Double Cleansing: Korean Facial Cleansing in Two Steps

Korean facial cleansing has two steps, and that is exactly what confuses people at first: why an oil and then a foam on top? The answer is simple. Sunscreen, makeup, and sebum are oil-based, and water alone does not dissolve them. A cleansing oil or a balm picks them up, and a water-based cleanser then removes what is left. This guide explains when you need both steps and when one is enough – and introduces 18 cleansers from our range, sorted by step and skin type.

What double cleansing is – and when you need it

Double cleansing means: in the evening, first apply a cleansing oil or a cleansing balm to dry skin, massage it in, emulsify with water, rinse. Then a water-based cleanser – foam or gel – on damp skin. You need these two steps in the evening if you wore sunscreen or makeup during the day. In the morning, the water-based cleanser alone is enough, and for dry skin even water alone will do. If you wear neither sunscreen nor makeup, one step is enough in the evening too.

Step 1: Cleansing oils – dissolve sunscreen and makeup

A cleansing oil comes from a pump dispenser and is massaged onto a dry face with dry hands. As soon as you add water, it turns milky and can be rinsed off – this is called emulsifying. A good oil leaves no film and does not make the skin feel tight.

Haruharu WONDER Black Rice Moisture Deep Cleansing Oil

Only nine ingredients: the Black Rice Cleansing Oil removes makeup, sunscreen, and residue, emulsifies easily, and rinses clean. The skin stays soft instead of dry. Formulated non-comedogenic and designed for sensitive skin. Two to three pumps, massage in for 30 seconds, then emulsify. Vegan.

PURITO From Green Cleansing Oil

Five plant oils dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and impurities without attacking the skin barrier. After rinsing, the skin feels soft and balanced, not greasy and not dry. Formulated to be low in irritants, suitable for sensitive skin. Vegan.

Coxir Hyaluronic Cleansing Oil

Does your skin feel tight after removing makeup? Here, hyaluronic acid and aloe vera provide hydration already during cleansing. The oil thoroughly dissolves oil-based residue and leaves a soft, fresh skin feel. For dry skin that has so far avoided the first cleansing step.

SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil

Centella and six plant oils in a light texture without an oily film. The Light Cleansing Oil dissolves makeup and sunscreen without rubbing, emulsifies into a milky texture, and rinses clean – no tightness after washing. For everyone who wants a cleansing oil that does not feel like oil.

Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil

For oily and combination skin: the Heartleaf Cleansing Oil melts even waterproof makeup and dissolves sebum from the pores. Heartleaf extract soothes, while jojoba, olive, and grape seed oil nourish. Massage it in for 60 to 120 seconds, with a focus on the T-zone, and only then emulsify. Vegan.

Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil

The Ginseng Cleansing Oil removes makeup, sunscreen, and dirt without drying out the skin, and may also be used on the eye area. It cares for the skin barrier and leaves a soft skin feel. According to the manufacturer, it can be used morning and evening. Vegan.

Step 1: Cleansing balms – the solid option

A balm is a solid oil in a jar that melts on the skin. It works like a cleansing oil but goes further and travels better. Those who wear a lot of makeup often prefer the balm.

Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm

The balm with a grinder: you twist the container and get exactly the amount you need, without finger contact. The formula has only 14 ingredients, including green tea seed oil, grape seed oil, and madecassoside with centella. It dissolves even waterproof products, emulsifies into a milky texture, and is fragrance-free. For all skin types, including sensitive skin. Vegan.

Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm

Buttery texture with rice extract: the Radiance Cleansing Balm melts makeup, sunscreen, and sebum off the skin, even waterproof makeup, without leaving it dry or tight. Apply to dry skin, emulsify with water, rinse. Vegan.

Step 2 for sensitive and dry skin: gentle, with a low pH

The water-based cleanser goes on damp skin. For sensitive and dry skin, one thing matters above all: no "squeaky-clean" feeling and no tightness afterwards. Korean cleansers with a low pH are designed for exactly that.

Round Lab 1025 DOKDO Cleanser

A creamy foaming cleanser with a pH of 5 to 6 that cleanses thoroughly without drying out the skin. Deep sea water minerals, triple hyaluronic acid, panthenol, allantoin, and ceramide NP keep the skin soft and calm. For sensitive skin that is looking for a cleanser for morning and evening.

PURITO Mighty Bamboo Panthenol Cleanser

Panthenol soothes, bamboo extract refreshes, mild surfactants cleanse without irritation. The Mighty Bamboo Cleanser removes dirt and sebum and leaves no feeling of tightness. For sensitive skin and daily use. Vegan.

Benton Honest Cleansing Foam

Hypoallergenic and slightly acidic: the Honest Cleansing Foam removes impurities, sebum, and residue while the skin stays soft and comfortable. The simple cleanser for everyone who deliberately keeps their routine gentle. Vegan.

Pyunkang Yul Calming Low pH Foaming Cleanser

Sensitive skin that feels tight after cleansing? The Low pH Foaming Cleanser cleanses with a skin-friendly pH, centella soothes, hyaluronic acid provides hydration, and mild exfoliating actives smooth the skin texture. Creamy foam, fresh skin feel, morning and evening.

Step 2 for normal and combination skin: fresh and balanced

Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser

A pH-friendly cleansing gel with plum water and mung bean extract. It removes residue, oily film, and sunscreen remnants, preserves the skin's balance, and leaves a fresh, soft finish. The light gel texture suits combination skin that cleanses morning and evening.

APLB Glutathione Niacinamide Facial Cleanser

Glutathione and niacinamide in a cleanser: the APLB Cleanser removes dirt and sebum without drying out the skin and supports a more even complexion. For all skin types and daily use.

Step 2 for oily and blemish-prone skin: clear the pores

COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser

Blackheads, a shiny T-zone, recurring impurities? 0.5 % salicylic acid (BHA), tea tree oil, and willow bark water dissolve sebum and dead skin flakes from the pores. Despite the acid, the cleansing stays mild and provides hydration. Avoid the eye and mouth area, use sunscreen during the day.

Anua Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam

Heartleaf, quercetinol, and 0.5 % BHA: the dense foam cleanses deep into the pores, dissolves buildup, and makes clogged pores look clear again, while glycerin and hyaluronic acid keep the skin comfortable. For oily and combination skin. For sensitive skin, start with one use per day. Vegan.

SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Poremizing Deep Cleansing Foam

Pink Himalayan salt and kaolin dissolve sebum and residue, papain smooths gently, centella soothes. The cream paste turns into foam in your hands and also removes sunscreen remnants. For combination, oily, and normal skin that wants less shine and a clearer complexion. Vegan.

Tocobo Coconut Clay Cleansing Foam

Creamy micro-foam with mineral and pink clay: the Coconut Clay Cleansing Foam absorbs oily shine and pulls sebum and residue out of the pores without drying out the skin. Gentle enough for sensitive skin that still gets shiny. Vegan.

The short version

• Step 1, cleansing oil: Haruharu Black Rice or PURITO From Green for sensitive skin, Coxir Hyaluronic for dry skin, Anua Heartleaf Pore Control for oily skin, SKIN1004 Light or Beauty of Joseon Ginseng for everyone
• Step 1, balm: Dr. Althea Pure Grinding or Beauty of Joseon Radiance
• Step 2, sensitive and dry: Round Lab Dokdo, PURITO Mighty Bamboo, Benton Honest, or Pyunkang Yul Low pH
• Step 2, normal and combination skin: Beauty of Joseon Green Plum or APLB Glutathione Niacinamide
• Step 2, oily and blemish-prone: COSRX Salicylic Acid, Anua Quercetinol, SKIN1004 Poremizing, or Tocobo Coconut Clay

How to double cleanse correctly

Step 1: Put two to three pumps of oil or a small amount of balm on dry hands and massage the product onto your dry face for 30 to 60 seconds – longer where sunscreen and makeup sit. Wet your hands and keep massaging until the oil turns milky. Rinse it off with lukewarm water.

Step 2: Lather a small amount of the water-based cleanser in damp hands, gently massage the foam in with circular motions, and rinse thoroughly. Pat your face dry, do not rub. Then follow with toner, serum, and cream – our toner guide shows which toner suits you.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to double cleanse in the morning too?

No. Overnight, only sebum and remnants of your night care build up. A water-based cleanser is enough, and for dry skin, lukewarm water alone will do. The oil belongs in the evening routine.

Cleansing oil for oily skin – isn't that counterproductive?

No. Oil dissolves oil: a cleansing oil picks up sebum and sunscreen better than water and foam. What matters is that it is fully emulsified and rinsed off. Formulas like the Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil are made exactly for oily skin.

Is a cleansing balm alone enough if I don't wear makeup?

With light sunscreen, often yes. Dr. Althea describes the Pure Grinding Balm as a one-step cleanse and recommends the second step for heavy makeup. If your skin feels clean and not filmy after the balm alone, you can skip the second step.

Can I use micellar water instead of the cleansing oil?

Micellar water removes light makeup, but in the Korean routine it is not rinsed off and does not replace the second step. With waterproof sunscreen or waterproof makeup, an oil or balm is more thorough.

How often can I use a cleanser with BHA?

COSRX states morning and evening for the Salicylic Acid Cleanser, Anua recommends starting with one use per day for sensitive skin. Watch your skin: if it feels tight or turns red, switch to a mild cleanser without acid at one of the two times.

You can find all cleansing oils and balms in the collection Korean Cleansing Oils and Balms, and all foams and gels in the collection Water-Based Cleansing. If you want to build your complete routine: in the skincare set builder, you choose your products yourself and get an automatic discount from 5 products. Shipping from Vienna throughout Austria, free from €60.