If you’re into skincare, you’ve probably heard of double cleansing. But what does double cleansing mean, and why has it become so popular? This method involves using two cleansers to achieve cleaner, healthier skin. It helps with removing makeup, sunscreen, and dirt. I remember struggling with stubborn breakouts because I wasn’t cleansing properly. Once I switched to double cleansing, my skin got way better.
In this post, I’ll share everything you need about double cleansing, including its benefits, the best products, and tips to help you choose the right routine for your skin type.
If you’re new to skincare routines, it’s a good idea first to check out our Beginner’s Guide to Korean Skincare: Steps and Benefits to understand how double cleansing fits into a complete skincare routine.
What Is Double Cleansing?
Double cleansing means using two different cleansers to clean your face thoroughly:
- An oil-based cleanser: This removes oil-based impurities like makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum.
- A water-based cleanser: This cleanses away sweat, dirt, and remaining impurities.
This two-step method ensures your skin is prepped and ready to absorb your serums, moisturizers, and treatments more effectively.
Benefits of Double Cleansing
1. Removes Stubborn Makeup and Sunscreen
Oil-based cleansers are better at breaking down makeup and sunscreen, especially waterproof ones.
2. Prevents Breakouts
If you’re wondering, is double cleansing good for acne?, the answer is yes! It prevents the buildup of sebum that clogs the pores. Hence, it reduces the chances of breakouts caused by leftover dirt and oil.
3. Improves Product Absorption
Clean skin helps toners, serums, and treatments penetrate deeply for better results.
4. Balances the Skin
Double cleansing keeps your skin clean without stripping it of natural moisture, making it suitable for oily, dry, or sensitive skin.
Is Double Cleansing Necessary?
If you wear sunscreen or makeup daily, double cleansing is essential. Regular cleansers might not remove oil-based products, leaving residues that could clog your pores. However, if you don’t wear makeup or sunscreen, a single cleanser might be enough for your needs. You should be wearing sunscreen tho!
Best Products for Double Cleansing
I’ve tried several double-cleansing products and found some real gems. Here are my top recommendations:
1. Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Original
I’ve repurchased this balm more than twice. I bought the big size (180ml), which lasts a long time. This balm emulsifies with water without making my eyes feel froggy. It does have added fragrance, but it’s not very strong, so it was fine for me.
I only stopped using it because it contains the pore-clogging ingredient called ethylhexyl palmitate (which is the first ingredient on the list). With my oily and acne-prone skin, I wanted my routine to be clear of any pore-clogging ingredients. However, Banila Co offers different types of this balm:
- Original: for all skin types.
- Calming: for sensitive skin.
- Pore Clarifying: for oily skin.
- Nourishing: for dry skin.
- Revitalizing: for combo skin.
- Enriching Butter: for flaky dry skin.
- Firming: for mature skin.
- Brightening: for dull skin.
Each has a different color, and I tried the original because it’s for all skin types, but as mentioned, I stopped using it. I may try the Pore Clarifying one in the future after reviewing the ingredients. It does have added fragrance, but it’s not very strong, so it was fine for me.
2. Heimish All Clean Balm
This is another great balm for double cleansing. However, it also contains three pore-clogging ingredients, which led me to stop repurchasing it out of caution. It does have a scent, but it’s not from added fragrance. It’s from the natural ingredients.
3. Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm
This balm doesn’t have pore-clogging ingredients, but it’s a bit expensive for the size, so I didn’t repurchase it. It does the job well and is fragrance-free, though there is a slight scent from the natural ingredients.
4. SKIN1004 Centella Light Cleansing Oil
I’ve just bought my fourth bottle of this cleanser. It’s amazing, and I’ve been using it for over a year. It’s very gentle and works great. While it does have a pore-clogging ingredient called ethylhexyl palmitate (the first one in the list of ingredients), I haven’t noticed any breakouts since I started using it.
I also use tretinoin to treat acne, which could help prevent breakouts. It has a slight scent, but it’s not strong and comes from natural ingredients (no added fragrance).
5. Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Deep Cleansing Oil
In the future, I might test Haruharuwonder Black Rice Moisture Deep Cleansing Oil, which doesn’t have any pore-clogging ingredients and is an oil as well. Stay tuned for the review!
Pro Tip: Always patch-test new products to avoid irritation or breakouts.
Cleansing Balms vs. Cleansing Oils
When choosing products for double cleansing, you can either go for a cleansing balm or a cleansing oil. Both are effective but have different benefits.
- Cleansing Balms: These are solid oils that melt into your skin and are perfect for travel. They are gentle but effective.
- Cleansing Oils: These are liquid oils that are lightweight and easy to spread. They are especially good for oily skin types.
How to Double Cleanse Properly
- Oil-Based Cleanser:
- Apply to dry skin and massage gently for 1–2 minutes.
- Add water to emulsify the product and rinse thoroughly.
- Water-Based Cleanser:
- Use a gentle gel or foaming cleanser.
- Wash your face to remove any leftover impurities.
Choosing the Best Products for Your Skin Type
For Oily Skin:
Go for lightweight cleansing oils like Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Deep Cleansing Oil.
For Dry Skin:
Nourishing balms, such as Banila Co Clean It Zero Nourishing Cleansing Balm, are perfect.
For Sensitive Skin:
Fragrance-free options like the Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm work best.
Final Thoughts on Double Cleansing
Incorporating double cleansing into my skincare routine was a turning point for me. It’s a simple yet effective method to achieve cleaner, healthier, and glowing skin.
Whether you choose a balm or oil, the key is consistency and choosing products suited to your skin type!