DOUBLE CLEANSING
The key to clearer skin.
DOUBLE CLEANSING
The key to clearer skin.
WHAT IS THE DOUBLE CLEANSE?
Double cleansing is at the very heart of the Korean skin care philosophy. Arguably the most important step in any routine, it often gets a bad rap because people aren’t super keen about putting oils on their face. But the double cleanse is critical in removing all the impurities from the skin and prepping the skin for the remainder of your routine, so it can absorb all the benefits better.
So.. what is it, exactly? The double cleanse is an oil cleanser followed by a water cleanser. It’s essential to incorporate two different formulas in order to properly and thoroughly cleanse your face.
Water-based cleansers alone are NOT capable of removing all of the impurities and residue from the skin. Think of it like this - when you add oil to water, it separates. This is the same premise of what happens on your skin. Just your water-based cleanser alone will not be able to cleanse the skin of oil-based impurities - which includes sebum, SPF, and many makeup products. This is why using an oil cleanser first is so important!
We recommend double cleansing during your evening routine especially, but you can definitely double cleanse both AM and PM! It just depends on your skin.
WHAT IS THE
DOUBLE CLEANSE?
Double cleansing is at the very heart of the Korean skin care philosophy. Arguably the most important step in any routine, it often gets a bad rap because people aren’t super keen about putting oils on their face. But the double cleanse is critical in removing all the impurities from the skin and prepping the skin for the remainder of your routine, so it can absorb all the benefits better.
So.. what is it, exactly? The double cleanse is an oil cleanser followed by a water cleanser. It’s essential to incorporate two different formulas in order to properly and thoroughly cleanse your face.
Water-based cleansers alone are NOT capable of removing all of the impurities and residue from the skin. Think of it like this - when you add oil to water, it separates. This is the same premise of what happens on your skin. Just your water-based cleanser alone will not be able to cleanse the skin of oil-based impurities - which includes sebum, SPF, and many makeup products. This is why using an oil cleanser first is so important!
We recommend double cleansing during your evening routine especially, but you can definitely double cleanse both AM and PM! It just depends on your skin.
CLEANSING BALM VS. OIL CLEANSER
This comes down to personal preference! Both an oil cleansing balm and oil cleanser (liquid form) will work great for the first step in a double cleanse. Cleansing balms are popular because they’re typically travel-friendly since they're solid, and the experience is often quite rewarding with the multiple texture changes of a balm. However, the ease and sanitary pump packaging of liquid oil cleansers are both great, too. So, overall, pick whichever type of oil cleanser you think works best for your lifestyle and your skin.
CLEANSING BALM VS. OIL CLEANSER
This comes down to personal preference! Both an oil cleansing balm and oil cleanser (liquid form) will work great for the first step in a double cleanse. Cleansing balms are popular because they’re typically travel-friendly since they're solid, and the experience is often quite rewarding with the multiple texture changes of a balm. However, the ease and sanitary pump packaging of liquid oil cleansers are both great, too. So, overall, pick whichever type of oil cleanser you think works best for your lifestyle and your skin.
STEP 1
OIL CLEANSER
WHAT IT DOES:
Gently draws out oil-based debris and residue on the skin like sebum, makeup, SPF and pollutants.
HOW TO USE:
Scoop (or pump) the product and apply directly onto your dry face. Massage the product in for about a minute using gentle upward circular motions, and you’ll see the oils and makeup dissolve. Then, add a splash of water to your hands and massage into face, emulsifying the product.
STEP 2
WATER CLEANSER
WHAT IT DOES:
Gently draws out water-based debris, such as sweat and dirt.
HOW TO USE:
After the oil cleanser is thoroughly rinsed off, but the face is still damp, add the foam or cream cleanser. Gently massage in upward circular motions for about a minute. Rinse off with lukewarm water, and gently pat the face to dry. Then, follow with the next steps of your routine.
STEP 1
OIL CLEANSER
WHAT IT DOES:
Gently draws out oil-based debris and residue on the skin like sebum, makeup, SPF and pollutants.
HOW TO USE:
Scoop (or pump) the product and apply directly onto your dry face. Massage the product in for about a minute using gentle upward circular motions, and you’ll see the oils and makeup dissolve. Then, add a splash of water to your hands and massage into face, emulsifying the product.
STEP 2
WATER CLEANSER
WHAT IT DOES:
Gently draws out water-based debris, such as sweat and dirt.
HOW TO USE:
After the oil cleanser is thoroughly rinsed off, but the face is still damp, add the foam or cream cleanser. Gently massage in upward circular motions for about a minute. Rinse off with lukewarm water, and gently pat the face to dry. Then, follow with the next steps of your routine.
SHOP BY SKIN TYPE
SHOP BY SKIN TYPE
Balance is key! Hydrate skin with a rich cleanser followed by a refreshing foam.
Balance is key! Hydrate skin with a rich cleanser followed by a refreshing foam.
Treat skin to a moisturizing oil cleanser followed by a creamy cleanser for soft, clear skin.
Treat skin to a moisturizing oil cleanser followed by a creamy cleanser for soft, clear skin.
FAQ
Can I use plant-based oils such as coconut or olive oil as an oil cleanser?
Unfortunately many plant-based oils can clog pores! Even though you can use plant-based oils to moisturize your skin, they're not designed to cleanse your face. They do not emulsify and wash off like oil cleansers, which means you'll be left with makeup and impurities sitting on top of your skin! For a proper cleanse, use an oil cleanser, and if you want the moisturizing benefit, look for one infused with plant-based oils.
Do I need to oil cleanse if I don't wear makeup?
Absolutely. Even if you don't wear makeup, you need an oil cleanser to melt away sebum, SPF, and pollutants. Water-based cleansers cannot properly remove these impurities, so make sure to use an oil cleanser to start off your routine!
How often do I need to double cleanse?
Double cleanse twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. Double cleansing in the morning will remove any oil and sweat your skin has produced overnight, as well as any remaining products from the night before. Double cleansing in the evening will remove any makeup, SPF, and other impurities your skin has collected throughout the day.
Won't an oil cleanser cause breakouts?
Definitely not. When used properly, an oil cleanser doesn't add more oil to your face. In fact, it washes away the excess oil on your face, keeping your skin clean and helping balance your skin's moisture level. This means your skin is less likely to break out!
What is double cleansing?
Double cleansing is a two-step cleansing method that is popular in Korea. It involves using an oil cleanser to remove any oil-based impurities such as makeup, SPF, sebum and any other impurities your skin has collected throughout the day. This is followed by a water-based cleanser, such as a foaming cleanser, which breaks down water-based impurities like sweat and dirt. Try double cleansing for a week, and you'll be surprised by the difference it makes!
Isn't it time consuming?
Not at all! Once you get the hang of it, it becomes second nature. Once you experience the magic of the double cleanse, you will not want to cleanse your skin any other way.
Are all oil cleansers created equal?
No. There are so many oil cleansers, and they're made for specific skin types and skin concerns. Make sure you find the one best suited to your skin. We're here to help!
Is the solid balm better or is the liquid better?
This is purely personal preference, though solid balms are easier to travel with.
Is the solid balm better or is the liquid better?
Oil cleansers gently remove excess sebum and help balance your skin, preventing excess sebum production. You'll notice that using an oil cleanser makes your face less shiny over time.
Why do I have to double cleanse in the morning?
Double cleansing in the morning is essential because your skin still produces oil and sweat while you're sleeping. Also, double cleansing removes any of the remaining products you put on the night before. Finally, double cleansing helps prep your skin for your morning skin care routine.
Water-based cleansers dry out my skin. Can I just use an oil cleanser and skip the water-based cleanser?
No. Although oil cleansers emulsify when you add water to it, this only means it's easier to wash off. Using a water-based cleanser ensures that you completely remove it from the skin, as well as other water-based impurities. Instead of skipping the water-based cleanser altogether, look for a water-based cleanser that is gentle, has low pH, and won't strip the skin of its natural oils like the Neogen Green Tea Cleansing Stick!
Will double cleansing over-clean my face?
No. Oil cleansers don’t strip your skin of lipids and ceramides that are essential to keeping your skin balanced and healthy. If you use a water-based cleanser that suits your skin type and needs, it won't strip your skin of moisture, either.
How does oil cleansing help with breakouts?
Oil cleansing gently removes any oils and impurities on your face that can potentially clog pores, leading to breakouts. If you frequently deal with acne, double cleansing consistently will make a huge difference.
FAQ
Can I use plant-based oils such as coconut or olive oil as an oil cleanser?
Unfortunately many plant-based oils can clog pores! Even though you can use plant-based oils to moisturize your skin, they're not designed to cleanse your face. They do not emulsify and wash off like oil cleansers, which means you'll be left with makeup and impurities sitting on top of your skin! For a proper cleanse, use an oil cleanser, and if you want the moisturizing benefit, look for one infused with plant-based oils.
Do I need to oil cleanse if I don't wear makeup?
Absolutely. Even if you don't wear makeup, you need an oil cleanser to melt away sebum, SPF, and pollutants. Water-based cleansers cannot properly remove these impurities, so make sure to use an oil cleanser to start off your routine!
How often do I need to double cleanse?
Double cleanse twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. Double cleansing in the morning will remove any oil and sweat your skin has produced overnight, as well as any remaining products from the night before. Double cleansing in the evening will remove any makeup, SPF, and other impurities your skin has collected throughout the day.
Won't an oil cleanser cause breakouts?
Definitely not. When used properly, an oil cleanser doesn't add more oil to your face. In fact, it washes away the excess oil on your face, keeping your skin clean and helping balance your skin's moisture level. This means your skin is less likely to break out!
What is double cleansing?
Double cleansing is a two-step cleansing method that is popular in Korea. It involves using an oil cleanser to remove any oil-based impurities such as makeup, SPF, sebum and any other impurities your skin has collected throughout the day. This is followed by a water-based cleanser, such as a foaming cleanser, which breaks down water-based impurities like sweat and dirt. Try double cleansing for a week, and you'll be surprised by the difference it makes!
Isn't it time consuming?
Not at all! Once you get the hang of it, it becomes second nature. Once you experience the magic of the double cleanse, you will not want to cleanse your skin any other way.
Are all oil cleansers created equal?
No. There are so many oil cleansers, and they're made for specific skin types and skin concerns. Make sure you find the one best suited to your skin. We're here to help!
Is the solid balm better or is the liquid better?
This is purely personal preference, though solid balms are easier to travel with.
Is the solid balm better or is the liquid better?
Oil cleansers gently remove excess sebum and help balance your skin, preventing excess sebum production. You'll notice that using an oil cleanser makes your face less shiny over time.
Why do I have to double cleanse in the morning?
Double cleansing in the morning is essential because your skin still produces oil and sweat while you're sleeping. Also, double cleansing removes any of the remaining products you put on the night before. Finally, double cleansing helps prep your skin for your morning skin care routine.
Water-based cleansers dry out my skin. Can I just use an oil cleanser and skip the water-based cleanser?
No. Although oil cleansers emulsify when you add water to it, this only means it's easier to wash off. Using a water-based cleanser ensures that you completely remove it from the skin, as well as other water-based impurities. Instead of skipping the water-based cleanser altogether, look for a water-based cleanser that is gentle, has low pH, and won't strip the skin of its natural oils like the Neogen Green Tea Cleansing Stick!
Will double cleansing over-clean my face?
No. Oil cleansers don’t strip your skin of lipids and ceramides that are essential to keeping your skin balanced and healthy. If you use a water-based cleanser that suits your skin type and needs, it won't strip your skin of moisture, either.
How does oil cleansing help with breakouts?
Oil cleansing gently removes any oils and impurities on your face that can potentially clog pores, leading to breakouts. If you frequently deal with acne, double cleansing consistently will make a huge difference.
LEARN MORE ON THE KLOG
LEARN MORE ON THE KLOG
Six Important Practices and Lessons I Learned From Embracing K-Beauty
“Double cleansing changed my life – or at least my skin.”
The Best Cleansing Duos For Your Skin Type
Learn more about how the method works & The Klog’s favorite cleansing duos for each skin type.
Six Face Washing Mistakes You Might Be Making
From water temperature to products, dermatologists break down the most common face washing mistakes.
Six Important Practices and Lessons I Learned From Embracing K-Beauty
“Double cleansing changed my life – or at least my skin.”
The Best Cleansing Duos For Your Skin Type
Learn more about how the method works & The Klog’s favorite cleansing duos for each skin type.
Six Face Washing Mistakes You Might Be Making
From water temperature to products, dermatologists break down the most common face washing mistakes.