The Double Cleanse Method: What, Why & How?

In the famous words of Ethan Craft (a la Lizzie McGuire fame), “‘Wash, rinse, repeat’ is a scam.” As a Gordo fan (and a skincare aficionado), I had to investigate… 

“Double cleanse” is a hot term in skincare circles as of late. As with all beauty buzz terms, though, it’s wise to do your research to see if there’s merit to it before hopping onto a new trend. 

TL;DR: It’s not a scam. There are real benefits to using this method. And when it comes to finding the right products for a true double cleanse, there’s a Birchbox-vetted brand that’s totally bandwagon worthy. Enter DHC.

What is double cleansing?

It really is as simple as it sounds: You wash your face twice. Double cleansing eliminates grime that sits on top of your skin, along with hard-to-remove makeup, excess oil, and dead skin cells. 

But the process is meant to be gentle, not harsh or irritating. It generally involves washing your face using two products: an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser. 

Why should you double cleanse?

If you often find your mascara or eyeliner lingering post wash, or your face just doesn’t quite feel as clean as you’d like, then double cleansing might be the solution for you.

According to dermatologists, double cleansing is recommended if you live in a polluted climate (we’re talking to you, city dwellers) or if you wear a lot of heavier products on a daily basis (think sunscreen, oil or silicone-based primers). These can leave deposits on your skin and in your pores that make skin look dull or prone to breakouts and other problems.

Which double-cleanse products should you consider?

Don’t overthink the process, but know there are some important factors to take into account to avoid stripping your skin’s natural oils (it’s important to maintain that precious skin barrier). First, it’s important to use the right ingredients, like olive oil instead of mineral oil and non-comedogenic products instead of heavier, pore clogging formulas. It’s also important to avoid scrubbing harshly. Remember, the double cleanse is gentle—not punishing. 

That’s precisely why we love the DHC Deep Cleansing Oil and the DHC Face Wash Powder. These products were developed specifically for the double cleanse method. They work hand-in-hand to safely remove impurities and leave skin feeling supple, fresh and renewed.

Recommended Double Cleanse Routine:

Step 1: DHC Deep Cleansing Oil

A revolutionary oil makeup remover infused with antioxidant-rich olive oil.

This vitamin-rich cleanser glides effortlessly across your face and then transforms into a milky, soothing emulsion as it makes contact with water. It effectively lifts away makeup and impurities and then rinses away effortlessly. It leaves skin feeling nourished and hydrated with a radiant glow. Expect refreshed, younger-looking skin.

In a clinical study, 92% of participants agreed Deep Cleansing Oil worked better than a leading cleanser at removing complexion makeup.

Step 2: DHC Face Wash Powder

A silky-soft powder facial cleanser that transforms with water into a voluminous micro-fine lather.

This gentle foaming cleanser is formulated with exfoliating protease enzymes, which help to dissolve the bonds of lifeless, dulling skin cells; honey and sodium hyaluronate, which help to soften skin; and lavender, which soothes the skin and the senses. 

Try It

This DHC combination is suitable for your daily cleansing routine and convenient for travel. Want to try it for yourself? Head to the shop to get to know these 2-step go-to’s and see what else DHC has to offer.