Double Cleansing: When It Helps and When to Skip It

Washing your face twice in a row sounds like overkill until you know what each wash removes. One lifts oil-based build-up, the other clears what's water-based.

Why one cleanse often isn't enough

Sunscreen, makeup and the skin's own oil are mostly oil-based. Sweat and dust are not. A water-based cleanser handles the second group well and the first group less well, which is why a full day of sunscreen can still feel like it's sitting on your skin after one wash.

How to do it

1. Oil cleanser first. Oil lifts oil, so it loosens sunscreen and makeup without scrubbing. Massage onto dry skin, then add water and rinse.
2. Gentle water-based cleanser second. A soft foam or gel clears what's left behind.
3. Pat dry. Skin should feel clean, not squeaky or tight. Tightness usually means the second cleanser is too strong for you.

When to skip it

If you didn't wear sunscreen or makeup that day, one gentle cleanse is enough. Keep the two-step clean for days with more on your skin.

If your skin is sensitive

Choose an oil cleanser with little or no fragrance and a low-foam second cleanser. Washing too often, not double cleansing itself, is what usually upsets sensitive skin. Once a day at night is plenty, even for oily skin.

Shop: Clean Start, Soft Finish · Cleanser for Sensitive Skin

Not sure how gentle your cleanser should be? Take the Skin MBTI quiz.

Korean corner: 민감성 피부예요 (min-gam-sung pi-boo-yeh-yo) means "I have sensitive skin". Handy at any Korean beauty counter.