Q: What does a lactic acid cleanser do for my skin?

A: A lactic acid cleanser gently exfoliates dead skin cells while boosting hydration. Unlike harsh foaming cleansers, it removes makeup, sunscreen, and impurities while improving radiance and softening fine lines.

Q: Is double cleansing with a lactic acid cleanser good for sensitive skin?

A: Yes. Lactic acid is one of the most hydrating and gentle AHAs, making it ideal for sensitive or dry skin. Double cleansing ensures your skin barrier stays strong while removing pollutants, oil, and sunscreen.

Q: How do I double cleanse with the Dermalist Ultra Hydrating Lactic Acid Cleanser?

A: Start with dry skin to dissolve makeup and sunscreen, then rinse. Follow with a second cleanse on damp skin to treat and nourish with actives like Vitamin C, Niacinamide, and Mandelic Acid.

Q: Can a hydrating lactic acid cleanser replace makeup remover?

A: Yes. Our Ultra Hydrating Lactic Acid Cleanser doubles as a gentle makeup remover, breaking down even long-wear formulas without stripping the skin or leaving residue.

Q: What makes a hydrating lactic acid cleanser better than a glycolic acid cleanser?

A: Lactic acid is a larger molecule than glycolic, so it works more on the surface and draws water into the skin, making it less irritating and far more hydrating — perfect for sensitive or mature skin types.

Q: Why should I double cleanse at night?

A: Double cleansing removes not only makeup and sunscreen but also sebum, dead skin cells, and environmental pollutants that accumulate during the day. This prevents congestion and allows active ingredients to work more effectively overnight.

Hello! Let’s talk about all things double cleansing.

Why Do We Need to Double Cleanse?For me, this step is predominantly performed at night. In the morning, I’m happy with a single cleanse because I’ve already prepared my skin the night before.

But in the evening, especially if I’ve worn makeup, reapplied sunscreen, or used long-wear products, it’s important to do a proper double cleanse.

Now, some people ask, “If I don’t wear makeup or sunscreen, do I still need to double cleanse?” The answer is yes — and here’s why. Throughout the day, your skin produces sebum through the sebaceous glands. Sebum is essential for suppleness and has antibacterial properties, but it also combines with dead skin cells that naturally build up on the surface. Some skin types shed those cells easily, while others need a little help. Add to that environmental exposure — dust, pollution, UV rays, sprays, even pesticides in the air — and these particles can settle on the skin, causing free radical damage, inflammation, barrier dysfunction, pigmentation, and premature ageing. So even without makeup, a double cleanse at night is crucial: the first cleanse removes the day, and the second cleanse treats and nourishes your skin.

The cleanser I’m using today is Dermalist’s Ultra Hydrating Lactic Cleanser. Unlike many cleansers that just remove dirt, this one also treats the skin. It contains:

Vitamin C (Stay C 50) at a therapeutic dose, delivering antioxidants to fight free radical damage.
Polyglucoside emulsifiers, which mimic the skin’s natural lipids to support barrier function.
Lactic acid and a touch of mandelic acid, both gentle AHAs that exfoliate without irritation, improve hydration, and smooth texture.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) to reduce pigmentation and boost radiance.
Chamomile, green tea, cucumber, and other botanical extracts to calm inflammation and support repair.

Because lactic and mandelic acids are larger molecules, they don’t penetrate too deeply or cause irritation. They’re also water-loving, drawing hydration into the skin — perfect at night when the skin regenerates.

The Double Cleanse Procedure

First Cleanse: Remove the Day

Start with clean hands and tie your hair back. Apply the cleanser gently over your face. This first cleanse removes makeup, sunscreen, and surface impurities.If you’re sensitive, use your ring fingers to apply less pressure. I like to use the SkinBuff Bamboo Charcoal sponge or a soft fibre cloth to wipe away the cleanser, as it lifts away makeup without irritation. This step alone shows just how much debris builds up during the day.

Second Cleanse: Treat the Skin

Now that the surface is clean, dampen your skin with tepid (not too hot or cold) water. Apply the cleanser again, this time focusing on massaging it in. If you feel a slight tingle, that’s just the actives working.This second cleanse allows the lactic acid, mandelic acid, vitamin C, niacinamide, and other actives to get to work — hydrating, reducing pigmentation, softening fine lines, and protecting against ageing. Unlike foaming cleansers, this won’t strip your skin. Instead, your skin feels nourished, calm, and replenished.

The SkinBuff Step

To finish, I love using the SkinBuff Bamboo Charcoal sponge. Its porous, gentle texture helps with lymphatic drainage, absorbs water, and assists in removing any final residue. Plus, charcoal naturally draws out toxins.After rinsing, leave your skin slightly damp — water helps serums and moisturisers penetrate more effectively. Then follow with your serum and night routine.Final ThoughtsDouble cleansing at night ensures your skin is properly clean, hydrated, and ready to regenerate while you sleep.

With Dermalist’s Ultra Hydrating Lactic Cleanser, you can enjoy the benefits of exfoliation, hydration, and barrier support — all in one step.