In Korea, double cleansing isn’t just a trend—it’s a daily essential. Most Koreans practice double cleansing every evening to thoroughly remove makeup and sunscreen. This method is considered the foundation of clear skin, as residue from makeup and impurities can clog pores and potentially lead to breakouts. In the U.S., double cleansing is often seen as optional. A lot of people rely on a single cleansing product like makeup wipes or foaming cleanser.

Before going into the details of each type of cleansing product— cleansing balm, oil, lotion, and micellar water—it’s important to understand the basic concept of double cleansing. The idea is to start with one of the primary cleansing products, such as a cleansing balm, oil, lotion, or micellar water, to remove makeup, dirt, and impurities. Then, follow up with a secondary, gentle, and mild foaming cleanser to finish the cleansing process and ensure your skin is completely clean.

Primary Cleansing

1. Cleansing Balm

Main Active Ingredient: Oils (Plant-based or Synthetic) + structuring agents (Butters or Synthetic polymer) + lipophilic (oil-loving) surfactants

• Cleansing Balms are solidified oils or butters that melt into an oil when massaged onto the skin.
• It is good for removing heavy makeup or sunscreen and leaves the skin feeling moisturized.

Drawbacks:

• The thick, oily consistency may feel too heavy for people with oily skin. It may leave a residue if not thoroughly rinsed off, and it can clog pores, potentially leading to breakouts, especially for those with acne-prone or oily skin.

Who Should Use It:

• Ideal for dry or sensitive skin due to its moisturizing properties.
• Cleansing oil is the ideal choice for those who wear heavy makeup, as it provides the best performance in removing makeup compared to other cleansing products.

BANILA CO Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm / $21

2. Cleansing Oil

Main Active Ingredient: Oils (Plant-based or Synthetic) + lipophilic (oil-loving) surfactants

• Similar to cleansing balms, cleansing oils primarily rely on oils to remove makeup
• These oils emulsify when water is added, helping to rinse everything away without stripping the skin.

Drawbacks:

• Similar to cleansing balms. The oil residue can clog pores, leading to breakouts for those with oily or acne-prone skin.

Who Should Use It:

• Best for dry and sensitive skin
• Ideal for people who wear heavy makeup or waterproof products as oil can dissolve them effectively.

Ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil / $28

3. Cleansing Lotion (Milk)         

Main Active Ingredient: Water + Oils + Emulsifiers + Mild cleansing agents    

• Cleansing lotions typically have a creamy or milky texture and contain mild surfactants (cleansing agents) and emulsifiers combining water and oil
• Help remove dirt and oils cleanse without drying out the skin

Drawbacks:

• Cleansing lotions are not as greasy as cleansing oils, but they can still feel oily or leave a residue.
• It might not be as effective at removing heavy makeup compared to cleansing oils

Who Should Use It:

• Ideal for people who are looking for a moderate level of cleansing performance and a gentle cleanser.
• Suitable for those with normal to combination skin who need moisture while cleansing.

Make P:rem Safe Me Relief Moisture Cleansing Milk / $32

Main Active Ingredient: Water + hydrophilic (water-loving) surfactants

• Micellar water contains tiny clusters of surfactants (called micelles) that act like magnets to attract dirt, oil, and makeup.
• Soak the cotton pad with micellar water an wipe gently across your face

Drawbacks:

• Micellar water might not effective for heavy makeup
• Since a cotton pad is used, there may be some irritation

Who Should Use It:

• Ideal for normal to oily skin (not recommended for sensitive skin).
• Unlike some other cleansers, micellar water doesn’t leave behind a greasy or sticky residue, leaving the skin feeling light.

Sensibio H2O Micellar Water / $18.99

Cleansing Product	Main Ingredients	Drawbacks	Ideal for	How to Use
Cleansing Balm	Oils (Plant-based or Synthetic), Butters, Lipophilic Surfactants	May feel too heavy for oily skin, can leave residue, may clog pores	Dry or sensitive skin, heavy makeup users	Massage onto dry skin, emulsify with water, rinse off
Cleansing Oil	Oils (Plant-based or Synthetic), Lipophilic Surfactants	Can leave residue, may clog pores for oily or acne-prone skin	Dry or sensitive skin, heavy or waterproof makeup users	Massage onto dry skin, emulsify with water, rinse off
Cleansing Lotion (Milk)	Water, Oils, Emulsifiers, Mild Cleansing Agents	May feel oily or leave residue, not as effective for heavy makeup	Normal to combination skin, people looking for a gentle cleanser	Massage onto dry skin, emulsify with water, rinse off
Cleansing (Micellar) Water	Water, Hydrophilic Surfactants (Micelles)	Not effective for heavy makeup, cotton pads may cause irritation	Normal to oily skin, not recommended for sensitive skin	Soak a cotton pad, wipe gently across face

Each product is formulated for specific skin types and cleansing needs, with oils being more suitable for heavier, waterproof makeup removal and water-based cleansers being great for quick, light cleansing. Cleansing Lotion falls in between oils and water-based cleansers. Each type has its pros and cons, so it’s important to match the right cleanser with your skin type and concerns.

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Secondary Cleansing

Secondary cleansing refers to the foaming cleansers we typically use. Since you’ve already done the primary cleansing, it’s recommended to use a mild, slightly acidic cleanser. A mild, slightly acidic cleanser is close to your skin’s natural pH, so it doesn’t disrupt your skin’s balance and won’t strip away moisture like neutral or alkaline cleansers can.

Avene Cleanance Cleansing Gel / $34