Skip to content

Double Cleansing: The Pros, Cons & Everything In Between

The double cleansing method might not sound all that vague to you, thanks to its increasing popularity on social media. Introduced to the world by Koreans, this added skincare step has indeed revolutionised the cleansing game. So here we are, answering all the whys and how to’s behind double cleansing. If you wear makeup, sunscreen or both, then listen close.

In this Article:

What Is The Double Cleansing Method?

What Are The Benefits Of Double Cleansing?

What Is The Double Cleansing Method? 

It is a two-step process that involves using two different cleansers to wash your face. The first one will be micellar water or cleansing oil, which melts away your makeup, sunscreen and grime. The second cleanse will be with your usual face wash that will focus on cleansing your pores for a thorough cleanse.

Most makeup and sunscreen products have long-stay formulations that are made with oils, wax or creams. Which is why a regular cleanser will have a hard time to break down everything and will probably do a shoddy job too. More so, there are no extra points for guessing what a semi-dirty skin leads to - acne, uneven skin texture and dullness. Using micellar water will take care of this, allowing your cleanser to do what it does best - clean your pores and skin.

So whether you’re a makeup-wearer or a sun-screen wearer (which you should be), then the double cleansing method will benefit you.

What Are The Benefits Of Double Cleansing?

Along with eliminating every ounce of makeup and dirt, the benefits of double cleansing go beyond to offer you a lot more.

1. Promotes A Healthy Glow

Double cleansing replenishes your skin, making it look brighter and vibrant. Your skin is free of any debris, dirt or grime, like a blank glow-y canvas. 

2. Helps Better Product Absorption 

A clean skin and pores are more welcoming to absorb your skincare products. This allows your skincare products to penetrate easily and lead to better results.

3. It Prevents Breakouts 

Using two high-performing cleansers back-to-back considerably reduces the chances of your pores getting clogged and developing blackheads or acne. The subsequent elimination of dead skin cells, sebum and dirt makes double cleansing a promising step for acne-prone skin.

How To Double Cleanse? 

The double cleansing method is as simple as it gets. Follow the steps below for the ultimate cleanse. 

Step 1: Start by using micellar water. Our Micellar Cleansing Water cleverly lifts makeup and attracts impurities like a magnet. Saturate a cotton pad with it, lightly press it on your skin and then gently swipe it across your face and neck until you everything is off.

Step 2: Since micellar water contains micelles, you will have to thoroughly cleanse it off with water.

Step 3: Now it is time to bring out the cleanser. Our 100% soap-free Refreshing Facial Wash is super gentle and unclogs your pores without any dryness. Packed with 2x Vitamin E, Pro Vitamin B5 and Pro Amino Acids it softens your skin and promotes a healthy barrier. Massage it well into your skin for at least 30 seconds.

Step 4: Once done, use lukewarm water to thoroughly cleanse your skin. 

And you’re done! Your skin is now all clean, nice and glow-y!

Is Double Cleansing Necessary For Everyone?

Whether double cleansing is necessary or not really depends on your skin type and lifestyle choices. For those of us with oily skin and/or who regularly wear makeup, double cleansing can be a valuable addition to the skincare routine.

If your skin is on the drier side and you don’t usually wear heavy makeup, you might prefer to stick to a classic cleanse using a gentle, soap-free cleanser.

P.S. If you're someone who’s diligent about wearing and reapplying sunscreen (which you should be!), you’ll definitely want to consider double cleansing to remove all the buildup at the end of the day.

How Often Should You Double Cleanse & When?

When it comes to double cleansing, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. That being said, here are some general guidelines to help you figure out what works best for your skin:

Daily

If you wear makeup often, reapply sunscreen throughout the day, or live in a city with high pollution levels, double cleansing daily is a great idea to ensure your skin gets properly cleaned.

A Few Times A Week

If you don’t wear heavy makeup very often, double cleansing 2-3 times a week is enough. This way, you avoid the risk of over-cleansing and drying out your skin. 

Skip It

If your skin is dry, sensitive, or easily irritated—or if you rarely wear makeup—it’s best to skip double cleansing altogether. Instead, stick to a single cleanse using gentle, sulphate-free, and soap-free cleansers that clean effectively without stripping or disrupting your skin’s natural barrier.

As for when: The best time for double cleansing is at night, when you need to get rid of the day’s dirt, oil, and buildup before bed.

How To Pick The Best Cleansers For Your Skin Type

For Oily Skin

While oily skin normally requires more targeted cleansing, that doesn’t mean it has to be harsh. Our Daily Skin Detox Purifying Gel Wash combines the nourishing benefits of witch hazel, zinc, and thyme to give you visibly clearer skin and shine control from the very first use. This expert, non-comedogenic formula deeply cleanses clogged pores while remaining gentle on your skin.

For Dry Skin

If you have dry skin, you might want to try our 100% Soap-Free Micellar Facial Wash. The Pentavitin™ in this soothing formula binds moisture to your skin, providing deep, lasting hydration, while panthenol restores the skin and helps keep it soft and smooth. It is specifically designed to cleanse your skin while preventing moisture loss, giving it the hydration it needs to support a healthy skin barrier.

For Sensitive Skin

Anyone with sensitive skin understands the need for a cleanser free from harsh ingredients. That’s what makes our Kind To Skin Refreshing Facial Wash for Sensitive Skin a long-time favourite. It’s infused with 2x vitamin E, pro-vitamin B5, and amino acids, which work together to wash away impurities while maintaining your skin's pH balance and supporting a healthy barrier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:1 Who should double cleanse?

A. Anyone who has oily skin or wears makeup regularly can benefit from double cleansing. It's a great way to make sure your skin is completely clean at the end of the day, letting your skincare products work more effectively afterwards.

Q:2 Who should not double cleanse?

A. People with dry or extremely sensitive skin may want to skip double cleansing, as it can sometimes be too harsh. If your skin doesn’t typically collect a lot of dirt or buildup throughout the day, one good cleanse should do the trick.

Q:3 Should you double cleanse every day?

A. Not everyone needs to double cleanse every single day. If you’ve been wearing makeup, reapplying sunscreen, or have been sweating a lot, double cleansing is a good idea. However, on lighter days (when you’re wearing little to no makeup), it’s perfectly fine to just cleanse once in the morning and once in the night.

Q:4 Can you use micellar water for double cleansing?

A. Yes, absolutely! You can use micellar water as part of a double cleanse. It’s a gentle way to remove makeup and daily grime, allowing your regular cleanser to take care of deeper cleansing. It’s especially good if you have sensitive skin, as micellar water tends to be very mild.

Rhea Shah
Written by Rhea Shah on Feb 19, 2024
Rhea has banked on her passion for writing and beauty to be where she is today. When she isn't looking up fancy synonyms for simple words aka working, she is either traveling, making travel plans, or exploring a new restaurant.
Previous article Why Vitamin C Is The Ultimate Brightening Agent?
Order details
Your cart is empty
empty cart
Successfully
Successfully Subscribed
We will message you when this product is back in stock.
Coupons & Offers

No Matched Products For Applicable

Coupons

SCRUB25

Get 25% off on all scrubs

Apply
Order details X

Have a coupon ? Apply next step

Coupons & Offers

Apply now and save extra!

Grand Total
Checkout
×