We all technically know that double cleansing is essential to truly clear our skin- not just to remove stubborn makeup, but also to get rid of everything else that builds up throughout the day: pollution, grease, sweat, and all the other invisible impurities hanging in the air.

Still, it’s one of those skincare steps that’s surprisingly hard to adopt. After all, it adds an extra layer to what might already be a multi-step routine. It’s easy to stick to on a relaxed Sunday, when time isn’t ticking—but on a Tuesday evening, even making it to the shower can feel like a chore.

So the real question is: do you really need this extra step, or could you get away without it? According to the experts at PERS, the luxury, doctor-led French skincare brand we reviewed here, the answer is yes. You do need it.

What exactly is double cleansing?

Double cleansing involves using two different types of cleansers, one after the other, to achieve a deeper, more effective cleanse. Step one should be an oil-based cleanser, which works like a magnet for oil-based impurities: makeup, sunscreen, excess sebum, and pollutants that cling to the skin’s natural oils. Step two follows with a water-based cleanser, which is meant to wash away sweat, dirt, and any remaining residue.

Then, a water-based cleanser sweeps away sweat, dirt, and any leftover residues. This two-step routine ensures skin is truly clean, not just superficially fresh, ready to absorb skincare products rather than sitting under a veil of grime or residue.

Why you need to double cleanse

Our skin produces natural oils (sebum) that protect and hydrate, but when mixed with makeup, sunscreen, and pollution, they form a complex barrier that a single cleanse often can’t break down. Water-based cleansers in particular may remove surface dirt but leave behind residue that clogs pores and dulls the complexion.

Oil-based cleansers like balms are excellent at breaking down oil-based impurities — think makeup, face sunscreen, excess sebum, and pollution particles. They melt away products that cling to the skin’s surface in a way that water-based cleansers can’t. However, they don’t fully remove water-based grime like sweat, dust, or some environmental debris.

They can also leave a light residue behind, which, if not rinsed properly, may interfere with the next steps in your skincare routine. That’s where the second step comes in.

Water-based cleansers are typically foaming gels, creams, or milky lotions. These are great at lifting sweat, dirt, and lighter debris, but they struggle to dissolve heavier, oil-based products like waterproof makeup, thick SPF, or excess sebum. Without removing those first, your water-based cleanser might only clean the top layer — and end up pushing residue deeper into your pores.

By combining both steps, double cleansing ensures your skin is truly clean, not just surface-level fresh. It creates a clear canvas that allows your serums and moisturisers to penetrate properly, rather than sitting on top of a layer of grime.

When should you double cleanse?

According to PERS, double cleansing should be part of your evening skincare routine — particularly if you’ve worn makeup or sunscreen during the day (which, hopefully, all of us do). The idea is to break down oil-based grime first and then follow up with a water-based cleanser to clear out sweat, dirt, and leftover residue. That way, your skin is properly prepped for any treatments or moisturisers that follow.

In the morning, PERS recommends a single gentle cleanse — just enough to refresh the skin and remove any overnight sweat or product residue.

What if you’re using retinol?

If you’re using retinol or other active ingredients at night, that evening double cleanse becomes even more essential. Dermatologists (like Dr Sam Bunting and others) advise thoroughly removing SPF and makeup before applying potent actives — this helps reduce the risk of irritation and allows those ingredients to work more effectively.

Then, in the morning, it’s just as important to cleanse — not with a harsh scrub, but with something gentle. This step helps wash away any retinol left on the surface and preps your skin for sunscreen, which is crucial since retinol can increase sun sensitivity.

The new PERS double cleansing duo

As you probably already know, PERS is all about doing more with less — a clean, minimalist routine that cuts the clutter and gives your skin exactly what it needs (and nothing it doesn’t). Their streamlined lineup of just four products — a light or rich cream, retinol, vitamin C, and eye cream — has long been the blueprint for low-effort, high-quality skincare.

But until now, the range was missing one thing: a solid cleanse. Enter the new cleansing duo — the first step in PERS’ routine just got a major upgrade.

Step one: the Radiance Cleansing Balm. Made with nourishing oils like almond, apricot, grape seed and safflower, it melts away makeup, sunscreen, and city grime in one swipe. The texture is lush and buttery — perfect for a bit of facial massage, which not only feels like a treat but also gets your circulation going and helps lift away impurities more effectively.

Follow that with step two: the pH-balanced Cleansing Gel. This one has 1% Centella Asiatica (a go-to for soothing and strengthening your skin barrier), plus a 3% anti-pollution complex and antioxidant vitamins C and E. It gently sweeps away anything left behind to leave your skin fresh, calm, and totally ready to soak up your serums and creams.

The packaging and branding is gorgeous, as one would expect. But the quality of the formulas isn’t disappointing either. Both cleansers feel elevated and considered — the balm glides on like silk, melting away the day without a trace of residue, while the gel leaves your skin feeling properly clean, not tight or squeaky.

Tips for mastering double cleansing

1. Make it a habit

Double cleansing is most effective in the evening when skin has accumulated makeup, sunscreen, and pollutants throughout the day. While some may benefit from morning double cleansing, for many, a single gentle cleanse is sufficient to start the day fresh.

2. Choose your products carefully

An ideal oil-based cleanser will melt makeup and impurities without leaving an oily residue or clogging pores. Avoid balms with heavy fragrances or unnecessary fillers, as they can irritate sensitive skin. For the second cleanse, opt for a mild gel or foam cleanser with soothing ingredients like Centella or chamomile, which respect the skin’s natural pH and barrier function.

3. Use the right technique

Begin with dry hands and face when applying the cleansing balm. Massage it in circular motions to dissolve makeup and sebum, then emulsify with warm water until the texture changes to a milky consistency before rinsing off. Follow with the gel cleanser on damp skin, massaging gently to remove residual impurities, and rinse thoroughly.

4. Listen to your skin

Skin conditions and sensitivities vary daily. If double cleansing causes dryness or irritation, reduce frequency or switch to gentler formulations. The goal is balanced cleansing — not stripping or over-exfoliating.

5. Hydrate and protect after cleansing

Once the skin is clean, it’s primed for serums and moisturisers that reinforce the skin barrier and provide lasting hydration. Don’t skip this step; clean skin needs nourishment and protection.

6. Turn cleansing into a mindful ritual

Rather than rushing, use double cleansing as a moment to pause and care for yourself. The gentle massage not only lifts impurities but also encourages relaxation and improved circulation — it’s all about the small details.

Double cleansing might sound simple, but it’s a transformative step that can make a significant difference in how your skin looks and feels. By truly removing buildup, you enable your skin to breathe and your skincare products to perform at their best. If you’re spending on high-quality products, you might as well do everything in your power so they perform properly, right?