An oil cleanser is the first step of the K-beauty double cleanse and the unsung hero of any routine that includes SPF or makeup. It's an oil-based formula that dissolves anything oil-based on your face: makeup, sunscreen, sebum, pollution. Because oil attracts oil, it lifts impurities away without stripping your skin barrier the way harsh foaming cleansers can.

You apply it to dry skin, massage for 30 to 60 seconds, then add water to emulsify. The formula turns milky as it mixes with water, then rinses off cleanly. Your skin should feel soft afterwards, not tight or squeaky.

Cult favourites in our community: ANUA Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil (the viral one for blemish-prone skin), Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil (gentle and brightening), and Heimish All Clean Balm (a balm-to-oil texture, great for dry skin).

Double cleansing is the Korean approach to evening cleansing: an oil cleanser first to dissolve oil-based impurities (makeup, SPF, sebum, pollution that's stuck to oil), then a water-based cleanser to remove anything water-based (sweat, dirt, residue from the first cleanse).

Single cleansing often isn't enough to get everything off, especially if you wear daily SPF (which you should) or makeup. What gets left behind can clog pores, dull your complexion, and stop your serums and moisturisers from absorbing properly.

Double cleansing matters most in the evening. It's especially important if you wear heavy or long-wear makeup, mineral-based SPF, or live in a high-pollution city. In the morning, a single water cleanse is usually enough.

The Korean approach works because each cleanser is doing a specific job rather than one cleanser trying to do everything (and either failing or being too harsh).

First, ensure your skin is dry. Dispense 2-3 pumps of your cleansing oil (or a scoop of cleansing balm) into the palms of your hands. Gently massage the oil into your face for 1-2 minutes (feel free to do it for longer if your skin is particularly congested). Add lukewarm water to emulsify, and then rinse thoroughly. Next, take your water-based cleanser and dispense a small amount into your hands. Gently massage it into damp skin, using a circular motion. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Allow skin to dry and then proceed with the rest of your skincare routine.

For most people, twice a day is overkill. The evening double cleanse is the one that really matters because that's when you're removing SPF, makeup, and the day's pollution buildup.

In the morning, your skin doesn't have makeup or SPF on it yet (just overnight skincare and natural sebum), so a single water-based cleanser is usually enough. Some people prefer just rinsing with water in the morning to avoid over-cleansing.

If you're noticing dryness, tightness, or barrier irritation, scale back. Double cleansing every night, single-cleansing in the morning. If your skin still feels stripped, switch to a gentler oil cleanser or a balm cleanser, which tend to be milder than foaming oils.

Cult favourite for daily double cleansing: ANUA Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil paired with ANUA Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam.