What Is Double Cleansing and Why Should You Do It?

It may be the first step in your skincare regimen but it bears repeating, as according to many skin experts, double cleansing just might be the secret to clearer skin. While we all know that cleansing our skin is non-negotiable, there are several different types of cleansers–gel, cream, foam, oil, micellar etc–that work in different ways and achieve different results. That’s the thinking behind double cleansing, the practice of using two types of cleansers, in separate steps and consecutively, for a thorough cleanse that also allows your skin protocol to work more effectively.
Best performed as part of your nighttime routine, the first step in a double cleanse should be done with a micellar or oil-based cleanser to gently break down waterproof makeup and sunscreen without irritating or drying out the skin. The second step switches to a water-based cleanser to remove any remaining dirt or residue, leaving you with a truly clean face before you continue with the rest of your skincare routine. Regardless of your skin type, double cleansing should always be followed up with a proper serum and moisturizer or oil to treat and lock in moisture.
Here, four double cleanse combinations for every skin type.
SENSITIVE SKIN
Rose Inc Micellar Cleanser
A micellar no-rinse cleanser that dissolves makeup and pollution while delivering the benefits of a barrier-protecting serum. Barrier-strengthening ceramides and hydrating squalane leave skin soft, plump, and prepped for next skincare steps.
Dr Barbara Sturm DBS Cleanser
This gentle foaming cleanser removes dead skin, pollutants, and other impurities and prepares your skin for moisturizer or serum, without disturbing the delicate pH balance or skin barrier function.
OILY SKIN
One Love Organics Vitamin B Enzyme Cleansing Oil + Makeup Remover
The ultimate in multi-tasking luxury, this oil effortlessly lifts away impurities and makeup while restoring skin’s natural moisture barrier and pH balance. The non-stripping, clean-rinsing formula features papain, a fruit enzyme that helps to exfoliate and soften, and a natural vitamin B complex to detoxify and tone.
Odacite Black Mint Cleanser
This ultra-fresh minty gel transforms into a purifying foam that delivers an instant deep cleanse, eliminating excess oil, impurities, environmental toxins, and makeup. The end result is skin that is invigorated with an extraordinary feeling of freshness, and a complexion that is clear and mattified but still hydrated.
$19.99
DRY SKIN
Marie Veronique Replenishing Oil Cleanser
This non-stripping formula smoothes skin with superoxide dismutase and omega-6 oils. It stimulates circulation and removes sunscreen and makeup, all while dissolving congestion and deeply cleansing without drying skin.
Ingredients Wellness Face Cleanser
This organic, soap-free foaming face cleanser gently purifies the skin without removing its natural protective oils. Neroli hydrosol rejuvenates, selaginella lepidophylla extract provides intense hydration, highly concentrated aloe extract soothes the skin, and probiotics support the skin microbiome. The mild, effective formula respects the skin’s natural pH level 5.5.
COMBINATION SKIN
De Mamiel Restorative Cleansing Balm
A nourishing, velvety balm cleanser that immerses the skin with pure hydration and gently cleanses away makeup, debris, and impurities. The blend of active botanical oils works in harmony to deliver a healing dose of nutrients to the skin while restoring its delicate moisture barrier.
GOOPGLOW Cloudberry Exfoliating Jelly Cleanser
A multitasking cleanser formulated with fruit enzymes and physical orange peel exfoliants that thoroughly remove impurities and leaves skin silky-smooth and radiant. Arctic cloudberry and apple provide soothing hydration.