Double Cleansing: Why You Need 2 Cleansers & How to Do It Right

Double cleansing uses an oil-based first cleanser (cleansing oil, balm, or micellar water) to dissolve oil-soluble impurities (sunscreen, makeup, sebum), followed by a water-based second cleanser (gel, foam, or cream) to remove water-soluble impurities (sweat, dirt, environmental pollutants). 

A single water-based cleanser cannot break down the silicone and oil-based films in modern sunscreens and makeup—studies show single-cleansing leaves 20–40% of SPF residue on the skin, which blocks overnight product absorption and traps bacteria.

Why Does the First Cleanse Need to Be Oil-Based?

The principle “like dissolves like” explains why oil-based cleansers are essential as the first step: oil dissolves oil. 

Sunscreen contains oil-soluble UV filters and silicones that repel water. Sebum is a lipid. Makeup uses waxes and oils as base ingredients. Only an oil-based product can break the molecular bonds of these oil-soluble films.

Cleansing oils | Cleansing balms | Makeup removers

How to Perform Double Cleansing Correctly?

Step 1: Apply oil cleanser or balm to dry skin (not wet). Massage for 30–60 seconds to dissolve SPF and makeup. Add a splash of water—the product emulsifies and turns milky. Rinse thoroughly. Step 2: Apply water-based cleanser to wet skin. Massage for 60 seconds. Rinse with lukewarm water. 

The entire double cleanse takes 2–3 minutes and provides a significantly cleaner canvas for nighttime serums and treatments.

Face washes at GlowBD 

Does Everyone Need to Double Cleanse?

Double cleansing is necessary every evening for anyone who wears sunscreen, makeup, or both. 

Morning double cleansing is unnecessary—overnight sebum and residue from PM products can be removed with a single gentle cleanser. If no sunscreen or makeup is worn during the day, a single evening cleanse is sufficient.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can coconut oil be used as a first cleanser?

A: Coconut oil has a comedogenicity rating of 4/5 and clogs pores in the majority of oily and acne-prone skin types. Use dedicated cleansing oils formulated with non-comedogenic oils (mineral oil, squalane, sunflower seed oil) that emulsify and rinse cleanly without leaving comedogenic residue.

Q: Does double cleansing strip the skin?

A: Properly formulated oil cleansers and gentle second cleansers maintain the skin’s lipid barrier when used at room temperature with lukewarm water. Over-stripping occurs only when the second cleanser contains harsh surfactants (SLS) or when hot water is used. Choose a low-pH second cleanser (5.0–5.5) to preserve the acid mantle.