The Best Double Cleansing Duos

If you’re new to the double cleansing method, you may not know where to start. Luckily, we’re here to help! Read on for a few of our favorite cleansers—from the L’Oreal portfolio of brands—to pair together in your routine. 

Think double-cleansing your skin is just a fad? Think again. Double-cleansing—which refers to using two different cleansers in succession—is an extremely effective way to ensure that all traces of impurities are removed from your complexion before you begin your day or prepare to catch some Zzz’s. Think of it like a cleansing back-up plan, a deeper clean that your skin deserves (especially if you wear heavy makeup everyday!). Traditionally, the double-cleansing method calls for an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser to thoroughly wash away dirt, makeup, and grime. But there’s more than one way to enjoy the ritual. From makeup remover wipes to micellar waters, we’re sharing a handful of double-cleansing duos—from the L’Oreal portfolio of brands—to work into your routine ASAP. 

DUO #1: KIEHL’S MIDNIGHT RECOVERY BOTANICAL CLEANSING OIL + KIEHL’S ULTRA FACIAL CLEANSER

For a traditional take on the double-cleansing method, give these two Kiehl’s products a try. One is oil-based and the other is water-based.

Step one: Cleanse with Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil. The aromatic, lightweight cleansing oil—infused formula with a blend of pure botanical oils including squalane and evening primrose oil—emulsifies with water to gently yet effectively dissolve even hard to remove makeup and impurities, all without over-drying the skin. The result? Skin that’s comfortable, soothed and prepared for night-time replenishment. (You could use it during the day, too, however!)

Step two: After lifting away impurities with Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil, finish off your double cleansing routine with Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser. This gentle liquid cleanser is formulated with a sugar-derived glycoside foaming agent to thoroughly cleanse the skin and remove makeup without stripping the skin of its natural oils. Made with effective emollients squalane, apricot kernel oil, vitamin E, and avocado oil, this formula dissolves excess oil, dirt, and debris and helps maintain the skin’s natural balance.

Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil, $32.00 MSRP

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser, $19.50 MSRP

DUO #2: GARNIER SKINACTIVE MICELLAR CLEANSING WATER ALL-IN-1 + GARNIER SKINACTIVE THE GENTLE SULFATE-FREE CLEANSER

Micellar water works great on its own, but can also be incorporated into a double-cleansing routine since they’re so lightweight and easy to use. These formulas utilize micelle technology to attract and remove impurities on the skin—think: makeup, dirt, and oil—like a magnet, without the need for rinsing or harsh rubbing. Best of all? Any and all skin types can enjoy the benefits of micellar water!

Step one: Cleanse your skin with Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Waterproof. It’s an ideal option for all skin types—even sensitive—to remove unwanted traces of dirt and makeup—waterproof eye makeup included!

Step two: If you’re wearing heavy makeup or simply want to ensure that makeup and dirt is removed from your complexion, follow up with Garnier SkinActive The Gentle Sulfate-Free Cleanser to round out your double cleansing ritual. This ultra-gentle cleanser effectively removes face makeup, impurities, and excess oil all while caring for your skin. Rich with glycerin, this sulfate-free foaming formula leaves the skin feeling fresh and clean, rather than tight or dry.

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Waterproof, $8.99 MSRP

Garnier SkinActive The Gentle Sulfate-Free Cleanser, $11.99 MSRP

DUO #3: LA ROCHE-POSAY EFFACLAR TOWELETTES + LA ROCHE-POSAY EFFACLAR GEL

If you love the rinse-free benefits of micellar water, you’ll be equally excited about makeup removing towelettes. These wipes are not only portable (on-the-go cleansing, anyone?), but can sweep away impurities with pure ease. We love using them on their own after a sweat sesh at the gym, but also in tandem with a gel cleanser.

Step one: Sweep La Roche-Posay Effaclar Towelettes over your face to help remove dirt, oil, and impurities from the skin. Formulated with micro-exfoliating LHA and La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water, these wipes can help give pore-clogging impurities the boot. Stick them into your gym or beach bag this summer—you won’t regret it!

Step two: Next, cleanse your skin one more time with La Roche-Posay Effaclar Gel Cleanser. The formula purifies oily skin, and removes impurities and excess sebum to leave skin clean and refreshed.

La Roche-Posay’s Effaclar Towelettes, $9.99 MSRP

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Gel, $19.99 MSRP

Editor’s note: After partaking in the double-cleansing method, be sure to follow up with facial moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and comfortable. Better yet? Reach for a moisturizer formulated with Broad Spectrum SPF. We lay out a few of our favorites, here.