Double Cleansing: A Simple, Honest Way to Get Truly Clean Skin (Without Stripping It)
If you wear sunscreen, makeup, or spend your days in wind, dust, sweat, and real life, sometimes one quick wash isn't enough. But going “stronger” isn’t the answer either. The goal is simple: clean skin that feels comfortable & balanced.
The problem: modern cleansing often relies on harsh, synthetic stripping
A lot of mainstream cleansers are built around detergents and lab-made additives that “clean” by stripping oil fast. The result might feel squeaky… but that tight, dry feeling is a clue your skin’s natural protective oils are being over-removed. Research on surfactants and other common cleansing additives shows they can disrupt the skin barrier lipids and increase water loss.
And when your skin barrier is disrupted, it doesn’t always show up as dryness alone. It can look like:
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acne or more frequent breakouts (often from irritation + imbalance)
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eczema flares or rough, scaly patches
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redness, stinging, burning, or sensitivity
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that constant feeling of discomfort—like your skin can’t settle down
In plain terms: stripped skin is not nourished skin. When the barrier is stressed, skin is more reactive, and a “strong” cleanse can keep that cycle going.
The solution: double cleansing (melt first, then wash)
Double cleansing is a two-step method that is simple, effective, and doesn't rely on harsh additives.
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Oil cleanse to break down the stubborn layer (SPF, makeup, excess sebum)
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Gentle second cleanse to lift away what’s left (sweat, dirt, residue)
Why acne-prone skin can benefit (yes—oil first can still make sense)
Acne isn’t caused by “dirty skin,” but leftover product, clogged pores, and irritation can make breakouts harder to calm down. Acne can be caused by a disrupted or weakened skin barrier, and surfactants plus acne treatments can add to that irritation cycle.
Done gently, double cleansing helps acne-prone skin by:
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removing SPF/makeup, foreign residue more completely (less “left behind” to sit in pores overnight)
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reducing the urge to scrub (less irritation)
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keeping cleansing consistent, simple and nourishing.
Key rule: gentle pressure, thorough rinse, and mostly at night.
A natural, bio-compatible two-step option
If you’re looking for a routine rooted with less processing, fewer ingredients, and a more traceable approach, a simple pairing is:
Step 1: Oil Cleanser
Apply a few pumps of oil cleanser to your face and massage thoroughly. Using a damp washcloth, gently pat your face removing the excess oil.
Step 2: Yellowstone Goat Milk & Tallow Facial Cleanser
Follow oil cleansing with Yellowstone bar, lathering soap and massaging soapy hands to face, then rinsing with warm water.
Step 3: Moisturize
Apply with your favorite moisturizer, Tallow & Honey balm is a great finish to a double cleansing routine!
This is the whole idea: simple formulas, recognizable ingredients, and a routine that works with skin instead of fighting it.
Key ingredients (and what they’re doing here)
Oil Cleanser
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Rosehip + pumpkin seed oils: skin-conditioning oils that make the “melt” step feel nourishing, not harsh
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Montana emu oil: chosen for its skin-compatibility, and deep penetrating properties
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Calendula oil: traditionally used to soothe and soften
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Lavender + rosemary essential oils: antibacterial properties promote healthy skin microbiome, and a clean finish (patch test if you’re sensitive)
Yellowstone bar
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Suet tallow + goat milk: rich, traditional base ingredients used for a comfortable cleanse, while reinforcing and supporting skin barrier
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Willow bark + turmeric: botanicals included to support clarity and calm skin
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Lavender, Rosemary & Tea tree essential oil: used in blemish-focused routines (patch test if sensitive)
When a single cleanser fits best
Some days call for a deeper reset. Other days, one cleanser is perfect—it’s just about matching the cleanse to what your skin needs.
Choose the Oil Cleanser when you want the “melt + lift” cleanse
Best for days with SPF, makeup, or anything that clings, and for skin that prefers a softer, more conditioned feel after washing.
Choose the Goat Milk & Tallow Facial Cleanser when you want a thorough wash
This is the one to reach for when you want that true wash-and-rinse clean—after a sweaty day, a dusty wind, a long shift, or anytime your skin feels like it needs a more complete reset.
Extra sensitive or aggravated? Single oil cleanse
If your skin feels overwhelmed—tight, stinging, extra dry, or reactive—keeping it minimal can help. A gentle single oil cleanse is often the simplest option on those nights: cleanse, rinse, and follow with a basic moisturizer.
Easy rule:
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Want a soft “melt” cleanse (SPF/makeup days)? Oil Cleanser.
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Want a thorough wash and a clean rinse? Goat Milk & Tallow Facial Cleanser.
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Skin feels aggravated? Oil Cleanser alone, keep it gentle.
You can compare all our cleanser options here
Quick tips to make it work
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Double cleanse at night, especially after sunscreen or makeup
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If you’re acne-prone: keep it gentle, rinse thoroughly, and don’t overdo the massage
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Follow with a simple moisturizer to keep skin comfortable
Clean skin doesn’t have to feel stripped. We believe the best routines are the ones that are simple, and made from ingredients your skin actually recognizes.
