Double Cleansing: The Foundation of Japanese Layering
Double cleansing is the first step of the Japanese layering routine. Performed in the evening, it relies on two complementary steps:
- An oil-based makeup remover dissolves oil-soluble impurities.
- A water-based cleanser removes sweat and any remaining residue.
This method thoroughly cleanses the skin while minimizing friction and avoiding the use of overly harsh cleansers.
It is especially beneficial during summer, when sunscreen, sebum, heat, and perspiration tend to build up more easily on the skin's surface.
Step 1: Cleansing Oil, Balm, or Cleansing Jelly
Makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum are oil-soluble, meaning they dissolve much more effectively in an oil-based texture.
Apply the product to dry skin. Gently massage the face, add a little water to emulsify, then rinse thoroughly.
Choosing Your Makeup Remover
Cleansing Oil — RUHAKU
An organic cleansing oil that removes makeup and sunscreen. Its botanical extracts also provide gentle exfoliating benefits, making it suitable for dull skin or skin prone to clogged pores.
Rice Ferment Cleansing Balm — Bizen
Its balm texture melts into an oil to dissolve even long-wearing makeup, sebum, and sunscreen. It allows for an extended facial massage while leaving the skin feeling comfortable.
Deep Cleansing Oil — DHC
A Japanese skincare staple made with olive oil. Its silky texture effectively removes oil-based impurities and emulsifies with water without leaving a heavy residue.
Cleansing Jelly — Curél
A cleansing jelly designed to remove makeup and sunscreen while minimizing friction. It is particularly suitable for dry and sensitive skin.
Regena Nourishing Cleansing Oil — Waphyto
A lightweight, sensorial cleansing oil that removes makeup, sunscreen, and impurities accumulated throughout the day.
Exfoliating & Pore Cleansing Serum Oil — DECORTÉ
A hybrid texture combining oil cleansing with gentle exfoliation to refine the appearance of pores and skin texture.
Matcha 2 in 1 Gel Cleanser — Bi;jus
A convenient alternative for shorter routines. This two-in-one gel is best suited to those who wear little makeup or non-water-resistant sunscreen.
Step 2: A Water-Based Cleanser
After removing makeup, a water-based cleanser eliminates sweat, dust, and any remaining residue left on the skin's surface.
Apply to damp skin, gently work into a lather, then rinse with lukewarm water. After cleansing, your skin should feel soft and comfortable.
Choosing Your Cleanser
Moisturizing Rice Ferment Soap — Bizen
Bijo;'s best-selling cleanser and winner of the 2026 Bijo; Beauty Award in the Cleanser category, this soap creates a rich, luxurious foam. It can be paired with the Cleansing Balm in the Bizen Double Cleansing Set.
Gentle Clarifying Soap — RUHAKU
A natural soap made with clay and Okinawan gettou, designed to purify the skin without creating a stripped feeling. The RUHAKU Foaming Net makes it easy to create a dense, airy foam.
START AFRESH DAILY Enzyme Powder Wash — IREN Shizen
An enzyme powder that transforms into a foam when mixed with water. It helps remove impurities and dead skin cells responsible for a dull or uneven complexion.
Foaming Facial Cleanser — Curél
A ready-to-use foam designed for dry and sensitive skin. Its airy texture minimizes friction during cleansing.
Moisturizing Clean Foaming Cream — Makanai
A clay-enriched cleansing cream that creates a soft foam to purify the skin while maintaining its comfort.
Regena Foaming Cream — Waphyto
A botanical foaming cream with a luxurious sensorial texture. It pairs perfectly with the Regena Nourishing Cleansing Oil or can be discovered in the Waphyto Discovery Set.
DECORTÉ AQ Absolute Youth & Radiance Cleansing Foam
A premium cleansing foam with a dense, cocooning lather that removes impurities while leaving the skin soft and supple.
Japanese Silk Soap — Cokon Lab
A solid soap with a rich, creamy lather, inspired by Japanese silk craftsmanship.
Exfoliation: A Complementary Step
Cleansing removes daily impurities. Exfoliation helps eliminate dead skin cells that can dull the complexion and make skin texture appear uneven.
It does not need to be performed every day. Excessive exfoliation can weaken the skin barrier, especially when multiple exfoliating products are combined within the same routine.
Japanese Exfoliating Products
START AFRESH DAILY Enzyme Powder Wash — IREN Shizen
An enzyme powder that combines cleansing with gentle enzymatic exfoliation. It can occasionally replace your regular cleanser.
Skin Refining Gel — IREN Shizen
An exfoliating gel that helps remove dead skin cells and excess sebum during massage, without abrasive particles.
GLOW-GETTER Exfoliating Serum — IREN Shizen
A serum formulated with pumpkin seed extract and glycolic acid to support skin renewal and restore radiance.
Exfoliating & Pore Cleansing Serum Oil — DECORTÉ
A formula that combines the removal of oil-based impurities with pore-refining benefits. Avoid using it alongside multiple strong exfoliants in the same routine.
10 Exfoliating Silk Cocoons — Cokon Lab
Natural silk cocoons designed for targeted, ultra-gentle mechanical exfoliation.
SUVÉ Facial Exfoliating Brush — SHAQUDA
A handcrafted natural-bristle brush to be used occasionally with light pressure.
Cleansing Accessories
Natural Konjac Sponge — Makanai
A sponge that enhances cleansing with gentle mechanical exfoliation. It should be thoroughly soaked before use.
Foaming Net — RUHAKU
Creates a rich lather from soap or cleanser, helping to reduce friction during cleansing.
How to Choose Your Double Cleansing Routine
For Dry or Sensitive Skin
Choose comfortable textures that minimize friction:
- Curél Cleansing Jelly and Foaming Cleanser;
- Bizen Cleansing Balm and Moisturizing Soap;
For Combination or Oily Skin
Choose a makeup remover capable of dissolving excess sebum, followed by a gentle purifying cleanser:
- DHC Deep Cleansing Oil;
- DECORTÉ Serum Oil;
- RUHAKU Gentle Clarifying Soap;
- IREN Shizen Enzyme Powder Wash;
- Makanai Foaming Cream.
For Dull or Uneven Skin
Gradually introduce an exfoliating product:
- RUHAKU Cleansing Oil;
- START AFRESH DAILY Enzyme Powder Wash;
- Skin Refining Gel;
- GLOW-GETTER;
- DECORTÉ Serum Oil.
For a Simple Routine
Opt for a well-matched duo:
- Bizen Double Cleansing Set;
- Curél Cleansing Jelly and Foaming Cleanser;
- Waphyto Regena Nourishing Cleansing Oil and Regena Foaming Cream.
The Bi;jus Matcha 2 in 1 Gel Cleanser is also an excellent alternative for those looking to reduce the number of steps.
Mistakes to Avoid
Always apply cleansing oil or balm to dry skin, and don't forget to emulsify it with a little water before rinsing.
Also avoid water that is too hot, rubbing your skin with a towel, and combining several exfoliating products within the same routine.
Skin that feels "squeaky clean" is not necessarily cleaner—after rinsing, it should still feel comfortable and supple.
Refresh Your Layering Routine Before the New Season
Double cleansing is the foundation of the Japanese layering routine. Once the skin is clean, you can continue with lotion, serum, moisturizer, and, in the morning, sunscreen.
After a season marked by heat, perspiration, excess sebum, and repeated sunscreen application, the end of summer is the perfect time to reassess your skincare habits and return to the essentials.
To discover the other steps of Japanese layering, explore our complete guide.
