Is Double Cleansing Worth It? Dermatologists Break Down the Trendy 2-Step Wash

What Exactly Is Double Cleansing?

Double cleansing might have more steps than your usual skincare routine, but it’s not complicated. It’s really about changing up what you’re cleansing with. “Double cleansing uses two separate types of cleansers to wash your face,” says Dr. Gmyrek. First, you’ll want to use an oil-based cleanser to dissolve any gunk on your face—aka makeup, sunscreen, excess oil, or any other product that water alone can’t remove. (For this step, you can also use micellar water or a cleansing balm.) Using an oil-based cleanser first is especially helpful to those who wear makeup or have oily skin, adds Dr. Gmyrek, since both makeup and sebum are lipophilic (meaning they dissolve in oil). 

After that, you’ll want to follow up with a gentle water-based cleanser to sweep away sweat, dirt, and anything the first round of cleansing didn’t catch. Try using a formula without active ingredients like exfoliating acids or benzoyl peroxide, like this fragrance-free, pH-balanced cleanser from FIRST AID BEAUTY. 

And while double cleansing might be a new term for you, it’s a skincare ritual that’s long been practiced in Korea. There, it’s considered that the cleaner your skin, the better it can absorb all those nourishing serums and moisturizers. Of course, that’s not the case for every skin type—more on that later—but now, double cleansing has become a global go-to for plenty of skincare lovers. 

The Benefits of Double Cleansing

Double cleansing gives you a thorough clean that tackles both surface-level and deep-down impurities. Makeup melts away, sunscreen breaks down, and unseen things like pollution, sweat, and excess oil swipe off. This leaves you with a lower chance of buildup and breakouts, and helps you make the most out of your skincare products. Ultimately, a clean face is one that’s better able to absorb and benefit from the skin care you apply on it afterward, whether that’s a hydrating serum or a retinol-infused moisturizer. 

Here’s How to Double Cleanse for Your Skin Type

Double cleansing looks different for everyone—and for some, double cleansing isn’t necessarily an everyday practice. It’s all dependent on your skin type and daily habits. Those with oily or acne-prone skin, or who wear sunscreen or makeup daily, may benefit from double cleansing every night with an oil-based cleanser, followed by a foaming water-based cleanser. We personally love using this Fresh-Start Foaming Cleanser from REAL CHEMISTRY since it’s gentle enough to use for double cleansing. (It’s also worth checking out our favorite oil-based cleansers.) 

Meanwhile, those with combination or dry skin should consider experimenting with a micellar water or cleansing balm rather than an oil cleanser, since those options may be more hydrating. This should be followed up with a fragrance-free cream cleanser, says Dr. Gmyrek, as they can be less drying than foaming ones. We recommend this Truffle Therapy Whipped Cleansing Cream from SKIN&CO ROMA, which helps wash away impurities without leaving you with a tight or stripped feeling. 

That said, if your skin isn’t particularly oil-prone, double cleansing every single day probably isn’t necessary. And if you have rosacea, eczema, or particularly sensitive or dry skin, you may want to steer clear of double cleansing completely, warns Dr. Gmyrek. Otherwise, you might risk stripping your skin of its natural oils, which keep your skin healthy and protected from irritants. Instead, she recommends reaching for a gentle cleanser alone. “For most people, washing your face thoroughly with a gentle cleanser is enough,” she adds. “Double cleansing may not be necessary, and you want to avoid over-washing.”

Watch Out: Common Mistakes to Avoid

Double cleansing can be a game-changer, but like any skincare step, it’s possible to overdo it. Double cleansing too often—like, morning and night everyday—could strip your skin and leave it feeling dry and irritated. For most people, double cleansing at night is plenty, says Dr. Gmyrek. Your skin should feel soothed, not stripped.

You should also avoid using harsh formulas that might disrupt your skin barrier. Instead, reach for gentle cleansers that wash away impurities without overdrying your face, like this Gentle Daily Wash from KATE SOMERVILLE®. Don’t overscrub either! Let the cleansers do the work, and massage them into your skin with your fingertips. Make sure to rinse your face thoroughly. 

Regardless of your skin type and what products you use, Dr. Gmyrek says there’s one step that should never be skipped. “Double cleansing should always be followed up with a proper moisturizer to keep skin hydrated,” she says. “Look for products with noncomedogenic ingredients like ceramides or hyaluronic acid.” And like any skincare technique, she adds, start slow and monitor how your skin reacts to double cleansing.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever felt like your daily cleanser doesn’t get the job quite done, this is your sign to try out double cleansing. It can help you get a deeper clean, lessening the chance of breakouts and giving your skin better product absorption. Remember, you can always tweak your routine based on your skin type and concerns, so don’t be afraid of mixing and matching oil-based cleansers and water-based cleansers until you’ve found your ideal duo. Once you’ve tried double cleansing, you might wonder how you ever washed your face any other way.