Double cleansing means washing your face twice in a row: first with an oil-based cleanser to dissolve sunscreen, makeup and excess sebum, then with a water-based cleanser to remove what is left. With Beauty of Joseon, that usually means the Radiance Cleansing Balm or Ginseng Cleansing Oil, followed by the Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser.
This guide walks you through the technique, timing, common mistakes and who really needs it.
Why double cleanse?
Modern sunscreens, including water-resistant and long-wear formulas, are designed to cling to skin. Water-based cleansers alone may not dissolve them completely. Oil dissolves oil, so an oil or balm first step loosens sunscreen and makeup, and the second step rinses away residue and any remaining oil. The result is clean skin without needing to scrub.
What you need
- First cleanse: Radiance Cleansing Balm or Ginseng Cleansing Oil.
- Second cleanse: Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser.
- Lukewarm water and a clean towel.
Not sure whether to choose the balm or the oil? Read our Radiance Cleansing Balm vs Ginseng Cleansing Oil comparison.
Step-by-step double cleanse
- Start with dry hands and a dry face. Oil cleansers work best before water touches your skin.
- Take the right amount. About one scoop of balm with the spatula, or two to three pumps of oil.
- Massage for 60 seconds. Use gentle circles over the whole face, including the sides of the nose, hairline and jaw. If you wear eye makeup, press gently over closed eyes rather than rubbing.
- Emulsify. Wet your fingertips and keep massaging. The balm or oil turns milky, which helps it rinse off.
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
- Second cleanse. Lather a small amount of Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser with water and wash for 30 to 60 seconds.
- Rinse and pat dry. Follow with your toner, serum and moisturizer while skin is slightly damp.
When to double cleanse
| Situation | Double cleanse? |
|---|---|
| Wore sunscreen during the day | Yes, in the evening |
| Wore makeup | Yes |
| Stayed in with no SPF or makeup | Optional, a single cleanse is fine |
| Morning | Usually no, a gentle single cleanse or water rinse is enough |
Tips for different skin types
Oily and acne-prone skin
Many oily-skin users find that a proper first cleanse helps them feel clean without harsh foaming. Make sure you emulsify and rinse well so no oily film remains.
Dry and sensitive skin
Keep the massage gentle and the water lukewarm, not hot. Use only a small amount of the second cleanser and keep the contact time short. If your skin feels tight afterward, try skipping the second cleanse on nights you wore only a light sunscreen.
Combination skin
Focus the massage on your T-zone and use lighter pressure on the cheeks. Our combination skin routine has more ideas.
Common double-cleansing mistakes
- Applying the balm or oil to wet skin. It slides around and does not dissolve sunscreen well.
- Skipping emulsification. This can leave residue, which some people link to clogged pores.
- Scrubbing hard. Pressure does not clean better; time and gentle massage do.
- Using hot water. It can leave skin feeling dry and tight.
- Double cleansing in the morning too. For most people, once a day is enough.
How to tell your cleanse is working
A good double cleanse leaves your skin feeling clean, soft and comfortable, not squeaky or tight. Here are a few simple checks:
- The towel test: after drying, your towel should not show traces of foundation or a greasy smear.
- The comfort test: ten minutes after cleansing, skin should not feel stretched or itchy.
- The residue test: run a fingertip along the side of your nose. It should not feel slick or filmy.
If skin feels stripped, shorten the second cleanse or use less product. If you notice residue, extend the emulsifying step and rinse longer. Small adjustments like these usually solve most problems without having to change products.
Remember to keep the balm spatula clean and close jars tightly, since water getting into a cleansing balm can affect its texture over time. Our guide to shelf life and storage explains more.
What comes after the double cleanse
Once your skin is clean, continue your evening routine: an optional essence such as Ginseng Essence Water, a serum, and moisturizer. See our full night routine for the complete order.
Where to buy in Canada
You can find the products used in this guide on our product pages: Radiance Cleansing Balm, Ginseng Cleansing Oil and Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser. Each page lists details and current Canadian buying options.
FAQ
Is double cleansing bad for sensitive skin?
Not necessarily. Done gently, it can actually reduce rubbing. Keep the second cleanse short and mild, and stop if your skin feels stripped.
Can I use the cleansing balm to remove waterproof mascara?
Balm and oil cleansers are often used for eye makeup. Press gently over closed eyes and rinse well. If your eyes sting, use a dedicated eye makeup remover.
Do I need to double cleanse if I only wore sunscreen?
It is a good habit, because many sunscreens are made to resist water and sweat. A first oil or balm cleanse helps remove them thoroughly.
How long should a double cleanse take?
About two minutes in total: roughly one minute for the first cleanse and 30 to 60 seconds for the second.