Written by OSEA Staff | Published May 5, 2025
Double cleansing isn’t just a trend — it’s a healthy skin habit that’s here to stay. Wondering if your skincare routine could benefit from double cleansing? Or just curious what it’s all about? Here’s your ultimate guide to doubling up your cleansing ritual, and why it might just be a game changer for silky, soft, healthy-looking skin.
What Is Double Cleansing?
Double cleansing is simply washing your face twice, typically with two different types of cleansers. The first cleanse removes makeup, excess sebum and impurities, while the second cleanse provides a comprehensive cleanse to your bare skin.
Why Double Cleanse?
Clean skin is smooth, fresh, and healthy-looking. If you wear makeup or sunscreen, or live in a place where environmental pollution is a concern, double cleansing will help you achieve the most comprehensive clean. Plus, it preps your skin to soak up the rest of your skincare routine after. Whether you do it morning or night, and no matter your skin type, double cleansing can make a noticeable difference in how your skin looks and feels.
How to Double Cleanse
Step 1: Start With a Cleansing Oil

First things first: begin your double cleanse with a cleansing oil to wash away the day. Why an oil cleanse? Oil clings to oil, which means it can lift away oil-based impurities like makeup, excess sebum (aka oil) and daily grime with minimal effort.
Our lightweight Ocean Wave Cleanser is a bi-phase cleansing oil that removes makeup without disrupting the skin’s moisture barrier. It’s designed to work for all skin types, even oily and blemish-prone complexions. Formulated with our signature Undaria seaweed, rich in amino acids and antioxidants, and camelina oil to moisturize and condition, this cleanser leaves skin balanced, nourished and incredibly soft. The best part? There’s no oily afterfeel, just soft, hydrated skin that feels as good as it looks.
Apply a few shakes of our Ocean Wave Cleanser to clean, dry hands, and massage into dry skin, then rinse. For more precise makeup removal, apply our cleansing oil to a cotton round, gently wipe, then rinse. This first cleanse is especially important if you’re wearing a full face of makeup, sunscreen or multiple layers of skincare.
Step 2: Follow With a Water-Based Cleanser

Next, use a water-based cleanser for a more targeted cleanse. The second step in your double cleanse is also your chance to massage the skin, and really allow your targeted cleanser to get to work. For this step, you'll want to choose the best cleanser for your skin type and needs:
For Normal & Combination Skin → Ocean Cleanser
Our pH-balanced formula removes surface impurities and excess oils while gently exfoliating with lactic acid. Mineral-rich Undaria seaweed hydrates and leaves a clear-looking, radiant complexion that’s primed to absorb the serums and moisturizers that follow.
For Sensitive, Dry & Mature Skin → Ocean Cleansing Milk
Our most soothing, milky cleanser, packed with moisturizing glycerin and Undaria seaweed, leaves skin feeling smooth, soft and comforted.
For Oily, Blemish-Prone & Combination Skin → Ocean Cleansing Mudd
An invigorating cleanser infused with peppermint oil and seaweed to unclog pores, remove excess oil, and sweep away impurities, leaving skin totally refreshed.

Step 3: Layer on Serums & Moisturizers
Now that you’ve washed away the day, your skin is prepped to absorb serums, moisturizers and face oils.
Not sure which skincare routine is right for you? Take our skincare quiz to help you find the best routine for your skin’s unique needs.