Korean skincare: Double Cleansing

Most of you have probably heard about double cleansing by now. Double cleansing is a skincare technique that started in South Korea and Japan before it made its way to Europe and North America. As the name suggests, this technique is a two-step cleansing routine that is very popular among lovers of Korean skincare. Today I want to elaborate on this cleansing method and discuss who this technique is most suited for and talk about a couple of my favorite double-cleansing products.

What is double cleansing?

As mentioned, double cleansing is a two-step cleansing routine. It includes two types of cleansers: an oil-based cleanser to remove base products in the first step, and a water-soluble cleanser to cleanse the skin in the second.

Step 1. Removing base products/makeup with an oil-based cleanser
The first step is aimed at removing makeup and sunscreen. Oil-based cleansers dissolve makeup and base products a lot easier and gentler than water-soluble cleansers. You can use any oil-based cleanser for this step; a cleansing balm, or cleansing oil. Some even use pure oils like coconut oil. I personally prefer to use a modern cleansing oil over a pure oil, because pure oils tend to leave a greasy residue on the skin. Modern cleansing oils, on the other hand, contain emulsifiers that allow water and oil to mix, creating a milky emulsion that rinses off fairly easily.

Step 2. Cleansing the skin

The second step is aimed at cleansing the actual skin. For this step, you can use whatever water-soluble cleanser you prefer. Be it a gel cleanser, a foaming cleanser, or a lotion cleanser. Just make sure the cleanser you use is gentle and suited to your skin type.

Who should double cleanse?

The concept behind double cleansing is to get rid of makeup in the first step so as to 'clear the way for your regular cleanser in the second step. This ensures thoroughly cleansed skin in two gentle steps. There are cleansers that can do both steps in one, but they tend to be very harsh on the skin and strip the skin of all moisture. It’s much better to cleanse the skin in two gentle steps than in one rough step.

Double cleansing is not a must for everyone. If you’re someone who doesn’t wear much base makeup or sunscreen, it’s definitely not necessary to take the extra step.
But if you’re someone who wears heavy (and waterproof) makeup on the regular and/or uses a lot of sunscreens, then your skin could definitely benefit from double cleansing. It’s just a clever way to gently cleanse the skin.
Double cleansing is also suitable for oily people who find that mild cleansers don’t sufficiently remove excess oil, but stronger cleansers leave their skin tight and dry. With double cleansing, you can remove excess oil with an oil-based cleanser, and then cleanse the skin with a regular gentle cleanser. This way your skin is rid of oil, but not the healthy moisture barrier that it naturally has.

How to double cleanse?

Since double cleansing is typically used to get rid of makeup and sunscreen, you’ll probably find that it’s most beneficial at night, when there’s actual makeup and sunscreen to remove. But you can double cleanse as often as you feel necessary, it’s very gentle, and it’s not bad for your skin.

To double cleanse:

1. Dispense your preferred oil-based cleanser into the palms of your hands and rub your hands together. Spread the oil on your face by gently massaging the oil into the skin, including the eyes, for 30-60 seconds.
2. Apply a little water to your skin and continue massaging. This should form a milky emulsion.
3. Rinse or gently remove the cleanser with a wet washcloth.
4. Dispense your regular cleanser into the palms of your hands and massage it into your damp skin.
5. Rinse and pat your skin dry with a clean towel.

What products to use

Purito - From Green Cleansing Oil
This cleansing oil is enriched with natural oils such as olive, sunflower and jojoba oils, which effectively dissolve make-up and excess sebum without drying out the skin. It is gentle enough for sensitive skin and leaves skin fresh and moisturised.

Heimish All Clean Balm
This cleansing balm melts on contact with the skin and effortlessly removes makeup, dirt, and impurities. Its soft, creamy texture makes it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. It contains shea butter and citrus oil that moisturizes and refreshes the skin.

Anua Cleansing Foam
This gentle cleansing foam is ideal as a second step in double cleansing. It effectively removes residual dirt and cleansing residues without damaging the skin barrier. It contains soothing ingredients such as Centella Asiatica extract, which reduces irritation and soothes the skin.

SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule Foam
This cleansing foam is enriched with Centella Asiatica extract from Madagascar, known for its soothing and healing properties. The foam thoroughly cleanses the skin without drying it out, making it perfect for daily use and ideal for sensitive or irritated skin.

Use these products together for an effective double cleanse that deeply cleanses, soothes and prepares your skin for the rest of your skincare routine.

I hope this information has been useful to you. Please let us know what your favorite cleansers are and which ones you would like to see on our website.
See you next time!