5 Best Drugstore Dupes: Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm

If you’re looking for some cheaper dupes for the Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm, then we’ve got the perfect article for you!

The Clinique balm is loved for its ability to remove makeup and dirt, leaving behind soft and hydrated skin. This rich balm has a non-greasy, yet non-drying texture which makes it suitable for sensitive skin. One of its key ingredients is Safflower Seed Oil, which targets blackheads and moisturizes.

However, this balm doesn’t come cheap! It retails for $36 for a 3.8-ounce bottle. So,  I’ve compiled a list of 6 drugstore dupes that are just as effective and will save you some cash!

5 Affordable Drugstore Dupes for the Clinique Cleansing Balm

1. Heimish All Clean Balm

Heimish is an affordable Korean beauty brand. Korean skincare is renowned online for its superiority to Western skincare, delivering fast results with effective ingredients. So, it’s no surprise that the Heimish All Clean Balm is a fantastic investment. 

I’m most impressed with this balm’s long list of natural ingredients. It features softening Shea Butter and a range of botanical flower extracts like Jasmine, Lavender, and Eucalyptus – all of which will heal and hydrate the skin. 

The formula also includes oils like Tea Tree, Bergamot, Grapefruit Peel, and Orange Peel oil. The combination of enriching plant extracts gently disintegrates makeup and dirt, leaving you with a hydrated, glass-like complexion. 

The balm has a calming citrus and coconut scent that makes it feel like a pampering session every time you use it. The tub includes a mini spatula with its own holder for easier, mess-free application. 

This makeup remover costs $18 for a 120ml tub, saving you $18 if you buy it instead of the Clinique balm.

Online Review: “Amazing. Best balm for my acne-prone skin!”

2. Elf Holy Hydration Make-Up Melting Balm

The Elf Holy Hydration Makeup Melting Balm is a solid balm that changes to a heavenly oil when massaged into the skin. The soft formula removes makeup without tugging on the skin or drying it out, ensuring your skincare routine is simple and fun.

The formula includes hyaluronic acid for plumpness and hydration, alongside ceramides and peptides to repair the skin barrier. This rich formula deeply cleanses your face and pores, leaving behind silky smooth skin.

As our cheapest dupe, this balm costs $11 for a 56.5g tub, compared to Clinique’s $36 charge.

Online Review: “I typically use this in the evening to melt away waterproof mascara, London dirt, and heavily pigmented lipstick. It leaves my skin nice and soft!”

3. The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm

Next up is the TikTok famous INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm. This is a perfect option for anyone with sensitive, red, or acne-prone skin, as it purges the skin without clogging your pores. 

This Oat Cleansing Balm won Allure’s 2018 ‘Best of Beauty’ because it works for all skin types, whether oily, dry, or combination. This balm doesn’t leave an oily residue and is fragrance-free, so as not to irritate sensitive skin.

One key ingredient is Oat Kernel Oil which breaks down makeup whilst hydrating the skin. The balm also includes Sweet Almond Oil and Sunflower Seed Oil which enrich the skin and assist with acne scar reduction.

This is the only one of our dupes that arrives in two sizes, a 150ml for $13.99, and an extra-affordable mini costing $9 for 50ml. 

Online Review: “I’ve been using this for around 4 years. It removes my makeup perfectly and my skin feels so soft after using it. I’m always looking forward to my nighttime skincare routine because I get to use this balm!”

4. BANILA CO Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm

The BANILA CO Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm is another Korean beauty gem. With its revitalizing botanicals, this silky balm removes makeup without stripping the skin of its natural oils.

The formula is free from parabens, alcohol, and mineral oil, all of which can damage and dry out the skin. It’s made with Papaya Extract which gently exfoliates the skin, while Acerola Extract (high in Vitamin C) brightens the complexion.

It is also enriched with Vitamin E to soften and hydrate the face. Finally, the ingredients list features Phenoxyethanol, which is found in antioxidising Green Tea. This gives the balm an uplifting, calming scent to make you feel relaxed before bed.

Online Review: “This cleanser removes everything and is so gentle. My skin feels so clean and hydrated after using it. 100% recommend.”

5. The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter

This dreamy cleansing butter makes makeup removal easy and enjoyable. It features a more natural formula than the Clinique balm, with nourishing oils such as Camomile Oil, Sunflower Oil, and Olive Oil. 

These rich oils will quickly break down the most stubborn makeup, even waterproof mascara, whilst also hydrating the skin. The product also includes Fair Trade Shea Butter, ensuring that your money is going to a good cause.

The Sumptuous Cleansing Butter is gentle enough for sensitive skin and eyes, including contact lens wearers. This luscious balm retails for $16 for a long-lasting 90ml bottle, saving you $20 compared to the Clinique option.

Online Review: “It removes makeup easily while moisturizing the skin. Melts away waterproof mascara better than anything else!”

Clinique Cleansing Balm FAQs

How long does the Clinique Balm Last?

One jar will last between 1-3 months, depending on how often you use it.

How does Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm work?

When applied, the balmy texture of the cleanser turns into an oil on your skin. This should be rubbed gently over the eyes and skin, before rinsing away with water and a muslin cloth. If you use your hands instead of a cloth, a residue can be left on the skin. To finish, towel dry as usual.

Is Clinique taking the day off good for the skin?

Yes. Its smooth and hydrating formula safely removes makeup and leaves behind hydrated skin.

Is cleansing balm the same as cold cream?

A cold cream is creamier rather than oily, but they are both ways to remove makeup.

What can I use instead of cleansing balm?

Coconut Oil always works as a cheaper alternative to cleansing balms and works the same.

Clinique Cleansing Balm Dupes – Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoyed exploring a selection of useful drugstore dupes for the Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm. My personal favorite is the Heimish All Clean Balm due to its affordable price, long list of natural extracts, and delicious fruity fragrance.

If you’d like more alternatives to high-end beauty products, please check out my other dupe articles.

Thank you for taking the time to read my article!