You’ve likely heard of how K-Beauty is taking over the world, from sheet masks to 10-step nightly routines, Korean women are known for their flawless complexions and a ‘skin care over makeup’ mentality. So when we caught up with Cat Koh, Global Trainer for cult Korean skin care brand Laneige, we learnt about why ‘double cleansing’ is a non-negotiable in a Korean skin care routine and why it should be in ours too.
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“Double cleansing is a hot topic in K-Beauty,” says Koh. “[We believe] cleansing is more important than makeup because remains of cosmetic products are a major reason for skin problems.” A double cleanse is much more effective in removing makeup than single step cleansing and “can assist solving problems like blackheads as it works to peel off old and dead skin cells, meaning skin tone improves,” and you are left with a brighter and clearer complexion.
So how exactly do you double cleanse? Koh explains that it is dependent on the amount of makeup you are wearing. “If your makeup is light, use cleansing water for the first step and then use a cleansing formula like a milk or a foam for the second step.” If your makeup is heavy, she suggests using a cleansing oil first (or dedicated lip and eye remover) for the first step and following with a regular cleanser. This will ensure your skin is not only completely clean and ready for your favourite serum and/or moisturiser but Koh explains it is also an important for removing the build up from environmental factors. “Australia is better than many Asian countries, however if you are spending time in the city; dust, vehicle fumes and the like will still have an effect on your skin,” says Koh. With brands now focusing on developing longer-lasting makeup products too, Koh says this means cleansing is even more important.
If you’re wondering whether double cleansing is suitable for your skin, you’re in luck, double cleansing is good for all skin types, says Koh “especially if you have oily or dry skin,” as it assists in balancing the natural oils.
Thinking about trying double cleansing? Here are the products bh loves:
Cleansing waters: Laneige Vitamin Brightening Cleansing Water (find it at sephora.com.au), Simple Waterboost Micellar Cleansing Water, Skin Physics OXYGEN-C Vitamin C Micellar Cleansing Water
Cleansing oils:Ella Bache Eye & Lip Cleanser, By Terry Cellularose Cleansing Oil (find it at mecca.com.au), L’Occitane Immortelle Anti-Ageing Oil Makeup Remover
Cleansing formulas:Novellus Fruit Enzyme Cream Cleanser, Murad Refreshing Cleanser, Trilogy Cream Cleanser
Main image credit: @aimeesong
What do you think of the idea double-cleansing? Have you tried it before?
This is a must
I kind of double cleanse. I remove all of my makeup using a Face Halo, and then use a cleanser under the shower to remove any residual makeup etc. Not sure if this is technically considered double cleansing.
I am a makeup wearer so I’ve been doing this all the time lately (yes I did get a bit slack a couple of years ago). I have noticed a big difference. My skin looks fresher.
I use a cleansing Oil and then a cream cleanser. I do this every night before bed.
Love the double cleanse!!!
I always double cleanse if I’m wearing makeup or sunscreen. I love makeup remover oils.
Pretty much agree with the article. I only double cleanse if I am wearing make-up, as I find that the first cleanser such as a cleansing balm or oil or make-up remover is much better at removing make-up than my gentle gel cleanser, which foams to remove any oily residue. Better to have an efficient 1st cleanser and 2nd cleanser than having just 1 cleanser and having to keep rubbing to try to get things off.
Have heard good things about Laneige but haven’t tried any products yet.
I don’t wear a lot of makeup but maybe I should give this a try. If you are cleansing then exfoliating is that the same?
Love double cleansing
If I’m home alone and simple lip gloss and mascara I dont bother with double cleans but if wearing foundation and full face I feel dirty without a double cleanse.
I’ve never double cleansed with cleansing lotion but I have been using the Panasonic Ionic Facial Toner and adding in that step after using cleansing oil. It has really helped to lift extra dirt without drying out my skin. But since working from home and not wearing any makeup, I don’t do both the cleansing and ionic toning everyday, it’s probably one every 3 days at the moment.
I only double cleanse if I’m wearing heavy makeup or sunscreen. Otherwise, once is enough
Only when wearing sunscreen (or rarely some makeup).
My skin is always oily so my double cleanse is to remove all makeup or last night’s skincare with micellar water, then use a gel cleanser containing salicylic acid. I can’t use oil, gel or cream cleansers as they do absolutely nothing for my skin. Then I take a cotton pad soaked in toner and wipe over my face making sure the pad is spotless. I never have any dirt or oil left over this way. If I’m having a bad skin day, I skip toner and wipe over my face with a BHA liquid to exfoliate and clear out my pores. Funnily enough I’m 30 but my skin’s still the same as in my teens. I can’t live without still having to use Clearasil acne treatment lol occasionally. Oh well at least I save money on moisturisers!
Always cleanse my Makeup Off at the end of the day never go to bed with makeup on. Have never thought about Double Cleansing, will certainly give it a try. Love to have a nice squeaky clean face.
I always make sure my face is completely clean before I go to bed. Sometimes this means double cleansing.
I have been double cleansing at night time for years and I love it – such a greatly squeaky clean feeling after!
I always double cleanse to make sure I’ve removed everything from my face!
I only feel like I need to double cleanse if I have been wearing makeup.
I only double cleanse if wearing makeup or heavy sunscreen. Still on the lookout for an oil cleanser that I like.
Damn I’m doing it wrong, I use my regular cleanser first then a micellar water oops! But micellar waters are no rinse which is why I use it second hmm
I only double cleanse if wearing makeup or heavy sunscreen. Still on the lookout for an oil cleanser that I like.
Interesting…
I find I only need to double cleanse when I’ve worn makeup
I double cleanse at night regardless of whether I have worn makeup – also need to clean the sunscreen residue off my face!
I have never tried this.
I definitely double cleanse if wearing makeup and single cleanse if not!
I don’t wear much make up so only cleanse once.
I double cleanse every night without fail.
i do this most nights, a combo of eye makeup remover, cleansing oil or milk plus a gel or foamy one
I wear light make up most days , cleansing is really important.
Interesting. Hadn’t heard of double cleansing before now
I’ve recently started double cleansing as Caroline Hirons swears by it! If I am wearing makeup and/or SPF, then I will definitely double cleanse with a balm and then a cream cleanser. If I am at home then a single cleanse is sufficient.
My skin would be so stripped!
I only ever cleanse once with a cream cleanser (Clinique Anti Redness), it suits my dry and sensitive skin and is really effective and efficient. Double cleansing would strip my skin, I think 🙁
I only do double cleansing when i removing my makeup.Otherwise one is enough for me.
I only double cleanse to remove make up other wise I just do the one.
I tend to double cleanse a fair bit.
I only do this when I’ve worn make up/foundation that day
I don’t double cleanse unless I’ve spent the day in a dirty/polluted environment such as the CBD or worn makeup.
I’m surprised that Bh did not recommend Trilogy Rosehip Transformation Cleansing Oil for this article. I found that it was effective and gentle.
I’ve never understood double cleansing so I’ve never done it but now I will definitely do it. Great article
Previously i only ever double cleansed after wearing make up but i have found as i am getting older my skin is going through serious changes (Hello Adult Acne, can we not be friends?) I have found myself double cleansing in the hopes it will help.
All depends on your skin. If you can ‘leave on’ a micellar water and have no side effects then that’s great. Some can’t.
Skin is weird
Yep, not everyone needs to double cleanse. Bit disappointed to see it being branded as “non-negotiable”
This is just promoting extra products for the sake of it.
You do NOT “need” to double cleanse, especially with two seperate cleansers. Many people remove their makeup and sunscreen just fine with one cleanse OR with two cleanses with the same product (i.e. if you have a face wash you like, just use that twice)
As someone who used to be hardcore double cleanser, oil and then ‘standard’, I cannot stress enough that we need to stop saying that X products or Y practices are “non negotiable”
Everyone’s skin is different. If someone can get away with using just a bar of soap and have amazing skin – LET THEM BE.
We do not need to have 10+ step/product routines that do minimal for our skin health and contribute to ongoing pollution to landfill and our waterways (seriously, microplastics are probably in your favourite cleansing balms and you’re reingesting them when you drink water or eat seafood)
I only ever double cleanse at night if I’ve worn makeup – which is most weekdays now back in the office. Use a remover for mascara, followed by micellar cleansing water, then a cleanser.
I’ve always wondered the efficiency of double cleansing for my skin as I hardly wear make up, but I wear sunscreen daily. I’ve also been concerned about over cleansing my skin and using too many products in general as I feel it might make my skin react. I still am interested to try it though, and it’s great to know what types of cleanser to use when wearing make-up/not wearing make-up as I always assumed oil cleanser was always the go to for the first cleanse
if ive worn makeup, i wipe it off with a makeup wipe, use some micellar water on a cotton pad, and then cleanse, spray a toner and then put a cream before bed and it really helps