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Ever noticed how your skin still feels a bit grimy after a long day – even when you’ve already washed it? Between SPF, makeup, sweat (hello, summer!) and pollution, one quick cleanse just doesn’t cut it.
Once upon a time, soap-and-water (or a quick swipe with a face wipe) was considered enough. But now we know better: if you actually want to whisk away all the gunk, funk and junk without stripping your skin of its natural oils, you need a new approach.
The answer? Double cleansing (our go-to for those makeup and SPF days!).
Why One Cleanse Isn’t Enough
Throughout the day, airborne bacteria, pollution, sweat and excess oil build up on your skin. Then add in makeup and sunscreen too. If all of these things aren’t properly washed away, they can contribute to:
- Premature ageing
- Pigmentation
- Pesky breakouts
…aka the skincare villains we’d all prefer to avoid.
That’s why double cleansing is the gold standard. It clears away stubborn pore-clogging impurities that a single cleanse often leaves behind.
What Exactly Is Double Cleansing?
Double cleansing means washing your face twice:
- Step 1: with an oil-based cleanser (to melt away oil-based grime like sunscreen, sebum, and makeup).
- Step 2: with a water-based cleanser (to sweep up non-oil-based impurities like sweat, dirt, and leftover residue).
Afterwards, skin feels cleaner, clearer and more prepped to drink up your serums, moisturisers and oils.
Double Cleansing for Your Skin Type
Like most things in skincare, this isn’t a one-routine-fits-all dealio. The second cleanse is where you can target your skin concerns.
- Dry or mature skin: Cleanse with hydrating, nourishing formulas to plump and comfort.
- Oily or blemish-prone skin: Choose clarifying products to balance sebum and calm inflammation.
- Sensitive skin: Stick to gentle, barrier-friendly formulas that soothe while they cleanse.
Quick tip: Over-cleansing can backfire. Strip too much oil and your body may pump out more, leading to breakouts or irritation.
How to Double Cleanse (The Woohoo Way)
Step One: Start with Cloud 9 Deep Cleansing Balm
Every good double cleanse starts with an oil-based formula. Why? Because oil attracts oil, meaning this dreamy, creamy balm melts away SPF, makeup, sebum and the day’s grime like a charm. Massage into dry skin, add water to emulsify and rinse off to reveal soft, nourished skin that’s perfectly prepped for round two.
Step Two: Follow with You’ve Got This Charcoal Cleansing Gel
Once the balm has lifted away the day’s grime, the gel steps in to sweep up the rest: sweat, dirt, and the pesky pore gunk oil can’t grab. With micellar technology and charcoal working in tandem, your skin gets a thorough yet gentle clean that leaves it feeling fresh, balanced and ready to soak up the rest of your routine.
But that’s not the only way….
Our Favourite Double-Cleanse Duos
Now for the fun part – matching your cleanse to your skin. Everyone’s skin has different needs, so the best double-cleanse duo isn’t one-size-fits-all. Think of it as mix-and-match skincare: start with an oil or balm to melt away the day, then follow with the second step that suits your skin type.
Here are our favourite double-cleanse pairings:
The Classic (for Normal, Oily or Blemish-Prone Skin)
Cloud 9 Deep Cleansing Balm + You’ve Got This Charcoal Cleansing Gel
The ultimate “deep clean” duo. Cloud 9 melts away SPF, makeup and sebum, while the gel clears out pore-clogging sweat and impurities. Leaves skin fresh, balanced and breakout-resistant.
The Gentle (for Dry, Mature or Sensitive Skin)
3 Cheers Cleansing Oil + Tickled Pink Clarifying Mist
A softer, soothing option. The oil dissolves the day without stripping, and Tickled Pink refreshes with aloe and ferments for a calming finish.
Tip: Even though Tickled Pink is a mist, its fruit ferments + willow bark give it a gentle (and unconventional) cleansing boost.
Bonus Tip: Raindrops Hydrating Face Mist also doubles as a refreshing second cleanse or post-cleanse hydration boost!
If you’re not sure where to start, Cloud 9 + Charcoal Gel is our most-loved duo and suits the majority of skin types.
When Should You Double Cleanse?
Double cleansing is brilliant after long days when you’ve been wearing makeup, sunscreen or you’ve been out in the elements. It helps make sure you’ve actually removed everything, not just the surface grime.
But if you’ve had a makeup-free day indoors, a single gentle cleanse is often plenty. The idea isn’t to complicate your routine. It’s to give your skin the best clean when it really needs it.
We recommend keeping it for your night routine, when your skin has a full day of grime to shed. In the morning, a single gentle cleanse (or just a splash of water) is usually plenty.
Ready to give your face the clean of its life? Pick your perfect double-cleanse duo and let your skin drink up the Woohoo goodness.
Happy cleansing, Woohoo-ers!
