What is Double Cleansing? Experts Break It Down the Two-Step Process

Few skin-care steps are as important as the cleanse, which stage for the rest of your routine. Particularly at night, double cleansing ensures your skin is adequately prepped with a deep clean. 

“Double cleansing is exactly what it sounds like: cleansing the skin twice,” explains Los Angeles–based esthetician to the stars Candace Marino. “The concept behind double cleansing is to first remove whatever is on the skin (think: makeup, sunscreen, dirt, oil, and buildup from the day), and then cleansing the skin a second time to actually get the skin clean.” The methodology has its origins in Korea as a mainstay in K-beauty rituals, though it has risen in popularity stateside over the last five years. 

What Is Double Cleansing?

“Double cleansing is exactly what it sounds like: cleansing the skin twice,” explains Los Angeles–based esthetician to the stars Candace Marino. “The concept behind [the practice] is to first remove whatever is on the skin (think: makeup, sunscreen, dirt, oil, and buildup from the day), and then cleansing the skin a second time to actually get the skin clean.” The methodology has its origins in Korea as a mainstay in K-beauty rituals, though it has risen in popularity stateside over the last five years.

Sonia Badreshia, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Elite MD, this cleansing method usually involves two different types of cleansers: one that is oil-based followed by a water-based cleanser. This two-step process, Badreshia says, is to ensure a thorough wash that will leave the skin clean and prepped for the rest of your routine.

What Are the Benefits of Double Cleansing?

According to board-certified dermatologist Kim Nichols, MD, this promotes not only a more thorough wash but also targets specific skin concerns and promotes a healthier complexion overall. Plus, as Nichols explains, everyone could benefit from double cleansing. “But because this method works to gently unclog pores as opposed to an irritating scrub or exfoliant, this cleansing method is most beneficial for those who either wear makeup every day or those who struggle with oily skin, whiteheads, and comedonal acne,” she details. “In addition, those living in cities with poor air quality and high levels of pollution are at a higher risk of clogged pores, breakouts, and even premature aging, making them excellent candidates for double cleansing.”

Badreshia agrees and adds that double cleansing helps your skin absorb active ingredients better, allowing your routine to work more effectively. So it’s definitely a method to consider if your skin can handle it.

Is Double Cleansing Necessary?

The need to double cleanse depends on a lot of different factors. Badreshia lists skin type, lifestyle, and how you use makeup or sunscreen all play into if the extra step is worth it for you.

For those who regularly wear heavy makeup or sunscreen, she says, double cleansing can be useful in effectively removing all the impurities from the skin. She adds that it can help those with oily and acne-prone; as mentioned previously it can help unclog pores and prevent future breakouts. But those with dry or sensitive skin or anyone who doesn’t normally wear heavy makeup, she says you can stick to your normal cleansing routine. Figuring out your skin’s needs is most important in how you adjust your skincare accordingly.

“Ultimately, while double cleansing can be a valuable addition to a skin-care routine, it’s not universally necessary,” she says. “It should be tailored to your specific skin type and habits.”

How to Double Cleanse

Typically, double cleansing is achieved with two different formulas. The first is typically an oil-based wash like a cleansing oil, balm, or cream cleanser that can break down and slough away impurities with ease. The second cleanse, which should work to exfoliate, smooth, brighten, or hydrate the skin, is achieved through a water-based gel, foam, or micellar water. Oftentimes, people choose to double cleanse at night followed by a gentle, conditioning wash in the morning just to refresh the skin.

As with any other part of your regimen, curate your cleansing to your liking. “Double cleansing should never cause skin tightness, rashes, irritation, or breakouts,” says Nichols. “To prevent over-washing and its adverse effects on the skin, it is crucial to use the correct products based on [your] skin type. Know that double cleansing, like all skin-care routines, is not one-size-fits-all, so each individual may have different practices for best cleansing their skin.” With this guidance in mind, read on to learn more about each cleansing step, along with our edit of the best formulas to try.

Step One: The Melt Cleanse

Marino dubs the first step “the melt cleanse,” as it looks to cut through makeup and impurities; it’s a process made simple with cleansing oils, balms, and rich cream cleansers. Because of their conditioning properties, this is significantly impactful for those with dry skin or throughout the winter. While you’re aiming to remove dirt, you do not want to strip your skin of its essential oils.

If you’re looking for an oil, Korean beauty solutions by DHC and Sulwhasoo are industry favorites. While the former is powered by a blend of vitamin E, olive fruit, and rosemary leaf oil, the latter uses coix lacryma-jobi seed, tangerine peel extract, and apricot kernel oil to refresh skin. There’s also Tatcha’s version enriched with camellia oil. 

Of the best cleansing balms, Marino cites Augustinus Bader’s formula, which features a supercharged blend of not only the brand’s TFC8 complex but an avocado-olive fruit oil complex, vitamin E, and squalane to moisturize and protect the skin. Another creamy option is Glow Recipe’s balm, which is loved for its sorbet-like texture and resurfacing properties. “It’s formulated with papaya seed oil, camellia seed oil, and apricot oil to break down excess oil and makeup, while papaya enzymes gently resurfaces the skin,” shares Glow Recipe cofounder and co-CEO Christine Chang. Otherwise, a balm housed in a convenient tube-like these Vogue editor favorites by Eadem or Paula’s Choice leave skin soft and nourished with half the mess.

Step Two: The True Cleanse

The second step of a double cleansing routine will likely look like the cleanser you’d typically gravitate toward; meaning it’s the one most reflective of addressing skin concerns from dryness to pigmentation and signs of aging. Just steer clear of formulas that will leave your skin feeling dry or taut. Marino is a fan of the iS Clinical Cleansing Complex, a lightweight gel effective, especially for sensitive skin types. Those with dry skin on the other hand might appreciate Yon-Ka’s milky wash, enriched with 85% natural origin ingredients including a botanical blend of brown algae, lipids, and a plant-derived terpene. Nichols is partial to SkinCeuticals Simply Clean. “Formulated with glycerin and amino acids for a gentle exfoliation, [this] combined [with the first cleanse], efficiently removes excess oils and stubborn makeup.” Lastly, Omorovicza’s cleanser is a salve for oily and acne-prone skin types as it works into a rich foam to hydrate skin and regulate sebum production.

Step Three: The Glow Cleanse

Marino often takes double cleansing a step further by rounding out the sequence with an exfoliating wash to ensure the skin is free of any buildup and makeup, particularly around the hairline, neck, and ears. She recommends her clients complete this “triple cleanse” in their nighttime routine for all makeup wearers or those who prefer a facial-like treatment. “Years later, my clients (and myself) are still triple cleansing, and many report clearer, brighter and healthier skin,” she shares. Keep in mind, though, that this is not to replace your exfoliation regimen but to give your skin a needed glow boost via a gentle, exfoliating cleanse. Marino cites enzyme-based cleansers as just the ticket for resurfacing sans irritation.

While Jan Marini and Revision Skincare formulas are powered by papaya enzymes amongst other exfoliants, Lancer Skincare looks to pumpkin and pomegranate enzymes to buff away dead skin and diminish sebum on oily skin. The Elemis wash is another excellent pick infused with the brand’s Tri-Enzyme technology, white truffle, and babassu to reveal a bright, smooth complexion. Et voila, your skin is adequately prepped for the rest of your skin-care routine.

Should You Double Cleanse Everyday?

Badreshia says that those who regularly wear heavy makeup and sunscreen or live in polluted environments are the ones who benefit most from double cleansing everyday. If you’re more dry or sensitive, you don’t have to double cleanse daily—or even at all if your skin can’t take it. It’s just all about what works best for your skin.

How Often Should I Double Cleanse?

Again, this is dependent on your skin type and lifestyle habits. But if you’re looking for some general guidelines, Badreshia breaks it down as the following:

• Heavy Makeup and Sunscreen Users: Consider double cleansing daily to ensure a thorough cleanse
• Sensitive or Dry Skin: Double cleanse on days you wear heavy makeup and sunscreen, but otherwise daily use is not needed.
• Combination Skin: Can be done on an as-needed basis. If you tend to use heavier products or live in areas with high pollution levels, then you might want to double cleanse more frequently.

She emphasizes the importance of paying attention to how your skin responds. If you notice signs of excessive dryness or irritation, then you’ll want to reduce the amount you double cleanse. “Ultimately, the key is to find a routine that suits your skin’s unique needs,” she says.

Listen to Vogue Beauty editors talk about double cleansing and their own beauty routines on this episode of The Run-Through here.