How To Double Cleanse

liz earle cleanse and polish with a cloth on a shelf

Liz Earle Beauty Co.

May 21, 2026

2 mins

Great skin rarely begins with what you apply last. In fact, it begins with how well you cleanse.

Throughout the day, skin accumulates a layer of SPF, make up, excess oil and environmental debris. While a single cleanse may feel sufficient, it often leaves behind traces that can dull your complexion and limit how effectively the rest of your regime works.

Double cleansing offers a more considered approach. Rather than adding unnecessary steps, it refines the first one, ensuring skin is clean, purifying and absorbing everything that follows.

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What is double cleansing?What is double cleansing?

Double cleansing is a two-step process that uses two different cleanser textures in succession.

The first cleanse focuses on dissolving surface-level impurities like make up, SPF and excess oil, while the second cleanse works more deeply to refine the skin and remove any remaining residue like sweat, dirt and dead skin cells. Together, they create a thorough and round cleanse that leaves skin feeling refreshed and clear.

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How to double cleanse your face
How to double cleanse your face

First cleanse: use a nourishing cleansing balm

The first cleanse is designed to gently melt away the day. Oil-based formulas, particularly cleansing balms, are exceptionally effective here. They cling to oil-based impurities, effortlessly lifting away SPF, make up and excess sebum without disrupting the skin’s natural moisture barrier.

Massage a balm, like the Superskin™ Advanced Cleansing Balm & Cloth Neroli & Rose onto dry skin using slow, deliberate movements, allowing the texture to transform and dissolve any build-up. There’s no need for pressure either, so why not take a moment to enjoy a little facial massage? You can then rinse this off with warm water and a cloth for skin that’s left comfortably clean without feeling stripped.

Second cleanse: deeply cleanse skin with a hot cloth cleanser

Now you want to move onto the second cleanse which focuses on refining your complexion. It removes any remaining residue from the first cleanse, helps unclog pores and leaves your skin deeply cleansed, allowing the rest of your skincare products to absorb better.

A cream like our award-winning Cleanse & Polish™ Hot Cloth Cleanser works especially well for this. Its powerful bio-fusion formula lifts away make up and daily grime, offering both efficacy and comfort. Rich in cocoa butter and rosemary, simply apply to dry skin and remove with the warm cloth to leave skin feeling soft, balanced and refreshed.

Follow up with the rest of your skincare regime

Once skin is properly cleansed, this allows the perfect base for everything that follows, meaning your toner, serum and moisturiser can absorb with ease. It’s this preparation that allows the rest of your regime to work more effectively.

Liz earle superskin advanced nourishing cleansing balm

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Double cleansing for every skin typeDouble cleansing for every skin type

One of the benefits of double cleansing is its adaptability. With the right textures, it can suit a myriad of skin types without compromise.

A nourishing balm or oil is a great place to start, while the second cleanse can be tailored to your skin’s needs, whether that’s a cream, milk or gel texture.

Skin should feel comfortable, balanced and refined, not tight or stripped. So what cleanser is best suited for your skin type?

How to double cleanse for oily skin

A balm in the first step helps to break down excess sebum and SPF, while a gel cleanser in the second step refreshes and refines without overwhelming the skin.

The gel-to-oil-to-milk formula of the Cleanse & Glow™ Transforming Gel Cleanser effortlessly removes impurities to leave skin looking and feeling brightened, softened and deeply cleansed.

Double cleansing for mature skin

For mature skin, the focus shifts towards comfort and nourishment.

The aim is to cleanse thoroughly while preserving the skin’s natural suppleness, so a rich balm like the Superskin™ Advanced Nourishing Cleansing Balm is perfect as it provides a nourishing first cleanse. With acacia tree extract and pomegranate oil, it hydrates and boosts the feeling of skin's elasticity. Then, follow with a cream-based second cleanse to help maintain softness and moisture levels.

Double cleansing for sensitive skin

Sensitive skin needs a gentler approach, so choosing calming, well-balanced formulas allows you to double cleanse without irritation. This ensures impurities are removed while the skin remains comfortable.

The Cleanse & Polish™ Hot Cloth Cleanser is formulated with nourishing cocoa butter and soothing chamomile, which work in harmony to gently remove make up and impurities for smooth, radiant and refreshed skin.

Find your perfect double cleanserFind your perfect double cleanser

Double cleansing is a simple yet impactful way to elevate your skincare. By ensuring the skin is thoroughly cleansed, it creates the ideal foundation for everything that follows while helping to address clogged pores, uneven looking tone and dullness over time. With the right cleansers, it becomes less of a technique and more of a natural extension of your evening regime.

Explore the full Liz Earle cleansing collection to find a cleanser that complements your skin.

Frequently asked questions about double cleansingFrequently asked questions about double cleansing

Can you double cleanse every day?

Yes, double cleansing is a great addition to your daily evening regime, especially using one that’s tailored to your skin type while deeply cleansing. Over time, consistency helps enhance the overall feel and appearance of your skin.

Do you need to double cleanse if you don’t wear make up?

Even without make up, SPF, excess oil and daily environmental build-up (like pollution, dirt and sweat) accumulate on the skin. Double cleansing helps ensure these are fully removed, leaving skin better prepared for the rest of your regime.