You’re probably already familiar with the benefits of double cleansing, the South Korean practice of using a cleansing oil followed by a milk cleanser. Less well known, however, are the benefits of double moisturizing, one of the most established skincare routines in the neighboring country of Japan.
The principle of double moisturizing is pretty straightforward, so it’s little wonder that it’s begun to gain traction on this side of the globe. It simply involves the layering of very gentle, lightweight skincare products that act synergistically to enhance absorption and improve skin hydration.
Naturally, the formulations of the products matter—double moisturizing is not just about slathering on layers of cream and oil. Instead, you first apply a hydrating toner (also known as a toning lotion), followed by an emulsion (a milky, gel-like moisturizer). The toning lotion provides a splash of moisture to the skin, while removing any residue that remains after cleansing. It also softens the skin, enabling the skincare products that are applied afterwards to be absorbed into the skin’s surface.
The emulsion, on the other hand, nourishes the epidermis, sealing in moisture and reinforcing the skin’s barrier. Fans of double moisturizing claim that after just a couple weeks, they see less fine lines and dullness—more so than than when they use regular moisturizer on its own.
The double moisturizing ritual
In Japan, this skincare step is actually part of an ancient beauty ritual known as the Saho, which is essentially about following a precise method of layering skincare products in order to achieve a smooth, silky complexion—in fact, according to the experts at Japanese beauty brand Sensai, Saho means “method” or “ceremony” in English and was inspired by traditional Japanese tea ceremonies.
Performed morning and night, modern versions of this ritual begin with a double cleansing, followed by double hydrating and the application of an eye contour cream. An SPF is added to the ritual in the morning. “Double moisturizing is a transformative skincare technique consisting of a two‑step routine that unlocks optimal beauty benefits for your skin,” Sensai explains on its website. There, you’ll also find information about how the layering of the light moisturizers is usually accompanied by the use of special application gestures done in two stages after cleansing:
