Double cleansing is not necessary for everyone, but it does have its benefits. I personally double cleanse only on the days I am exfoliating or have a lot of congestion. Then I use the Clarifying Milk Cleanse as my first step, and a gel cleanser as my second.
Double cleansing is easy to personalize to your skin's needs. So if you're ready to learn more, here's how it works.
Deep Dive:
Double cleansing is the concept that you need to use two cleansers, one oil-based and one water-based, to thoroughly cleanse your skin. It follows the reasoning of like-attracts-like. So your oil or balm cleanser will wash away all of your oil-based makeup, SPF, sebum, etc. Then you follow up with a gel cleanser to rinse away sweat, dead skin cells, and anything left behind from your first cleanse.
But do you really need to double cleanse? No. Cleansing in itself is an essential step to any skincare routine, even a minimalist one. But you don't need to use a second cleanser. The only thing you need to be doing is using a cleanser that is right for your skin type.
If you're still on the fence about double cleansing, here are some things to consider that can help you make the best decision for your skin.
Reasons why you might want to double cleanse:
- you wear heavy coverage makeup
- you apply SPF multiple times a day, or use mineral-based sunscreen
- you like to exfoliate and want to see the best results possible
- you have oily skin
Reasons why you might not need to double cleanse:
- you wear little to no makeup
- you have a cleanser that can rinse away both oil-based and water-based impurities (hello milk cleansers 🧴)
- you don't struggle with blackheads or congestion
- you have sensitive skin
If you do want to start double cleansing, here are a few pointers… The first cleanse is always with an oil-based cleanser. There's no big difference between an oil cleanser vs a balm cleanser, it mostly comes down to texture and preference. The balm will contain waxes or other thickeners, and can be heavier for that reason. Both can be notoriously difficult to rinse away (or leave your bathtub/shower very slippery). So look for an emulsifier in the ingredient list if you don't want your skin to feel heavy or greasy after cleansing.
Do I double cleanse? Yes, but not every day. I have dry, sensitive skin and don't wear a lot of makeup. My daily cleanser is the Clarifying Milk Cleanse. It gives you the best of both a gel cleanser and oil cleanser, without having to use 2 products. It can remove the little makeup I do wear and doesn't dry out my skin. But on those days when I want to exfoliate or I spent all day at the river re-applying sunscreen, I will double cleanse with a gel cleanser as my second step.
Ultimately, the best cleansing method comes down to what your skin's needs are, your budget, and what a realistic routine looks like for you.
Curious about why milk cleansers are so gentle? Read our guide: Milk Cleansers: The Best Gentle Face Cleanser for Healthy, Hydrated Skin.
