What is Double Cleansing & What are the Benefits?

If you're a skincare junkie, you may have heard of the double cleansing method, but maybe you're not sure what it is, why you should try it, or if it's right for you. Keep reading to learn all about this popular skincare method and get Dr. Lily's top tips and product recommendations if you want to try this out for yourself.

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What is Double Cleansing?

Double-cleansing is washing your face with an oil-based cleanser, then washing with a water-based cleanser.

Who Should Double Cleanse?

If you wear a lot of makeup, mineral sunscreen, or have oily skin, double cleansing is for you! If you have sensitive skin or rosacea, double cleansing may not work for you.

Why Should You Double Cleanse?

Because regular cleansers alone don't remove all the dirt, grime, and makeup of your daily life.

Benefits of Double Cleansing

• Removes makeup and sunscreen buildup
• Prevents sebum buildup and bacteria
• Helps your other skincare products penetrate skin better

Step 1: Oil-Based Cleanser

The first step of double cleansing involves using a cleansing oil or balm. This step removes any makeup, mineral sunscreen, dirt, and grime from your daily life.

Dr. Lily's Favorite Oil-Based Cleansers

Best Oil-Based Cleanser for Acne-Prone Skin	Best Oil-Based Cleanser for Sensitive Skin	Best Organic Oil-Based Cleanser
Isdin Essential Cleansing Oil	Augustinus Bader The Cleansing Balm	One Love Organics Botanical B Enzyme Cleansing Oil
Melts away stubborn makeup, sunscreen, and unwanted oils Made with 85% ingredients of natural origin Gentle, soothing, antioxidant-rich, and environmentally conscience	Dissolves and removes daily build-up of dirt, oil, environmental impurities and stubborn makeup Tones, purifies and decongests the skin Nourishes and hydrates for soothed, smooth skin	Lifts away makeup and impurities without stripping skin Upholds skin’s natural moisture barrier and pH balance Designed with dry, dehydrated skin in mind, yet effective for all skin types

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Step 2: Water-Based Cleanser

Your second step should be a water-based cleanser, and you should wash your face as you normally would. This step removes any residues of the preceding oil-based cleanser and ensures all impurities are removed.

Dr. Lily's Favorite Water-Based Cleanser 

Best Water-Based Cleanser For Dry Skin	Best Water-Based Cleanser For Oily Skin
iS Clinical Cream Cleanser	Obagi C-Cleansing Gel
Deep-cleanses skin and pores without drying Can be easily removed with or without water Excellent for eye makeup removal Leaves silky smooth, moisturized finish	Loaded with Vitamin C Lightens signs of aging and sun damage Extracts dirt, excess oil, and makeup from deep within pores Soothing aloe vera leaves skin clean, but never dry or tight

How to Remove Residual Eye Makeup After Cleansing

If you wear a lot of eye makeup, you may find you have leftover eye makeup around your eyes, even after double cleansing. To remove this residue, try a micellar cleanser!

Dr. Lily's Favorite Micellar Cleanser

Bioderma Sensibio H2O Pump

Potent micelle formula works to soothe and clear up irritated skin Gentle for both your eyes and face Apply it to a cotton pad and then remove your makeup

Learn More About Skincare:

• What is Rosacea and What Causes Red Skin?
• How to Get Rid of Rosacea
• Best Cleansers for Acne-Prone Skin
• How to Exfoliate in the Winter