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K-Beauty Glossary

What is First Cleanser?

Oil-based cleansing step

The first cleanser in a double-cleansing routine is always oil-based — a cleansing oil, balm, or micellar water. Its job is to dissolve oil-soluble impurities: sunscreen, makeup, excess sebum, and pollution. The 'like dissolves like' principle means only oil can effectively remove oil-based products. Popular formats include cleansing balms (solid to oil) and cleansing oils (liquid).