The ultimate guide to facial cleansing: how do you do a normal cleanse? And a double cleanse?

July 03, 2026

La guida definitiva per la detersione del viso: come si fa quella normale? E la doppia detersione?

Reading time: 8 minutes

Removing makeup and cleansing the face: two actions that seem identical, often becoming one, but which are not the same thing.

Facial cleansing starts the routine: it's the moment when the skin frees itself from sebum, smog, stress, and dust. Without proper skin cleansing, serums and creams remain on the surface and cannot work as they should.

In this guide, we'll understand the meaning of cleansing, debunk some myths, clarify all your doubts about double cleansing, and help you find the right product for your skin.

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WHAT IS FACIAL CLEANSING? THE MEANING OF CLEANSING AND MAKEUP REMOVAL

Let's start with two very simple definitions.
Removing makeup means taking off what you've applied to your face, such as foundation, mascara, SPF.
Facial cleansing goes deeper: it removes sebum, cellular debris, smog particles, everything the skin accumulates during the day (or night).

So what is cleansing for? Facial cleansing keeps the skin's microbiome in balance, prevents clogged pores and dullness, promotes cell renewal, and prepares the skin to absorb everything that comes next. In short, it's what makes the rest of your routine effective.

It should be done twice a day: in the morning, to remove overnight residues, and in the evening, to deep clean everything the day has left behind.

Types of facial cleansers: what they do (and for whom)

Each formula offers a different experience, and finding the right one for you is already half the battle. But don't worry, we're here to help!

Oil and balm dissolve makeup and SPF without affecting the skin barrier. They are classic first steps in double cleansing, especially popular with those prone to dryness and looking for an enveloping result. The oil cleansers Mu-Bye Cleansing Balm and Mu-Bye Smoothy Oil are among Mulac's bestsellers for their gentleness and effective cleansing.

Gel: fresh, lightly foamy, deeply cleanses the skin;

Mousse and foam are airy, light, leaving a feeling of clean skin. They are often formulas designed for oily or acne-prone skin, like our Det-oxy! Cleansing Mousse.

Cream. This is a separate chapter from the other formulas. Dense, enveloping, closer to a pamper than a degreaser, it's the texture that cares for and protects while cleansing, and our Bubble Gleam is the most successful example: a 2-in-1 cream that removes makeup and cleanses in one step, with a melting texture that transforms into a delicate foam upon contact with water.

It is the best product for double cleansing, especially for those who want to simplify without giving anything up.

Mulac has an entire family of products designed for cleansing and makeup removal, to be used alone, in pairs, in the order that feels most right to you. You can find them all in the cleansers and makeup removers catalog.

CLEANSING IN A FEW STEPS: BUBBLE GLEAM 2 IN 1

At this point, you should already be able to answer this question: what to use for double cleansing when you want everything in one single step?

Bubble Gleam 2-in-1 was created precisely from this need: it is the concrete answer for those who want a complete, effective, and delicate cleanse without having to juggle multiple steps and multiple products.

What does 2-in-1 double cleansing mean? It is a formula that combines makeup removal and deep cleansing in a single step, which are the two moments that usually require separate products. The texture is elastic, melting, and playful: when it comes into contact with water, it transforms into a delicate foam on the skin, leaving it cleansed, soft, and radiant. Furthermore, it is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

It is designed for those with busy routines, for those who travel, for those who don't want to multiply products on the bathroom shelf but have no intention of sacrificing the quality of their cleanse.

There is an evolution underway in contemporary skincare: fewer products, more awareness. More intentional choices, more essential rituals. Among the best products for double cleansing for those who embrace this philosophy, Bubble Gleam is Mulac's answer, because simplifying does not mean giving up: it means choosing better.

If you feel that your cleansing step deserves to be redefined, you can start here.

IS DOUBLE CLEANSING REALLY NECESSARY? WHEN YES, WHEN NO, AND THE ALTERNATIVES

Double cleansing, as you probably already know, comes from K-beauty, the world of Korean skincare, and has rapidly spread worldwide, for very good reasons. It involves two distinct steps: first an oil-based cleanser (oil, balm, butter) to dissolve makeup and SPF, then a water-based cleanser to remove deeper impurities and residues. It's an interesting ritual, but it's not the only way to have clean skin, and it's not mandatory for everyone.

Can double cleansing be harmful? Not really, if you use products formulated for it and always maintain a gentle touch. The problem only arises when you choose something too aggressive, or rub with too much energy. As for frequency: in the evening, after a full day outdoors or wearing makeup, is the ideal time to do it.

I tipi di detergenti viso: quale fa cosa (e per chi)

Ogni formula racconta un'esperienza diversa, e trovare quella giusta per sé è già metà del lavoro. Siamo qui per aiutarti!

Olio e burro sciolgono make-up e SPF senza toccare la barriera cutanea. Sono i classici primi step della doppia detersione, apprezzati soprattutto da chi tende alla secchezza e cerca un risultato avvolgente.

Gel: fresco, leggermente schiumoso, deterge la pelle in profondità;

Mousse e schiuma sono ariose, leggere, lasciano una sensazione di pulizia netta.

Crema. È un capitolo a parte rispetto alle altre formule. Densa, avvolgente, più vicina alla coccola che alla sgrassatura, è la texture che si prende cura e protegge mentre deterge, e il nostro Bubble Gleam ne è l'esempio più riuscito: una crema 2-in-1 che strucca e deterge in un gesto solo, con una texture fondente che a contatto con l'acqua si trasforma in schiuma delicata.

E’ il prodotto migliore per la doppia detersione, soprattutto per chi vuole semplificare senza rinunciare a nulla.

Mulac ha un'intera famiglia di prodotti pensati per detergere e struccare, da usare da soli, in coppia, nell'ordine che senti più tuo. Li trovi tutti nel catalogo dei detergenti e struccanti.

OILY, COMBINATION OR DRY SKIN? THE RIGHT PRODUCT FOR EACH

ALL SKIN TYPES

If you love makeup, double cleansing will become your evening ride-or-die. And if you prefer a minimalist routine, you can opt for a 2-in-1 product that does everything in one step. In both cases, Bubble Gleam is the answer: suitable for all skin types, with no compromises.

OILY SKIN

For cleansing oily skin, gels or mousses without SLS and with sebum-regulating ingredients like salicylic acid or niacinamide are the most effective choice. Double cleansing for oily skin in the evening helps to deeply remove sebum. If you're looking for a single product, in addition to Bubble Gleam, we recommend DET-OXY! Gentle makeup remover face cleanser: a mousse that cleanses thoroughly and respects the skin.

Combination skin

Cleansing for combination skin presents its own unique challenge: balancing different areas. The T-zone tends to be oily, while cheeks and temples can be drier. A versatile cleanser, neither too rich nor too aggressive, is often the right balance. Have you ever tried the Mu-Bye Smoothy Oil makeup remover gel-oil? It dissolves makeup while respecting more delicate areas: excellent for double cleansing combination skin!

Dry skin

For cleansing dry skin, cleansing balm and oil are the two best friends: they nourish while cleaning, without stripping the skin of essential lipids. Double cleansing for dry skin with a balm as the first step can be a real discovery. Try the Mu-Bye! Make-Up Remover Balm for face and eyes: it is enveloping and respectful because it cares while cleansing.

Sensitive skin, rosacea, acne

Cleansing for sensitive skin is done with pH-balanced products, free of fragrances and alcohol, and always with a very delicate touch: fingers with very little pressure. However, if you also live with acne, it's better to opt for non-comedogenic formulas. Mu-Bye! Cleansing Balm and Mu-Bye Smoothy Oil are both gentle even on the most reactive skin.

HOW TO CLEANSE YOUR FACE FROM THE FIRST TO THE LAST STEP!

The steps for facial cleansing are few and quick. Here they are.

1. Remove makeup
If you wear makeup, start with a dedicated makeup remover product: oil, balm, or micellar water. If you choose a 2-in-1 cleanser like the new Bubble Gleam, makeup removal and cleansing merge into a single step, saving you time in your beauty routine without compromising results.

2. Rinse with lukewarm water.
Hot water dilates pores and can irritate, while cold water doesn't soften impurities.

3. Deep cleanse your face.
This third step is only necessary if you've chosen the double cleansing method with an oil-based cleanser as the first step, or if you're not wearing makeup. Remember: with a 2-in-1, you do everything in a single step.

4. Massage for at least 60 seconds.
Focus on the T-zone, sides of the nose, and chin, using gentle circular motions.

5. Rinse completely.
Again, lukewarm water is your ally.

6. Pat, don't rub.
Dry by gently pressing the towel onto your face. Rubbing can irritate the skin barrier.

FACIAL CLEANSERS AND MAKEUP REMOVERS

BUBBLE GLEAM - 2-IN-1 DOUBLE CLEANSING €22,90

💜 ICON

DET-OXY! €16,90

💜 ICON

MU-BYE! €25,90

MU-BYE SMOOTHY OIL - OIL GEL TO MILK MAKE UP REMOVER €20,90

LAC-OFF €14,90

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