Is Double Cleansing Really Worth It?

If you’ve ever felt like your skin isn’t fully clean after washing your face, double cleansing might be the missing piece in your routine. The double cleansing method has been a staple in Korean and Japanese skincare for years, but is it really necessary, or just another extra step in your routine? Let’s break down the science behind it and how to choose the right cleansers for your skin type.

What Is Double Cleansing?

Double cleansing can Double cleansing is exactly what it sounds like—cleansing your skin twice. However, the key is to remove surface-level impurities first so that the second cleanse can more effectively clean the skin.

Step 1: First Cleanse – Focuses on removing makeup, sunscreen, excess oil, and pollutants.

Step 2: Second Cleanse – Ensures a deeper clean by clearing any remaining residue while treating specific skin concerns like dullness, acne, or dehydration.

By using the right combination of cleansers, you can achieve clearer, healthier-looking skin.

Who Should Double Cleanse?

Double cleansing isn’t just for skincare enthusiasts—it’s especially beneficial if you:

Wear makeup or sunscreen daily — A single cleanse may not be enough to fully remove long-wear formulas.
Have oily or acne-prone skin — Excess oil can mix with bacteria and lead to clogged pores.
Live in a city with high pollution levels — Environmental pollutants and debris can stick to the skin, accelerating signs of aging.
Struggle with uneven skin tone or breakouts — Cleansing twice allows active ingredients to work more effectively.

If you have dry or sensitive skin, double cleansing can still work for you—just be sure to use hydrating, gentle formulas to avoid over-stripping your skin barrier.

Who Should Double Cleanse?

The short answer: most people can benefit from it.

Double cleansing is especially helpful if you:

Wear makeup, SPF, or tinted moisturizer daily
Have oily or acne-prone skin and want to avoid clogged pores
Live in a city or high pollution environment
Struggle with uneven skin tone or breakouts

Even if you don’t wear much makeup, if you’re using sunscreen (which you should be!) or spend time outdoors, an oil-based first cleanse helps melt away those oil-loving impurities without disrupting your skin barrier. Then, your second cleanse can actually get to your skin—not just the surface gunk.

That said, if your skin is very dry, sensitive, or easily irritated, opt for gentle, nourishing formulas and consider starting with a few nights a week to see how your skin responds.

Like most things in skincare, it’s about finding the balance that works for you.

My Go-To Cleansers for Double Cleansing

If you’re ready to try double cleansing but don’t know where to start, here are the products I personally reach for—and recommend to my patients every day.

Step 1: Oil Based Cleanser

One Love Organics Vitamin B Cleansing Oil: I’ve tried just about every cleansing oil on the market, and I always find myself coming back to this one. It melts away makeup, sunscreen, and the day’s buildup like a dream—without ever leaving your skin feeling stripped or greasy. The texture is silky, the scent is calming, and the formula is packed with nourishing Vitamin B to support a healthy skin barrier. It works beautifully for all skin types, including sensitive.

Step 2: Water Based Cleanser

Brightening Facial Wash – A glycolic and salicylic acid-based cleanser that brightens and smooths skin, great for normal, oily, and mature skin types.
Papaya Enzyme Cleanser – Enzyme-based formula with Papain and Salicylic Acid that dissolves debris while nourishing the skin. Perfect for normal/combination skin.
Gentle Foaming Cleanser – This creamy foam cleanser removes impurities while soothing and calming the skin, thanks to ingredients like chamomile and allantoin. It’s ultra-gentle, fragrance-free, and a beautiful everyday option if your skin leans reactive or delicate.
Blair Skincare Acne Cleanser – Infused with 10% Benzoyl Peroxide, this acne-fighting cleanser kills bacteria while deeply cleansing pores. Best for acne-prone skin.
Revision’s Purifying Cleansing Gel – A deep-cleaning gel with Lactic Acid and Salicylic Acid to clear pores and remove excess oil. Best for great oily skin.

Double cleansing isn’t about doing more for the sake of it—it’s about doing the right steps in the right order. When your skin is truly clean (without being stripped or tight), it looks clearer, feels smoother, and absorbs your products more efficiently. That’s the kind of glow we’re after.

Whether you wear makeup daily or just SPF and a little concealer, your skin deserves a thorough, gentle cleanse. Double cleansing is a beautiful way to end the day—and a small act of self-care that goes deeper than skin.

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Is Double Cleansing Really Worth It?

What Is Double Cleansing?

Double cleansing can Double cleansing is exactly what it sounds like—cleansing your skin twice. However, the key is to remove surface-level impurities first so that the second cleanse can more effectively clean the skin.

Step 1: First Cleanse – Focuses on removing makeup, sunscreen, excess oil, and pollutants.

Step 2: Second Cleanse – Ensures a deeper clean by clearing any remaining residue while treating specific skin concerns like dullness, acne, or dehydration.

By using the right combination of cleansers, you can achieve clearer, healthier-looking skin.

Who Should Double Cleanse?

Double cleansing isn’t just for skincare enthusiasts—it’s especially beneficial if you:

Wear makeup or sunscreen daily — A single cleanse may not be enough to fully remove long-wear formulas.

Have oily or acne-prone skin — Excess oil can mix with bacteria and lead to clogged pores.

Live in a city with high pollution levels — Environmental pollutants and debris can stick to the skin, accelerating signs of aging.

Struggle with uneven skin tone or breakouts — Cleansing twice allows active ingredients to work more effectively.

If you have dry or sensitive skin, double cleansing can still work for you—just be sure to use hydrating, gentle formulas to avoid over-stripping your skin barrier.

Who Should Double Cleanse?

The short answer: most people can benefit from it.

Double cleansing is especially helpful if you:

Wear makeup, SPF, or tinted moisturizer daily

Have oily or acne-prone skin and want to avoid clogged pores

Live in a city or high pollution environment

Struggle with uneven skin tone or breakouts

That said, if your skin is very dry, sensitive, or easily irritated, opt for gentle, nourishing formulas and consider starting with a few nights a week to see how your skin responds.

Like most things in skincare, it’s about finding the balance that works for you.

My Go-To Cleansers for Double Cleansing

If you’re ready to try double cleansing but don’t know where to start, here are the products I personally reach for—and recommend to my patients every day.

Step 1: Oil Based Cleanser

Step 2: Water Based Cleanser

Brightening Facial Wash – A glycolic and salicylic acid-based cleanser that brightens and smooths skin, great for normal, oily, and mature skin types.

Papaya Enzyme Cleanser – Enzyme-based formula with Papain and Salicylic Acid that dissolves debris while nourishing the skin. Perfect for normal/combination skin.

Gentle Foaming Cleanser – This creamy foam cleanser removes impurities while soothing and calming the skin, thanks to ingredients like chamomile and allantoin. It’s ultra-gentle, fragrance-free, and a beautiful everyday option if your skin leans reactive or delicate.

Blair Skincare Acne Cleanser – Infused with 10% Benzoyl Peroxide, this acne-fighting cleanser kills bacteria while deeply cleansing pores. Best for acne-prone skin.

Revision’s Purifying Cleansing Gel – A deep-cleaning gel with Lactic Acid and Salicylic Acid to clear pores and remove excess oil. Best for great oily skin.

Whether you wear makeup daily or just SPF and a little concealer, your skin deserves a thorough, gentle cleanse. Double cleansing is a beautiful way to end the day—and a small act of self-care that goes deeper than skin.

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