What's the Deal With Double Cleansing

design by Gab Gutierrez

design by Gab Gutierrez

Double cleansing is not double the trouble of doing so. In fact, once you start implementing double washing into your nightly skincare routine, you will most likely notice skin improvement within two weeks. Less breakouts, smoother texture and a more clean finish feel. The double cleansing craze spun its way into the spotlight thanks to Korean Skincare and its many steps to a healthier face. The purpose of double cleansing is the total removal of all dirt (yes your face gets legit dirty by end of day), makeup, and environmental pollutants. Your face is never clean unless it’s been cleaned twice.

How to double cleanse is easy, start with an oil based cleanser and continue with a water based soap or foam cleanser. (Each should be washed separately) Facial oils guarantee the removal of makeup, while the water based cleanser, lathers the skin with natural and moisturizing emollients.

Boscia cleansing oil

BOSCIA * MAKEUP-BREAKUP COOL CLEANSING OIL * $32 (5 oz)

One of my favorite face oil cleansers as it’s gentle on the skin, melts impurities and makeup without leaving an oily residue.

Glossier - Milky Jelly Cleanser

GLOSSIER * MILKY JELLY CLEANSER * $19 (6 oz)

A staple in my daily routine, this pH-balanced, creamy gel formula is made with a blend of five skin conditioners so your face is left feeling healthy and soft, never tight.

Hanskin - Cleansing Oil & Blackhead

HANSKIN * CLEANSING OIL & BLACKHEAD (PHA) * $27 (10 oz)

This cleansing oil is well suited for getting rid of and preventing blackheads. It’s specially formulated with polyhydroxy acids (PHAs), a gentle acid suitable for sensitive skin types that lightly exfoliates imperfections.

COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser

COSRX * LOW pH GOOD MORNING GEL CLEANSER * $9.80

COSRX stands for “cosmetics” and “prescription (Rx), so this brand gets the importance of removing all makeup residue as gently as possible. With its tea tree and natural beta hydroxy acids, this gel cleanser hydrates, refines pores and softens skin.

Julep - Love Your Face Hydrating Cleansing Oil

JULEP * VITAMIN E HYDRATING CLEANSING OIL + MAKEUP REMOVER * $22

I’m a huge believer in Rosehip Seed Oil, which is the star ingredient in this lightweight, antioxidant-rich oil. Gently melts away all makeup and the rosehip seed oil repairs and protects from environmental damage.

Kate Somerville - skincare eradicate daily foaming cleanser

KATE SOMERVILLE * SKINCARE ERADIKATE DAILY FOAMING SKIN CLEANSER * $44 (4 oz)

This medicated foam cleanser features a whipped texture that decreases blemishes and helps prevent further acne. It's formulated with 3% sulfur, along with honey, rice bran extract and natural oat extract, to diminish, absorb and balance sebum. Gentle yet powerful.

*Originally published October 12, 2018, updated May 15, 2023


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