We’re calling it: 2023 is the year we go back to the basics. If you’re also tired of the microtrend cycle, you might be craving a return to form. Some beauty hacks we’re keeping forever—some we already regret. But if 2022 was about taking risks, this year’s trends point to pairing back and finding what truly works for you. One thing I’ve learned in my years as a beauty editor? All the creams and serums in the world can’t help if you’re washing your face wrong. So start the year—and your skincare routine—off with a clean slate by investing in double cleansing products and cutting down on everything else.
At first glance, double cleansing might seem over the top. But if there’s makeup residue on your towel after washing your face, it’s time to reconsider. Ditto if you have oily or acne-prone skin (though all skin types might benefit from double cleansing products).
Turns out, makeup wipes are full of harsh chemicals. Plus, scrubbing a disposable cloth around your face tugs at your skin and could accelerate aging. But with waterproof, long-wear makeup and mineral sunscreens, how do you make sure you’re squeaky clean? Easy answer: the best double cleansing products.
Featured image of Catherine McCord by Teal Thomsen.
Why You Should Be Using Double Cleansing Products in 2023
Double cleansing is more than a fad. It’s dermatologist-approved. I spoke to Rachael Gallo, esthetician and COO of Silver Mirror facial bar, and Dr. Loretta Ciraldo MD FAAD, a Miami-based board-certified derm and founder of Dr. Loretta skincare, about the benefits of double cleansing and the best double cleansing products.
“The method has become more popular because there are more “waterproof” and long-lasting makeup products on the market and these are often difficult to remove with standard non-soap cleansing formulas,” says Dr. Loretta.
According to Gallo, each step in your double cleanse has different benefits. “The first is to remove the top layer of makeup, and dirt from environmental causes The second cleanse is to brighten and hydrate the skin.
Your second cleanser should be tailored to your skin type and needs. But for your first cleanser, the best double cleansing products might be a cleansing oil, balm, or micellar water. Read on to discover which products to use and how to double cleanse the right way for a fresh face and softer skin.
How to Double Cleanse
“When double cleansing, ensure you remove all residue from the first cleanser before moving to the second cleansing step,” says Gallo. “Pick a brightening, hydrating cleanser for your second step to correct any skin concerns.”
Adding Double Cleansing to Your Skincare Routine
“Many women have started to double cleanse,” says Dr. Loretta. “First using a product that features oil to wipe away the makeup and then a cleanser to cleanse the skin.”
Gallo recommends double cleansing for your evening routine. “This step is often missed after a busy long day but it is the most important as cellular turnover happens when we are at rest.”
Who Should Double Cleanse
“Women who wear makeup and men with facial hair should double cleanse,” says Gallo. “Men often neglect the skin under their beards and this is important to prevent ingrown hairs and keep their follicles clean and soft.”
Who Should Avoid Double Cleansing
Gallo says that anyone “with sensitive skin should use a gentle cleaner as their first option to ensure they are not applying too many exfoliating ingredients to their skin. A balm would be the best option in this case.”
What is the difference between a cleansing balm and oil?
“A cleansing balm usually has a thicker heavier texture,” notes Gallo. “We recommend using a balm for heavier makeup removal and more sensitive skin. Oil is great for dehydrated skin, and someone whose makeup doesn’t last through the day would benefit from a rich, oil-based cleanser.”
Dr. Loretta echoes this, also suggesting using a balm if your skin leans on the dryer side of things. “The balm tends to hydrate more than an oil,” she says.
The Best Double Cleansing Products
“The double cleanse is, as its name suggests, a two-step process,” says Dr. Loretta. “First you’d use an oil, micellar water (which has oil suspended in water), or an ointment-like balm. All of these will remove silicone-based and waterproof makeup. Then you use a non-soap cleanser.”
“For the initial cleanse, we use anything containing micellar water, which attracts the dirt off the top layer of skin and absorbs the oils,” says Gallo. “Using an oil balm is great for makeup removal as it is gentle on the skin but effective to remove even waterproof mascara. Depending on your skin type, we recommend using a gel or cream cleanser for your second cleanser.”
Ingredients to Look For in Your First Cleanse
Dr. Loretta recommends hyaluronic acid or aloe for their hydrating properties. She considers any ingredients that “help hydrate and protect the skin without stripping,” her go-to’s. Bonus: these heavy-hitting ingredients are known to help reduce redness as well. Be sure to keep an eye out for antioxidants and anti-inflammatory products, too.
Other ingredients for double cleansing include:
- Shea butter
- Jojoba oil
- Moringa oil
- Avocado oil
- Olive oil
- Rose oil
- Lavender oil
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Green tea
- Tea tree oil
The Best Cleansing Oils to Add to Your Routine
Mara Chia + Moringa Algae Enzyme Cleansing Oil
u003cpu003eNatural ingredients like algae and fruit enzymes sweep away makeup and impurities while also cleansing, hydrating, and brightening skin. This multi-tasking facial cleanser restores the skin’s natural glow with marine botanicals and squalane, vitamins, and fatty acids.u003c/pu003e
The Best Cleansing Balms for Healthy, Hydrated Skin
EADEM Cleansing Balm
u003cpu003eHeal and protect your skin as you cleanse with this tiger grass balm that smooths and cares for damaged skin. Allantoin helps hydrate and support cell turnover. Plus, Kalahari Melon and moringa unclog pores and mop up excess sebum with fatty acids and antioxidants.u003c/pu003e
Youth To The People Superberry Dream Cleansing Balm
u003cpu003eHyaluronic acid and superfoods combine for a cleansing balm that replenishes moisture as you cleanse. This flash-melting makeup remover rapidly dissolves waterproof and long-wear products. (Psst… see more about why I can’t get enough of this brand u003ca href=u0022https://camillestyles.com/beauty/youth-to-the-people-review/u0022u003ehereu003c/au003e!)u003c/pu003e
Dr. Dennis Hyaluronic Marine Meltaway Cleanser
u003cpu003eAccording to Gallo, a fan favorite at Silver Mirror is u003ca href=u0022https://shop.silvermirror.com/collections/moisturizers/products/dr-dennis-gross-hyaluronic-meltaway-cleanseru0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noreferrer noopeneru0022u003eDr. Dennis Gross Meltaway Cleanseru003c/au003e. Hyaluronic acid is a potent hydration-attracting molecule that deeply hydrates and plumps the skin alongside aloe and algae. It helps reinforce skin barrier function and provides soothing properties tou003cspan style=u0022font-size: revert; color: initial; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, u0026quot;Segoe UIu0026quot;, Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, u0026quot;Helvetica Neueu0026quot;, sans-serif;u0022u003e calm inflammation and irritation.u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003e
True Botanicals Calm Ginger Turmeric Cleansing Balm
u003cpu003eGinger and turmeric create an invigorating balm that swiftly removes impurities while nourishing skin. Yucca extract, turmeric, and mango butters hydrate while lactic acid and azelaic acid gently exfoliate, without irritating sensitive skin.u003c/pu003e
The Best Micellar Waters for Double Cleansing
La Roche-Posay Micellar Cleansing Water
u003cpu003eThis one-step micellar water, face cleanser, and makeup remover for sensitive skin u003cspan style=u0022font-size: revert; color: initial; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, u0026quot;Segoe UIu0026quot;, Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, u0026quot;Helvetica Neueu0026quot;, sans-serif;u0022u003eis gentle enough to be used around the eyes while alsou003c/spanu003e hydratingu003cspan style=u0022font-size: revert; color: initial; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, u0026quot;Segoe UIu0026quot;, Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, u0026quot;Helvetica Neueu0026quot;, sans-serif;u0022u003e the skin with glycerinu003c/spanu003e. It also soothes sensitive skin and provides antioxidant benefits with mineral-rich La-Roche Posay Thermal Spring Water.u003c/pu003e
Perricone MD Micellar Cleansing Treatment
u003cpu003ePerricone MD’s Micellar Cleansing Treatment cleanses and balances skin with a powerful formula of copper peptide and hyaluronic acid. This no-rinse cleanser works to remove makeup and purify pores, plus vitamin B3 erases pigmentation while vitamin C brightens skin tone.u003c/pu003e
Caudalie Vinoclean Micellar Cleansing Water
u003cpu003eThe Caudalie VINOCLEAN u003cspan style=u0022font-size: revert; color: initial; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, u0026quot;Segoe UIu0026quot;, Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, u0026quot;Helvetica Neueu0026quot;, sans-serif;u0022u003evegan cleansing water removes make-up and cleanses the face in one step. It’s packed with grape water to hydrate and leave skin soft and clean.u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003e
Rose Inc Micellar Makeup Remover
u003cpu003eBreaking news: your favorite u003ca href=u0022https://camillestyles.com/beauty/tiktok-clean-look-beauty-trend/u0022u003eclean looku003c/au003e makeup brand also offers a top-notch cleansing water. It boasts marine complex for anti-pollution protection and skin strengthening ceramides. Plus, lightweight rice ferment au003cspan style=u0022font-size: revert; color: initial; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, u0026quot;Segoe UIu0026quot;, Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, u0026quot;Helvetica Neueu0026quot;, sans-serif;u0022u003ebsorbs excess oil while squalaneu003c/spanu003e adds weightless hydration.u003c/pu003e
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