincare Regimen

Double cleansing is just the beginning. It preps your skin to get the most out of everything you apply afterward—so make those next steps count.

Here’s how to build a routine that supports your double cleanse:

1. Toner (Optional):

If your skin likes it, use a hydrating toner right after cleansing. It can rebalance your skin’s pH and add a layer of moisture.

2. Serums:

This is where your treatment products go. Think hyaluronic acid for hydration, vitamin C for brightening, or retinol at night for smoothing and anti-aging benefits. With your skin now thoroughly clean, these absorb more effectively.

3. Moisturizer:

Lock in all that hydration and help restore your skin barrier. Even oily skin types need a moisturizer—just choose a lightweight formula if you’re worried about breakouts.

4. SPF (Morning only):

If you’re double cleansing at night, your morning routine should still include SPF. It’s your best defense against aging, pigmentation, and sun damage.

If you’re using potent actives (like retinol or exfoliating acids), double cleansing also helps prevent buildup and irritation from leftover product. Clean skin = clear, calm skin.

So, Do YouReally Need to Double Cleanse?

Need? Maybe not. But if you wear sunscreen, makeup, or live in a city with pollution—then yes, you’ll likely see benefits. Even a simple routine can benefit from this two-step cleanse.

Think of it like brushing your teeth and flossing. One gets the surface. The other gets what’s hiding. You wouldn’t skip flossing for weeks and expect perfect teeth, right? Your skin deserves the same attention.

And no, it doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Once you find your two go-to cleansers, it becomes second nature.

So if your skincare routine hasn’t been delivering the results you want—or if your skin still feels dull or congested—it might not be the serums or creams. It might just be your cleanse.