Double Cleansing: What It Is and Who Needs It

Double cleansing is exactly what it sounds like — washing your face twice, with two different types of cleanser. It sounds fussy, but for the right skin and the right moment it makes a real difference to how clean and comfortable your skin feels. Here's how it works and whether it's worth it for you.

What is double cleansing?

Double cleansing means following an oil-based cleanser with a water-based one. The first step — an oil, balm or micellar cleanser — dissolves the things water struggles with: makeup, sunscreen, sebum and grime. The second step — a gel, cream or foaming cleanser — removes any residue and freshens the skin underneath. Together they clean thoroughly without needing a single harsh product.

Who benefits most?

• Anyone who wears makeup or SPF — and everyone should wear SPF — because oil-based cleansers remove these far better than water alone.
• Oily and congestion-prone skin — a proper evening cleanse helps clear the day's oil and reduce clogged pores. See how to control oil and minimise large pores.
• City dwellers — for shifting the film of pollution and grime that builds up through the day.

If your skin is dry or sensitive, you don't need to double cleanse morning and night — once in the evening is plenty, and a gentle micellar water can stand in for a heavier oil.

How to double cleanse

• Step one: massage an oil or balm cleanser onto dry skin to break down makeup and SPF, then add a little water to emulsify and rinse.
• Step two: follow with a gentle water-based cleanser, then rinse with lukewarm water.
• When: in the evening only — the morning doesn't need it, as there's no makeup or SPF to remove yet. A single gentle cleanse in the morning is enough.

Then carry on with the rest of your routine. For a full oily-skin routine, see the oily skin routine guide.

When not to bother

Double cleansing isn't compulsory. On a day with no makeup or SPF, one gentle cleanse is fine. And it shouldn't mean scrubbing — over-cleansing strips the skin and can trigger more oil or irritation, which defeats the point. Gentle is the rule for both steps.

Double Cleansing FAQs

What is double cleansing?

It's washing your face twice in the evening — first with an oil-based cleanser to dissolve makeup, SPF and sebum, then with a water-based cleanser to remove any residue. It cleans thoroughly without a single harsh product.

Should I double cleanse every day?

In the evening, yes if you wear makeup or SPF (which you should). In the morning it's unnecessary — one gentle cleanse is enough, as there's nothing heavy to remove yet.

Is double cleansing good for oily skin?

Yes — it's one of the skin types that benefits most, because a thorough evening cleanse clears the day's oil and helps reduce clogged pores. Just keep both steps gentle rather than stripping.

Can double cleansing dry out my skin?

It can if you overdo it or use harsh products. Choose gentle cleansers, keep it to the evening, and follow with moisturiser. Dry or sensitive skin may prefer a single gentle cleanse.

Do I need special products to double cleanse?

Just two: an oil, balm or micellar cleanser for step one, and a gentle gel, cream or foaming cleanser for step two. Nothing elaborate is required.