If I’ve applied sunscreen, do I need to use cleansing oil too?
You’ve probably heard people say, “You must double cleanse if you’ve worn sunscreen.” In fact, it depends on what kind of sunscreen you used and how much you applied.
Choosing a cleansing method
- Only light sunscreen
- Suggested cleansing
- One wash with a gentle cleanser is often enough
- Waterproof or tone-up sunscreen
- Suggested cleansing
- Cleansing oil/balm → foam cleanser
- Sunscreen + base makeup
- Suggested cleansing
- Double cleansing
- On sensitive or dry days
- Suggested cleansing
- One cleansing balm wash + lukewarm water
| Situation | Suggested cleansing |
|---|---|
| Only light sunscreen | One wash with a gentle cleanser is often enough |
| Waterproof or tone-up sunscreen | Cleansing oil/balm → foam cleanser |
| Sunscreen + base makeup | Double cleansing |
| On sensitive or dry days | One cleansing balm wash + lukewarm water |
Poll
On days when I only wear sunscreen, how do I cleanse?
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You don’t necessarily have to use oil. Rather than “always double cleanse when you wear sunscreen,” it’s more practical to check the formula and the cleansing instructions. If you’ve applied an appropriate amount of a regular daily sunscreen and the product isn’t labeled “waterproof” or “water resistant,” one wash with a gentle foaming cleanser in the evening is often enough. Check whether a slippery film or makeup residue remains after cleansing.
On the other hand, for waterproof products, tone-up or makeup-type products, or days when you’ve reapplied several times, it may help to first dissolve them with cleansing oil or balm, then finish with a foaming cleanser. If oil feels too heavy, cleansing water is an alternative, but it’s best not to rub hard with the cotton pad. Rinsing with water alone may leave sunscreen residue, so it’s generally not recommended.
If you treat double cleansing as mandatory every day, your skin may feel dry or tight, so adjust based on the product labeling and how your skin feels after cleansing. Of the poll options, “Foam cleanser once” is a perfectly reasonable answer too.