Double Cleansing, Explained: Why Your Evening Starts With Oil
If you wear sunscreen every day — and we hope you do — a single cleanse may not be lifting everything at night. Modern sunscreens and long-wear makeup are formulated to resist water and sweat, which is exactly why they can linger. Double cleansing is the simple fix: an oil-based cleanse to dissolve, then a water-based cleanse to rinse clean.
Step one: melt
Oil dissolves oil. Scoop a small amount of Sunrise Cleansing Balm and warm it between your fingertips until it turns to a silky oil. Massage it over dry skin for a full minute, including gently over closed eyes. This is the moment to slow down — the massage is part of the ritual.
Add a splash of water and the balm turns milky. Rinse, or sweep away with a warm, damp muslin cloth.
Step two: rinse clean
Follow with one pump of Tidepool Gel Cleanser on damp skin. It lifts any remaining residue and leaves skin feeling fresh, so your serums can sit directly on clean skin.
Do you need to double cleanse every night?
Not necessarily. We suggest it on any day you wore sunscreen, makeup or spent time in the city. On quiet days at home, a single gentle cleanse is plenty. Skin that feels dry or tight after cleansing is asking you to do less, not more.
Common mistakes
- Applying balm to wet skin. Water stops the oil from doing its job. Start dry.
- Hot water. It feels lovely but can leave skin feeling tight. Lukewarm is best.
- Scrubbing with the cloth. Press and sweep. Never rub.
Our Evening Ritual Set pairs the balm with our bakuchiol serum and night cream for a complete wind-down.
