How to Double Cleanse Your Face

It's not just your social feeds. Double cleansing has become wildly popular in recent years, with Korean beauty making its way into the mainstream U.S. market and more people adopting multi-step skincare routines.¹

And it's more than a passing trend. The reasoning behind double cleansing is backed by good sense and science. Beyond being an effective method of removing every last trace of makeup, it helps your skin look and feel clean and refreshed.

But what is double cleansing, exactly, and how do you do it? We'll answer these questions ahead in this easy-to-follow guide on how to double cleanse.

What Is Double Cleansing and Why Does It Work?

Double cleansing is a two-step method of washing your face. You start with an oil cleanser (typically a cleansing balm or cleansing oil, but liquid oils can work too) and follow with a water-based face cleanser. Understanding how to use cleansing balm properly ensures you get the most out of your skincare routine.

The double cleanse is usually the first part of a nighttime skincare routine because the two-step method helps remove makeup, sunscreen, and daily residues from the skin’s surface.² Knowing how to use a cleanser in the second step complements this process.

What makes it so effective? The oil cleanser dissolves oil-soluble products and impurities, and then the water-based face wash removes water-soluble substances.^3,4 This leaves your skin looking balanced and less shiny – one of several cleansing balm benefits.

How to Double Cleanse Your Face

Double cleansing is a simple, two-step process. Now that you know what products you need, let's go over exactly how to do it.

Step #1: Use an Oil or Balm Cleanser on Dry Skin

Start with dry, clean hands and a dry, unwashed face.

The first product you'll use is an oil-based cleanser, like a cleansing balm. Dispense a small amount into the palm of your hand. You can use slightly more of the product on heavier makeup days or when you've reapplied sunscreen several times and want to get all residues off.

Rub it between your fingers for a moment, allowing the warmth of your skin to melt it into a liquid. Alternatively, you can apply a few swipes of the balm directly to your face.

Next, massage the liquified balm all across your face in a circular motion, including around your eyes, under your jaw, and onto your neck if you applied makeup or sunscreen in those areas. After a minute or two, oil-based substances will mix with the balm for removal during rinsing, having melted into the balm.⁵ At this point, your face might have dark smears or swirls if you were wearing eye makeup or a heavy foundation.

Splash your face with lukewarm water. Continue massaging for about another minute as the cleanser emulsifies with the water and transforms into a milky liquid.⁶ Then rinse your face and pat it dry with a clean washcloth. You might see some remnants of makeup come off on the cloth.

Step #2: Follow with a Gentle Water-Based Cleanser

The next step is to wash your face again, this time with a water-based cleanser, like Rael's exfoliating cleanser.

This type of face wash is usually meant to be applied to damp skin. So, splash your face with water again.

Then dispense a small amount of the cleanser into your palm, distribute it evenly between each hand, and then massage it onto your wet face. Depending on the formula, it might lather into a foam, take on a milky consistency, or turn into a clear liquid.

Massage the cleanser all over your face, neck, and eye area for a minute or so—just be careful not to get any into your eyes. Then splash your face a few times with lukewarm water to rinse.

Again, finish by patting your face dry with a clean cloth. You can use the same washcloth you used for the first step of your double cleanse, but some people switch to a new one every day to keep things clean.

Should You Double Cleanse Every Day?

You absolutely can double cleanse your face every day. Since the method melts away makeup and removes sunscreen, dirt, excess sebum, sweat, and other daytime buildup, lots of folks use it as part of their nightly skincare routine. So, there isn't really a need to double cleanse morning and evening, but once daily can be beneficial.

What if you don't wear makeup? If you don't wear makeup (or much of it), double cleansing can still be helpful in removing mineral sunscreen, especially if you slather on the SPF multiple times throughout the day.

Having said that, using just one foaming cleanser can be enough for light makeup or no-makeup days, or if you have already showered, or don't feel like your face has that much buildup. In that case, you can reach for a cleansing balm or a regular cleanser—either works great.

What Skin Types Benefit Most From Double Cleansing?

Any skin type can double cleanse. People with oily skin type or blemish-prone complexions may find this method helps skin feel more comfortable and less shiny.⁷ With the right formulas, those with dry, sensitive skin might appreciate how double cleansing removes impurities without over-drying and nourishes the skin barrier.^8,9

The method is useful on a case-by-case basis. It's ideal for removing a full beat of makeup. You might also choose to double cleanse after a long day of traveling, spending time in the sun, and reapplying SPF, or walking around in a dusty or traffic-congested area.

Common Double Cleansing Mistakes to Avoid

If you're new to double cleansing, avoid these common mistakes:

• Not starting with dry skin: Oil-based cleansers are meant to be applied to dry skin. So, don't splash your face with water first or get your hands wet. Massage the balm directly onto your unwashed, dry face, allowing it to melt. After a minute or two, add a small amount of water so it emulsifies.
• Using harsh cleansers: The formula is super important with double cleansing. Choose gentle products with non-comedogenic ingredients (meaning they don't clog pores). Avoid any regular cleanser that contains potentially irritating ingredients that could cause a reaction or dry out your skin, like fragrances and certain alcohols.^10,11
• Rinsing with hot water: Though very warm or hot water is sometimes recommended for hand-washing, avoid high temperatures when cleansing your face because it can strip the moisture barrier and leave you with parched skin. Lukewarm (slightly warm or tepid) water is best.¹²
• Not following with moisturizer: Your skincare routine isn't over after double cleansing. Following with a moisturizer is crucial for locking in hydration, creating a smooth complexion, protecting the skin barrier, and supporting healthy-looking skin.¹³

What to Use After Double Cleansing for Best Results

A skincare routine doesn't have to be complicated or involve 10 steps—unless you want it to. Here's what else to consider using after double cleansing:

• To lock in hydration: Follow with a toner, facial mist, hydrating essence, or serum with humectant ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, vitamin E, or aloe vera.^14,15 Then seal everything in with a gentle moisturizer.
• To help skin feel refreshed: Use a clarifying toner, skin-clearing facial serum, purifying clay mask, or spot treatment.
• To help skin look radiant: Opt for brightening essences, serums, and toner pads with antioxidants like vitamin C, niacinamide, or beta carotene to create a glowy complexion and more even-looking skin.¹⁶

Why Double Cleansing Is Worth the Extra Step

You might not need to double cleanse every day (though you certainly can), but it's ideal when you want to thoroughly cleanse your skin for a refreshed, comfortable feel. The method is not only effective but also easy and completely customizable with the cleansers of your choice. 

Rael's cleansing balm is a perfect first product. Check out the rest of our clean skincare lineup to see what else you can add to your routine.

 

Sources: 

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2. Chen W, et al. "The optimal cleansing method for the removal of sunscreen: Water, cleanser or cleansing oil?." Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 3 Jun. 2019, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31157512/. Accessed on September 30, 2025.
3. Shafaat K, et al. "A Comprehensive Insights into Face Wash: Formulation, Function, and Applications." Internationale Pharmaceutica Sciencia, Jun. 2025, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/393232516. Accessed on September 30, 2025.
4. Im SH, et al. "A Study on Skin Conditions by Water-Soluble Cleansers." Asian Journal of Beauty and Cosmetology, 2010, https://e-ajbc.org/journal/view.php?number=614. Accessed on September 30, 2025.
5. Pramesty SA, et al. "Formulation and Physical Quality Testing of Cleansing Balm from Centella Asiatica (L.) URB. Extract with Castor Oil (Ricinus Communis L.) as a Makeup Remover." Advances in Healthcare Research, Aug. 2025, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/394652009. Accessed on September 30, 2025.
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7. Choi JM, et al. "A single-blinded, randomized, controlled clinical trial evaluating the effect of face washing on acne vulgaris." Pediatric Dermatology, Oct. 2006, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17014635/. Accessed on September 30, 2025.
8. Kinderdine SL, et al. "The evolution of facial cleansing: substrate cleansers provide mildness benefits over leading." Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Mar. 2024, https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(03)03640-5/fulltext. Accessed on September 30, 2025.
9. Walters RM, et al. "Cleansing Formulations That Respect Skin Barrier Integrity." Dermatology Research and Practice, 13 Aug. 2012, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3425021/. Accessed on September 30, 2025.
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11. Milani M, et al. "The 24-hour skin hydration and barrier function effects of a hyaluronic 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract moisturizing fluid: an intra-subject, randomized, assessor-blinded study." Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 11 Aug. 2017, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5560567/. Accessed September 30, 2025.
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14. Janssens-Böcker C, et al. "Influence of Cosmetic Skincare Products with pH < 5 on the Skin Microbiome: A Randomized Clinical Evaluation." Dermatology and Therapy, 21 Dec. 2024, https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13555-024-01321-x. Accessed September 30, 2025.
15. Chen HJ, et al. "Moisture retention of glycerin solutions with various concentrations: a comparative study." Scientific Reports, 17 Jun. 2022, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9205919/. Accessed September 30, 2025.
16. Juturu V, et al. "Overall skin tone and skin-lightening-improving effects with oral supplementation of lutein and zeaxanthin isomers: a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial." Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 7 Oct. 2016, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5063591/. Accessed September 30, 2025.