Trust Us, These Are the Best Cleansers for Double Cleansing Depending on Your Skin Type

Do you ever feel like your skin isn’t quite as clean as you’d like it to be after washing your face? Still feel a bit of makeup, sunscreen and general grime from the day on your face, even though you literally just cleansed?

You might want to give double cleansing a try. But what exactly is a double cleansing routine and which cleansers should you use?

Read on to find out everything you need to know about what double cleansing is, plus four recommendations for double cleansing products designed specifically for your skin type.

What Is the Double Cleansing Method?

So, what is double cleansing? The routine consists of “A two-step cleansing process involving a cleansing oil, micellar water or balm to melt away makeup, sunscreen, sebum and environmental pollutants that sit on the top layer of the skin,” Melbourne-based dermatologist Dr Shyamalar Gunatheesan said.

“This is then followed by a water-based cleanser to penetrate the pores to remove any other skin irritants such as sweat, dirt and skin care residue.”

Side note: Jo takes us through all the different types of cleansers for each skin type, and answers frequently asked questions about cleansing (and double-cleansing) in the video below…

Do You Need to Double Cleanse? Is Double Cleansing Good?

A double cleansing routine isn’t essential but is beneficial for your skin. Whether you wear makeup or not, this method is excellent for removing all the impurities and pollutants that build up on the skin throughout the day.

An oil-based cleanser removes stubborn substances, allowing your second cleanser products to clean and nourish the skin without working against surface barriers like dirt and oil.

“Often, a quick rinse or cleanse does not remove all the makeup, sweat and debris that gets dislodged in the crevices and pores of your skin."

“A double cleanse routine also prepares the skin for better absorption of your night-time active skincare ingredients.”

How Often to Double Cleanse & The Best Double Cleansing Routine

It is often recommended to perform a double cleanse in the evening to clear away the dirt and debris built up during the day. That said, performing the same practice in the morning can be beneficial as the products help to remove the build-up of oil that occurs while we sleep. The best option is to choose a double cleansing routine & products that you can commit to, as consistency is what will yield the best results for your skin.

“Ideally, one would just have to double cleanse once a day, at night.”

Can You Double Cleanse With the Same Cleanser?

While you can definitely just use the same cleanser twice, Dr Gunatheesan explained the best way to incorporate different types of cleansers into your double cleansing routine.

“You start with an oil-based cleanser, balm or micellar water on dry skin,” she said.

“Follow this up with a water-based cleanser that you rub onto a wet face, covering the forehead, cheeks and neck. Wash off with tepid water or wipe off with a damp soft cloth.”

You can also use an exfoliating cleanser with enzymes, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) as your second cleanse, depending on your skin type and concerns.

Wanna learn more about AHAs and chemical exfoliation? Jo explains everything in this episode of Skincare Nerds below!

Can Double Cleansing Cause Breakouts?

“Overdoing it or using the wrong type of cleansers can strip the skin of its natural oils and change its acid mantle, causing dehydration and breakouts," Dr Gunatheesan said.

When we remove too many of our skin’s natural oils, our body responds by increasing the production of sebum (the oily substance that moisturises the skin), which can lead to breakouts and acne, as well as redness and irritation. Therefore finding cleansers & products that strike a perfect balance is essential for any double cleansing routine.

Should I Double Cleanse If I Don't Wear Makeup?

“Yes, we should still double cleanse, as this will remove sebum, sweat, sunscreen and pollutants efficiently.”

As we mentioned earlier, many environmental factors can lead to a build-up of debris on the skin, which then clogs pores and dulls the complexion. In the way that it helps to remove makeup remnants thoroughly, a double cleansing routine works to thoroughly remove all these nasties, bringing balance to the skin.

The Best Double Cleansing Products.

Now comes the fun part … our recommendations for double cleansing products!

Here are all the best double cleansing duos, depending on your skin type…

Best Double Cleansers For Dry Skin:

1. Medik8 Lipid-Balance Cleansing Oil.

If you find some cleansers feel stripping or drying on your skin, try an oil cleanser as the first step in your double cleansing routine. The Medik8 Lipid-Balance Cleansing Oil is a gloriously bougie oil packed with hydrating oils and fatty acids, so it hydrates the skin during cleansing.

Massage a few pumps directly onto dry skin, then add warm water to emulsify the product into a milk and continue to gently massage the face to melt away surface makeup and grime. 

2. Dermalist Ultra Hydrating Lactic Cleanser.

The Dermalist Ultra Hydrating Lactic Cleanser uses lactic acid, a really gentle AHA (a type of chemical exfoliant) to lightly exfoliate the skin without any harsh scrubs or intense actives.

The addition of finger lime and vitamin C help brighten the skin, while green tea, chamomile and niacinamide calm redness and reduce inflammation. You can start introducing this cleanser into your routine one or two nights a week.

Best Double Cleansers For Oily Skin:

Light foaming cleansers are excellent for clearing away impurities while softening the skin at the same time. These cleanser textures are often recommended for those with oilier, acne-sensitive skin types, as they are gentle in the way they work.

1. Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm.

This is the cleansing balm to end all cleansing balms. And the Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm is a cult classic for a reason.

Simply massage a dollop of this waxy balm onto dry skin, focusing on the eyes or those areas where you’ve got a lot of makeup on or excess grime built up. 

2. Skinstitut Glycolic Cleanser 12%.

The Skinstitut Glycolic Cleanser 12% is a powerful exfoliating cleanser that uses glycolic acid, a popular AHA, to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores and help reduce pigmentation and dark spots.

The cream texture is easy to use, and your skin will feel super fresh and clean after using this!

Best Double Cleansers For Acne-Prone Skin:

Cleansers that help balance the skin's pH are useful to those prone to acne. These skin types tend to suffer from being too acidic, which in turn, can cause inflammation. By choosing a cleanser that addresses this, as well as removing all the impurities that build up over the day, the right cleanser can make a considerable difference to an individual’s skincare routine.

1. Ella Baché Botanical Cleansing Oil.

Packed with hemp seed oil rich in fatty acids as well as antioxidants vitamin A, E and D, the Ella Baché Botanical Cleansing Oil gently removes makeup and dirt without overpowering the skin. Using an oil cleanser also lets your skin know it's got enough oil, so no need to make any more.

After massaging onto dry skin, mix with water to emulsify into a milk, then rinse off with either a towel or water. 

2. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Micro Peeling Cleanser.

This is the cleanser I swear by when my skin starts to break out.

The La Roche-Posay Effaclar Micro Peeling Cleanser 200ml contains two per cent salicylic acid, a BHA that actually goes underneath the skin to exfoliate your pores, preventing oil and dirt building up and stopping pimples from forming.

It has a nice cooling gel texture and is a great way to keep acne and breakouts at bay.

Best Double Cleansers For Sensitive Skin:

If you are building a double cleansing routine for sensitive skin, you will want to take a good look at the ingredients in your products. Gentle formulas with natural extracts and ingredients offer the best results, as they work to hydrate and soothe, both essential elements for sensitive skin types. Choosing cleansers without chemicals like sulphates and parabens also helps avoid further irritation from allergic reactions or hypersensitivity.

1. SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser.

Is there anything SkinCeuticals makes that everyone doesn’t immediately fall in love with?

If you’re after a super gentle cleanser, the SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser is perfect for you. It contains orange oil, a soothing antiseptic oil that helps to calm sensitive or irritated skin. The silky, cream moisturiser texture feels lovely, too. 

2. Pai Kukui & Jojoba Bead Skin Brightening Exfoliator.

If you love the feeling of a physical exfoliant, but the word “scrub” gives you nightmares about the old St Ives Apricot Scrub, you'll love this cleanser.

The Pai Kukui & Jojoba Bead Skin Brightening Exfoliator 75ml is a 100 per cent natural exfoliating scrub that uses jojoba wax beads to gently remove dead skin cells and impurities, without damaging the skin.

The beads are natural, perfectly spherical to prevent skin traumas, and an environmentally-friendly alternative to harmful microbeads that damage the ocean. 

And that is everything there is to know about double cleansing! Which combo would you choose?

Still not sure what cleanser is best for you? Try our cleanser finder and get a recommendation in less than 30 seconds.

Want more great cleanser recommendations? Check out these stories from our Adore Beauty team below!

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• The 6 Best Foaming Cleansers To Keep Your Skin Clean & Refreshed

• The 10 Best Facial Cleansers with Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)

• The 10 Best Cleansers for Sensitive Skin

• Our Top 7 Best Natural Face Cleansers Of 2020