If you’re looking to elevate your natural skincare routine, achieve a radiant glow, and support healthy skin without harsh ingredients, double cleansing may be the missing step. In this guide, we’ll explore the history and benefits of double cleansing, how to choose the best Carrier Oils and Essential Oils for your skin type, and share luxurious DIY Essential Oil Cleansing Balm recipes you can make at home.

What Is Double Cleansing?

Double cleansing originated in 14th-century Japan and Korea, where women used oil cleansers to remove heavy, white, paint-like makeup. Today, this time-tested technique has become a cornerstone of modern K-beauty skincare routines and holistic facial care.[1]

Double cleansing is a two-step facial cleansing method designed to:

• Remove waterproof makeup and sunscreen
• Dissolve excess sebum (natural oil)
• Clear clogged pores
• Eliminate dirt, sweat, and environmental pollutants
• Maintain the skin’s natural moisture barrier

Step 1: Oil-Based Cleanser

An oil cleanser dissolves oil-based impurities such as makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum without stripping the skin.

Step 2: Water-Based Cleanser

A gentle foaming, gel, or cream cleanser removes residual oil, sweat, and debris to leave skin fresh and balanced.

Unlike harsh cleansers that can dry out your complexion, double cleansing supports balanced oil production, promotes a healthy skin barrier, and encourages a brighter, smoother appearance.[2]

Who Should Try Double Cleansing?

Double cleansing is suitable for all skin types, especially those who:

• Wear makeup daily
• Use sunscreen regularly
• Live in polluted environments
• Experience clogged pores or dull skin
  

Choosing the right water-based cleanser for your skin type is key.

Oily Skin

Opt for cleansers that contain clay, gel cleansers, or gentle foaming facial washes that remove excess oil without over-drying.

Dry Skin

Choose mild, creamy, or milky cleansers that support hydration and protect the moisture barrier.

Combination Skin

A gentle gel or lightweight creamy cleanser works well to balance both oily and dry areas.

Sensitive Skin

Look for fragrance-free cleansers with soothing, anti-inflammatory ingredients. When incorporating Essential Oils, use a very low dilution (1% or less) and always patch test first.

Benefits of Double Cleansing

The benefits of double cleansing go beyond makeup removal. This method helps:

• Purify congested pores
• Support balanced sebum production
• Remove dead skin cells and pollutants
• Improve skin texture and tone
• Enhance absorption of serums and moisturizers
• Promote a luminous, healthy glow

By thoroughly cleansing without stripping natural oils, you encourage resilient, hydrated skin.

Best Carrier Oils for Double Cleansing

Carrier oils are the foundation of an oil cleanser or cleansing balm. The best facial oils are lightweight, non-comedogenic, and nourishing.

Always patch test new oils on your inner arm and wait 24 hours before applying to the face.

Oily Skin (Lightweight & Non-Greasy)

• Camellia Oil
• Evening Primrose Oil
• Grapeseed Oil
• Jojoba Oil
• Prickly Pear Oil
• Raspberry Oil
• Sunflower Oil

Normal & Combination Skin

• Argan Oil
• Jojoba Oil
• Sweet Almond Oil
• Grapeseed Oil
• Sunflower Oil
• Meadowfoam Oil
• Rosehip Oil

Dry & Sensitive Skin

• Argan Oil
• Avocado Oil
• Cucumber Oil
• Hemp Oil
• Meadowfoam Oil
• Moringa Oil
• Oat Oil
• Rosehip Oil
• Pomegranate Oil
• Raspberry Oil

After cleansing, always apply moisturizer while the skin is slightly damp to lock in hydration.

Adding Essential Oils to Your Skincare Routine

Essential oils can enhance your DIY skincare recipes with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and rejuvenating properties. Always dilute Essential Oils properly for facial use (maximum 1-2%) and begin with unscented bases.

Patch test Essential Oils before full facial application.

Rejuvenating & Age-Defying Essential Oils

• Age Defy Blend
• Carrot Seed
• Frankincense
• Lavender

For Oily or Acne-Prone Skin

• Cypress
• Clary Sage
• Face Love Blend
• Geranium
• Juniper Berry
• Cedarwood
• Rosemary
• Tea Tree

For Normal Skin

• Best Skin Ever Blend
• Carrot Seed
• Frankincense
• Lavender
• Myrrh
• Sweet Orange

For Dry Skin

• Lavender
• Neroli
• Pampered Skin Blend
• Patchouli
• Rose
• Sandalwood
• Geranium

Note: Lemon essential oil is phototoxic. Keep dilution under 1% for sun-exposed skin or avoid daytime use.

How to Double Cleanse

Follow these simple steps for effective double cleansing:=

1. Wash your hands thoroughly.
2. Warm a quarter-sized amount of oil cleanser between your palms.
3. Massage gently onto dry skin in small circular motions for 1-2 minutes, focusing on congested areas.
4. Remove with a soft washcloth moistened with lukewarm water.
5. Apply your water-based cleanser to damp skin and massage gently.
6. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry, leaving skin slightly moist.
7. Apply hydrating serum or moisturizer immediately.
8. DIY Essential Oil Cleansing Balm Recipe

Creating your own natural cleansing balm allows you to control ingredients and tailor them to your skin type.

Why These Ingredients Work

Shea Butter: Rich in vitamin E and deeply nourishing, shea butter melts into warm skin and supports the skin barrier without clogging pores.

Cocoa Butter: Packed with antioxidants and phytochemicals, cocoa butter supports dry or sensitive skin and enhances skin elasticity.

Jojoba Oil: Closely resembles the skin’s natural sebum, making it ideal for all skin types.

Argan Oil: Lightweight and rich in vitamin E, it promotes smooth, radiant skin.

Vitamin E Oil: Acts as an antioxidant and helps extend shelf life.

Essential Oils: Provide targeted skin benefits and aromatic support.

All Skin Types Cleansing Balm

Ingredients:

• 1 oz (2 Tbsp) Shea Butter
• 1 oz (2 Tbsp) Cocoa Butter
• ½ oz (1 Tbsp) Jojoba Oil*
• ½ oz (1 Tbsp) Argan Oil*
• 3-4 drops Vitamin E
• 4 drops Carrot Seed essential oil
• 4 drops Lavender essential oil
• 4 drops Frankincense– Carterii essential oil

*Substitute carrier oils according to your skin type.

Directions:

1. Melt shea butter and cocoa butter in a double boiler over medium heat.
2. Remove from heat and whisk in Carrier Oils.
3. Allow mixture to cool slightly before adding vitamin E and Essential Oils.
4. Pour into a 4-oz glass jar.
5. Refrigerate overnight to solidify.
   

To use, massage a nickel-sized amount onto dry skin to remove makeup and impurities. Remove with a warm, damp washcloth and follow with your second cleanser.

Store in the refrigerator to extend shelf life.

DIY Foaming Facial Cleanser (Oily Skin)

Ingredients:

• 1 oz unscented Liquid Castile Soap
• 1 oz Tea Tree or Lavender Hydrosol (or distilled water)
• 3 drops Tea Tree essential oil
• 4 drops Lavender essential oil
• 3 drops Myrrh essential oil
  

*For oily skin, substitute Witch Hazel for Hydrosol.

Directions:

1. Blend Castile soap and Essential Oils.
2. Add hydrosol or Witch Hazel to a 2-oz Amber Glass Bottle.
3. Shake gently before each use.

Dry & Sensitive Skin Facial Cleanser

Ingredients:

• ¾ oz Castile Soap
• ¾ oz Rosehip, Cucumber, or Meadowfoam Oil
• ½ oz Aloe Vera Gel
• 4 drops Sandalwood essential oil
• 1 drop Neroli essential oil
• 2 drops Rose absolute oil

Directions:

1. Blend Castile soap and Carrier Oil in a 2-oz Amber Glass Bottle.
2. Add Aloe Vera and Essential Oils.
3. Shake gently before use.

Find Your Glow

Incorporating double cleansing into your evening skincare routine can dramatically improve skin clarity, texture, and glow. By combining nourishing Carrier Oils with targeted Essential Oils, you create a personalized, holistic approach to cleansing that supports balanced, radiant skin, naturally.

Ready to upgrade your routine? Try this DIY Essential Oil Cleansing Balm and experience the transformative benefits of double cleansing for yourself.

SOURCES:

1. The Ancient Art of Double Cleansing https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/beauty/the-ancient-asian-art-of-double-cleansing-20160728-gqfuoe.html
2. Double Cleansing 101: A Quick Guide https://manyo.us/blogs/lifestyle-routines/double-cleansing-101-a-quick-guide
3. Double Cleansing Method Explained. Should You Try It? https://health.clevelandclinic.org/double-cleansing-explained