Quick answer: Double cleansing means washing your face twice in a row: first with an oil or balm cleanser to melt sunscreen and makeup, then with a gentle water-based cleanser. It’s most useful at night after makeup or sunscreen. Keep it gentle: the AAD advises lukewarm water, a mild non-abrasive cleanser applied with your fingertips, and patting skin dry (AAD).
Table of Contents
How to double cleanse: 5 steps
- Dry hands, dry face. Massage an oil or balm cleanser over your face for about a minute.
- Emulsify. Add a little lukewarm water until it turns milky, then rinse.
- Second cleanse. Use a gentle gel or cream cleanser with your fingertips.
- Rinse and pat dry with a soft, clean towel.
- Moisturize while your skin is still slightly damp.
Time: about 2 to 3 minutes. When: at night, mainly on days you wear makeup or sunscreen.
Who double cleansing suits
| You wear… | Double cleanse? |
|---|---|
| Makeup or long-wear foundation | Yes, at night |
| Water-resistant sunscreen | Often helpful at night |
| Only moisturizer | Usually not needed |
| Nothing, or it’s morning | One gentle cleanse is enough |
If your skin feels tight or dry afterward, go back to one cleanse or use a milder second cleanser.
Cleanser pairs for double cleansing
| Skin feel | First cleanse | Second cleanse |
|---|---|---|
| Dry | Cleansing balm | Cream or milk cleanser |
| Oily | Light cleansing oil | Gentle gel cleanser |
| Sensitive | Fragrance-free balm or micellar water | Fragrance-free cream cleanser |
| Combination | Cleansing oil | Low-foam gel cleanser |
We haven’t lab-tested these options. The table compares them by what the label says and how they’re usually made.
Keep double cleansing gentle
- Use lukewarm water, not hot.
- Use your fingertips, not a rough cloth or scrub, as the AAD advises.
- Don’t over-wash. The AAD suggests washing twice a day and after sweating.
- Pat, don’t rub, when drying.
- Moisturize right after.
All of these points come from the AAD’s face-washing guidance (AAD). Patch test anything new. The AAD suggests applying a new product to a quarter-sized spot on the underside of your arm or the bend of your elbow twice a day for 7 to 10 days, and stopping if your skin reacts (AAD).
Double cleansing mistakes to avoid
- Adding water to the oil too soon. Massage it on a dry face first so it can melt makeup.
- Skipping the emulsify step. Adding a little water helps the oil rinse clean.
- Using two strong foaming cleansers. The second cleanse should be gentle.
- Scrubbing with a rough cloth. The AAD advises using your fingertips.
- Double cleansing in the morning. One gentle cleanse is usually enough.
- Using hot water. Lukewarm water is kinder to your face.
If you wear eye makeup, press the oil cleanser onto closed eyes for a few seconds before you massage, so mascara softens and slides off. Keep a clean face towel for each night, or use a fresh section of a larger towel. Store oils and balms with the lid closed and away from the steam of the shower so they stay fresh longer.
Where double cleansing fits in your routine
Double cleansing is step one of a night routine. After it, follow our night skincare routine for the order of serum and moisturizer. In the morning, a single gentle cleanse is usually enough; see our morning skincare routine.
Wearing a Korean sunscreen or a water-resistant formula every day? That’s the kind of day when a first oil cleanse at night helps most. For the full order of every step, read our simple skin care routine guide.
New to double cleansing? Try it three nights a week for two weeks and notice how your skin feels. If it feels clean and comfortable, keep going; if it feels tight, go back to one cleanse on most nights and double cleanse only after heavy makeup.
FAQ
What is double cleansing?
Washing your face twice: first with an oil or balm cleanser, then with a gentle water-based cleanser.
Do I need to double cleanse every night?
Only on days you wear makeup or sunscreen. On other nights, one gentle cleanse is enough.
Should I double cleanse in the morning?
Usually not. A single gentle cleanse is enough in the morning.
Can double cleansing dry out my skin?
It can if the cleansers are harsh or you scrub. Use lukewarm water, fingertips and a mild second cleanser, then moisturize.
Is micellar water a first cleanse?
It can be, especially for sensitive skin. Follow it with a gentle cleanser.
Written by Mahmoud Abdelmaksoud.
