If you’ve been on Instagram or TikTok recently searching for the latest skincare advice, you’ve probably seen various posts about double cleansing. Skincare bloggers and content creators are embracing this Japanese-inspired skincare routine for its simple, yet effective results - here’s how you can build it into your own skincare routine.

What is double cleansing?

Face washes help remove impurities, dirt, makeup and bacteria that can build up on the skin and cause irritation. But here’s the challenge: cleansing too often, using harsh soaps, or even frequent exposure to water can strip the skin of its natural moisture. This can leave it feeling dry, tight, and more prone to sensitivity. While some cleansers rely on strong detergents to deliver a ‘squeaky clean’ finish, a gentle facial cleanser is a better choice - effectively removing impurities without disrupting the skin’s natural oils that help keep it hydrated, balanced and healthy-looking.

Double Cleansing is a Japanese two-step cleansing method using two different types of cleansers to remove impurities from the skin, while preserving its natural ceramides and retaining essential moisture. It’s especially important for dry skin and sensitive skin to be cleaned thoroughly, yet gently, to allow your moisturisers to work more efficiently.

First, an oil-based or emulsion-based cleanser is used to thoroughly remove makeup, sunscreen, and oil (sebum) from deep within your pores. Then, a water-based cleanser clears any remaining impurities and residue that’s leftover.

The important thing to remember about double cleansing is the technique is all about doubling down - not doubling up. The two cleansing products you use each serve a purpose - they each purify and gently cleanse your skin, creating an ideal foundation for skin to absorb the full benefits of other skin care ingredients.

What is double moisturising?

Double moisturising is a two-step process that follows double cleansing to prime and nourish skin.

After washing your face with a gentle cleanser, a softening pre-moisturising essence is applied to your face and neck to prep your skin to better absorb your moisturiser, enhancing its benefits. Then, a rich, nourishing moisturiser is applied to maximise hydration - and your double moisturising routine is complete.

Using ceramide-rich formulas will work with your skin to lock in hydration and help repair your skin’s natural moisture barrier.

What's the history of double cleansing?

The practice of double cleansing and double moisturising have been used for centuries, and were first used and popularised by Japan’s original beauty icons, the Geishas. Known for their flawless skin, Geishas had to take special care to cleanse, hydrate, and revitalise their faces after wearing layers of traditional white make up.

The Geishas created their own skincare ritual - double-cleansing - to deeply clean and remove the heavy makeup, and then remove remaining impurities and refresh their skin.

Building on the two-step cleansing ritual, Japanese women in the late 19th century began double-moisturising, first with ‘beauty waters’ (essences) to soften and prepare skin to absorb moisture, and finishing with a deeply-hydrating moisturiser.

How to double cleanse and double moisturise

The combined methods of double cleansing and double moisturising forms a four-step routine that helps maintain healthy, balanced skin, and embodies a holistic approach to beauty and self-care - here’s how to make this Japanese ritual your own.

Step 1: Purify. Apply a few pumps of oil-based Make-up Cleansing Oil or Make-up Cleansing Gel to dry skin - they’re mild, silky and designed to effortlessly remove make-up. Gently massage to lift impurities from your pores to the surface, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.

Step 2: Cleanse. Next, pump two dollops of Foaming Facial Wash into the palm of your hand. Gently massage onto your face to envelop impurities and wash them away, without stripping your skin of natural hydration. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.

Step 3: Prime. To prepare your skin for effective moisture retention, smooth 4-5 pumps of our Hydrating Water Essence over your face and neck. This soothing lightweight moisturiser instantly hydrates to help calm dry, sensitive skin, relieve tightness and prepare your skin to lock in deep moisture.

Step 4: Nourish. Once your skin is primed and ready to absorb maximum hydration, choose between Moisture Facial Milk or Intensive Moisture Facial Cream to complete your double moisturising routine. Evenly apply a few dabs of the moisturiser across your face and neck; these skin-respecting formulas will work with your skin to lock in hydration and help repair your skin’s natural moisture barrier.

Do I need to double cleanse if I haven’t worn any make-up?

You don’t need to use make up removing products first thing in the morning, if you’re not wearing any make up - just start your cleansing routine with our foaming face wash.

What are the benefits of double cleansing?

Double cleansing’s effectiveness is backed by science to help to unlock healthy, comfortable, radiant skin - here are just a few reasons to try it.

• Remove make-up effectively: Using an oil-based or emulsion-based cleanser dissolves stubborn make up, pollutants and sun cream, ensuring complete removal without harsh rubbing.
• Deep yet gentle cleansing: The second cleanse with a water-based cleanser removes any remaining make up and residual impurities, such as dirt and sweat, leaving you with clean, refreshed skin.
• Better product absorption: Thoroughly cleansed skin allows subsequent skincare products - such as essences and moisturisers - to penetrate more effectively, maximising their benefits.
• Care for your skin barrier: Using gentle cleansers, especially those made to protect ceramides, helps preserve your skin's natural moisture barrier, preventing dryness and sensitivity.

Can I double cleanse and double moisturise if I have oily sensitive skin?

Yes, you can double cleanse and moisturise oily skin - double cleansing is designed to effectively cleanse and hydrate without upsetting your skin’s natural balance or stripping it of moisture.

Our Skin Balancing Care range is designed to protect and care for skin which tends to produce excess sebum.

To double cleanse oily skin, start by removing your make-up. Our Make-up Cleansing Gel and Make-up Cleansing Oil can be used on all skin types - the cleansing oil is quick and easy to rinse off, and its smooth emulsification formula removes heavy make-up even without rubbing.

Then, wash your face with our Oil Control Foaming Face Wash for a gentle, mattifying cleanse. This light, airy foam thoroughly cleanses impurities and helps combat excess oil, while protecting your skin’s natural ceramides.

Follow with our Oil Control Hydrating Water Essence to lightly moisturise and calm just-cleansed skin, and prepare skin for light moisturisation. Finish with our Oil Control Weightless Gel Moisturiser to hydrate and nourish unbalanced oily skin - this fast-absorbing moisturiser instantly reduces shine and provides lightweight hydration while combating excess oil for overall balanced skin.