Are you having trouble taking off makeup or waterproof sunscreen? Are you having breakouts due to clogged pores? Or are you maybe just wanting to feel the satisfaction of deep cleaning your face? No matter your reason, double cleansing might just be the kind of cleansing that your skin needs.
Table of Contents
What is double cleansing?
Double cleansing is a two-step process of removing impurities from your skin. The first step is cleaning out those oil-based impurities like sebum, excess oils, pollutants, and makeup. The second phase is taking out the remaining impurities like sweat, dust, dirt, and even bacteria.
It involves the use of two kinds of cleansers: oil cleansers (like oil or balm) and water-based cleansers (like gel or foam cleansers).
Why should you double cleanse?
Double cleansing is a common practice in the Asian beauty world, predominantly in Japan and Korea. In fact, in the elaborate 10-step Korean skincare routine, double cleansing takes up the first two steps. Double cleansing has a handful of benefits for your skin, but in summary, here are the most important reasons why you should do it:
- Helps to clean the face thoroughly – Fully cleansing the face will help avoid breakouts caused by bacteria and clogged pores from both sebum and dirt.
- Preps the skin for the next steps of the skincare routine – Double cleansing leaves a clean canvas that allows the toners, serums, moisturizers, and other treatments to sink into the skin more effectively.
- Eliminates pollutants that lodge on your skin – Toxins are everywhere, especially in the city. Double cleansing will help remove pollutants and free radicals that your skin was exposed to—helping you avoid premature aging.
What is oil cleansing?
Oil cleansing is the first step when following the K-beauty regime. It involves taking off oil-based impurities like sebum, makeup, and sunscreen. In theory, the best way to take out these oil impurities is by using oil because “like dissolves like”. Hence, oil effectively breaks down oil.
However, do take note that plant-based oils like olive and coconut oil should not be used as alternative to oil cleansers. These oils are not for cleansing and might even clog your pores. Only use oil cleansers for your first step in double cleansing. If you want to reap the benefits of such plant-based oils, choose oil cleansers that infuse these ingredients into their formula.
Recommended K-beauty oil cleansers
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innisfree Hydrating Cleansing Oil with Green Tea
Infused with Jeju green tea, this oil cleanser helps hydrate, calm, and melt away makeup without drying the skin. It is a gentle oil cleanser that has a runny texture and emulsifies well. It is lightweight and soothing, perfect for oily skin.
KLAIRS Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil
Gently cleanse your face from oil impurities and moisturize it too while you are at it. This is a hypoallergenic cleansing oil with moisturizing properties that is suitable for all skin types but is perfect for dry and sensitive skin.
KLAVUU Pure Pearlsation Divine Pearl Cleansing Oil
Remove that stubborn makeup and sunscreen using this divine formulation from KLAVUU. It contains pearl extracts to brightens the skin and natural oils that calm and heal dry, cracked skin. It is suitable for all skin types but is perfect for dry skin.
BEAUTY OF JOSEON Radiance Cleansing Balm
A sherbet-like balm that nourishes, soothes, brightens, and moisturizes in addition to its cleansing properties. It is formulated for all skin types but is perfect for dry or sensitive skin.
Hanskin Pore Cleansing Oil PHA
Equipped with PHA, this cleanser will gently take off make-up and clear up dirt and dead skin clinging onto your face. It is the perfect first step in double-cleansing. It is suitable for all skin types, even for those with sensitive skin. This oil-based cleanser is also available in balm: Hanskin Pore Cleansing Balm PHA.
Read full product review of Hanskin Pore Cleansing Oil PHA.
Hanskin Pore Cleansing Oil BHA
Deep clean your pores with this oil cleanser infused with salicylic acid. Enjoy the benefits of the special blend of fruit oil extracts that helps you maintain hydrated, healthy, and youthful skin. It is specially formulated for oily and acne-prone skin. This oil-based cleanser is also available in balm: Hanskin Pore Cleansing Balm BHA.
Want to test this cleansing oil first? Try it in travel size!
Hanskin Pore Cleansing Oil AHA
Remove oil impurities and dead skin cells without drying your skin with this cleanser. In fact, this cleanser will even provide you with a protective moisture barrier that will keep your skin hydrated and plump. It is a perfect first step for double cleansing for dry skin types. This oil-based cleanser is also available in balm: Hanskin Pore Cleansing Balm AHA.
Want to test this cleansing oil first? Try it in travel size!
Banila Co. Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Original
This balm is the probably the most popular among the different versions available by Banila Co. This pastel pink tub holds a formulation that brightens the skin with acerola extract, boosted with vitamin E acetate. It melts off oil-based impurities easily and is gentle enough for all skin types.
Read full product review of Banila Co. Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Original.
Banila Co. Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Pore Clarifying
This pore clarifying version of Banila Co’s cleansing balm has a special formula called the Tri-Peel Acid Blend. This blend includes AHA, BHA, and LHA removes trapped dirt and sebum deep in the pores. It exfoliates well but still leaves the skin hydrated and protected. This version is perfect for combination, oily, and acne-prone skin.
If you have oily skin, you can also try Banila Co. Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Revitalizing in pastel blue tub.
Banila Co. Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Purifying
A hypoallergenic oil cleanser perfect for sensitive skin. It is made of natural ingredients that help remove makeup and other oil impurities without that stripping feeling.
Dry skin? Try the pastel yellow-colored tub, Banila Co. Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Nourishing.
What is the second step in double cleansing?
The second phase is cleaning off the other impurities like dirt and sweat. Washing these out with water would not be enough and using ordinary soap will strip away the natural oils in the skin. These natural oils are vital to protect the skin from irritation and dryness. Hence, using a gentle water-based cleanser like a gel/foam cleanser is the way to go.
Gel cleansers vs. foam cleansers
Gel cleansers have a thick, viscous consistency. These cleansers create little to no foam and are generally milder than foam cleansers. These are water-based cleansers that are usually recommended for those who have normal or combination skin but can still be used by all skin types.
Foam cleansers are the traditional cleansers that create a foaming, bubbly consistency during use. It thoroughly cleans and removes both oil, sebum, and dirt. Because of that, it is usually recommended for those with acne-prone or oily skin. However, many foam cleansers use a notoriously harsh ingredient called sodium lauryl sulfate. This surfactant can also be found in shampoos and other soap products. While it can work for some people, it can create irritation on the skin and leaves a somewhat tight and dry feeling to some. Regardless, if you are looking for gentler foam cleansers, there are others that do not use this surfactant.
Recommended K-beauty water-based cleansers
MISSHA Super Aqua Cell Renew Snail Cleansing Foam
This bestselling cleansing foam from MISSHA contains snail slime extract and botanical stem cell extract. These improve and moisturize troubled skin as well as fade away acne scars and dark spots. It can be used for all skin types, especially those with oily to combination skin or those with moderate signs of aging.
SKINFOOD Egg White Pore Foam
This daily foam cleanser contains albumin, a class of water-soluble protein found in egg whites, that deep cleans the pores. It minimizes pores and firms skin. This bestseller is great for oily and combination skin types.
COSRX Low-pH Good Morning Cleanser
Formulated with a low PH that’s similar to the skin’s natural PH level, this gel-type cleanser removes gunk and impurities without that stripping feeling. This works well for all skin types especially those with oily, sensitive skin, eczema, and acne-prone skin.
Read full product review of COSRX Low-pH Good Morning Cleanser.
BANILA CO Clean It Zero Foam Cleanser
With its Zero Balance technology, deep clean and hydrate your skin with this gentle micro-foam cleanser. It has natural amino surfactants that act as a magnet and draw out impurities from clogged pores. This foam cleanser is formulated for all skin types but is gentle enough for sensitive skin.
Etude House Soon Jung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser
A mild cleanser with rich and foamy bubbles that removes pore impurities and residues. It is formulated with panthenol that strengthens the skin barrier and maintains moisture. It also has madecassoside that calms down irritated skin. This hypoallergenic foam cleanser is recommended for those with irritated, sensitive, and fragile skin.
ACWELL pH Balancing Bubble Free Cleansing Gel
This newly reformulated cleansing gel goes beyond cleansing as it aims to hydrate your skin with eight types of hyaluronic acid, soften it with Elderflower Extract, and brighten it with licorice extract. It is also hypoallergenic. This cleanser is for all skin types but, with all these features, it is perfect for those with dull, dry, and sensitive skin.
KLAIRS Rich Moist Foaming Cleanser
A foaming cleanser that hydrates and conditions the skin, leaving you with a refreshing feeling. It helps minimize pores and keeps the skin moisturized. This foam cleanser uses amino acids as surfactants instead of sodium lauryl sulfate, so it does not leave a tight feeling. It is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
NEOGEN Green Tea Real Fresh Foam Cleanser
A lightweight foam cleanser that removes dirt, sweat, and other water-based impurities without that stripping feeling. Made from fermented green tea extract, this cleanser nourishes, calms, hydrates, and brightens the skin. This bestselling foam cleanser is perfect for combination, oily, or acne-prone skin.
How to double cleanse
Double cleansing is fairly easy to follow. In fact, some, especially those who wear makeup, might already be doing it without knowing it. Although some steps may vary depending on the products that you will use, here are the basic steps in double cleansing:
First cleansing stage
- Put on a few drops of oil-based cleanser on your palm. Refer to the packaging for the recommended amount that you should use.
- In a circular motion, gently massage it onto your face using your fingers. Use it around the eyes, behind the ears, along the hairline, and neck to remove stubborn makeup, sunscreen residue, and accumulated sebum.
- Wet your fingers with a little water to emulsify the oil then continue massaging.
- After about a minute of gentle massage, rinse it off with lukewarm water.
Additional tips for oil cleansing:
- Some use cotton pads for their oil cleanser or makeup remover and, while lying down and eyes closed, place these on their eyes make for a few seconds to gradually melt those waterproof makeup. This step makes it easier to fully remove makeup without the excessive rubbing that might cause fine lines and wrinkles.
- Most oil cleansers are formulated to be gentle on the eyes. However, sometimes it would still get into your eyes even if you are careful. Many user reviews say that it will not sting but instead will leave a film-like layer that would cause cloudy vision. They recommend you not to panic and simply wash it off with water.
Second cleansing stage
- Right after rinsing off the oil cleanser, keep your skin damp and get the recommended amount of water-based cleanser onto your palm.
- Gently apply it into a lather also in a circular motion. Be sure to cover the areas where you applied the oil cleanser.
- Rinse off with lukewarm water. Gently pat your face dry with a clean, soft face towel.
Should you double cleanse in the morning?
Ideally, you should double cleanse twice a day—once in the morning and once at night. Double cleansing in the morning will help remove the oil and sweat that accumulated throughout the night. As for your night routine, double cleansing will remove all the excess oil, pollutants, makeup, SPF, dirt, sweat, bacteria, and dust that you were exposed to throughout the day.
Which skin types should and should not double cleanse?
Double cleansing is great for any skin type. It is greatly recommended for people who use makeup, SPF, and other waterproof products to double cleanse. If you are the lazy-type or busy person who does not have the time for an elaborate routine, double cleanse at least once a day, preferably when removing such products.
Finding the right cleansers for your skin type is the key to getting the full benefits of double cleansing. Not sure what your skin type is yet? You can read this article to learn about the easy ways to determine your skin type.
Also, double cleansing is recommended for those who live in a city or any place wherein there is everyday exposure to pollution. Your skin will take its toll after getting constant exposure to pollutants. So, giving an extra TLC will help you maintain healthy skin and avoid premature aging.
Meanwhile, people with extremely sensitive skin and problematic skin conditions like atopic dermatitis and rosacea should consult their dermatologists first before dwelling into double cleansing. Asking expert advice is their best way to choose the right products, learn special procedures, and avoid adverse effects.
What are the controversies regarding double cleansing?
While a handful of popular beauty routines nowadays incorporates double cleansing as their first step, there are still some who are skeptical about the cleansing method. Here we address the common fears and questions about double cleansing:
Is double cleansing scientifically supported?
Many nonbelievers of the double cleansing method claim that there is no scientific research supporting it. Furthermore, some insist that it is merely a marketing ploy to trick consumers into using more skincare products than necessary.
While there is limited research on double cleansing itself, the method is developed under two scientific facts:
Oil and water do not mix
This means that using water and water-based cleansers alone is not enough to remove oil impurities on the skin. Simply, the oil will repel the water and basically stays there.
Like dissolves like
As mentioned before, oil dissolves oil. Logically, the perfect product to break down those oil buildup and impurities are oil cleansers. In fact, a study proves that it is necessary to oil-cleanse to fully remove other beauty products like waterproof sunscreen. Meanwhile, the best product to gently but effectively remove water-based impurities from your skin like sweat, dirt, and dust is a water-based cleanser.
Will double cleansing make my skin dry?
Another claim that anti-double cleansers say is that washing your face too much will make your skin dry. This might be true if you are washing your face with regular soap or the wrong cleansing products for your skin. However, if you are using tested and verified oil cleansers and water-based cleansers, you really don’t need to worry. These cleansers are formulated to maintain the oil-water balance as well as complement the needs of your skin. Even more, they have ingredients that provided added benefits like hydrating, anti-aging, soothing, brightening, and many more.
Will using an oil cleanser cause breakouts?
Many people are wary of putting oil cleansers on their face as they fear that it will make it oilier, clog their pores, and cause breakouts. Fortunately, as long as these are used properly, oil cleansers are designed to clean the skin and even remove excess oils. No excess oil means lesser chances for breakouts!
Final thoughts on double cleansing
Cleansing has been part of human lives for hundreds of years and has evolved into more intricate methods—all to keep the skin healthy and clean. And while many of us try our best to protect our skin with the regular use of SPF (you do, right?) and some take time to put on makeup, adding two quick steps of cleansing should not be too big of trouble.
References
- https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/double-cleansing#who-its-for
- https://sokoglam.com/pages/the-korean-skin-care-routine
- https://sokoglam.com/pages/double-cleanse
- https://www.byrdie.com/double-cleansing
- https://www.allure.com/story/what-is-double-cleansing
- https://www.katesomerville.com/us/en/blog/gel-vs-foaming-face-wash.html
- https://theklog.co/difference-between-foaming-and-gel-cleansers/
- https://www.thelifestyle-files.com/double-cleansing-myth-or-fact/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3088928/
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jocd.13853
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/333576532_The_optimal_cleansing_method_for_the_removal_of_sunscreenWater_cleanser_or_cleansing_oil
- https://www.elle.com/uk/beauty/skin/a36728/double-cleansing-skin-what-is-it/
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