Double cleansing has become a go-to skincare routine because of its ability to deliver a really deep cleanse. This two-step method uses two different cleansers back-to-back to effectively remove makeup, dirt, excess oil, and buildup, leaving your skin fresh and prepped for the rest of your routine. No matter where you are on your skincare journey—just starting out or already a pro, incorporating double cleansing into your routine can make a noticeable difference in your skin. Let’s take a closer look at how this simple two-step routine can unlock a clearer, more radiant complexion.
What Is Double Cleansing?
Double cleansing helps thoroughly remove impurities from your skin. The first step is to use an oil-based cleanser to break down makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum. The second step is using a water-based cleanser to clear away sweat, dirt, and any remaining impurities. The combination of these two types of cleansers ensures that your skin is clean without being stripped of its natural moisture.
Why Do You Need Two Steps?
Why is a single cleanser not always enough to completely clean your skin? Most standard cleansers don’t have the ingredients capable of fully removing makeup, sweat, and sunscreen. If these residues linger, they can clog pores and contribute to breakouts and dullness. Double cleansing makes sure that each type of impurity is targeted with the right type of cleanser. HPPY’s gel cleanser is your go-to for washing away makeup, pollutants, and daily buildup, leaving your skin fresh and balanced. Packed with 10x more antioxidant power than leading brands, it doesn’t just cleanse, but actively protects and revitalizes your skin.
Double Cleansing Skincare Routine & The Hidden Benefits
Enhanced Product Absorption
When your skin is clogged with dirt and oil, even the most expensive serums or moisturizers won’t penetrate as effectively. By deeply cleaning your skin, double cleansing creates the perfect canvas for your products to work their magic. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin C are able to deeply penetrate your skin more efficiently, leading to better results over time.
Balanced Skin
Contrary to the misconception that double cleansing is only beneficial for oily or acne-prone skin, this method suits all skin types—including sensitive and dry skin. The key, however, is using the right cleansers.
Brightens Dull Complexion
A single cleanse often isn’t enough because traces of pollutants, makeup, and old skincare can linger on your skin, gradually building up and leaving your complexion looking dull. Double cleansing goes deeper, removing residues that linger while gently encouraging cell turnover.
Reduces Breakouts
One of the leading causes of acne is clogged pores. By using an oil-based cleanser first, you dissolve sebum plugs and blackheads, reducing the likelihood of clogged pores. Following with a water-based cleanser ensures the excess is washed away.
Protects The Skin's Barrier
Some worry that double cleansing might dry out their skin, but with the right products, it actually does the opposite. Oil-based cleansers work in harmony with your skin’s natural oils, while water-based cleansers remove leftover residue without using harsh ingredients. This gentle, two-step routine protects your skin’s barrier and helps lock in hydration so your complexion is balanced and healthy.
Removes Pollutants & impurities
Double cleansing is effective at removing environmental pollutants that can contribute to free radical formation and damage the skin's barrier.
Improves Absorption Of Antioxidants
By thoroughly cleansing the skin, double cleansing creates a clean canvas that allows subsequent skincare products, particularly those with antioxidants, to penetrate and be absorbed more effectively. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals and protect the skin from damage caused by environmental stressors like pollution and UV radiation.
Shop The Best Oil & Water Based Cleansers
HPPY’s Golden Oil Cleanser and Gel Cleanser are soothing cleansers infused with our patented BioBerry Infusion™—a powerful blend of whole-berry nutrients preserved through High Pressure Processing. These cleansers lift away impurities while delivering intense hydration, antioxidant-rich protection against free radicals, and essential support for a healthy skin barrier.
Double Cleanse FAQs
Who Should Double Cleanse?
While double cleansing can benefit almost anyone, if you wear makeup, SPF, and are exposed to environmental stressors, then you should double cleanse.
Will double cleansing dry out my skin?
It shouldn’t as long as you’re using gentle, nourishing cleansers. Oil cleansers actually help maintain your skin’s natural moisture barrier.
Can I use makeup wipes instead of an oil cleanser?
Makeup wipes can remove surface-level makeup, but they often leave residue behind and can be irritating. A proper oil cleanser is more effective and gentler on your skin.
Can I double cleanse in the morning?
You can, but whether you should depends on your skin type and needs. For many, a single gentle cleanse is enough in the morning, but if you have oily or acne-prone skin, or if you’ve used heavy products overnight, a double cleanse might be beneficial..
How long should a double cleanse take?
Just a couple of minutes!
What happens if I skip double cleansing?
Occasionally skipping won’t harm your skin, but regularly neglecting to remove buildup can lead to dullness, clogged pores, and reducing the effectiveness of your other skincare products.
