What is double cleansing? Benefits and how to

Cleansing is the first – and one of the most important – steps in any skincare routine.

But sometimes, one cleanse just isn’t quite enough. That’s where double cleansing comes in.

This simple double cleansing method is a gentle, effective way to refresh your skin at the end of the day. Read on to find out what double cleansing is, how to do it, and why it could make a difference to your skin.

What is
double cleansing?

Double cleansing is a two-step facial cleansing method, popularised in Korea, that helps clean your skin more thoroughly without being harsh.

Step 1:

Use an oil-based cleanser to lift away the surface layer of impurities. This includes makeup, sunscreen, excess oil and pollution – everything your skin collects throughout the day.

Step 2:
The second step involves a water-based cleanser to help remove any leftover dirt, sweat or debris from your pores, leaving your skin feeling clean, soft and refreshed.

Smiling woman wiping her cheek with a cotton pad against a clear blue background

How is Double Cleansing
DIFFERENT FROM STANDARD CLEANSING?

Standard cleansing usually means washing your face once, often with just one type of cleanser. It can do a good job, but sometimes it isn’t quite enough, especially if you’ve been wearing makeup, SPF or have oily skin.

Double cleansing goes a step further, using two types of cleansers – one oil-based and one water-based – to clean your skin more thoroughly. The first step melts away surface build-up. The second helps lift anything left behind, giving your skin a fresher, deeper clean.

It’s a simple, gentle way to give your skin the deep clean it deserves. Many people find it a helpful step in their daily skincare routine, particularly in the evening.

5 benefits of
double cleansing

Your skin goes through a lot every day, and makeup, pollution, SPF and natural oils can all build up over time. A single cleanse might not always remove everything, which means leftover residue can sit on your skin and clog pores. Here’s how double cleansing can support your skin:

Removes more than just makeup

– Including SPF, excess oil, sweat and pollution.

Prepares your skin for the next steps

– Meaning serums and moisturisers absorb better.

Could help reduce breakouts

– By clearing pores more effectively.

Supports all skin types

– Including oily, combination and sensitive skin.

Leaves skin feeling soft and refreshed

– Not tight or stripped.

Facts Overview

Double
CLEANSING

1. What is double cleansing?
It’s a two-step method that uses oil- and water-based cleansers for a deeper clean.

2. Is double cleansing right for my skin?
It works for all skin types when you use gentle, nourishing formulas.

3. Benefits of double cleansing:
It removes makeup, SPF and impurities while helping other products absorb better.

4. How often should you double cleanse?
Once a day in the evening is usually enough for most skin types.

How to do a
double cleanse with NIVEA

Double cleansing doesn’t need to be complicated. With the right products, it can easily become a soothing part of your daily skincare routine.

Here’s a simple way to do it:

Step 1:
NIVEA Serum Based Micellar Water

Use a micellar water with a bi-phase dual formula – oil and water base in one – which allows you to double cleanse with a single product, gently lifting away makeup, SPF, oil and impurities.

Alongside the double cleansing functionality, explore the additional serum benefits within the NIVEA Serum Infused Micellar Water range. Designed to remove oils and makeup with ease, the +5% serum mixes with oil-based products more effectively than water-based cleansers alone.

Choose the one that suits your skin:

Hand balancing a clear bottle of NIVEA Brightening micellar water with golden liquid against a blue background

NIVEA Skin Glow Serum Infused Micellar Water

Specially formulated for dull and sensitive skin, NIVEA Skin Glow Serum Infused Micellar Water combines 5% serum with brightening vitamin C & E and an Amino Acid Complex to instantly revive tired-looking skin. It gently removes waterproof make-up, dirt and impurities with no need to rub, leaving your skin clean, smooth and refreshed, without any greasy residue.

Clinically tested to visibly brighten and even out the complexion, this perfume-free formula gives skin an instant glow boost. Skin feels hydrated and energised after each cleanse, ready to face the day with radiance.

Clear bottle of NIVEA Regenerating Micellar Water with 5% serum beneath a dropper on a blue sky background

NIVEA Regenerating Serum Infused Micellar Water

Perfect for tired or sensitive skin, the NIVEA Regenerating Serum Infused Micellar Water is enriched with 5% caring serum featuring panthenol, squalane and Amino Acid Complex, effortlessly lifting away waterproof make-up, dirt and impurities with just a few light swipes.

The fragrance-free formula is clinically tested and gently cleanses without leaving a greasy residue. Skin is left feeling soothed, hydrated and ready for overnight regeneration, so you wake up looking fresh and well-rested.

Woman holding a bottle of NIVEA Derma Skin Clear micellar water with 5% serum against a blue background

NIVEA Serum Infused Derma Skin Clear Micellar

Designed for blemish-prone skin, NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Micellar Water is powered by 5% serum with PHA, salicylic acid, niacinamide and Amino Acid Complex to cleanse deeply yet gently, without irritation. It effortlessly removes waterproof make-up, dirt, impurities and SPF, making it the perfect first step in your double cleansing routine.

The perfume-free formula is clinically tested to reduce blemishes, refine pores and control excess oil. Skin is left feeling fresh, balanced and smooth, with a clarified, non-greasy finish after every use.

Step 2:
Apply a serum to care for your skin barrier

Double cleansing can leave your skin feeling fresh and more receptive to the products that follow. Applying a serum at this stage helps deliver targeted care while supporting a balanced, healthy-looking complexion.

Serums are great for targeted skin concerns. For example, the NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Rebalance & Clear Serum is formulated to calm and hydrate the skin, strengthen the skin barrier and reduce blemishes. Powered by hyaluronic acid, pro-vitamin B5 and niacinamide, this lightweight serum helps visibly refine pores and improve skin clarity in just 7 days.

Gentle yet effective, the formula is dermatologically approved and clinically tested – making it a caring choice for skin that needs support, balance and a boost of hydration.

NIVEA have a range of serums for different skin types and concerns.

Step 3:
Moisturise to lock in moisture

After cleansing, it’s important to moisturise to replenish hydration and support the skin barrier. Applying a serum first helps deliver targeted ingredients deep into the skin, while moisturiser locks in that hydration and leaves skin feeling soft, smooth and balanced.

Moisturisers such as NIVEA Soft Daily UV SPF15 are specially formulated to support all skin types with gentle, effective hydration. From lightweight day creams to richer formulas with added SPF, each product is designed to lock in moisture while protecting your skin throughout the day. It’s a simple way to show your skin the love it deserves after every cleanse.

Woman applying a milky facial serum to her cheek with a glass dropper against a blue background

4 top tips for
double cleansing

1
Use gentle, non-stripping formulas –
Your skin should feel clean but still soft

2
Avoid over-cleansing –
Once in the evening is usually enough for most skin types

3
Follow with a serum and moisturiser –
Double cleansing helps prep your skin to absorb these better

4
Choose products that suit your skin’s needs –
Whether it’s hydration, brightness or blemish care

How often should I double cleanse?

There’s no strict rule – it really depends on your day and your skin’s needs.

Evening is best – especially after wearing makeup, SPF or being outdoors
Once a day is enough – most people don’t need to double cleanse in the morning
A few times a week works too – even occasional double cleansing can make a difference
Listen to your skin – if it feels fresh, clean and comfortable, you’re on the right track

Is double cleansing
right for everyone?

Double cleansing can be a wonderful way to show your skin a little extra care, especially at the end of a busy day. But just like the rest of your skincare routine, it’s all about finding what works best for you.

If you wear makeup, SPF or live in a city environment, double cleansing can help lift away the day and leave your skin feeling fresh and comfortable. For some, it’s a daily ritual. For others, it might be something to do a few times a week, particularly after long days or late nights.

It’s also about choosing the right products – gentle, nourishing formulas like NIVEA’s Serum Infused Micellar Water, which are kind to skin and designed to care for your natural balance.

There’s no one-size-fits-all routine. The best approach is one that feels good, supports your skin and fits easily into your lifestyle.

Close-up of a woman gently touching both sides of her face against a ribbed blue background

Summary

Double cleansing is a simple yet effective way to care for your skin. By using an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based one, you can remove makeup, SPF and impurities more thoroughly than with a single cleanse. It’s a gentle method that can leave your skin feeling soft, clean and refreshed without stripping it of moisture.

Whether you have oily, combination or sensitive skin, the double cleansing routine can be adapted to suit your needs. With nourishing cleansing products such as NIVEA’s Serum Infused Micellar Waters, it’s easy to build a skincare ritual that works for you. Just take a little time, listen to your skin and enjoy the benefits of this kind and caring approach to cleansing.

FAQs

Korean double cleansing is a skincare method that originated from Korean beauty routines, known for their gentle yet effective approach. It follows the same basic idea as standard double cleansing, starting with an oil-based cleanser to lift away makeup and SPF, followed by a water-based cleanser to wash away sweat and impurities. This method of double cleansing focuses on caring for the skin without harsh scrubbing or stripping.