A beginner's handbook to double cleansing

Double cleansing is an essential step in the Korean skincare routine, renowned for achieving healthy, glowing skin. This method ensures that your skin is thoroughly clean, without stripping away its natural moisture. In this blog, we'll break down the key differences between popular Korean cleansers—cleansing oils, balms, gel cleansers and cleansing foams—while featuring star products like Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil, Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm, COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser, and SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule Foam.

What is double cleansing?

Double cleansing involves two steps:

1. An oil-based cleanser to remove makeup, sunscreen and excess sebum.

2. A water-based cleanser to cleanse the skin and remove any remaining impurities.

This combination ensures that both oil-based and water-based impurities are effectively eliminated, giving your skin a fresh, clean slate. But which type of cleanser should you use for each step?

Step 1: Cleansing Oils vs Cleansing Balms

The first step of the double cleansing process uses oil-based cleansers like cleansing oils or cleansing balms to break down stubborn makeup, sunscreen and excess oils.

Cleansing Oils



Cleansing oils are lightweight, liquid formulas that emulsify upon contact with water, turning into a milky consistency that’s easy to rinse off. One popular option is the Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil. Infused with Heartleaf extract, known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, this cleansing oil is perfect for sensitive skin. It deeply cleanses pores without causing irritation and helps balance sebum production, making it a fantastic choice for those with oily or acne-prone skin.

Benefits of Cleansing Oils:

• Lightweight and easy to apply.
• Excellent for removing waterproof makeup and heavy sunscreen.
• Gentle and hydrating for all skin types, especially sensitive and oily skin.

Cleansing Balms



Cleansing balms, like Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm, are solid at room temperature but melt into a silky oil when massaged into the skin. This product is rich in antioxidants and moisturisers, perfect for deep cleaning while nourishing the skin. It's luxurious texture makes it an ideal choice for dry or combination skin types.

Benefits of Cleansing Balms:

• Melts into a smooth oil, offering a luxurious cleansing experience.
• Ideal for those who prefer a more hydrating first cleanse.
• Efficiently removes makeup and impurities while moisturising the skin.

Step 2: Gel Cleansers vs Cleansing Foams

After your oil-based cleanse, it's time for a water-based cleanser to sweep away any leftover residue. This is where gel cleansers and cleansing foams come in.

Gel Cleansers



Gel cleansers are typically lightweight and gentle, making them great for everyday use. The COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser is a fan favourite, especially among those with sensitive or acne-prone skin. Formulated with tea tree oil and a low pH, it helps to balance the skin’s natural acid mantle, keeping the skin barrier healthy and preventing breakouts. This cleanser is perfect for those who need a gentle yet effective product that won't strip their skin of its natural oils.

Benefits of Gel Cleansers:

• Gentle, suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive or acne-prone skin.
• Helps maintain the skin’s optimal pH balance.
• Ideal for daily use, leaving the skin feeling refreshed and clean without tightness.

Cleansing Foams



Cleansing foams, like the SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule Foam, are known for their rich lather and deep-cleansing abilities. Infused with Centella Asiatica, a powerhouse ingredient in Korean skincare for its healing and soothing properties, this foam cleanser is designed to purify the skin while calming irritation. If you have oily or combination skin, this product is great for deep cleaning your pores without being too harsh.

Benefits of Cleansing Foams:

• Creates a luxurious foam that deep cleans pores.
• Ideal for oily and combination skin, helping control excess sebum.
• Infused with Centella, it soothes inflammation and promotes skin healing.

 Choosing the right double cleansing products for your skin type:

Oily/Acne-Prone Skin: Opt for the Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil followed by the COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser. This combination will help balance oil production, prevent breakouts, and maintain a healthy pH balance.

Dry/Combination Skin: A nourishing duo like the Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm and SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule Foam will deeply cleanse while keeping the skin hydrated and calm.

Sensitive Skin: Both the Anua Heartleaf Cleansing Oil and the COSRX Gel Cleanser are excellent choices. They are gentle, non-irritating, and packed with soothing ingredients like heartleaf and tea tree oil.

Conclusion: The Korean secret to flawless skin

Double cleansing is an essential part of the Korean skincare routine, ensuring that your skin is deeply cleansed and ready to absorb the nourishing ingredients from your next skincare steps. Whether you prefer the lightweight feel of cleansing oils, the rich texture of cleansing balms or the gentle yet effective power of gel and foam cleansers, choosing the right products for your skin type can make all the difference.