Double-cleansing refers to the practice of using two different facial cleansers, back-to-back. The first cleanser is some type of makeup remover that will melt off makeup or water-resistant sunscreen, like an oil-based cleanser or a micellar water. And the second type is a water-based face wash to cleanse the skin.This is not a new practice (it has long been a part of Korean beauty routines), but whether or not it’s necessary is a topic of debate. Some say double-cleansing is an essential step, while others say it’s a waste of time.To find out who should double-cleanse and how, we spoke to a dermatologist, an esthetician, and a cosmetic chemist. The reality is that nobody needs to double-cleanse, but there are a few good reasons to consider it.If you’re someone who wears water-resistant sunscreen or waterproof makeup, you may want to think about double-cleansing. That’s because those products can be difficult to remove using only a face cleanser, and really scrubbing your face when you wash it can cause irritation for some people.A micellar water or an oil-based cleanser will target the oils in makeup and sunscreen, and it will bind them, cosmetic chemist Shuting Hu said. “When water is added, the emulsifiers in the cleanser lift away all the dissolved oils gently,” and then that dissolved makeup and sunscreen washes down the drain.Top pickA multitasking micellar waterBioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar WaterOur testers loved that this mellow liquid quickly lifted cosmetics and skin-care products while leaving their faces feeling refreshed. The squeeze bottle is great for precise portioning.$15 from Amazon(8.4 ounces)When you do this first cleanse, you’re not harshly scrubbing your face to get off that daily residue. Plus, many makeup removers are designed with eye-makeup removal in mind, and they can be less irritating to the eyes than some traditional face cleansers.A micellar water, like the Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water, is good if you want a makeup remover that never feels greasy. But if you want something that you can massage into the skin with your hands, go with a cleansing balm or an oil cleanser. A bi-phase cleanser, such as E.L.F. Skin’s Holy Hydration E.L.F. Off Makeup Remover, is somewhere in between: It’s an oil-and-water blend that you shake to combine before using, and it has a silky-yet-not-greasy feel. (No matter which type you choose, we’ve already done the rigorous testing for you in our guide to the best makeup removers.)Top pickA powerful, bi-phase makeup removerE.L.F. Skin Holy Hydration E.L.F. Off Makeup RemoverThis bargain-priced oil-and-water product is beyond gentle — even right at the lower waterline. It whisks away stubborn mascara and lip stains in a single swipe, and it doesn’t leave a greasy residue.$8 from Amazon(4.3 ounces)A luxe cleansing balm sans fragranceFarmacy Green Clean Fragrance-Free Cleansing BalmThis lush salve transforms into a chic serum that dissolves makeup and easily rinses away. The pot’s spatula insert is fiddly, though.$39 from Amazon(3.4 ounces)