How to Double Cleanse

Co-authored by Lydia Shedlofsky, DO and Dev Murphy

Last Updated: August 8, 2022 References

Since the double cleanse trend took the world by storm, it’s garnered millions of fans who swear by this squeaky-clean skincare ritual. Double cleansing is exactly what it sounds like—cleaning your face twice. But how do you do it? Stick around, and we’ll give you the skinny on why this skincare ritual might be for you, as well as the best way to double cleanse for your skin type.

Section 1 of 3:

What Is Double Cleansing?

Double cleansing is a skincare "hack" that involves washing your face twice. First you wash your face with an oil-based cleanser and then with a water-based cleanser. The oil-based cleanser helps to unclog your pores so that the water-based cleanser can more effectively clean your skin.^{[1]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source} Oil-based cleansers are better equipped to remove water-resistant makeup, SPF, and sebum than water-based cleansers.^{[2]
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Trustworthy Source
Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} By first cleaning your face of all impurities with an oil-based cleanser, your water-based cleanser will be better able to penetrate your skin.

Section 2 of 3:

How to Double Cleanse

1
Apply a cleansing oil or balm to your face. Gently rub the product into your skin to break down any makeup, sunscreen, sebum, or grime you’ve picked up throughout the day.^{[3]
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Trustworthy Source
Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- Massage your face in upward circular motions, focusing on pore-concentrated spots, such as your nose and T-zone.
- You may find it helpful to apply your oil-based cleanser using circular cotton pads, especially if you are wearing eye makeup.
- If you have sensitive skin or rosacea, avoid using an abrasive washcloth or sponge, as these may irritate your skin.^{[4]
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  Research source}
- Don’t break the bank on expensive products: often, less expensive products are just as effective.^{[5]
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  Trustworthy Source
  American Academy of Dermatology
  Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
  Go to source}
2
Rinse your face with lukewarm water. Rinse as many times as needed to ensure all of the cleanser is gone.^{[6]
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Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
3
Apply a water-based cleanser to your face. Gently rub the cleanser into your face for about 30 seconds.^{[7]
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Trustworthy Source
Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- For best results, use a low-pH cleanser. Low-pH cleansers will help your skin maintain its pH balance, whereas high-pH cleansers can strip away your skin’s natural lipids, resulting in irritation and dryness.^{[8]
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  PubMed Central
  Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
  Go to source}
- If you have oily skin, try a water-based foaming cleanser with active ingredients like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or benzoyl peroxide. ^{[9]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Cleveland Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source}
- You can use a cleansing foam.
- Use lukewarm water and a clean cloth to wet your skin.^{[10]
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  Research source}
- Apply the product using a gentle circular motion. Wash off, then pat skin dry.^{[11]
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- If you have dry skin, try a gentle, unscented cream cleanser, as this will dry out your skin less than a foaming cleanser.^{[12]
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  Cleveland Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source}
- If you have combination skin, try a foaming cleanser.^{[13]
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  Cleveland Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source}
4
Rinse your face again. Continue to rinse until all cleanser is gone.^{[14]
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Trustworthy Source
Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} And that’s it! You’ve double cleansed your face, and now your skin is fresh and rejuvenated.

Section 3 of 3:

Is Double Cleansing Right for Everyone?

1
People who wear makeup may benefit from double cleansing. In particular, if you wear heavy, pore-clogging makeup, waterproof makeup, or waterproof sunscreen, double cleansing may be a great way to keep your skin healthy.^{[15]
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Trustworthy Source
Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- If you don’t wear much makeup, you may not need to double cleanse.^{[16]
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  Trustworthy Source
  Cleveland Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source}
2
Despite its popularity, double cleansing is not for everyone. It is important to find a skincare routine that works for you.^{[17]
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Trustworthy Source
Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} Medical experts tout the benefits of double cleansing for some skin types, but there are many ways to keep your skin healthy besides double cleansing.^{[18]
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Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- If you have oily skin, double cleansing may do more harm than good, as some oil-based cleansers can cause breakouts.^{[19]
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  Trustworthy Source
  Cleveland Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source}
- For some people, limiting the amount of product they use prevents skin damage.^{[20]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  American Academy of Dermatology
  Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
  Go to source}