“Starting with an oil-based cleanser is like sweeping before you mop. It helps break down sunscreen, waterproof makeup, and sebum before going in for your second cleanse. Pre-Gleanse and Gleanser are the perfect pair for a thorough, gentle cleanse that leaves skin feeling soft and nourished, without any residue.”   –Dr. Sam Ellis

Whether it’s mineral or chemical, sunscreen is designed to stay in place. That means it doesn’t always come off with a single rinse: Over time, not removing it properly can lead to buildup, clogged pores, or a skin texture that feels less soft and nourished than you would like.

That’s where double cleansing comes in. It’s a two-step method that gently but thoroughly removes sunscreen, makeup, and daily buildup without disrupting your skin barrier.

What Is Double Cleansing?

Double cleansing involves using an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser. The first step dissolves sunscreen and oil-based impurities. The second step washes everything away, leaving skin clean and balanced. It’s a method we recommend for anyone who wears sunscreen, and it’s especially helpful if you reapply throughout the day.

How to Prevent Sunscreen Buildup on Your Skin

Sunscreen, especially water-resistant or mineral-based formulas, can adhere tightly to the skin. That’s ideal for protection, but makes it more difficult to remove. A water-based cleanser alone may not fully break it down, and leftover residue can contribute to dullness, congestion, or even affect how well your other products absorb.

Double cleansing gives you a clean slate at the end of the day. It helps remove sunscreen thoroughly without relying on harsh scrubs or over-cleansing, which can compromise your skin barrier.

Step 1: Pre-Gleanse Cleansing Oil

Pre-Gleanse Cleansing Oil is the first step in your double cleanse. This anhydrous oil is made with cica oil, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, and rice bran oil. These ingredients are selected to break down sunscreen, long-wear makeup, and excess oil while still being gentle enough for sensitive or reactive skin.

The texture is lightweight and rinses clean without leaving behind a film. It emulsifies easily with water, so your skin feels refreshed—not greasy or tight.

To use: Apply Pre-Gleanse Cleansing Oil to dry skin with clean hands. Massage gently for about 30 seconds, focusing on areas where you’ve applied sunscreen. Add water to emulsify, then rinse thoroughly.

Step 2: Gleanser or Gleanser + SA

Follow with Gleanser, our non-drying, glycerin-rich water-based cleanser. It contains 50% glycerin, oat extract, aloe, and a unique aquaporin-stimulating active to cleanse without stripping. It’s ideal for everyday use and leaves skin feeling soft and hydrated.

If you’re prone to congestion or wear sunscreen on areas like your back or chest, try Gleanser + SA. This version adds 1% salicylic acid for gentle exfoliation and works well for areas where sunscreen buildup is more common.

Both versions are safe for use on the face and body, so you can remove SPF wherever you’ve applied it.

Why It's Important to Use Cleanser on Your Full Body

Sunscreen isn’t just for your face. If you’ve applied SPF to your neck, chest, arms, or back, those areas need to be cleansed too, especially after a full day outdoors. Gleanser and Gleanser + SA are gentle enough to use on both your face and body, so there’s no need for a separate product.

How to Remove Sunscreen at the End of the Day

• First cleanse: Pre-Gleanse Cleansing Oil to lift sunscreen, makeup, and oil-based residue

• Second cleanse: Gleanser or Gleanser + SA to rinse skin clean and support hydration

Use on face and body: Especially on the neck, chest, arms, or anywhere else sunscreen was applied

Double cleansing with an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based one is an effective way to remove sunscreen without disrupting your skin barrier or leaving residue. With consistent use, this two-step routine helps prevent buildup and keeps skin feeling clean, calm, and balanced.

DISCLAIMER: All skin care articles are intended to help educate on specific ingredients and skin care topics. Our articles are written to be informative and informational. Any reference to a specific patient experience is not a medical suggestion for treatment. Please note that any Prequel products with referenced ingredients are formulated for Cosmetic Use Only and NOT intended as replacements for physician advice and/or pharmaceutical product recommendations.