Article: Double Cleansing: Why Are Two Steps Necessary to Cleanse Your Skin Properly?
Double Cleansing: Why Are Two Steps Necessary to Cleanse Your Skin Properly?
Double cleansing involves cleansing the skin in two complementary steps:
a first oil-based step to dissolve makeup, sunscreen, sebum, and oily impurities, followed by a water-based step to remove water-soluble residues and complete the cleansing process.
This method effectively cleanses the skin while respecting its skin barrier and microbiome. Two complementary textures, two different actions, for perfectly clean skin without stripping it.
Holidermie Société ·Every day, the skin accumulates makeup, sunscreen filters, excess sebum, perspiration and environmental particles. Cleansing is therefore not just a formality: it is the starting point of any skincare routine. And to cleanse the skin thoroughly, one step is not always enough — this is exactly what double cleansing is about.
What is double cleansing?
Double cleansing is a method that consists of cleansing the skin in two successive steps: first, an oil-based phase that dissolves oily impurities, followed by a water-based phase that removes water-soluble residues. Each step targets a specific type of impurity that the other cannot remove as effectively on its own.
Why is one cleansing step not always enough?
Not all impurities on the surface of the skin have the same affinity. On one hand, lipophilic impurities — sebum, makeup and sunscreen filters — have an affinity with oil: a water-based cleanser alone may glide over them without fully removing them. On the other hand, perspiration and certain surface residues are hydrophilic, meaning they are soluble in water.
A single product therefore has to make a difficult compromise: remain gentle while potentially leaving oily residues behind, or be strong enough to remove everything at once, with the risk of stressing the skin. Double cleansing solves this issue by assigning each type of impurity to a dedicated cleansing phase.
Two steps, two complementary textures
| Step 1 — Makeup-Removing Oil Balm | Step 2 — Foaming Cleansing Jelly | |
|---|---|---|
| Targets | Makeup, including waterproof makeup, sunscreen filters, sebum and oily impurities | Water-soluble residues and remaining surface impurities |
| Type | Lipophilic impurities | Hydrophilic impurities |
| Texture | Balm → oil → milk | Micro-bead gel → fine foam |
| Application | On dry skin | On damp skin |
| Signature | Removes makeup. Dissolves. Softens. | Cleanses. Rebalances. Preserves. |
| When | Evening | Morning and evening |
The two double-cleansing steps in detail
Step 1 — Remove makeup: dissolve
On dry skin, the oil-based phase of the Makeup-Removing Oil Balm binds by affinity to oily substances: makeup — including waterproof makeup — sunscreen filters, sebum and oily impurities. On contact with water, it emulsifies, allowing these impurities to be rinsed away.
Its texture transforms in three stages — balm → oil → milk — and rinses off without leaving a greasy finish. Enriched with organic Shea Butter, Sweet Almond and Jojoba oils, as well as the Holiderm® Complex, it combines makeup removal with nourishing, soothing and protective benefits.
Step 2 — Cleanse: perfect without disrupting balance
On damp skin, the Foaming Cleansing Jelly completes the first step by removing hydrophilic residues and the last remaining impurities.
Its gel texture, infused with micro-beads containing the Holiderm® Complex, transforms on contact with water into a fine, lightweight foam.
Its formula does more than simply cleanse: it combines targeted ingredients to support microbiome balance, help preserve the skin barrier and protect the skin against environmental stressors. The skin feels clean, soft and comfortable, without a feeling of dryness.
Cleansing well also means respecting the skin microbiome
The surface of the skin naturally hosts a collection of microorganisms — the skin microbiome — which contributes to its balance and closely interacts with its protective barrier.
Pollution, UV exposure, stress, hormonal fluctuations, as well as overly aggressive or overly frequent cleansing, can disrupt this ecosystem and may be accompanied by discomfort, dryness, sensitivity or redness.
Cleansing well is therefore not only about removing impurities: it is also about respecting what naturally protects the skin. This is precisely the advantage of two gentle steps rather than one overly stripping cleanse.
For this reason, the Foaming Cleansing Jelly contains:
Plant-derived prebiotic — selectively nourishes beneficial microorganisms and helps preserve the natural balance of the skin flora.
Centella asiatica — known for its soothing properties, it helps support skin comfort and preserve the skin barrier.
Biosaccharide Gum — forms a breathable protective film that acts as a shield against pollution particles and oxidative stress.
Effectiveness and gentleness: why two steps are better than one
Each step performs a task the other cannot: oil for oily impurities, water for water-soluble residues.
Neither step needs to be overly aggressive to remove everything on its own — the skin is thoroughly cleansed while remaining respected. The hydrolipidic film is preserved, the microbiome is supported, and the complexion appears clearer and more radiant.
Properly cleansed skin is also better prepared to receive the skincare products applied afterwards: double cleansing helps create the right foundation for the rest of the routine.
Should you double cleanse morning and evening?
Not necessarily. A complete double cleanse is particularly useful in the evening to remove makeup, sunscreen and pollution accumulated throughout the day.
In the morning, the Foaming Cleansing Jelly can be used on its own: it is enough to remove sebum and impurities accumulated overnight while respecting the skin's natural balance.
The evening ritual: two textures, two steps, 60 seconds
| 1. Remove makeup | On dry skin and with dry hands, warm 1 to 2 small amounts of Makeup-Removing Oil Balm between the fingers, massage over the face — including the eyelids and lashes — add a little lukewarm water to emulsify, then rinse. |
| 2. Cleanse | On damp skin, apply 1 to 2 pumps of Foaming Cleansing Jelly, massage until a fine foam forms, rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry. |
Proven results — Makeup-Removing Oil Balm
| 100% | of volunteers observed that makeup, including waterproof makeup, was completely removed.* |
| 100% | reported that their skin felt clean, soft and pleasant to the touch after use.* |
| 95% | reported an immediate feeling of comfort and soothing.* |
*Clinical test under dermatological supervision, 28 days, 20 volunteers, all skin types including sensitive skin. Applied once daily.
Frequently asked questions about double cleansing
Should you double cleanse every day?
In the evening, yes, whenever the skin has been exposed to makeup, sunscreen or pollution. In the morning, the Foaming Cleansing Jelly on its own is sufficient.
Can double cleansing damage or strip the skin?
No, quite the opposite. Dividing the cleansing process into two gentle steps helps preserve the skin barrier. The Jelly is also formulated to support the balance of the skin microbiome.
Is double cleansing suitable for sensitive skin?
Yes. The gentle textures are suitable for all skin types. The Makeup-Removing Oil Balm has been tested under dermatological supervision on all skin types, including sensitive skin.
Which comes first: oil or gel?
Always the oil-based step first — the Balm on dry skin to dissolve oily impurities — followed by the Jelly on damp skin to complete the cleanse.
Can you use only the Foaming Cleansing Jelly?
In the morning, yes. In the evening, the Balm remains essential: makeup and sunscreen filters are lipophilic, and a water-based phase alone does not remove them as effectively.
The key takeaway
Cleansing your skin well is not about rubbing harder — it is about cleansing more intelligently. Double cleansing separates the process into two complementary steps: dissolve, then perfect, while respecting the balance of the skin and its microbiome.
Two steps, two textures, for perfectly cleansed skin and an ideal foundation to reveal the full radiance of your skincare ritual.
