The 2-Step Method
Step 1: Oil Cleanser (Dry Skin)
Apply an oil or balm to dry
skin. Massage for 60 seconds. This step dissolves sebum, SPF, and makeup. Add water to
emulsify (turn it milky), then rinse.
Step 2: Water Cleanser (Damp Skin)
Follow with a gel or foam cleanser. This
removes any oily residue and sweat, leaving your pores perfectly clean.
📊 Top 10 First-Step Cleansers
| Product |
Best For |
Type |
Price |
| Banila Co Clean It Zero |
Best Overall |
Balm |
$19 |
| DHC Deep Cleansing Oil |
Heavy Makeup |
Oil |
$29 |
| Anua Heartleaf Pore Control |
Whiteheads |
Oil |
$18 |
| Kose Softymo Speedy |
Budget |
Oil |
$11 |
| Farmacy Green Clean |
Luxury |
Balm |
$36 |
| Bioderma Sensibio micellar |
Lazy Days |
Water |
$16 |
| The Ordinary Squalane |
Sensitive |
Cream-to-Oil |
$9 |
| Elf Holy Hydration Balm |
Drugstore Balm |
Balm |
$11 |
| Clinique Take The Day Off |
Fragrance Free |
Balm |
$38 |
| Tatcha Camellia Oil |
Spa Experience |
Oil |
$50 |
Best Cleansers for Double Cleansing
1. Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Original
Best for: Everyone.
Why we love it: This K-Beauty icon sells every 3 seconds globally. It looks like a
sorbet but melts into a silky oil on your skin. It removes waterproof mascara without stinging your
eyes.
Pros:
- Doesn't drip
- Takes off everything
- Rinses clean
Cons: Has a light scent.
2. DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
Best for: Stubborn waterproof makeup.
Why we love it: The gold standard of oil cleansers. Made with olive oil, it feels
rich and luxurious. It grabs onto sebum plugs and dislodges them effectively.
Pros:
- Powerful cleanser
- Fragrance-free
- Simple ingredients
Cons: Thick texture (some dislike it).
3. Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
Best for: Acne-prone skin & blackheads.
Why we love it: This went viral on TikTok for a reason. It is incredibly lightweight
(like water) and contains heartleaf extract to soothe acne. You can literally see blackheads popping
out as you massage.
Pros:
- Non-comedogenic
- Targets sebaceous filaments
- Very light
Cons: Often sold out.
4. Kose Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil
Best for: Budget shoppers.
Why we love it: At $11, it's a steal. It emulsifies (turns milky) instantly upon
contact with water, making it the fastest to rinse off. No oily film left behind.
Pros:
- Super cheap
- Rinses fast
- Refills available
Cons: Mineral oil base (not for everyone).
5. Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm
Best for: A luxe experience.
Why we love it: It smells like lime and bergamot spa water. It contains papaya
enzymes to gently exfoliate while it cleanses. It feels incredibly refreshing.
Pros:
- Exfoliating
- Smells amazing
- Eco-friendly jar
Cons: Essential oils can irritate sensitive eyes.
6. Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water
Best for: The "lazy" first cleanse.
Why we love it: If you hate oil or balms, soak a cotton pad with this and wipe. It
grabs makeup like a magnet. It's the only micellar water that perfectly respects the skin's
biological balance.
Pros:
- No rinsing needed
- Gentle
- No oil feel
Cons: Creates cotton pad waste.
7. Elf Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm
Best for: Drugstore dupe.
Why we love it: It's a dupe for Clinique and Farmacy at a fraction of the price.
Packed with Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramides, it leaves skin feeling plump, not stripped.
Pros:
- $11 price point
- Hydrating ingredients
- Solid performance
Cons: Small jar.
8. The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser
Best for: Sensitive skin.
Why we love it: It comes out as a cream and melts into an oil as you rub it. It uses
Squalane, a skin-identical fat, so it is impossible to cause a reaction. Very plain and effective.
Pros:
- Unscented
- Tube packaging
- Very gentle
Cons: Requires 30 seconds of rubbing to melt.
Does Oil Cleansing Cause Acne?
No. In fact, "like dissolves like." Oil dissolves the oil in your pores better than
soap does. The key is to rinse it off completely. Modern oil cleansers contain
emulsifiers that turn milky and wash away with water. They do not clog pores if used correctly.
✅ Quick Summary Checklist
- ☑️ Best Balm: Banila Co Clean It Zero
- ☑️ Best for Acne: Anua Heartleaf
- ☑️ Best Budget: Kose Softymo Speedy
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to double cleanse in the morning?
No. A single water-based cleanse (or just water) is enough in the morning. Double cleansing is for
removing sunscreen and makeup at night.
Can I use coconut oil?
Avoid it on your face. Coconut oil is highly comedogenic (pore-clogging) and does
not emulsify with water, meaning it's hard to wash off. Stick to formulated cleansing oils.
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Final Thoughts
If you make one change to your routine this year, make it double cleansing. It is
the single most effective way to prevent breakouts and improve skin texture. Try the Banila
Co Balm—it's a game changer.
Ivana Dsouza
Beauty editor and skincare researcher at NxtLifestyle. Dedicated to finding
scientifically-backed products that actually work.