Korean Double Cleansing: Why and How to Do It

If you could keep only one K-beauty habit, it would probably be this one: double cleansing. Simple, quick and enjoyable, it means cleansing your skin in two stages, with two complementary textures. The result: skin free of makeup, sunscreen and impurities, perfectly ready for the rest of your routine.

What is Korean double cleansing?

It's based on a very simple chemistry rule: oil dissolves oil. Long-wear makeup, sunscreen filters and sebum are oily substances that water alone struggles to remove.

• Step 1: an oil-based cleanser (cleansing oil or balm) that dissolves oily impurities;
• Step 2: a water-based cleanser (foam, gel or powder) that removes residue, sweat and pollution.

Together, these two steps cleanse more thoroughly than a single product, without any need to scrub.

Why double cleanse?

To properly remove sunscreen and makeup

Modern sunscreens and foundations are designed to last all day. A foam cleanser on its own can leave an invisible film on the skin. An oil melts them away in seconds.

To keep pores clear

Incomplete makeup removal encourages sebum and impurities to build up in pores. Double cleansing helps keep skin texture looking clearer, which is why combination and oily skin types love it.

To better prepare the skin for skincare

On clean skin, toner, serum and moisturiser apply more easily. It's the foundation of the whole Korean skincare routine.

How to double cleanse, step by step

Step 1: oil or balm on dry skin

• Take a small scoop of balm or 2 to 3 pumps of oil, with dry hands and a dry face.
• Massage gently for 30 seconds to 1 minute, focusing on made-up areas and the nose.
• Add a little lukewarm water: the texture emulsifies and turns milky.
• Rinse thoroughly.

Step 2: foam cleanser

• Work a small amount of cleanser into a lather between wet hands.
• Massage your face in circular motions for about 30 seconds.
• Rinse with lukewarm water, then pat dry with a clean towel.

Follow with your toner to rehydrate the skin.

Cleansing oil or balm: which one to choose?

Cleansing oils

Fluid and easy to spread, they work very well for combination to oily skin and for anyone who likes a light texture.

• The Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil, light and non-greasy, made with soybean oil and ginseng, suits all skin types.
• The Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil combines plant oils with heartleaf extract and targets skin prone to blackheads.
• The SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil is a gentle option for sensitive and reactive skin.

Cleansing balms

Solid in a jar, they melt on contact with the skin and turn into an oil. Their cocooning feel is a favourite with dry skin or skin lacking comfort.

• The Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm, with rice water, dissolves even waterproof makeup.
• The Banila Co Clean It Zero Revitalizing, a sherbet-textured bestseller, designed more for combination to oily skin.

Choosing the right foam cleanser

For the second step, the goal is to cleanse without drying out the skin. Skin that feels tight after rinsing is a sign your cleanser is too harsh.

• Sensitive skin: choose a pH-balanced formula, such as the fragrance-free Beplain Mung Bean pH-Balanced Cleansing Foam.
• Combination to oily skin: a lightly purifying foam, such as the Anua Heartleaf Quercetinol foam with 0.5% BHA.
• Just starting out? The SKIN1004 Double Cleansing Duo set combines the centella oil and foam: everything you need to begin.

Mistakes to avoid

• Applying oil to wet skin: it becomes less effective. Always use it on dry skin.
• Forgetting to emulsify: without adding water before rinsing, the oil can leave a film.
• Scrubbing hard: a gentle massage is enough, the texture does the work.
• Using water that's too hot: lukewarm water is kinder to the skin.
• Double cleansing in the morning: a gentle cleanser or simple rinse is usually enough when you wake up.

FAQ: double cleansing

Do you need to double cleanse if you don't wear makeup?

Yes, if you wear sunscreen, which you should every day. In the evening, a cleansing oil helps properly remove the sunscreen filters and sebum accumulated during the day.

Is a cleansing oil suitable for oily skin?

Yes. Korean cleansing oils are designed to emulsify and rinse off without residue. They even help dissolve excess sebum.

Can you double cleanse every evening?

Yes, as long as you choose gentle textures. If your skin feels tight, switch to a gentler foam cleanser or shorten the massage time.

Find your cleansing duo at MAAS K-Beauty

Oils, balms, foams and gels: discover our full Korean cleansers collection to build your ideal double cleanse. Free shipping in France on orders over €70, or free Click & Collect in store.

Want to feel the textures before choosing? Come and see us at the MAAS K-Beauty shop, 178 rue Ordener, 75018 Paris: Monday to Saturday 11am–1pm and 2pm–8pm, Sunday 2pm–7pm. More details on our contact page.