OCM FAQ: Should You Double Cleanse?

To double cleanse or not to double cleanse…

When it comes to Badger's cleansing oils, we get this question a lot.

In short: no, you do not need to double cleanse with Badger cleansing oils. To understand why, read on!

What is double cleansing?

Double cleansing is exactly what it sounds like. It is a method using an oil cleanser first and then a water-based cleanser, in two separate steps.

Why double cleanse?

The idea is to use the oil to remove makeup and then the water-based cleanser to remove the oil. The technique, which originated in Asia, is rumored to make your second face wash more effective. I’ve also read that it makes face oils absorb better.

Badger’s take:

Any ritual that makes you feel beautiful is a good thing. So if the double cleanse appeals to you, you should absolutely do it.

But we think double cleansing is a bit unnecessary. Especially if you are using high-quality, organic, plant-based oils.

Why?

Your skin produces oil called sebum. This oil helps to protect the skin from moisture loss and keep it supple and healthy. When we strip oil from our face (as we do when we use soap or some water-based cleansers), our skin seeks to replace it. This can lead to the overproduction of sebum and result in an oily complexion.

Badger oil cleansers were formulated as an alternative to water-based cleansers, which strip sebum from the face. With our oil cleansers, clean, organic plant oils replace soiled oils while retaining the natural oil balance of your skin.

So double cleansing is actually counterproductive as well as being unnecessary. Because oil + skin = BFFs.

But then why do people double cleanse?

There are a few reasons why you might choose to double cleanse.

You might be worried that when you use an oil cleanser your face isn’t really getting clean. This is not the case! Castor oil draws impurities out from within the pores. It deeply cleanses while being remarkably gentle. So even though your face doesn’t feel “squeaky clean”, it is.

There are also many different oil cleansers on the market, and some have emulsifiers built in that attach to water and rinse clean from your face. If you are using that type of oil cleanser, double cleansing may make more sense. However, assuming you are using Badger cleansing oils, this probably doesn’t apply to you.

And if double cleansing makes your skin happy, you should do it! Your skin is unique to you, and ultimately you know what’s best for it. The purpose of this post is not to discourage any particular skin care routine.

Anything else?

Changing your face care regimen can cause breakouts and dry patches, regardless of the cleanser you’re using. It can take some people’s skin upwards of 4 weeks to transition. So if you’ve just started the OCM and are experiencing breakouts, give it a month before deciding to add another step or changing your routine.

And it might be true that double cleansing helps face oils to absorb better. But any water on your face will also help face oils to absorb better. So in lieu of double cleansing, I just apply a nice hydrosol between oil cleanser and face oil.

Check out Badger's Oil Cleansing Method Products.

Do you double cleanse? Leave thoughts, tips, and tricks in the comments below!