Double cleansing seems simple enough: use an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup and sunscreen, then follow with a water-based cleanser to ensure your skin is perfectly clean. However, we know it’s not always easy to choose the best double cleansing products for your skin type. We’re here to guide you through some of our favorite product combos and pairings–from luxury balms to gentle foaming cleansers.
A double cleansing routine for heavy makeup removal
If you love your waterproof mascara and stay-all-day lipstick, but can’t wait to remove it all when you get home, we’ve got the right double cleansing pairing for you:
The Erborian Centella Cleansing Oil features an ultra-fine formula that removes waterproof makeup, excess sebum, and any and all impurities that may accumulate on your skin throughout the day. Made with nourishing vegetable oils, the formula also features the soothing properties of Centella asiatica, which helps soothe and soften the skin after cleansing.
And now for something a little different, it’s the APIVITA Black Detox Cleansing Jelly, formulated with activated charcoal and propolis. Known for its purifying properties, activated charcoal acts as a magnet for impurities, helping to remove any product residue or grime from the skin. The formula also contains hydrating panthenol and an antioxidant infusion of rosehip fruit.
A double cleansing combo for very dry skin
For those who have dry skin and want nothing more than to avoid that feeling of tight, over-cleansed skin, here’s an effective pairing:
The JOWAÉ Oil-in-Gel Cleanser has a slightly out-there texture: it’s an oil-in-gel, or a gel-oil, not dissimilar to a jelly, that’s applied to dry skin to remove makeup, sunscreen, and accumulated impurities. Formulated with 99% natural-origin ingredients, including jojoba oil, peony extract, and antioxidant Lumiphenols, this cleanser is perfect for cleansing dry and sensitive skin.
The CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser Normal to Dry Skin needs no introduction; it’s one of the world’s most popular cleansers for normal to dry skin. The fragrance-free formula combines three essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin in a moisturizing blend that helps hydrate and preserve the skin’s barrier function while providing an effective cleanse.
A double cleansing pairing with Korean products
The Korean skincare world is full of great double cleansing product suggestions. For this duo, we suggest two tried-and-tested superstars:
The Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm is a buttery cleansing balm that removes makeup, sunscreen, and impurities while moisturizing dry skin and contributing to its comfort. Formulated with vitamin-rich rice extract and an exclusive grain complex, this balm provides long-lasting hydration along with antioxidant benefits.
If you’re looking for a Korean foaming cleanser, we love the Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Cleanser. With a slightly acidic formula, this cleanser is formulated with hyaluronic acid and NMF (natural moisturizing factor), along with a blend of soothing botanical extracts that rebalance even sensitive and reactive skin.
A double cleansing duo for oily skin
Double cleansing may seem daunting if you have oily skin–“cleansing with an oil? no way!”–, but there are plenty of cleansing oils out there that remove waterproof makeup, cleanse effectively, and don’t leave a greasy residue on the skin:
Made with botanical oils and extracts, the Clarins Total Cleansing Oil is expert at removing long-lasting waterproof makeup. Formulated with sunflower oil and organic extracts of yellow gentian and lemon balm, this oil helps hydrate and nourish the skin. The silky texture transforms into a milk upon contact with water, for easy application and easy rinsing, without residue.
The Bioderma Sensibio Cleansing Foaming Gel is one of the most popular cleansing gels out there, and for good reason: it’s soap-free, fragrance-free, and compatible with sensitive eyes and skin. The key ingredient in the formula is the exclusive DAF complex, which helps reinforce the skin, leaving it more resilient and strong.
A practical combo for affordable double cleansing
Double cleansing can get expensive, but there are still some very affordable, high-quality cleansers out there for those who’d like to keep it under budget:
We like the Uriage Makeup Removing Oil, a dermatologically tested cleansing oil with a biodegradable formula made from 99% natural ingredients. Enriched with sunflower, jojoba, and cranberry oils, this cleansing oil gets the job done without fuss: it removes makeup, sunscreen, and accumulated impurities, leaving the skin feeling clean but not dry, hydrated but not oily.
For the second cleanser, we like the Eucerin DermatoCLEAN Hyaluron Cleansing Gel, a refreshing cleansing gel that’s a safe, gentle choice for all skin types. The mild formula combines two hydrating actives, hyaluronic acid and glycoglycerol, with an effective and ultra-gentle cleansing complex, APG Complex.
A double cleansing duo for sensitive skin and rosacea
You may have sensitive skin and rosacea, but that doesn’t have to get in the way of choosing exciting skincare products for your cleansing routine:
The Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm is a cult product that quickly dissolves makeup, sunscreen, impurities, you name it–if you really want to reset your skin at the end of the day, this cleanser gets the job done. Formulated with safflower seed oil, the formula breaks up any impurities that may have accumulated on the skin, while also helping hydrate the skin and maintain its natural moisture balance.
And if you have sensitive or reactive skin, we can’t recommend this cleanser enough: the Rosacure Gel Gentle Cleansing Gel is a gel-foam formula specifically designed sensitive skin with rosacea. Formulated with polyglutamic acid, a film-forming polymer that improves the skin’s ability to attract and retain moisture, this cleanser is perfect for those looking for an effective cleanser that also helps replenish the skin.
Double cleansing is all about creating a routine that works for you, your skin type, and your concerns, so we hope our suggestions will help you find the best double cleansing products for your needs. If you’d like some extra options, feel free to visit our full selection of cleansers in the shop; we’re sure you’ll find your perfect match there!
