Clinique Cleansing Balm: Yay or Nay

Makeup removers are not created equally. There is nothing worse than waking up to mascara smudges under your eyes after thoroughly washing your face the night before. This is where a cleansing balm comes into play! If you use any waterproof makeup products, using a cleansing balm before your cleanser makes it so much easier to get a clean face without stripping your skin. 

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm has been in the beauty world for quite a while, and has a bit of a cult following. It has tremendous ratings and has been a bestseller for years. But is it actually worth the hype? Let’s dive into my honest thoughts on this best-selling cleansing balm.

What Is Cleansing Balm?

If you’re new to cleansing balms, they are oil-based makeup removers that start as a solid balm and melt into an oil once massaged onto dry skin. They’re made to break down makeup, sunscreen, and impurities, without stripping the skin or leaving it tight or dry. 

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm promises just that. It claims to be gentle as it thoroughly dissolves makeup and SPF. It’s also designed to condition lashes without leaving behind any residue. It doesn’t have added fragrance.

My Skin Type

I am turning 50 this year and have sensitive skin with rosacea. My skin type is oily/combination, which is normal around the perimeter (and can be dry on occasion). And I get shine/oil breakthrough in the center of my face.

Clinique Take The Day Off Review

The Formula

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm is all about simplicity and effectiveness. Its fragrance-free, non-comedogenic formula is designed to melt away even long-wearing makeup without irritating your skin or your eyes. It contains no essential oils, drying alcohols, or added dyes. It’s just a straightforward, hard-working formula that does what it says.

The star ingredient here is safflower seed oil, which is an emollient that helps dissolve makeup and impurities while keeping skin soft and nourished. It’s supported by a mix of synthetic waxes and PEG-based emulsifiers that help the balm glide effortlessly across the skin, then rinse cleanly with water.

Here’s what Clinique says it’s meant to do:

• Gently dissolves and removes face and eye makeup, sunscreen, and pollutants
• Transforms from a solid balm to a silky oil on contact
• Rinses off completely—no residue, no stickiness
• Leaves skin fresh, clean, and comfortable
• Safe for sensitive skin and contact lens wearers

It’s skincare minimalism at its best: no fluff, just function.

Texture & Application

Straight out of the jar, this cleansing balm has a solid, sorbet-like texture. It’s not too hard or soft, and it melts quickly in your hands without feeling greasy or overly oily. 

I take a quarter-sized amount, warm it between my fingers, and massage it over my dry skin. It easily breaks down waterproof makeup (including mascara) without needing to rub aggressively. 

While it doesn’t have any added fragrance, it does have a faint scent to it, but it doesn’t bother me or my sensitive skin.

Performance: Does It Actually Work?

Short answer: yes!

Clinique TTDO Cleansing Balm truly removes everything from foundation and eye makeup to sunscreen and even stubborn mascara. Plus, it doesn’t sting my eyes like some other cleansing balms do.

Let’s talk about rinsing. I can’t stand it when cleansing balms take forever to rinse away or when they leave a slimy film behind. TTDO Cleansing balm rinses away quickly, with zero film left behind.  After rinsing with warm water, my skin feels clean, soft, and balanced. I then continue with my typical evening skincare routine, usually starting with this cleanser.

How It Compares

I’ve tried my fair share of cleansing balms over the years (THIS video reviews some of my favorites!). Some feel too heavy or leave behind a residue, but Clinique TTDO cleansing balm hits the sweet spot of being effective, gentle, and non-irritating. 

The Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Fragrance-free & Vegan
• Removes makeup effectively, including waterproof products
• Rinses clean with no film or residue
• A little goes a long way
• Safe for sensitive skin & the eye area
• Phthalate-free

Cons:

• Cost ($44 for the standard size, 3.8 oz)
• Contains polyethylene – while generally considered safe in cosmetic concentrations, the environmental impact can be a concern. Here is an article you may find helpful.

Final Verdict: Yay or Nay?

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm is a solid, effective product. It’s a no-fuss way to remove makeup that’s safe for sensitive skin, and it’s a product that always ends up back in my rotation. It’s a dependable staple to keep on hand, and it comes in a variety of sizes (mini, standard, value), making it easy to try it out, and easy to use at home or on the go.

Have you tried Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

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