Should You Use Facial Cleanser After Removing Makeup?
The controversy over whether double cleansing is needed after makeup removal, scientifically analyzing when it's necessary and when it's not.

Written by skin_diary
Should You Use Facial Cleanser After Removing Makeup?
Makeup removal is an essential skincare step after wearing makeup, but there's ongoing controversy about whether "using facial cleanser after makeup removal" is necessary. Some believe "double cleansing" is needed for thorough cleaning, while others worry that over-cleansing may damage the skin barrier. So, should you use facial cleanser after removing makeup? Let's analyze this question from a scientific perspective.
Analysis of Makeup Remover Characteristics
🧴 Main Types of Makeup Removers
To understand whether double cleansing is needed, we first need to understand how different makeup removers work:
Makeup Removing Oil:
- Main ingredients: Mineral oil, plant oil, emulsifiers
- Working principle: Oil dissolves oil, dissolving the oily components in makeup
- Advantages: Strong makeup removal ability, suitable for heavy makeup
- Disadvantages: May leave oil residue, requires thorough emulsification
Makeup Removing Water:
- Main ingredients: Water, surfactants, moisturizers
- Working principle: Dissolves makeup through surfactants
- Advantages: Convenient to use,refreshing skin feel
- Disadvantages: May require repeated wiping, surfactants may cause irritation
Makeup Removing Milk/Cream:
- Main ingredients: Water, oils, emulsifiers
- Working principle: Gently cleanses makeup through emulsification
- Advantages: Gentle texture, suitable for sensitive skin
- Disadvantages: Relatively weaker makeup removal ability
Makeup Removing Wipes:
- Main ingredients: Non-woven fabric impregnated with makeup remover
- Working principle: Physical friction combined with chemical cleansing
- Advantages: Portable and convenient
- Disadvantages: Easy to over-friction, may irritate skin
⚠️ Potential Residue Issues After Makeup Removal
Residue issues that may occur after using different makeup removers:
Oil Residue:
- Oily products like makeup oils and balms
- Even after emulsification, trace oil residue may remain
- Especially when emulsification is incomplete or rinsing is insufficient
Surfactant Residue:
- Cleansing ingredients in makeup removing water and wipes
- May leave irritating substances on the skin surface
- Long-term residue may cause sensitivity
Makeup Residue:
- Waterproof makeup (such as waterproof mascara, long-wear lip gloss)
- Single makeup removal may not completely remove it
- Requires specialized strong makeup removers
Other Ingredient Residue:
- Fragrances, preservatives, dyes, and other additives
- May cause allergic or irritating reactions
- Sensitive skin needs special attention
Scientific Analysis of Double Cleansing
✅ Situations Requiring "Double Cleansing"
1. When Using Oily Makeup Removers
Scientific Basis:
- Although oily makeup removers are emulsified, trace oil residue may still remain
- This residue may clog pores, causing blackheads or acne
- Especially for the T-zone of oily and combination skin
Specific Situations:
- Makeup oil/balm: May leave an oily film even after emulsification
- Recommendation: Use gentle amino acid facial cleanser
- Note: Avoid strong degreasing soap-based facial cleansers
2. After Heavy or Waterproof Makeup
Cleansing Challenges:
- Waterproof mascara: Contains waterproof ingredients, difficult to remove with ordinary makeup removers
- Long-wear lip gloss: Has strong adhesion
- High-coverage foundation: Strong coverage, difficult to remove
Recommended Process:
- First use specialized eye and lip makeup remover for key areas
- Then use facial makeup remover to cleanse the entire face
- Finally use gentle facial cleanser for secondary cleansing
3. Specific Skin Types
Oily Skin:
- Abundant sebum secretion, easy to mix with makeup removers
- May still feel oily after makeup removal
- Moderate secondary cleansing helps control oil
Combination Skin:
- More oil secretion in T-zone, needs focused cleansing
- Can use facial cleanser only on T-zone
- Cheeks can use gentle makeup remover only
4. In Highly Polluted Environments
Pollutant Adhesion:
- PM2.5, dust: Tiny particles easily adhere to makeup
- Car exhaust: Contains oily pollutants
- Industrial pollution: May contain chemical substances
Cleansing Necessity:
- Makeup removal alone may not remove all pollutants
- Need surfactant-assisted cleansing
- Protect skin from long-term pollutant contact
❌ Situations Where "Double Cleansing" Is Not Needed
1. After Using Gentle Makeup Removers
Gentle Product Characteristics:
- Makeup removing water: Such as Bioderma pink water, Avene makeup remover water
- Makeup removing milk: Gentle texture, low residue risk
- Rinse-free makeup removers: Designed to not require subsequent cleansing
Scientific Principle:
- These product formulas already consider residue issues
- Moderate surfactant concentration won't cause excessive irritation
- Added soothing and moisturizing ingredients
2. Light Makeup or Only Sunscreen
Light Makeup:
- Primer, BB cream: Light coverage
- Daily sunscreen: Non-waterproof formula
- Light makeup: Less usage, easy to clean
Cleansing Principle:
- Avoid over-cleansing that damages skin barrier
- Gentle makeup removal already meets cleansing needs
- Reduce unnecessary chemical ingredient contact
3. Dry or Sensitive Skin
Skin Characteristics:
- Thin stratum corneum: Easily irritated by cleansing products
- Insufficient sebum secretion: Over-cleansing worsens dryness
- Weak barrier function: Needs gentle care
Care Principles:
- Choose the gentlest makeup removers
- Avoid multi-step cleansing
- Focus on protecting and repairing skin barrier
Recommended Regimen:
- Use makeup removing milk or cream
- Gently massage and rinse with warm water
- Avoid using facial cleanser
4. When Using "Multi-functional" Makeup Removers
Product Characteristics:
- 3-in-1 makeup removing water: Makeup removal + toning + moisturizing
- Rinse-free makeup removers: No subsequent cleansing needed
- Gentle formula: Specifically designed for sensitive skin
Usage Recommendations:
- Follow product instructions strictly
- No additional cleansing steps needed
- Observe skin reactions and adjust as needed
Principles for Scientifically Choosing Double Cleansing
📊 Decision Reference Table
Factor | Need Double Cleansing | No Need for Double Cleansing |
---|---|---|
Makeup Remover | Oil/balm, wipes | Water/milk, rinse-free products |
Makeup Type | Heavy, waterproof makeup | Light makeup, daily sunscreen |
Skin Type | Oily, combination | Dry, sensitive |
Environmental Factors | Highly polluted environment | Indoor, clean environment |
Seasonal Factors | Summer with more sweating | Winter dry period |
🎯 Personalized Selection Strategy
Adjust Based on Makeup Remover
For Oily Makeup Remover Users:
- Choose gentle amino acid facial cleanser
- Avoid soap-based strong cleansing products
- Focus cleansing on T-zone, gentle treatment for cheeks
For Water-Based Makeup Remover Users:
- Observe skin cleansing level
- If no oily feeling, facial cleanser can be skipped
- Sensitive skin prioritizes single cleansing
Adjust Based on Skin Condition
When Skin Condition Is Good:
- Can appropriately simplify cleansing steps
- Focus on protecting skin barrier
- Avoid over-intervention
During Skin Issues:
- Reduce cleansing steps during sensitive periods
- Increase cleansing moderately during acne periods
- Adjust cleansing intensity during seasonal changes
Adjust Based on Living Environment
Urban Polluted Environment:
- Appropriately increase cleansing intensity
- Focus on removing pollutants
- Choose anti-pollution skincare products
Clean Environment:
- Reduce unnecessary cleansing
- Focus on moisturizing and repairing
- Maintain natural skin balance
Correct Methods for "Double Cleansing"
🔧 Operation Techniques
If double cleansing is indeed needed, follow these scientific methods:
1. Choose Gentle Facial Cleanser
Recommended Types:
- Amino acid facial cleansers: Gentle and non-irritating, suitable for daily use
- Soap-free formulas: Avoid over-degreasing
- Weakly acidic pH: Maintains skin's acidic protective film
Types to Avoid:
- Soap-based facial cleansers: Overly strong cleansing, easily damages barrier
- Strong oil-control types: May over-cleanse
- Contains granular scrubs: Excessive physical irritation
2. Control Cleansing Frequency
Timing:
- Evening: Can perform double cleansing after makeup
- Morning: Only use warm water or gentle cleansing
- Frequency: Avoid multiple deep cleansings per day
Periodic Adjustment:
- Adjust frequency based on skin condition
- Reduce cleansing during sensitive periods
- Appropriately increase during high sebum secretion periods
3. Pay Attention to Cleansing Technique
Correct Steps:
- Thoroughly massage and emulsify makeup remover
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water
- Take appropriate amount of facial cleanser and lather in palms
- Gently massage face for 30-60 seconds
- Rinse with warm water until no slippery feeling remains
Key Techniques:
- Water temperature control: 32-34°C warm water is most suitable
- Massage pressure: Gentle, avoid excessive friction
- Time control: Facial cleanser on face for no more than 1 minute
- Thorough rinsing: Ensure no product residue
4. Timely Moisturization After Cleansing
Importance:
- Cleansing temporarily disrupts the sebum film
- Need to replenish water and oils promptly
- Maintain skin barrier function
Moisturization Steps:
- Pat dry water immediately after cleansing
- Use toner within 3 minutes
- Apply lotion or cream to lock in moisture
- Adjust amount based on skin needs
Dangers of Over-Cleansing
⚠️ Skin Barrier Damage
Barrier Function Disruption:
- Thinning stratum corneum, reduced protection
- Over-removal of sebum film
- Loss of intercellular lipids
Clinical Manifestations:
- Increased skin sensitivity
- Appearance of red blood vessels, stinging sensation
- Strong reactions to external stimuli
💧 Water-Oil Balance Disruption
"Oily Outside, Dry Inside" Phenomenon:
- Skin perceives excessive dryness
- Reflexively increases sebum secretion
- Forms oily outside, dry inside problem skin
Long-term Consequences:
- Enlarged pores
- Increased acne and blackheads
- Rougher skin texture
👵 Accelerated Skin Aging
Aging Mechanism:
- Damaged barrier allows free radicals to invade
- Collagen synthesis affected
- Skin repair ability declines
Symptoms:
- Premature fine lines
- Decreased skin elasticity
- Uneven skin tone
🔴 Risk of Skin Diseases
Common Diseases:
- Rosacea: Over-cleansing may trigger or worsen
- Seborrheic dermatitis: Disrupts skin microbiome balance
- Contact dermatitis: Allergic to cleansing products
Prevention Measures:
- Choose gentle products
- Control cleansing frequency
- Pay attention to moisturizing and repair
Scientific Recommendations and Summary
🎯 Personalized Cleansing Regimens
Oily Skin
Cleansing Strategy:
- Can perform moderate double cleansing
- Choose oil-controlling but not overly harsh products
- Focus cleansing on T-zone, gentle treatment for cheeks
Product Recommendations:
- Gentle makeup removing water/oil + amino acid facial cleanser
- Avoid strong degreasing products
- Regular use of cleansing masks
Dry Skin
Cleansing Principles:
- Try to avoid double cleansing
- Choose nourishing makeup removers
- Focus on protecting skin barrier
Product Selection:
- Primarily makeup removing milk/cream
- Avoid alcohol-containing products
- Strengthen subsequent moisturization
Sensitive Skin
Gentle Care:
- Strictly control cleansing steps
- Choose products specifically designed for sensitive skin
- Avoid frequent changes in cleansing methods
Precautions:
- Perform allergy tests first
- Stop using immediately if discomfort occurs
- Consult dermatologist when necessary
Combination Skin
Zone Care:
- Can moderately strengthen cleansing on T-zone
- Choose gentle cleansing for cheeks
- Adjust strategy according to seasons
📋 General Principles
- "Clean As Needed": Decide whether double cleansing is needed based on actual situation
- "Gentle Priority": Choose the gentlest and most effective cleansing regimen
- "Timely Moisturization": Immediately moisturize after cleansing
- "Observe Reactions": Adjust cleansing methods promptly based on skin reactions
🔍 Judgment Criteria
Signals for Double Cleansing:
- Still feeling oily after makeup removal
- Incomplete makeup removal
- T-zone prone to oiliness and clogging
Signals to Stop Double Cleansing:
- Skin showing sensitivity symptoms
- Excessive dryness and tightness
- Increased red blood vessels
Summary
Whether to use facial cleanser after removing makeup has no absolute answer and needs to be judged based on three key factors: makeup remover type, makeup intensity, and skin type. In most cases, if gentle makeup removers are used for daily light makeup, facial cleanser is not needed after makeup removal. However, in specific situations such as using oily makeup removers, wearing heavy makeup, or having oily skin, moderate double cleansing is beneficial.
Key Points:
- Double cleansing is not needed by everyone
- Choose cleansing regimens considering product characteristics and skin condition
- Gentle cleansing is more important than thorough cleansing
- Over-cleansing may damage skin barrier
- Post-cleansing moisturization is equally important
The core of scientific skincare is "moderation" - thorough cleansing while avoiding over-cleansing that damages the skin barrier. Flexibly adjust according to personal circumstances and observe skin reactions to find the most suitable cleansing method. Remember: The best cleansing method is the one that suits you!