Double Cleansing: The Best Japanese Oil & Water Cleansers For Every Skin Type

For Clean & Clear Skin

By Jessica Saabor |
November 12, 2025 |
Lifestyle, Style & Beauty

Learn about the traditional geisha skincare technique of double cleansing that is still used today to achieve fresh, soft and radiant skin.

Double cleansing might seem like a 21st-century TikTok trend, but it has actually been practiced by women in Japan and Korea since the 1300s. The ritual was later perfected by Geisha, who relied on it to maintain their beautiful skin beneath layers of traditional makeup.

Their method involved two steps: first, using oil to break down the thick makeup, then following with a gentle rice-bran wash to remove any residue. It was (and continues to be) of the utmost importance for these women to be able to maintain their heavy makeup routine without it having adverse effects on their skin condition.

The technique doesn’t require any fancy products or expensive equipment, but it can result in beautifully radiant skin. Continue reading to discover the top Japanese skincare products for double cleansing and learn how to incorporate this technique into your routine.

What Is Double Cleansing?

Photo of woman applying cream on her face while looking in the mirror

Double cleansing is a skincare technique where, instead of simply washing your face quickly in the evening, you use both oil-based and water-based cleansers to achieve clean and mochi-soft skin. The two-step cleansing style effectively cleanses your skin of all makeup residue, dirt and excess oil, eliminating the need for harsh chemicals or scrubbing.

This should be the first step of your evening skincare routine, which, with the right products and the proper application, will leave your skin feeling fresh, soft and radiant.

Step One: Oil Cleansing

One of the most essential qualities of makeup and facial SPF is that they need to be somewhat waterproof in order to withstand sweat, rain and the general wear of a twelve-hour day. To achieve this, these products are formulated so that they do not break down just in water. That’s why using an oil-based cleanser as your first step is so essential: it removes heavy product on the skin without you having to scrub and potentially irritate your face.

Step Two: Water-Based Wash

Even after washing away your oil-based cleanser, you may still notice a slight slick or residue on your skin. That’s where the water-based face wash comes in. This second cleansing step works to clean your skin of any buildup, oil-resistant product or oil-cleanser residue for perfectly clean skin. Skip this step, and you risk blocked pores and even breakouts.

Double Cleansing For Sensitive Skin

With sensitive skin, every added product can pose a risk of irritation or reaction, but what’s more concerning is the impact of leaving product buildup on your skin overnight. For a sensitive-skin-friendly routine, look for cleansing products with simple ingredients, avoiding those that contain exfoliating agents.

b.glen Clay Wash | ¥4,290 for 150g

Double Cleansing For Dry Skin

For individuals with dry skin, cleansing can be a daunting skincare step that strips away natural oils, leaving the face feeling tight and uncomfortable. However, with the right products, double cleansing can actually help moisturise the skin. Prioritize ingredients like ヒアルロン酸 (hiaruron san; “hyaluronic acid”), which helps hydrate while cleansing, and スクアラン (sukuaran; “squalane”), which encourages the skin to retain moisture.

Budget

Kose Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil | ¥768 for 240ml

Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Face Wash | ¥660 for 160ml

Mid-Tier

DHC Cleansing Oil | ¥2,450 for 200ml

Sekkisei Brightening Cream Wash | ¥2,530 for 130g

Luxury

Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil | ¥15,400 for 450ml

Clé de Peau Mousse Nettoyante Clarifiante | ¥7,260 for 140g

Double Cleansing For Oily Skin

If you have oily skin, you may be tempted to avoid oil-based products altogether. It might seem counterintuitive, but the double cleanse has the potential to better control your skin’s oil production by removing excess oil but not stripping what is essential. It’s also vital to limit oil buildup that can make pores appear larger and lead to breakouts.

Budget

Matsukiyo Cleansing Oil | ¥598 for 250ml

Momopuri Moist Cleansing Face Wash | ¥880 for 150g

Mid-Tier

Clayge Cleansing Balm Black | ¥1,760 for 95g

Dr. K Medicated Clear Cleansing Gel | ¥3,850 for 150g

Luxury

Sensai UTM The Cleansing Oil | ¥14,850 for 150ml

Shiseido Clarifying Cleansing Foam | ¥4,620 for 125g

Double Cleansing For Acne-Prone Skin

It’s well known that a proper cleansing routine is essential for preventing acne breakouts, and implementing the double cleanse can really help control your skin. We recommend products containing ingredients such as サリチル酸 (sarichiru san; “salicylic acid”) to gently exfoliate and unclog pores, and トコフェロール (tokoferouru; “tocopherol”) to aid in the healing of acne scars.

Budget

Keana Nadeshiko Baking Soda Cleansing Gel | ¥1,100 for 100g

DHC Medicated Acne Control Fresh Foaming Wash | ¥860 for 130g

Mid-Tier

&honey Cleansing Balm Clear | ¥1,980 for 90g

MAY Jelly Cleansing Wash | ¥1,980 for 200g

Luxury

Shiseido BAUM Cleansing Oil | ¥4,400 for 180ml

SK-II Facial Treatment Cleanser | ¥8,800 for 120g

The Art Of Japanese Skincare

Antique Japanese Illustration: Two women by Torii Kiyonaga

Unlike Western skincare practices, Japanese products and techniques are designed with a focus on balance and gentleness. Generally, J-beauty products are less about active ingredients and dramatic results, and are designed to work with your skin in its current condition, supporting it for long-term beauty and radiance.

Everyone’s skin is different, and the exact same product will likely work differently on two people, even if they have the same skin type. The key is to introduce new skincare steps carefully and one at a time.

If you are trying out the double cleanse for the first time, take care to limit other new products and techniques for at least a month. Skin time to adjust, with the real benefits of the double cleanse technique showing across months and years, not hours or days.

What products do you use in your double cleansing routine?