What Is Double Cleansing? The Skincare Ritual That Transforms Your Skin

It's all about the way you clean your skin. If you wear makeup, sunscreen, or live in an area with pollution, your nightly cleanse might not be enough. That’s where double cleansing comes in. This two-step cleansing method, popularized by Korean and Japanese skincare routines, has become a must-have ritual for achieving clear, healthy skin. But what is double cleansing, and why is it so effective?

In this blog post, we’ll break down the benefits, proper technique, and who should be using it—plus how to pair it with active ingredients like niacinamide and exfoliants for the best results.

What Is Double Cleansing?

Double cleansing involves washing your face twice: There are two options, washing your face twice with the same cleanser or first with an oil-based cleanser, and second with a water-based cleanser. Each step serves a distinct purpose: There are two options.

1. Oil-Based Cleanser: Removes oil-based impurities like makeup, sunscreen, sebum, and pollution particles.

2. Water-Based Cleanser: Deep cleanses the pores and any leftover residue, leaving the skin fresh and prepped for skincare.

OR washing your face twice with one cleanser (if you don't use a oil cleanser)

1. Face cleanser 1x:  Removes oil-based impurities like makeup, sunscreen, sebum, and pollution particles.
2. Face Cleanser 2x: Deep cleanses the pores and any leftover residue, leaving the skin fresh and prepped for skincare.

Why Double Cleansing Works

Your skin attracts a mix of oil- and water-based impurities throughout the day. A single cleanse usually isn’t enough to thoroughly clean the skin, especially if you're wearing long-wear foundation or SPF.

Double cleansing ensures that:

• Your pores stay unclogged

• Acne and breakouts are minimized

• Active ingredients can absorb more effectively

It also helps preserve your skin barrier by using gentle, targeted cleansers instead of one harsh formula trying to do everything.

Who Should Double Cleanse?

• Makeup wearers: Removes every trace of makeup, especially long-wear or waterproof formulas.

• Oily or acne-prone skin types: Helps prevent clogged pores and blackheads.

• City dwellers or those exposed to pollution: Removes micro-particles that regular cleansers can miss.

• Dry or sensitive skin: Can be adapted using hydrating and gentle cleansers that won’t compromise your skin barrier.

If you don’t wear makeup or sunscreen daily, you may not need to double cleanse every night—but a few times a week can still make a difference.

Double Cleansing + Exfoliation and Niacinamide

Double cleansing enhances the benefits of your active ingredients. When the skin is properly cleansed:

• Exfoliants like glycolic or salicylic acid can penetrate more effectively to dissolve dead skin cells.

• Niacinamide can be absorbed more deeply to reduce inflammation, refine pores, and even out skin tone.

You can safely exfoliate daily or 2–3 times a week after double cleansing, and follow with a niacinamide serum for smoother, clearer skin.

Try Glisn Skin’s Vitamin C Stem Cell Serum and Young Formula Retinol Serum after double cleansing to build a powerful nighttime routine.

Mistakes to Avoid When Double Cleansing

• Using drying cleansers: Look for non-stripping, sulfate-free options that maintain your moisture balance.

• Rushing the process: Massage gently but thoroughly to break down impurities.

• Skipping moisturizer afterward: Always follow with hydration to protect your barrier.

Final Thoughts

Double cleansing isn’t just about removing makeup—it’s about creating a clean foundation for your skincare to work effectively. With the right method and ingredients, it becomes a game-changing step in your skincare routine.

Double cleansing isn’t just for beauty influencers or K-beauty fans—it’s a dermatologist-approved method that can dramatically improve your skin over time. It sets the foundation for any effective routine by ensuring your skin is clean, clear, and ready to absorb the actives that make a real difference.

Whether you're battling breakouts, dullness, or just want a better glow, double cleansing is a simple upgrade that delivers noticeable results.

Explore Glisn Skin's cleansing formula and discover the difference a double cleanse can make.

References

• American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD.org): Skin care basics – Cleansing

• Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020: Efficacy of double cleansing and skin condition improvements

• Mayo Clinic: Skincare advice and cleansing tips for acne-prone and sensitive skin

• The International Journal of Dermatology: The role of cleansing in maintaining healthy skin barrier function

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