Double Cleansing: Do You Really Need To?
Two cleanses. Twice the build-up removed.
You wash your face every night. You use good skincare. You’re doing the right things.
So why does your skin sometimes still feel congested, oily, dull or just… not that clean?
Here’s the thing: one cleanse doesn’t always remove everything your skin has picked up throughout the day.
SPF, makeup, excess sebum and pollution are largely oil-based, so a water-based cleanser alone may leave some of that build-up behind. That’s where double cleansing comes in.
First cleanse: break it down
An oil cleanser goes first.
Massage it onto dry skin to dissolve the oil-based stuff sitting on the surface — think SPF, makeup, excess sebum and environmental build-up.
With the AWILD Botanical Cleansing Oil, you massage four pumps into dry skin for at least 60 seconds, then add warm water to emulsify before removing with a damp cloth.
It’s not about scrubbing harder. It’s about using the right cleanser for the job.
Second cleanse: clear it out
Then comes your water-based cleanser.
The AWILD Gentle Face Wash tackles the sweat, water-based residue and remaining traces left after your first cleanse. Cactus extract helps replenish moisture while calendula helps condition the skin, so you’re not left with that tight, stripped feeling.
And yes, there’s a reason for doing them in that order.
Oil first. Water second.
The first cleanse clears the way so the second cleanse can actually get to your skin — rather than spending the whole time working through a layer of SPF, makeup and oil.
But do you actually need to double cleanse?
Let’s find out, shall we!
THE MINI DOUBLE CLEANSING QUIZ
Question 1
You literally wear sunscreen daily?
A. Obviously. Never skip it. + 3 points
B. Only when it’s sunny. + 1 point
C. SPF? I don’t know her. + 0 points
Question 2
When it comes to makeup, you’re a…
A. Full glam girl, most days. +3 points
B. Just mascara, concealer and the odd lip. +1 point
C. Hardly ever. +0 points
Question 3
TMI, but how often do you sweat?
A. I’m basically always sweating. +2 points
B. Mostly when I work out or if it’s hot. +1 point
C. I never sweat. +0 points
Question 4
At the end of the day, my skin is…
A. Oily, like really greasy. +3 points
B. A little shiny, a little dry. +1 point
C. Dry as the desert. −2 points
Question 5
How much daily grime are we talking?
A. Lots of outside time, pretty dirty. +2 points
B. A mix of indoor + outdoor. +1 point
C. Mostly indoors, mostly chill. +0 points
YOUR SCORE
7+ POINTS — DOUBLE CLEANSE, NO QUESTION
SPF, sweat, makeup and environmental build-up are making a regular appearance on your face. Your skin has a lot to clear at the end of the day, so giving it two cleansing steps makes sense.
3–6 POINTS — PROBABLY WORTH IT
You might not need to double cleanse every single night, but on heavy SPF, makeup, workout or outdoor days, your skin will probably appreciate the extra step.
2 POINTS OR LESS — ON THE FENCE
If you’re mostly indoors, rarely wear makeup and don’t use much SPF, one thorough cleanse may be enough most nights. Double cleansing is a tool, not a rule.
So, what’s the easiest way to do it?
Make the two steps work together.
The AWILD Double Cleanse Duo pairs the Botanical Cleansing Oil with the Gentle Face Wash, taking you from oil-based build-up to a proper final clear-out in two simple steps.
Use both in the evening when your skin has a full day to undo. In the morning, skip the oil and use the Gentle Face Wash alone.
Two cleansers. One complete clear-out.