How To Do the Korean Double Cleansing Method?

Have you ever wondered how Asian women (even men) appear not to age and always boast flawless baby faces? Well, here are some of their beauty secrets. 

Asian—Japanese, Chinese, and Korean, are known to have crystal clear and baby soft skin and what's behind it is that they put a lot of time and effort into it.

If you're interested in skin care tips and secrets for flawless skin, you might want to take a close look at Korean beauty rituals and even the 10-step skin care routine.

Asian beauty secrets for glowing skin

Cleansing in general is a pretty essential process when it comes to good skin care, but the double cleansing method is one of the most important techniques in South Korean face care treatment.

These two stage cleaning procedure may sound too tedious or time-consuming, and you might worry about washing too much, but the truth is just the opposite - easy, simple, and all skin types can benefit from this.

This is a guide that breaks down everything you need to know about double cleaning. We'll go over all of the benefits and explain why it should be part of your daily morning and night regimen if you want healthy looking skin.

We'll also address any concerns you may have about the two-step wash. Read on to find out everything!

What is Korean double cleansing?

As the name suggests, double cleansing involves washing your face twice thoroughly: first with an oil-based cleanser to remove all oil-related impurities such as makeup, sun protection factor, sebum, and again with a water-based cleanser to cleanse and sweat Dirt.

Two-way cleansing is the foundation of the Asian skin care method—especially popular among Korean and Japanese women. It is the first part of the Korean 10-step routine and helps to have clear skin. It also prepare the skin for better absorption of the other following products, such as an essence, serum and moisturizer.

Step 1: Oil-based facial cleanser

When it comes to an oil-based cleanser, the most common examples are cleansing oils and balms. They work pretty similarly by pulling oily gunk and excess sebum from your pores and breaking down makeup, cosmetics, and sunscreens.

The main difference between cleansing oil and balm is in texture and packaging, and the balm-like product is more travel-friendly as it is not in a liquid form.

Step 2: Water-based face cleanser

You can think of the second cleansing as a deep cleansing and the function of keeping the pH of your skin optimal. To do this, regardless of your skin type, you need to choose a cleanser with a pH below 5.5.

The common water-based face washes on the market are cleaning water, gel, and foam cleaners. If you have oily skin, a gel-type cleanser is an excellent choice for you, while dry skin can benefit from foam, lotion, and cream cleansers.

(A related blog post: How To Pick The Right Face Cleanser for Every Skin Type?)

What are the benefits of double cleansing?

A good double clean not only effectively removes all impurities, dirt, pollutants, cosmetic residues—even stubborn foundations and waterproof mascaras, but also makes your skin look and feel smoother, clearer and softer.

Moreover, this two-way cleanse helps hydrate, brighten, and revitalize dull, congested skin, and prep your skin so other skin care products can penetrate more easily and deeply to maximize results.

How often should I double cleanse?

It really depends on your skin type and condition. You can do this twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening and yes, you can do this twice a day too.

Why do you need double cleansing in the morning?

Because your skin still produces oil and sweat while you sleep and it is good to get rid of these and the rest of the products that you applied the evening before, such as a overnight sleep mask or night cream. We highly recommend this especially for oily skin.

Do you need double cleanse if you don’t wear makeup?

Yes. Cleansing oil or balm melt away SPF—especially a mineral-based sunscreen with titanium dioxide and / or zinc oxide and other oily substances that build up naturally on the skin. Then use a foam cleaner for extra cleansing for ultra-clean skin.

Is it possible to over-cleanse?

The answer is yes and no. If you use soap or face washes that contain sodium lauryl sulfate / SLS and have an alkaline pH, this can damage the skin in the long term.

However, if you use the right products that are also low in pH, the double cleansing method should not harm the skin as it does not strip your skin of moisture, lipids and ceramides which are very important for skin health.

How do you double cleanse?

First, dispense 1 or 2 pumps of cleansing oil or scoop a small amount of cleansing balm into your hand and massage it into your face in gentle circular motions for 30-60 seconds. Rinse with lukewarm water.

Follow with a water-based cleanser, such as a gel, lotion, cream, or foam face wash. Take an adequate amount on your clean hands and add water. Lather together and apply to face with your fingertips in circular motions. Wash off the cleanser by splashing lukewarm water on your face.

8 Best oil-based cleansers & makeup removers

1. Ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil

Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, it nourishes and protects the skin while providing a deep cleanse. Suitable for all skin types, Ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil leaves your skin feeling clean, soft, and refreshed.

2. Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm

This hypoallergenic cleaner is known to be sold every three seconds worldwide and there is a reason for it. This is very cost-effective and works wonderfully on the skin by melting away makeup and any unwanted skin’s impurities with one simple action.

This lightweight formula is non-comedogenic, which means it won't clog your pores. They offer a different version of the product to target every skin type. Nourishing option for dry skin, Revitalizing for oily and combination skin and Purifying for sensitive skin.

3. Beauty Of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm

Melt away makeup and impurities with Beauty Of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm. This luxurious balm transforms into a silky oil upon contact with the skin, effortlessly dissolving makeup, dirt, and excess oil.

Enriched with rice water and fermented grains, it brightens and hydrates the skin, leaving it soft and radiant. Ideal for all skin types, this cleansing balm provides a thorough cleanse while nourishing and rejuvenating your complexion.

4. DHC Deep Cleansing Oil

Powered by organic virgin olive oil, this Japanese first-step cleanser thoroughly breaks down heavy waterproof eyeliner, mascara, sunscreen and grime, leaving the skin perfectly moisturized.

This powerful cleansing oil works wonders on all skin types without tugging the skin or depriving the skin of vital moisture. This product has long been a must-have for makeup artists, beauty editors, and skin care enthusiasts.

5. Heimish All Clean Balm

One scoop of Heimish balm effortlessly melts away thick make-up, waterproof SPF without drying out the skin. Formulated with hypoallergenic ingredients like shea butter, tea tree oil, lime extract and other botanicals to nourish, hydrate and soften the skin.

The texture is more like sherbet but transforms into a silky oil to milk foam when rinsed off with water. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

6. Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil

Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil is designed to deeply cleanse and purify your skin. Infused with heartleaf extract, this cleansing oil effectively removes makeup, dirt, and excess sebum while unclogging pores and controlling oil production.

Its soothing formula calms irritated skin and reduces redness, making it perfect for sensitive and acne-prone skin types.

7. Urang Natural Cleansing Oil

Made with 99.9% natural ingredients, this vegan-friendly cleansing oil is infused with fantastic blends of ultra-clarifying and nourishing seed oils, such as safflower, jojoba, sunflower, and olive oil.

The pure and mild formula pull out the oil and the impurities stuck in the pores and purify the skin without over-drying. Free of synthetic fragrances, preservatives, parabens, mineral oil, and other harmful chemicals.

8. iUNIK Calendula Complete Cleansing Oil

Filled with 94% plant oils, this gentle cleansing oil has the ability to thoroughly cleanse clogged pores and remove any stubborn makeup and dead skin cells.

Featuring with calendula flower extract, which has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties that help to heal, repair, and protect the skin.

8 Best water-based cleanser for clean skin

1. Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser

This mildly acidic cleanser acts as an exfoliator and a face wash as it’s formulated with natural BHA (Betaine Salicylate), which helps refine texture and revitalize a dull complexion during the exfoliation.

This 2-in-1 product also contains tea tree leaf oil, allantoin, and different root extracts to provide hydrating, soothing, oil-regulating effects. This is a great facial cleanse, especially for oily and acne-prone skin.

2. Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Cleanser

Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Cleanser is a mild, hydrating cleanser that effectively removes impurities without irritating the skin. Formulated with deep sea water from Ulleungdo, rich in minerals and nutrients, this cleanser provides a gentle yet thorough cleanse.

Its low-pH formula helps maintain the skin's natural balance, making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Cleanser leaves your skin feeling clean, refreshed, and hydrated.

3. Etude SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser

Made of 98.9% naturally derived ingredients, this weakly acidic bubble cleanser has such an amazingly soft and cloudy-like foam that cleanses the skin most gently and at the same time makes the skin moisturized.

This fragrance-free cleaner is infused with panthenol and madecassoside, which are obtained from Centella asiatica. It offers an excellent moisture-retaining and repairing effect. Great for all skin types, even works wonders on sensitive and damaged skin.

4. Heimish All Clean Green Foam

Looking for a gentle pH-balancing facial cleanser? No need to look any further. This foaming cleanser has a low pH value, which corresponds to the natural acidity of our skin.

This hypoallergenic cleanser is made a safe EWG rating of 1 or 2 ingredients, making it suitable for all skin types including extremely sensitive skin.

Featuring skin-calming ingredient centella asiatica and other botanical extracts that moisturize, soothe, and nourish the skin while cleansing.

5. Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Low-ph Cleansing Foam

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Low-pH Cleansing Foam offers a gentle and hydrating cleanse for all skin types. Infused with hyaluronic acid, this cleanser deeply moisturizes the skin while effectively removing dirt, oil, and makeup.

Its low-pH formula helps maintain the skin's natural barrier, preventing dryness and irritation. The rich, creamy foam provides a soothing cleanse, leaving your skin feeling soft, smooth, and hydrated.

6. Torriden DIVE-IN Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foam

Torriden DIVE-IN Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foam is a hydrating cleanser designed to deeply moisturize and cleanse the skin. Formulated with low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, this cleansing foam penetrates deeply to provide long-lasting hydration.

It effectively removes impurities and makeup without stripping the skin of its natural moisture. Suitable for all skin types, Torriden DIVE-IN Cleansing Foam leaves your skin feeling clean, soft, and thoroughly hydrated.

7. Cosrx Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser

Ideal for all skin types, particularly for oily and congested skin, this exfoliating face wash with creamy foam draw out impurities from the pores and the surface of the skin and tackle blackheads, whiteheads, and breakouts.

Formulated with 0.5 percent salicylic acid to gently buff away dead skin cells for a clear, soft, and glowing appearance. Tea tree oil has soothing and healing properties that help alleviate redness, irritation, and inflammation.

8. Pyunkang Yul Cleansing Foam

Known as a vacuum cleanser for the pores, this deep cleansing product is made with Saposhnikovia divaricata root extract (also known as Siler root extract), which has traditionally been used in Chinese herbal medicine for centuries.

The star ingredient has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antioxidant properties that deliver healing and oil-regulating benefits. The formula is very gentle on the skin and does not contain any harmful chemicals or potential irritants to the skin.