Contents
Regardless of your skincare routine, removing dirt, grime and makeup from your skin is key to keeping it healthy and clear. That’s where cleansing comes into play, the process of washing your face to remove oil and buildup. In some cases, however, a quick face wash is not enough to remove excess dirt from the skin. (One telltale sign is seeing traces of makeup or dirt on your towels after you’ve cleaned yourself up, says board-certified dermatologist Dr. DiAnne Davis.) If this happens frequently, there is no need to throw out the cleaner or increase the wash time. It may just need a double cleaning.
SKIP AHEAD Step One: Oil-Based Cleaner | Step Two: Water Based Cleaner | Step Three: Moisturizer | Is double cleansing good for my skin? | How often should I double clean?
Double cleansing is the process of using an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser to leave skin as clean as possible without causing irritation, according to board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Michele Green. The oil-based cleanser breaks down surface-level products like makeup and sunscreen, while the water-based cleanser combats pollutants, dirt, and debris. Below, we’ve broken down everything you need to know to start your double-cleaning journey. We also interviewed two board-certified dermatologists about the best products to use during the process.
Our top picks
Everything you need to start double cleaning
The double cleansing was born from Asian beauty practices of the 14th century., with roots in Japanese and Korean cultures. Nowadays, it is a very widespread practice that helps you achieve a deep cleansing of your skin.
Below, we’ve used expert guidance to round up the best oil- and water-based cleansers (plus moisturizers to help prevent dryness) to ensure your double cleansing routine is effective and safe for your skin. We provide a range of products to suit various skin types, including normal, oily, and acne-prone.
Step One: Oil-Based Cleaner
Using an oily product on your face can seem counterintuitive, especially if you already have oily skin. However, “oil based [products] they are best suited for removing impurities that are also oil-based, such as makeup, excess sebum, and sunscreen,” says Green. As a result, starting your routine with a cleansing oil or balm will set your next cleanser up for success – it ensures your pores are clean and open. Below we have provided a range of oil-based cleansers for normal, oily/combination and acne-prone skin types.
Avene XeraCalm AD Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil
Green recommends this cleansing oil from Avene for its hydrating formula, which includes soothing ingredients like omega-6 and glycerin. Lather the oil in your hands, where it will work into a lather. Then, massage the cleanser into your skin and rinse with lukewarm water; anything hotter will contribute to dry skin, according to the brand.
skin types: normal, oily, mixed
Versed Day Dissolve
This cleansing balm from Versed is my go-to cleanser as it effortlessly removes makeup and oil and leaves a fresh, matte finish on the skin. It is enriched with vitamin E, a hydrating antioxidant, and a selection of natural oils that draw out impurities and soften the skin. I scoop a dime-sized dollop onto my dry fingers and massage the balm directly into my skin for a few seconds. Then, with wet hands, I continue to massage until a milky residue forms. From there, I rinse everything off with warm water before proceeding with my second cleanser.
skin types: normal, oily and mixed
Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Waterproof Make-up Remover
While micellar water is not oil-based, our experts recommend it as another great first-step cleansing option for acne-prone skin because it can effectively remove oil-based impurities without clogging pores. Start by soaking it on a cotton pad, then use it to wipe your face until all makeup is removed or you feel clean. You will not need to rinse this off before moving on to your second cleaner.
skin types: acne prone
Step Two: Water Based Cleaner
Now that you’ve removed the first layer of dirt and makeup from your skin, you’re ready to deep clean your pores with a gentle, water-based cleanser. There’s a lot of flexibility when it comes to this second step: Just make sure you choose a product, whether it’s a cream or gel, that aligns with your skin type, says Green.
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
Green recommends this gentle cleanser for dry to normal skin types because of its formulation – it contains glycerin and niacinamide to help with hydration, and also draws out impurities. After applying the cleanser to your skin, the brand recommends leaving excess product on and rubbing it in with your moisturizer as an added skin barrier treatment.
skin types: dry to normal, sensitive
La Roche Posay Toleriane Gentle Hydrating Cleanser
Ceramides, lactic acid, and hyaluronic acid are key cleansing ingredients for dry skin types, which is why La Roche Posay’s Ceramide-Infused Cleanser is a great choice, according to Green. She especially likes its creamy formula as it gently cleanses the face while softening and moisturizing the skin. I also have sensitive and combination skin, and I love that it leaves my skin soft and hydrated right out of the shower. I immediately follow it up with La Roche Posay Toleriane Double Repair Moisturizer to lock in as much moisture as possible.
skin types: dry, sensitive
La Roche Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser
Green also recommends the brand’s purifying gel cleanser for oily and acne-prone skin thanks to its gentle, non-comedogenic formula. It provides deep cleansing without drying out the skin and includes zinc pidolate, which helps reduce both inflammation and excess oil production, according to Green.
skin types: oily, acne-prone
Step Three: Moisturizer
The double cleansing process helps you achieve the deepest, cleanest version of your skin, however it also means stripping your face of its essential oils twice. This makes moisturizing an essential part of the double-cleansing routine, as it ensures you’re re-moisturizing your skin, Davis says. After getting off your second cleanser, Green recommends applying moisturizer while skin is still damp to maximize hydration and enhance skin’s natural protective barrier.
CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
Green recommends this lotion for dry to normal skin types due to its ceramide-based formula that locks in moisture and strengthens the skin’s barrier. Furthermore, you can also use it as a body lotion. If you struggle with more severe dryness, she suggests trying the brand’s moisturizing cream for a thicker, faster-absorbing formula.
skin types: normal, dry
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturizer
Non-comedogenic moisturizers are essential for combination, oily, and acne-prone skin, as they prevent further pore clogging, according to Green. That’s why Green recommends this water-based option for oilier skin types because of its lightweight hydration. (Lotion formulas, on the other hand, can add oiliness to oily skin types, she says.) She can use this oil-free water gel on her face and neck as a moisturizer, and under makeup as well.
skin types: mixed, oily, acneic
Is double cleansing good for my skin type?
If you have balanced skin and don’t normally use a lot of products, there’s no need to risk stripping too much of your skin with a double cleanse, says Green. Both experts we spoke to say that if you’re experiencing the following factors, you’ll likely benefit from additional cleaning:
- Oily and acne-prone skin
- Intensive use of makeup
- frequent use of medical masks
- Living or spending a lot of time in polluted or humid environments
Anyone with skin conditions like rosacea and eczema, or those who struggle with general dryness and sensitivity, should avoid double cleansing altogether, as it can risk stripping the skin of its natural oils and leading to irritation. says Davis.
How often should I double clean?
Save the double cleanse for your evening routine, especially after days that are particularly sweaty or where you’ve worn heavier makeup. Davis recommends paying attention to your skin’s unique needs: If you’re extremely oily, you may benefit from a twice-daily double cleanse. If you try it and your skin gets overly irritated, overly dry, or has breakouts, double cleansing may not be for you, she says.
Meet our experts
At Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Michele Green is a board certified cosmetic dermatologist in New York City.
- Dr. DiAnne Davis is a board certified dermatologist in Dallas, TX. Davis has previously partnered with CeraVe, Cetaphil, Neutrogena and La Roche Posay. Because of this, we only use your general guide on double cleansing and don’t ask you for specific product recommendations.
Why trust Select?
For this article, Mikhaila Archer interviewed two board-certified dermatologists about the benefits of double cleansing.
Get up to speed with Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance, technology and tools, welfare and more, and follow us on Facebook, instagram and Twitter to be updated.
