Double Cleansing

What is double cleansing?

Double cleansing is the first step of the Korean skincare routine. The idea: oil dissolves oil. Make-up, water-resistant sunscreen and excess sebum are oil-soluble and are hard to remove with a water-based cleanser alone. That’s why you cleanse in two steps.

How double cleansing works

1. Oil-based cleanse: massage a cleansing oil or cleansing balm onto dry skin for 30 to 60 seconds. Then add a little water to emulsify until the texture turns milky, and rinse.
2. Water-based cleanse: use a gentle, low-pH foam or gel cleanser to remove remaining residue as well as sweat and dirt.
3. Continue your routine: follow with toner, essence or serum – clean skin absorbs the next steps well.

Who is double cleansing for?

• anyone who wears sunscreen or make-up – so practically every evening
• oily and blemish-prone skin, as cleansing oils dissolve sebum and can help prevent clogged pores – see oil & pore care
• dry and sensitive skin, as long as gentle products are used

In the morning, a simple cleanse with water or a mild cleanser is usually enough. Your skin shouldn’t feel tight after cleansing – if it does, your cleanser is too strong.

Cleansing oil or cleansing balm?

A cleansing oil is liquid and spreads easily – ideal for oily skin and blackheads. A cleansing balm has a solid, melting texture and often feels more comfortable on dry skin. Both do the same job. Learn more in our article Cleansing oil vs. cleansing foam.

Double cleansing with Korean skincare

For the first step, the Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil by Anua, the Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil by SKIN1004 and the All Clean Balm by heimish are popular. For the second step, try the Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser by COSRX, the Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam by Anua or the Madagascar Centella Ampoule Foam by SKIN1004. You’ll find all cleansing oils and balms in our cleansing oils & balms collection.