What is double cleansing? | What products should be used for it? | How to do it the right way | Oil-based cleansers | Water-based cleansers | Meet the experts
If you took a poll of 10 random people about how they wash their face, you're bound to get a variety of answers. Some will say they have a solid routine they’ve stuck with for years, while others will admit to always hunting for the next best thing. You might even run into a few who settle for a bar of soap and water and call it a day.
When it comes down to it, we can all agree on at least one thing: you need a cleanser of some kind. But what if you use more than one?
Double cleansing has risen in popularity in recent years — the hashtag #doublecleanse has garnered hundreds of millions of views on TikTok across over 14,000 posts — so we consulted skin experts about what it is and whether or not we should actually be doing it.
What is double cleansing?
“Double cleansing is a two-step skin care process that involves using two different cleaners to thoroughly clean the skin,” says Liana Sahakyan, RN, MSN.
The first cleanser is to help remove the skin of makeup and superficial debris. The second cleanse is to help balance the skin, decongest clogged pores and deliver more targeted cleansing benefits such as reducing and diminishing breakouts, and improving the overall skin texture and appearance.
What types of products should be used for double cleansing?
The first step of double cleansing typically involves an oil-based cleanser — cleansing oil, cleansing balm or micellar water — to remove oil-based impurities like makeup, sunscreen and excess sebum.
Look for products containing natural oils like jojoba, argan or grapeseed, as they effectively dissolve makeup and impurities without stripping the skin’s natural oils.
The second step involves using a water-based cleanser — foaming, gel or cream cleansers — to remove any remaining residue, dirt and water-based impurities. You'll want to choose a gentle and pH-balanced product that suits your specific skin type and concerns.
No matter which products you choose, Sahakyan recommends always conducting a patch test when using new products. "Consider consulting with a dermatologist or skincare professional for personalized recommendations,” she adds.
How to properly double cleanse
Sahakyan offers a step-by-step guide to get the best results out of your double-cleansing routine:
- Apply the oil-based cleanser to dry skin and gently massage it in circular motions.
- Emulsify the oil-based cleanser by adding a few drops of water, turning it into a milky consistency. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
- Apply the water-based cleanser to damp skin and massage it gently in upward motions.
- Rinse with lukewarm water and pat your face dry with a clean towel.
Oil-based cleansers for double cleansing
CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm
- Leaves skin feeling soft
- Fragrance-free
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Some say there's slight scent
Type: Cleansing balm | Size: 1.3 oz | Key ingredients: Ceramides, jojoba seed oil, hydrogenated castor oil
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Howard Sobel recommends this makeup removing cleanser balm from CeraVe. It's fragrance-, paraben- and soap-free, suitable for sensitive skin and non-comedogenic so you won't have to worry about clogged pores.
Pixi EOD Cleansing Oil
- Moisturizing
- Fragrance-free
- Not as emollient as a balm
- Not best for waterproof makeup
Type: Cleansing oil | Size: 5.07 fl oz | Key ingredients: Argan oil, soybean oil
Associate editor Lauren Witonsky says she never double cleansed until her esthetician recommended it for deep, recurrent blackheads. "It totally changed my skin," she shares. She started with a cleansing balm and ventured into the world of cleansing oils with this affordable pick from Pixi.
"This product was great at removing face makeup (eye makeup comes off after the second wash)," she notes. "I have combination skin but think it would be better suited for someone with dry/mature skin since it leaves a slight oily residue, or someone with sensitive skin since it's fragrance-free."
Byoma Melting Balm Cleanser
- Fragrance-free
- Leaves no residue behind
- Not best for waterproof makeup
Type: Cleansing balm | Size: 2.12 oz | Key ingredients: Niacinamide, ceramide, rosemary leaf oil, grape seed oil
Another pick from Witonsky, she says this balm works "impressively well for less than half the price of other balms." She likes that it takes all of her makeup off in one swipe (eye makeup in two) and still leaves her skin moisturized, without leaving an oily film or residue behind.
Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
- Hydrating
- Takes everything off
- Only need a little so it lasts
- Contains fragrance
- Can be irritating around eyes
Type: Cleansing balm | Size: 0.7 oz | Key ingredients: Sweet almond oil, oat kernel oil, glycerin, various essential oils
Associate editor Shannon Garlin swears by this cleansing balm in her double cleansing routine. "If you ever watched Mulan and always wanted to reenact that scene where she takes her makeup off in a single-swipe, this is the product that will let you live that dream," she raves. "A little dab goes a long way, and it melts your makeup (including mascara) straight off. It leaves your skin feeling really soft and hydrated."
Bioderma Sensibio H20 Micellar Water
- Gentle on skin
- Doesn't leave skin oily
- Some say it can be irritating
Type: Micellar water | Size: 16 fl oz | Key ingredients: Cucumber extract
Both experts recommend micellar water to help with removing makeup. It’s ideal for sensitive skin and has gotten the stamp of approval from more than 38,000 verified Amazon shoppers who gave it a perfect five-star rating.
Indeed Labs Watermelon Melting Balm
- Fragrance-free
- Travel-friendly
- May dry out easily
Type: Cleansing balm | Size: 3.4 fl oz | Key ingredients: Watermelon seed oil, bisabolol (chamomile extract), jojoba esters, sunflower seed oil
Witonsky is currently using this cleansing balm and loves it. "It takes absolutely everything off (face and eye makeup), is fragrance-free and leaves my skin feeling clean without stripping natural moisture. I prefer this packaging over some of the more bulky jars (especially for traveling), and feel that it’s more hygienic since it’s a squeeze bottle/I don’t have to dip my fingers in."
Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleaning Balm
- Removes much makeup at once
- May irritate sensitive eyes
Type: Cleansing balm | Size: 3.4 oz | Key ingredients: Papaya enzymes, sunflower seed oil, turmeric root extract
Witonsky says this is the product that got her hooked on double cleansing. "The balm-to-milky lather made my skin feel deeply clean but not squeaky clean as it has with other stripping cleansers. It also took off all of my makeup with minimal effort/scrubbing on my part. Using it on dry skin took some getting used to, but now I couldn’t imagine starting my skincare routine any other way."
Babor Hyaluronic Cleansing Balm
- Leaves no residue behind
- Removes makeup easily
- Scoop provided is smaller
- Some say it's gritty
Type: Cleansing balm | Size: 5 oz | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, marula oil, argan oil, macademia oil
Sobel recommends this hyaluronic cleansing balm from Babor. It’s made with hydrophilic oils — marula, argan and macademia — to thoroughly remove dirt and makeup.
Water-based cleansers for double cleansing
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
- Gentle on sensitive skin
- Some say it can be drying
Type: Gel cleanser | Size: 16 fl oz | Key ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin
This cleanser is designed to help hydrate your skin without stripping any moisture while working to remove makeup, dirt and excess oil. Nearly 86,000 verified Amazon shoppers have sang its praises with a perfect five-star rating.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cleanser
- Gentle on sensitive skin
- Some prefer more lather
Type: Foaming cleanser | Size: 13.52 fl oz | Key ingredients: Ceramides, glycerin, niacinamide
This cleanser has earned Sahakyan's seal of approval. It's free of sulfates, soaps, parabens and fragrance, so those with sensitive skin won't have to worry. The brand says you can even use it on your hands!
Paula's Choice Resist Perfectly Balanced Foaming Cleanser
- Ideal for oily skin
- Left skin softer
- Some say it was irritating
Type: Foaming cleanser | Size: 6.4 fl oz | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, aloe
Packed with hydrating and moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides and aloe, you can complete your double-cleansing routine confidently with this cleanser from Paula's Choice. One Amazon reviewer said they saw a difference in their skin after just five washes.
Caudalie Vinopure Pore Purifying Gel Cleanser
- Suitable for oily skin
- Some say smell is too much
Type: Gel cleanser | Size: 5 fl oz | Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, rosemary oil, peppermint oil
Promising exfoliation while simultaneously absorbing excess oil and purifying skin, this gel cleanser from Caudalie is a perfect second step for your double cleansing ritual. It touts the ability to unclog and tighten pores, tone and refresh the skin.
How we chose
We chose products recommended by experts and editors, along with a few additional picks from across the internet that we found based on the guidance of the pros.
Meet the experts
- Liana Sahakyan, RN, MSN, is the co-founder of Laureate Aesthetics, a medical spa in California.
- Dr. Howard Sobel, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the director of Sobel Skin, his own dermatology practice in New York City. He has previously spoken with us about rosacea, facial redness and mineral sunscreens.