What Even Is Double Cleansing?

Double cleansing isn’t just washing your face two times in a row. It’s about using two different kinds of cleansers that serve totally different purposes.

First up: an oil-based cleanser.

This is the heavy lifter. It’s here to break down makeup, SPF, oil, and anything that’s sitting on top of your skin like an unwanted guest. Oil attracts oil, so it’s super effective at melting away the grime without stripping your face. No, it won’t clog your pores. Yes, I used to be scared of them too.

Then: a water-based cleanser.

Now that the surface-level stuff is out of the way, this cleanser can get to your actual skin and give it a proper clean. Think of it like sweeping the floor (oil cleanse) before you mop (water cleanse). If you skip the first step, you’re just smearing stuff around and calling it a day.

This method originally comes from Korean skincare routines, which—let’s be honest—are usually 12 steps ahead of whatever the rest of us are doing. And it’s not just for people who wear a full beat every day. If you wear sunscreen (you should), or even walk around in city air, or just have skin—double cleansing is probably for you.

 

What I Used (and Why I Chose Them)

For this test, I used products I already trusted but never consistently paired together.

•First Cleanse: Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm

This stuff is rich, buttery, and smells like something you’d find in a luxury facial studio that also sells imported teas. It breaks down everything—mascara, foundation, SPF, guilt—without leaving your skin feeling greasy or stripped.

•Second Cleanse: Rhode Pineapple Refresh Cleanser

It’s light, slightly foamy, and doesn’t mess with your moisture barrier. Plus, it looks cute in your skincare lineup. Important.

These two together? A whole vibe.

 

My Routine: Realistic, Repeatable, and No Frills

I kept it simple. At night, I’d scoop out the balm with clean fingers (don’t come for me—I sanitized) and massage it into dry skin for about 60 seconds. It melted everything down like a dream. After adding water, it turned milky and rinsed clean without any residue.

Then I’d go in with the Rhode cleanser, massaging again for another 60 seconds. This was my ritual zone—I played chill music, stood at my sink like I had somewhere elegant to be, and took my time. No rush. No panic cleanse.

I followed up with my usual skincare: toner, serums, moisturizer, eye cream. But honestly? The real magic was in the double cleanse itself. Everything that came after just felt better.

 

What I Noticed (and When It Kicked In)

The change wasn’t instant-instant. But by Day 2, my skin already felt softer. Not slippery or oily—just clean in a way I hadn’t realized it wasn’t before. You know that feeling when you get a facial and your skin just… breathes? Yeah, that.

By Day 4, I noticed that products were sinking in better. Like, my skin actually absorbed my serums instead of letting them sit on top like a glossy layer of good intentions.

By Day 6, the glow was visible. I had that “did you do something different?” kind of glow. Breakouts were fewer. Chin texture was calmer. My skin looked like I drank water and slept eight hours a night—even though I did neither.

 

So… Is Double Cleansing Worth the Hype?

In a word: yes.

But let’s unpack that.

If you wear makeup, use SPF, live in a city, or breathe air—your skin is dealing with a lot. One cleanser usually isn’t enough to fully remove all the buildup. And when your skin isn’t properly clean, everything else you use—your $85 serum, your snail mucin, your overpriced moisturizer—it’s just sitting on top of the mess. Like putting a cashmere sweater over a wet bathing suit.

Double cleansing preps your skin to actually absorb skincare. It removes layers of buildup you don’t even see. And if you’re dealing with dullness, clogged pores, or skincare that seems to have plateaued? This could be the thing that changes everything.

 

My Honest Takeaway

I didn’t expect to love it this much. I thought I’d try it for the experiment and quietly return to my lazy single-cleanse ways. But this routine made me feel different. More intentional. Like I was taking care of myself in a way that didn’t require an entire 12-step routine or a crystal-infused toner.

Is it something I’ll do every night forever? Maybe not. Life happens.

But it’s now firmly in my core routine—and I can feel the difference when I skip it.

Double cleansing isn’t just for skincare obsessives. It’s for anyone who wants their skin to function better, feel healthier, and look like it minds its own damn business. Which, frankly, is the only kind of energy I want on my face.