You cleanse your face every night, but your skin remains dull, prone to blemishes or blackheads? The problem may not be your cleanser, but the number of steps. Double cleansing, a method from Asia, involves cleansing the skin in two stages instead of just one. The result: skin perfectly free of makeup, pollution, and sebum, without being harsh. We'll explain the principle, the steps, and the mistakes to avoid.
What is double cleansing?
Double cleansing is a skincare technique originating from Japan and South Korea, now adopted worldwide. As its name suggests, it involves performing two successive cleanses, each with a different and complementary type of product:
- Step 1: Makeup removal, with an oil-based product (oil, balm, or cleansing gel) that dissolves makeup, excess sebum, sunscreen, and pollution particles.
- Step 2: Cleansing, with a water-based product (lotion, gel, or foam) that removes remaining impurities, tones, and deeply purifies the skin.
This routine is performed in the evening, when the skin most needs to be freed from everything it has accumulated during the day.
Why one cleanser is not enough
Throughout the day, your skin accumulates two very different types of impurities, which cannot be removed in the same way:
- Oil-based (lipophilic) impurities: makeup, sunscreens, sebum, certain pollution particles. They are water-resistant and require an oil-based product to be dissolved.
- Water-based (hydrophilic) impurities: sweat, dust, water-soluble residues. They are removed with a water-based product.
A water-based cleanser alone struggles to dissolve stubborn makeup and SPF. An oil-based product used alone, on the other hand, can leave a slight film. By combining them in the correct order (oil first, then water), you tackle both. The skin is deeply cleansed, but gently.
Benefits of double cleansing
Adopting this routine offers several concrete benefits for your skin:
- Truly clean skin: no makeup or sunscreen residue left at bedtime.
- Fewer imperfections: unclogged pores mean fewer blackheads and pimples.
- More effective skincare: on perfectly clean skin, your serum and night cream penetrate better and work more effectively.
- Brighter complexion: the gentle massage of both steps stimulates microcirculation and revives radiance.
Note: double cleansing is not mandatory every night for everyone. If you don't wear makeup and little sunscreen, a simple cleanse may be sufficient on some days. However, as soon as you wear makeup, SPF, or live in the city, double cleansing makes a real difference.
The 2-step double cleansing routine
Step 1: Remove makeup with an oil-based product
Start on dry skin, before any contact with water (water would form a barrier that would prevent the oil-based product from acting on the makeup).
Take a pea-sized amount of product, then apply it to the entire face using small circular motions for 20 to 30 seconds. Focus on the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin), where sebum accumulates. For the eye contour, gently pat without rubbing: this is a delicate area.
For this first step, a cleansing gel is ideal, especially if you have sensitive skin. Its melting gel-oil texture effectively dissolves makeup without being harsh. Nohèm's organic cleansing gel, enriched with kendi and sesame oil and formulated without essential oils, is suitable even for the most reactive skin while respecting the hydrolipidic film. The right format depends on your skin: to learn more, discover how to choose your natural makeup remover according to your skin type.
Emulsification: the key step
Then add a little lukewarm water and continue to massage. The oil-based product then transforms into a milky texture: this is the emulsification. This allows you to carry away dissolved makeup and rinse without leaving a greasy film. Rinse with lukewarm water (never hot, which dries and irritates).
Step 2: Perfect cleansing with a water-based product
The second step removes the last water-soluble impurities (sweat, dust) and the slight film left by the first step. You can use a classic rinse-off water-based cleanser (gel, foam) or, for sensitive skin that prefers not to rinse multiple times, perfect the cleansing without rinsing with a lotion applied to a reusable cotton pad.
Nohèm's cleansing lotion is perfect for this second step: 3-in-1, it captures the last residues, tones and rebalances the pH while hydrating thanks to aloe vera and rice oil. Two pumps on a cotton pad are enough for the face and eyes, without rinsing. The skin is clean, fresh, and ready to receive its skincare products.
Gently pat dry (or blot) without rubbing, then follow with your serum and cream.
Adapting double cleansing to your skin type
The principle remains the same for everyone; it's the textures that change depending on your skin's needs.
| Skin type | Step 1 (oil-based) | Step 2 (water-based) |
|---|---|---|
| Dry or sensitive | Gentle cleansing gel, without essential oils | Hydrating cleansing lotion, no rinse |
| Combination to oily | Light cleansing gel or oil | Toning lotion or purifying cleansing gel |
| Normal | Choice, depending on desired sensory experience | Lotion, gentle gel or foam |
Good news for oily skin: contrary to popular belief, makeup removal with an oil-based product does not make the skin shiny. On the contrary, it dissolves excess sebum without triggering overproduction, whereas an overly harsh cleanser often aggravates the problem.
Does your skin react easily (redness, tightness)? Consult our dedicated guide to find out which makeup remover to choose for sensitive skin.
Mistakes to avoid
- Using micellar water as step 1: its surfactants remain on the surface and it does not have the dissolving power of an oil-based product. It's not a true first cleanse.
- Skipping the second step: the oil-based product alone can leave a residue and end up clogging pores.
- Applying makeup remover to wet skin: water prevents the oil-based product from directly reaching the makeup.
- Rubbing the eye contour: apply the product, let the makeup melt, then gently wipe away.
- Rinsing with water that is too hot: it weakens the skin's barrier. Prefer lukewarm water.
Frequently asked questions
Should I double cleanse morning and night?
No. Double cleansing is primarily done in the evening, to remove makeup, SPF, and pollution. In the morning, a simple gentle cleanse is enough to remove sebum produced overnight.
Is double cleansing useful if I don't wear makeup?
Yes. Even without makeup, your skin accumulates sebum, pollution, and, if you wear it, sunscreen - all oily impurities that a water-based cleanser alone poorly removes.
Is double cleansing suitable for sensitive skin?
Absolutely, provided you choose gentle products. A cleansing gel without essential oils for the first step, followed by a hydrating no-rinse cleansing lotion, respects reactive skin.
Does double cleansing make oily skin shiny?
No. The oil-based product in the first step dissolves sebum without leaving a film, provided you emulsify and rinse properly. It is even recommended for combination to oily skin.
How often should I double cleanse?
Ideally every evening if you wear makeup or SPF. Otherwise, two to three times a week may be enough, adjust according to your skin.
In summary
Double cleansing involves two steps: removing makeup with an oil-based product, then perfecting the cleanse with a water-based product. This simple routine transforms the quality of your skin: clearer, brighter, and better prepared to receive its skincare products. To adopt it, rely on the duo designed for all skin types, even the most sensitive: our organic cleansing gel for the first step, then our organic cleansing lotion to finish gently.
