How to Double Cleanse The Right Way: The Ultimate Guide for Beginners

You clicked on this blog to learn how to double cleanse the right way. But before we get into that, it’s important to know what double cleansing is, and if YOU should do it. 

So if any of the following sounds relatable, you NEED this blog like yesterday.

• You wash your face every morning and night, but your skin still breaks out.
• You use serums and moisturizers religiously, but they don’t seem to do anything.
• Your skin always looks dull or just… off.

If you can relate, then you need to double cleanse. 

In this guide, you’ll learn how to double cleanse, which products to use for your skin type, how much they cost, and so much more.  

So before you do anything to your skin tonight, read this.

 

TLDR: How To Double Cleanse for Clear, Healthy Skin

1. To double cleanse, you need an oil based cleanser like Simple’s Cleansing Oil or the Heimish All Clean Balm and a water based cleanser like CeraVe’s Hydrating Cleanser or COSRX’s Good Morning Gel Cleanser.
2. Use the Simple Hydrating Cleansing Oil or Heimish All Clean Balm to oil cleanse if you have oily or acne-prone skin. 
3. Use the COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser or La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel to water cleanse if you have oily or acne-prone skin. 
4. Use the Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm to oil cleanse if you have dry or sensitive skin. 
5. Use the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser or Simple Kind to Skin Moisturising Facial Wash to water cleanse if you have dry or sensitive skin. 
6. Use the Heimish All Clean Balm to oil cleanse if you have combination skin. 
7. Use the COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser to water cleanse if you have combination skin. 
8. You can get every cleanser mentioned in this guide from Beauty by Daz, Nigeria’s most trusted skincare store, sourcing directly from manufacturers, delivering nationwide, and guaranteeing 100% original, authentic products.

 

What Is Double Cleansing and How Does It Work?

Double cleansing is a two-step face-washing method where you use an oil-based cleanser first, followed by a water-based cleanser to get rid of ALL the impurities on your skin. 

Think of it like a 2-factor authentication. The oil-based cleanser dissolves oil-based impurities like sunscreen, makeup, and sebum, while the water-based cleanser clears water-based impurities like sweat and dirt. 

Fun fact: Double cleansing started in Japanese skincare with Geishas using cleansing oils to remove their heavy white makeup centuries before Korean skincare made it mainstream.

 

How to Double Cleanse in 7 Easy Steps 

To double cleanse correctly, apply your oil cleanser to dry skin first, massage for 60 seconds, rinse, then immediately follow with your water-based cleanser on damp skin. 

That’s literally it.

Butttt, because we love you at Beauty By Daz, we’ve broken down how to double cleanse in 7 steps. 

1. Apply a small amount of your oil cleanser ( about a coin size) to your dry face.
2. Massage in slow, circular motions for at least 60 seconds. 
3. Rinse with lukewarm water NOT hot.
4. Go straight in with your water-based cleanser while your skin is still slightly damp.
5. Work the cleanser into a lather and massage for another 30–45 seconds. 
6. Rinse thoroughly, then pat dry gently.
7. Move straight into the rest of your skincare routine while your skin is still slightly damp.

It really is that simple.

But after consulting with several Nigerians, we noticed a few common mistakes people make when double cleansing.

So we’re sharing them with you—so you can avoid them from the start.

 

Double Cleansing: 4 Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Applying the oil cleanser to wet skin. This is the most common mistake, and it defeats the entire purpose of double cleansing.
2. Rinsing too fast. If you’re not massaging for at least 60 seconds, you’re not giving the oil cleanser enough time to work.
3. Double cleansing in the morning. You don’t need to. You don’t apply sunscreen or makeup overnight. A single gentle cleanse in the morning is enough. 
4. Using the wrong formula for your skin type. A heavy cleansing oil on acne-prone skin can cause congestion. A lightweight cleansing milk on dry skin won’t feel like enough. That’s why matching the formula to your skin type matters. (We’ll get into this soon).

 

Serious Question: Who Should Double Cleanse And Who Shouldn’t?

Double cleansing is right for you if you wear sunscreen daily, use makeup, have oily or acne-prone skin, or live in a HIGHLY polluted environment, and if you have a compromised skin barrier, extremely dry skin, or you’re currently on strong prescription actives, you should avoid double cleansing. 

Sounds like a lot? Yeah, let’s break it down. 

Double cleanse if you:

• Wear sunscreen every day (and you should be, so this is almost for everyone).
• Use any kind of foundation, concealer, tinted moisturizer, or wear makeup A LOT.
• Have oily or combination skin that gets congested easily.
• Live in a city or any environment with high pollution levels (like Lagos).
• Have been dealing with stubborn blackheads or clogged pores.

Slow down or skip double cleansing if you:

• Currently have a damaged or compromised skin barrier. If your skin is peeling, red, or burning from products, fix that first.
• Have extremely dry skin that already feels tight after one cleanse. You may need to switch to a nourishing balm for step one and a creamy cleanser for step two, rather than skipping entirely.
• Are using prescription-strength retinoids or other strong actives that have already made your skin sensitive. Add double cleansing back in gradually once your skin adjusts.
• Don’t wear makeup and use only a mineral sunscreen that rinses off easily. A single cleanse may genuinely be enough for you.

Beauty By Daz Tip: Exfoliate for a week and see how your skin reacts. If it’s clearer and can breathe better, continue double cleansing. If it’s tighter and drier, switch products or reduce how often you double cleanse. 

 

Best Products for Double Cleansing (By Skin Type)

The best double cleansing products depend on your skin type. Oily skin does best with lightweight cleansing oils paired with gel cleansers. Dry skin benefits from rich cleansing balms paired with cream or milk cleansers. Sensitive skin needs fragrance-free, gentle formulas for both steps.

Here’s a breakdown by skin type so it’s easy to skim through.

Best Double Cleansing Products for Oily & Acne-Prone Skin

1. Simple Hydrating Cleansing Oil 

The Simple Hydrating Cleansing Oil works well for oily and acne-prone skin because it’s lightweight, dissolves sunscreen and sebum without clogging your pores. Plus, it rinses off completely. 

 

You can shop the original Simple Hydrating Cleansing Oil from Beauty by Daz.

2. Heimish All Clean Balm

Heimish All Clean Balm is another great option for oily skin because it’s formulated with natural oils that break down makeup and sunscreen without being too heavy or pore-clogging. 

Remember the logic (oil-based cleansers break down oil residue).

You can get the Heimish All Clean Balm Cleanser from Beauty by Daz.

3. COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser

The COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser is a great cleanser for oily skin because its low pH keeps your skin barrier intact while removing every trace of residue the oil cleanser missed. 

But please, be careful where you get the COSRX gel cleanser. 

There are lots of fakes on the market, which is why we recommend you get the COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel from Beauty by Daz.

 

4. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel 

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel is an excellent water-based cleanser because it removes excess sebum and clears pores without irritating your skin.

And remember—you’ve already cleansed once. The second cleanse should purify, not strip your skin dry. This foaming gel gets the job done while keeping your skin barrier intact.

You can get La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel from Beauty by Daz.

Speaking of oily skin, here are some face creams to apply after double cleansing. 

 

Best Double Cleansing Products for Dry & Sensitive Skin

1. Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm 

The Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm is a top oil cleanser for dry and sensitive skin because it lifts sunscreen and makeup without stripping your skin. It’s been a staple in sensitive-skin routines for years, and for obvious reasons. 

You can shop the original Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm from Beauty by Daz.

2. Simple Kind to Skin Moisturising Facial Wash

The Simple Kind to Skin Moisturising Facial Wash is the go-to water cleanser for sensitive skin, and it’s very accessible across Nigerian pharmacies and supermarkets. 

Butttt, we recommend getting the Simple Kind to Skin Moisturising Facial Wash from Beauty By Daz because they get it DIRECTLY from the manufacturers, so you can trust that it’s 100% original and authentic.

3. CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser 

The CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which help rebuild your skin barrier as you wash your face. That said, it’s a great water cleanser to add to your double cleansing routine.

One thing to note: there are too many fakes in the market.  

Get the original CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser from Beauty by Daz, so you know exactly what you’re putting on your face. Please.

 

Best Double Cleansing Products for Combination Skin

1. Heimish All Clean Balm 

The Heimish All Clean Balm is a great oil cleanser for combination skin because it’s nourishing enough for the drier parts of your face but light enough to work through congestion in oilier zones.

You can get the Heimish All Clean Balm from Beauty by Daz. Or check out the Facefacts Ceramide Oil Control Cleanser.

       2. COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser 

The COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser is one of the best cleansers for combination skin. The low pH formula works with your skin’s natural acid mantle — so it clears out oily areas and leftover residue without throwing your drier patches into distress. 

One thing though…this cleanser is heavily counterfeited in Nigeria. So it’s best to always get your COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser from Beauty by Daz so you’re sure of what you’re putting on your face.

In fact, here’s a guide on how to choose the best beauty products for your skin type. Bookmark it, you’ll need it. 

 

What Should You Do After Double Cleansing?

Apply your toner or essence immediately after double cleansing, while your skin is still slightly damp, then layer your face serums, actives, and finish with moisturizer.

Okay, let’s break this down so it’s clearer. 

Clean skin absorbs products A LOT better, which means that double cleansing makes everything else in your routine work better. 

That’s why you should NEVER allow your skin dry completely before moving into the next step. That slight dampness helps your serums, toner and mists absorb more effectively.

And if you’re not already: wear sunscreen every single morning, without exception. 

Products that work on your skin (especially actives like vitamin C or exfoliating acids) make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Skipping sunscreen undoes a lot of the work your nighttime routine is doing.

 

Beauty by Daz Reviews: Is Double Cleansing Effective? 

Yes, double cleansing is effective. But instead of just taking our word for it, we got honest experiences from Beauty By Daz customers who have tried it. 

Here’s what they had to say.

“Double cleansing really made the biggest difference for my skin. I used to have oily skin for years, but it was actually because my skin barrier was damaged. I also wasn’t exfoliating, so my pores—especially around my T-zone—were really clogged. Within a week, my pores looked a lot clearer and less stretched, and my acne almost completely went away. I honestly didn’t expect it to work that fast.”

• Amanda O, Beauty By Daz customer.

“I get clogged pores pretty easily, so I started oil cleansing for a few minutes every day to really clear everything out — whether I wore makeup or sunscreen or not. I work from home and don’t always have those on anyway. But taking a bit more time with my oil cleanse is honestly what’s made the biggest difference in my skin so far.”

• Sharon Ojo, Beauty By Daz customer.

“Your skin produces sebum whether you’re going out or staying in and that sebum sits in your pores and clogs them. This person figured out that spending a little more time on the oil cleanse, even on bare-faced days, was the thing that finally helped.”

• Feranmi A, Beauty By Daz customer.

 

Frequently Asked Questions On How to Double Cleanse

1. Is It Good To Double Cleanse Everyday? 

Yes, it’s okay to double cleanse every night. Keyword: “night.”

2. What Are The Downsides Of Double Cleansing? 

The only downside to double cleansing is using the wrong products for your skin type. That’s why it’s important to consult skincare professionals who can recommend the best products for double cleansing for your skin type.

3. Do Dermatologists Recommend Double Cleansing? 

Yes, most dermatologists support double cleansing, especially for people who wear sunscreen or makeup daily. They consistently tag it as one of the most effective ways to prevent clogged pores and improve how well your other skincare products absorb.

4. What Are Signs Of Overwashing Your Face? 

If your skin feels tight, looks red, or starts producing more oil than usual after cleansing, you’re likely overwashing. 

5. Where Can I Get Products for Double Cleansing?

Beauty By Daz is the best place to get cleansers for all skin types in Nigeria. They process all orders quickly and also deliver to all states in Nigeria.

 

Final Verdict: Is Double Cleansing Worth It In 2026?

Yes, double cleansing is worth it in 2026, BUT ONLY if you do it correctly.

A proper two-step cleanse every evening, with the right products for your skin type, will change what your skin looks and feels like within a few weeks. 

Summary of the gist: Start double cleansing tonight.

And if you need help getting started (picking the right products or combining them with your current skincare routine), book a consultation with Beauty By Daz.