Double Cleansing: Why Double Cleanse & How To Do It Right
Ever washed your face at the end of a long day, patted it dry and still found a sneaky smudge of mascara on your towel? You're not alone. Sunscreen, makeup and the day's oil are designed to stay put, which is great until bedtime.
That's where double cleansing comes in. It's a simple two-step routine that clears it all away properly, without leaving your skin tight or stripped. Below we cover what double cleansing is, why double cleanse at all, and how to find the right double cleanser duo for your skin.
What Is Double Cleansing?
Double cleansing means washing your face twice in one go, using two different types of cleanser. First comes an oil-based cleanser. Then a gentle water-based cleanser follows to finish the job.
Why two? It comes down to a simple rule: oil dissolves oil. Sunscreen, long-wear makeup and sebum (the natural oil your skin makes) are all oily. A water-based cleanser on its own can struggle to lift them, so you end up scrubbing harder or washing longer than your skin would like.
An oil cleanser melts that oily layer away first. Your second cleanser then washes off any leftover residue, sweat and grime. The result is skin that's properly clean and ready for the rest of your routine.
The routine was popularised by Korean and Japanese skincare, and it's since become a staple for anyone who wears SPF every day. Hello, Aussie sun.
Why Double Cleanse? 5 Benefits Of Double Cleansing
1. It properly removes SPF and makeup
Daily sunscreen is a must in Australia, and water-resistant formulas are made to cling. So is waterproof mascara. An oil cleanser loosens them gently, so you don't need to tug or rub at your skin to get them off.
2. It helps keep pores clear
Leftover oil, makeup and dead skin cells can settle into pores and contribute to blackheads and breakouts. A thorough two-step clean helps lift that buildup before it has a chance to linger.
3. It can be gentler than one harsh wash
It sounds backwards, but two gentle cleansers are often kinder than one strong one. Harsh detergents like SLS can strip away the natural oils that help protect your skin barrier, leaving skin tight and dry. Double cleansing with mild, naturally derived cleansers gives you a deep clean without that squeaky, stripped feeling.
4. Your serums and moisturisers can do their job
Serums and creams work best on clean skin. When there's no film of sunscreen or oil sitting on top, they can absorb properly instead of sliding around on the surface.
5. It's a little moment of calm
Massaging an oil cleanser into your skin for a minute is basically a mini face massage. It's a lovely way to switch off at the end of the day. We'll take that.
How To Double Cleanse In 4 Easy Steps
Step 1: Massage an oil cleanser onto dry skin
Shake well, then pump a few pumps of our Oil Cleanser into dry hands. Massage it over dry skin for 30 to 60 seconds, taking a little extra time over areas with makeup, sunscreen or congestion.
It's made with a blend of nourishing oils, including Jojoba, Rice Bran, Grape Seed and Avocado Oil. Jojoba Oil is technically a liquid wax that's light and non-clogging. It helps dissolve makeup and excess sebum while supporting a healthy skin barrier, which is why it's one of our all-time favourite oils.
Step 2: Add water and rinse
Wet your fingertips with a little lukewarm water and keep massaging. The oil turns into a light, milky emulsion as it lifts away the day. Rinse well, or gently wipe off with a soft, damp washcloth.
Step 3: Follow with a water-based cleanser
Now for round two. Massage a gentle water-based cleanser onto damp skin to wash away any oily residue, sweat and leftover grime. This is where you can match your double cleanser to your skin type.
Our Creamy Hydrating Face Cleanser is a silky option made with gentle coconut and glucose-based cleansers plus Hyaluronic Acid, so skin feels soft rather than tight. Prefer a few bubbles? Our Gentle Foaming Face Cleanser pumps into a light, airy foam. It contains Papaya Fruit Extract for gentle enzymatic exfoliation and Calendula Extract to help calm redness.
Step 4: Pat dry, then serum and moisturiser
Pat (don't rub) your skin dry with a clean towel. Then apply your favourite serum and moisturiser while skin is still slightly damp to help lock in moisture.
Find Your Double Cleanser Duo
Double cleansing isn't one-size-fits-all. Keep the oil cleanser as your first step, then pick a second cleanser that suits your skin.
|
Skin type |
Step 1 |
Step 2 |
Why it works |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Dry or dehydrated |
Hyaluronic Acid helps skin hold onto moisture while it cleanses gently |
||
|
Oily, combination or blemish-prone |
Oil Cleanser |
Oil lifts hardened sebum from pores, then Papaya and Calendula help clarify and calm |
|
|
Sensitive skin, or skin prone to Eczema or Rosacea |
Oil Cleanser (patch test first) |
A very gentle second step with Ceramides, the lipids that help hold your skin barrier together |
Bonus tip for blemish-prone skin: our Blemish Control Set bundles the Oil Cleanser and Gentle Foaming Face Cleanser with our Gentle Exfoliating Micro Powder and Blemish Calming Cream. That's your double cleanse and the rest of your routine in one go.
Still not sure which duo suits you? Take our quick Face Skin Quiz for a personalised match.
5 Double Cleansing Mistakes To Avoid
- Applying oil cleanser to wet skin. Water gets in the way of oil doing its thing. Always start with dry hands and a dry face.
- Using two harsh cleansers. Double the stripping isn't the goal. Choose gentle, SLS-free cleansers for both steps.
- Rushing step one. A quick swipe won't shift water-resistant SPF. Give it a proper 30 to 60 second massage.
- Hot water and scrubbing. Both can leave skin red and dry. Lukewarm water and gentle fingertips do the job.
- Skipping moisturiser. Clean skin still needs hydration, so always finish with a moisturiser.
Wearing lash extensions? Oils can break down lash glue, so keep the oil cleanser away from your eye area and use your water-based cleanser there instead.
Double Cleansing FAQs
Do I need to double cleanse every day?
Not necessarily. If you've worn sunscreen or makeup, an evening double cleanse is worth it. On a bare-skin day at home, a single gentle cleanse is usually plenty.
Should I double cleanse in the morning too?
Most people don't need to. Your skin hasn't collected SPF or makeup overnight, so one cleanse is enough. Our Oil Cleanser on its own makes a soft, balanced morning cleanse if your skin runs dry.
Will an oil cleanser make my skin oily or cause breakouts?
Not if it's non-comedogenic (non-clogging) and you rinse it off properly. Oil cleansers help remove excess sebum without over-drying, and over-drying can sometimes push skin to make even more oil.
Which cleanser goes first?
We recommend the oil cleanser first to melt away SPF and makeup, then the water-based cleanser to wash away what's left.
Can I double cleanse with two water-based cleansers?
You can, but you miss the oil-dissolves-oil advantage. For water-resistant sunscreen and long-wear makeup, starting with an oil cleanser works best.
Is double cleansing OK for sensitive skin?
Yes, as long as both cleansers are gentle. Patch test anything new and scale back to once a day if your skin feels irritated. If you're managing Eczema, Rosacea or another skin condition, check in with your GP or dermatologist about what suits your skin.
The Bottom Line On Double Cleansing
Double cleansing isn't about adding steps for the sake of it. It's about cleaning your skin properly and gently, so the rest of your routine can do its job. Start with an oil cleanser, follow with a water-based cleanser that suits your skin, and you're set.
Explore our full range of gentle face cleansers to build your perfect duo, or reach out to our friendly team on live chat for a personalised recommendation. As always, our cleansers are made with gentle, naturally derived ingredients and are free from SLS, Parabens and Phenoxyethanol. We make them for our own families first.
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