Double Cleansing Guide: Cleansing Oil vs Balm vs Milk
Double cleansing removes sunscreen properly without stripping skin. Here is how to do it and which first cleanser to choose.
If you wear sunscreen every day in the UAE (and you should), a single foaming wash usually does not remove it completely. Double cleansing, an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based one, is the Korean answer.
Why double cleanse?
Oil dissolves oil: sunscreen filters, sebum and makeup. A water-based cleanser then removes sweat, dust and any leftover oil. The result is clean skin without harsh scrubbing.
Cleansing oils: best for oily and combination skin
Oils emulsify into a milk with water and rinse away easily. They are great for blackheads.
- Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil (Original/Mild) — Original 200 ml
- Medicube Zero Pore Blackhead Deep Cleansing Oil 205 ml
- SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil 200 ml
- Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Oil 200 ml
Cleansing balms: best for makeup and travel
Balms are solid, spill-proof and melt on contact with skin, ideal for heavy makeup or long-wear sunscreen.
- Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm 100 ml
- Haruharu Wonder Centella Sunflower Makeup-Melting Cleansing Balm 100 g
- Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm 50 ml
Cleansing milk and water: best for sensitive, dry skin
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Gentle Cleansing Milk 200 ml is soft and non-stripping, and Anua Heartleaf Low pH Deep Cleansing Water 500 ml is handy for light sunscreen days.
The second cleanse
Follow with a gentle, low-pH cleanser: Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Cleanser 150 ml, I'm From Rice Whip Facial Cleanser 150 ml or Purito From Green Deep Foaming Cleanser 150 ml.
How to double cleanse
- Apply the oil or balm to dry skin with dry hands and massage for a minute.
- Add a little water to emulsify, then rinse.
- Lather your second cleanser, massage for 30 to 60 seconds, rinse with lukewarm water.
Browse all Korean Cleansing Oils & Balms and Korean Foam & Gel Cleansers.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to double cleanse if I don't wear makeup?
If you wear sunscreen daily, yes in the evening. Sunscreen is designed to stay on skin and a single cleanse often leaves residue.
Will a cleansing oil make oily skin worse?
No. A good cleansing oil emulsifies and rinses away, and many are designed specifically to help with blackheads and oily skin.
