Double Cleansing: How to Double Cleanse Skin

Article Published: 27 January 2023

Learn how to use the double cleansing method to remove makeup and cleanse skin using cleansing oils, makeup removers and water-based cleansers.

Cleansing your skin and removing your makeup is highly regarded to be one of the most important steps in your skincare routine. We are often taught from a young age to never go to sleep with makeup on our skin. With makeup formulas often being waterproof and oil-based in today's day and age, it can be worth double cleansing the skin to ensure effective makeup removal and a fresh base for your skincare.

Who should use the double cleansing method?

Double cleansing is a cleansing method which can be helpful for people who wear makeup (especially waterproof makeup) and sunscreen on a daily basis. This is especially true as some face cleansers aren’t designed to breakdown waterproof makeup and may not be able to take off all makeup.

Double cleansing can also be a cleansing technique which is beneficial for oily skin types as it can help to cleanse away excess oil and sebum.

Although double cleansing can be a great method of removing excess makeup, it’s also important to avoid over-cleansing the skin. Over-cleansing can lead to dryness and irritation and disrupt the skin’s moisture barrier. As always, listen to your skin and reduce the number of cleansing steps if needed.

What are the benefits of double cleansing skin?

In addition to being an effective method of removing heavy makeup, double cleansing can play a helpful part in your skincare routine. The extra step of double cleansing can also allow your other skincare products, like serums and night creams, to penetrate your skin better.

How to Double Cleanse Skin

Step 1: Use an Oil Based Cleanser or Makeup Remover

The first step in double cleansing your skin is to use an oil-based cleanser or cleansing oil which can help to remove oil-based impurities and excess oil. They also help to break down makeup and sunscreen residue. For this step try using an oil-based makeup remover like our Bi-Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover, which has an oily phase to lift off eye makeup and a water phase to gently cleanse without a greasy or sticky feel.

If you like the feel and texture of a more traditional oil cleanser, try our Absolue Brightening Oil-In-Gel Cleanser, which is a nurturing oil-in-gel formula made with a precious blend of cleansing oils and Grand Rose Extracts. Starting out as a rich gel texture, it transforms into a silky oil cleanser that works to effortlessly remove stubborn mascara, face and lip makeup.

Step 2: Use a Water-Based Cleanser or Foaming Cleanser

After rinsing the skin free of any cleansing oil or using an eye makeup remover, the next step is to use a water-based cleanser or makeup remover. Foaming cleansers are great for this step. This can help to ensure skin is thoroughly cleansed.

For an oily to combination skin types, our Crème Radiance Cream to Foam Cleanser is the perfect step to cleanse after removing makeup. This cleanser penetrates deep into the pores without over-drying, and dissolves impurities to purify the skin and leave it looking fresh and clarified.

For a dry to normal skin type our Mousse Radiance Cleanser has an air-light, smooth mousse formula which is gentle on the skin and helps remove surface impurities. The water activating formula foams into a rich lather to leave skin feeling fresh and clean without leaving skin feeling tight or uncomfortable.

Discover cleansers for your skin type.

1 https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-products-do-i-actually-need-for-a-simple-everyday-skin-care-routine/
2 https://health.clevelandclinic.org/double-cleansing-explained/
3 https://health.clevelandclinic.org/double-cleansing-explained/
4 https://health.clevelandclinic.org/double-cleansing-explained/