You wash your face every night. Good. But what if we told you that one wash isn’t actually getting everything off? Sunscreen, makeup, pollution, sebum — a single cleanser often just pushes that stuff around instead of removing it.

Enter double cleansing: the two-step method that changed millions of skincare routines worldwide. It’s simpler than it sounds, and once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever thought one cleanser was enough.

What Is Double Cleansing?

Double cleansing is exactly what it sounds like — washing your face twice, with two different types of cleansers:

Step 1: Oil-based cleanser (cleansing oil, cleansing balm, or micellar water)

This dissolves oil-based impurities: sunscreen, makeup, excess sebum, and pollution particles. Oil dissolves oil — it’s basic chemistry.

Step 2: Water-based cleanser (gel, foam, or cream cleanser)

This handles everything else: sweat, dirt, and any remaining residue. It also ensures your skin is truly clean and ready to absorb your serums and treatments.

Think of it this way: the first cleanse removes the day from your face. The second cleanse actually cleans your skin.

Why Double Cleansing Works

Here’s something most people don’t realize: sunscreen is designed to stay on your skin. That’s literally its job. A single water-based cleanser often can’t fully remove it, which means you’re layering new skincare on top of yesterday’s sunscreen residue. Not ideal.

Benefits of double cleansing:

• Truly clean skin that absorbs serums and treatments better
• Fewer breakouts from leftover makeup and sunscreen clogging pores
• Better texture over time as pores stay clear
• More effective actives because they’re penetrating clean skin, not a layer of grime
• Gentler than scrubbing — two gentle washes beat one aggressive one

Studies have shown that double cleansing removes significantly more sunscreen residue than single cleansing. If you’re investing in good skincare, double cleansing ensures you’re actually getting the full benefit.

Step-by-Step: How to Double Cleanse

Step 1: Oil Cleanse

Start with dry hands and a dry face. This is important — water can create a barrier that prevents the oil cleanser from dissolving makeup and sunscreen effectively.

Apply a generous amount of oil cleanser or cleansing balm to your palms.

Massage gently all over your face for 60 seconds. Focus on areas with heavy makeup or sunscreen (around the eyes, forehead, nose).

Add a small amount of water and continue massaging. The cleanser should emulsify — turning milky white. This is the magic moment.

Rinse with lukewarm water. Your face should feel clean but still slightly “coated.” That’s normal.

Step 2: Water-Based Cleanse

Apply your water-based cleanser to damp skin.

Gently massage for 30-60 seconds in circular motions.

Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. (Hot water strips your skin — always go lukewarm.)

Pat dry with a clean towel. Don’t rub.

That’s it. Two minutes, twice the clean.

AM vs. PM: When to Double Cleanse

Evening (PM): Yes, always.

This is when double cleansing matters most. You’ve got a full day of sunscreen, makeup, pollution, and oil buildup to remove.

Morning (AM): Usually not necessary.

Your skin didn’t encounter sunscreen or makeup while you slept. A single gentle cleanser — or even just water — is fine in the morning. Over-cleansing can strip your skin and cause dryness.

The exception: If you used a heavy occlusive product at night (like Aquaphor for slugging), an oil cleanse in the morning can help remove the residue.

Best Products for Double Cleansing

Oil Cleansers (Step 1)

#### ⭐ Our Pick: DHC Deep Cleansing Oil

Price: ~$18 (2.3 oz) / ~$30 (6.7 oz)

DHC basically invented the modern oil cleansing trend, and this formula remains the gold standard. The olive oil base dissolves everything — waterproof mascara, heavy-duty sunscreen, all-day foundation — without leaving a greasy residue.

It emulsifies beautifully when you add water, which means it rinses clean instead of leaving an oily film. The rosemary and vitamin E are nice antioxidant bonuses, but the real star is how thoroughly this cleans while feeling incredibly gentle.

Pros:

• Dissolves even waterproof makeup
• Emulsifies and rinses perfectly clean
• Antioxidant-rich formula
• Fragrance-free

Cons:

• Contains olive oil (some acne-prone skin may react)
• Travel size is small for the price
• Pump can be finicky

Shop DHC Deep Cleansing Oil →

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#### Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm

Price: ~$19 (3.38 oz)

If you prefer a balm over a liquid oil, Banila Co’s Clean It Zero is the K-beauty classic that started the cleansing balm craze. The sherbet-like texture melts into a silky oil on contact, and it’s genuinely satisfying to use.

The original formula works for most skin types, but they also make versions for sensitive, nourishing, and purifying needs. Scoop out a small amount, warm it between your palms, and watch it melt away a full face of makeup in seconds.

Pros:

• Fun sherbet-to-oil texture
• Extremely effective at removing makeup
• Multiple versions for different skin types
• Travel-friendly jar

Cons:

• Jar packaging (less hygienic than pump)
• Contains mineral oil (not everyone’s favorite)
• Scented

Shop Banila Co Clean It Zero →

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#### Kose Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil

Price: ~$10 (7.8 oz)

The budget king of oil cleansers. Kose Softymo is a Japanese drugstore staple that gives you a massive bottle for a fraction of the price of most options. It removes makeup and sunscreen efficiently, emulsifies well, and rinses clean.

The “Speedy” version is designed to work on dry OR wet hands, which is a huge convenience factor. No more trying to start your routine with perfectly dry hands.

Pros:

• Incredible value (huge bottle, low price)
• Works on wet or dry skin
• Rinses clean
• Japanese drugstore quality

Cons:

• Contains mineral oil
• Slightly less effective on very heavy makeup
• Packaging is utilitarian

Shop Kose Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil →

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Water-Based Cleansers (Step 2)

#### ⭐ Our Pick: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

Price: ~$16 (16 oz)

CeraVe makes another appearance, and it’s well deserved. The Hydrating Cleanser contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid, so it actually adds moisture while it cleans. Your skin never feels tight or stripped after using it.

As a second cleanse, it’s perfect — gentle enough that you’re not over-cleansing, but effective enough to remove any remaining residue from your oil cleanse. The pump bottle is practical, and the price per ounce is excellent.

Pros:

• Ceramides and hyaluronic acid hydrate while cleansing
• Never leaves skin feeling tight
• Fragrance-free
• Huge bottle lasts months

Cons:

• Won’t remove makeup on its own (that’s what step 1 is for)
• Can feel like it’s not “doing anything” (it is, promise)
• Cream texture isn’t for everyone

Shop CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser →

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#### La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser

Price: ~$16 (13.5 oz)

La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane cleanser is ceramide-rich, prebiotic-infused, and feels like washing your face with something actually nice instead of a chore. The formula respects your skin’s natural pH and leaves it feeling balanced — not tight, not greasy.

It’s especially good for sensitive and dry skin types who need a second cleanser that won’t undo all the gentle work of their oil cleanse.

Pros:

• Prebiotic formula supports skin microbiome
• Ceramide-rich
• Perfect for sensitive skin
• Generous bottle size

Cons:

• Very gentle = not great as a solo cleanser
• Milky texture doesn’t lather (some people miss the foam)
• Slightly more expensive than CeraVe

Shop La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser →

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Double Cleansing Combos We Love

Skin Type	Step 1 (Oil)	Step 2 (Water)
Dry/Sensitive	Banila Co Clean It Zero	CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
Oily/Acne-Prone	DHC Deep Cleansing Oil	CeraVe Foaming Cleanser
Normal/Combo	Kose Softymo Speedy	La Roche-Posay Toleriane
Heavy Makeup Wearer	DHC Deep Cleansing Oil	La Roche-Posay Toleriane
Budget Pick	Kose Softymo Speedy	CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser

Common Double Cleansing Mistakes

Using too little oil cleanser. Don’t be stingy — you need enough to actually dissolve everything.

Skipping the massage. 60 seconds of massage gives the oil time to break down sunscreen and makeup.

Using hot water. Lukewarm only. Hot water strips your skin.

Double cleansing in the morning. Once a day (evening) is enough for most people.

Choosing a harsh second cleanser. If your face feels tight and “squeaky clean,” your cleanser is too harsh.

FAQs

Do I need to double cleanse if I don’t wear makeup?

Yes! Sunscreen, pollution, and sebum still need an oil cleanser to break down effectively.

Can double cleansing cause breakouts?

If you’re using the wrong oil cleanser for your skin type, possibly. Patch test and choose non-comedogenic formulas.

Is micellar water a substitute for oil cleansing?

It can be for light makeup and sunscreen, but it’s not as thorough as a proper oil cleanser for heavy or waterproof products.

How long should double cleansing take?

About 2-3 minutes total. 60 seconds for the oil cleanse, 30-60 seconds for the water-based cleanse.

The Bottom Line

Double cleansing isn’t a fad — it’s a fundamental upgrade to how you wash your face. Pair DHC Deep Cleansing Oil with CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser for a combo that works for most skin types, or mix and match from our recommendations based on your specific needs.

Your serums, treatments, and moisturizers can only work as well as the canvas they’re applied to. Give them a clean one.

Last updated: March 2026. We may earn a commission through affiliate links at no extra cost to you.