Luxury cleansing balms are indulgent, but you do not need to spend $40 to $70 to get a flawless first cleanse. These proven drugstore dupes dissolve sunscreen and long-wear makeup, rinse clean, and keep your skin comfortable. Here is how to choose the right one for your skin and budget.
If you love the buttery slip of a luxury cleansing balm but wince at checkout, this guide is for you. We tested and compared affordable balms that behave like the big names, from spa-scented melts to quiet, fragrance-free workhorses. Each pick removes sunscreen and long-wear makeup without stripping, and each one stands in confidently for a popular luxury formula like Clinique Take The Day Off, Elemis Pro-Collagen, Farmacy Green Clean, Drunk Elephant Slaai, or Glow Recipe Papaya Sorbet.
Below, you will find quick picks if you need an answer right now, followed by in-depth reviews that explain who each balm suits, how it feels, and what to watch for. If you are new to balms, do not worry. We will also walk through how to use them for a mess-free, effective first cleanse.
Quick picks
- e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm: Best overall dupe for Clinique Take The Day Off
- CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm: Best fragrance-free, barrier-friendly option for sensitive skin
- Versed Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm: Best spa-like scent, similar vibe to Elemis Pro-Collagen
- The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm: Best soothing alternative for dry or irritated skin
- JUNO & Co Clean 10 Cleansing Balm: Best for heavy makeup and a quick, thorough melt
In-depth reviews
e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm review
Who it is for: If you want the dependable, no-drama cleanse of Clinique Take The Day Off without the spend, start here. This balm suits most skin types, including combination and dry, and it handles long-wear foundation, eyeliner, and SPF without rubbing or tugging.
How it feels and works: The texture is a soft balm that becomes a fluid oil on contact, then turns milky with water. It spreads quickly across the face and breaks down mascara and sunscreen fast, which means less manipulation around the eyes. It rinses clean with warm water and leaves skin comfortable with no tightness. Makeup wipes down from the sink with minimal residue.
Key ingredients and features: A blend of lightweight emollients and skin-conditioning oils gives it that glide you expect from luxury balms. The finish is clean and cushiony rather than squeaky. The scent is minimal, almost neutral, which is helpful if you are sensitive to perfumy cleansers.
Drawbacks: The jar is smaller than some luxury tubs, so if you apply a generous scoop nightly you may go through it quickly. If you prefer a richer, more occlusive balm that doubles as a moisture mask, you might find this a touch light compared to balms heavy in butters.
How it compares: Versus CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm, the e.l.f. formula feels silkier and faster to melt waterproof makeup. Compared with Clinique Take The Day Off, the cleanse is nearly identical, though Clinique’s texture is a hair firmer in the jar. If you want a soft spa scent, Versed Day Dissolve gives you that aromatic moment, while e.l.f. keeps things quiet and efficient.
CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm review
Who it is for: Pick this if your skin is easily irritated, eczema-prone, or you are committed to fragrance-free products. It is also a great choice for contact lens wearers or anyone who wants a simple, dermatologist-developed formula that supports the skin barrier.
How it feels and works: The balm is firmer in the jar and melts into a thin oil that still provides enough slip to massage without tugging. It emulsifies cleanly and leaves a soft, conditioned finish. Waterproof mascara may take a few extra seconds of gentle massage, but you get a residue-free rinse that feels calm on the skin.
Key ingredients and features: True to CeraVe, it features ceramides and barrier-friendly lipids that help prevent that stripped feeling. There is no added fragrance. The overall profile is quiet, steady, and reliable, ideal for nightly use and for pairing with stronger actives in the rest of your routine.
Drawbacks: The jar is smaller than some competitors at a similar price point, and the formula is more practical than pampering. If you love a cushiony, rich slip, you may prefer The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm or Versed Day Dissolve.
How it compares: Against e.l.f. Holy Hydration, CeraVe is a touch less melty but gentler to reactive skin. As a stand-in for the minimalist feel of Clinique Take The Day Off or the barrier support of Drunk Elephant Slaai, it performs beautifully without the added cost or fragrance.
Versed Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm review
Who it is for: If you want that spa-at-home experience that luxury balms like Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm deliver, this is your under-$20 ticket. It suits normal to dry skin and anyone who enjoys a calm, herbal aroma during their first cleanse.
How it feels and works: Day Dissolve has a soft, sorbet-like scoop that melts quickly and spreads into a silky oil. It dissolves foundation, sunscreen, and most eye makeup with ease. With water, it turns to a light milk that rinses clean while leaving skin supple and comfortable.
Key ingredients and features: The signature experience comes from eucalyptus and clove leaf oils, which give it a spa-like scent and a subtle cooling feel. Emollients and vitamin E help cushion the cleanse so your skin feels nurtured, not stripped.
Drawbacks: The aromatic essential oils are a delight for many, but they can be a no-go for sensitive eyes or reactive skin. If your eyes sting easily or you prefer zero scent, go with CeraVe or The Inkey List Oat. Also note that eucalyptus can cause temporary cloudiness if it gets into the eyes, so use a small amount and emulsify thoroughly.
How it compares: Versus e.l.f. Holy Hydration, Versed feels a bit plusher and more indulgent, with a noticeable scent. Compared to Elemis Pro-Collagen, the cleansing performance is impressively similar for basic and glam makeup, though Elemis has a thicker, more balmy body in the jar. If you want the sensorial luxury without the luxury price, this is the sweet spot.
The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm review
Who it is for: Perfect if your skin runs dry, tight, or easily irritated, or if you use retinoids or acids and need the gentlest possible first cleanse. It is also a great winter cleanser when your barrier needs extra kindness.
How it feels and works: The texture is thick and buttery, melting slowly into a creamy oil that gives lots of massage time. It removes sunscreen and base makeup easily and can take down eye makeup with a little patience. Once water is added, it rinses to a comforting veil that feels more conditioned than squeaky clean.
Key ingredients and features: Oat kernel oil and colloidal oatmeal bring soothing benefits and a plush feel. The formula is low fragrance. A bonus use is leaving a thin layer on dry patches for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing, which mimics the nourishing feel of a luxe balm mask such as Farmacy’s or Drunk Elephant’s butters.
Drawbacks: Because it is thicker, you need to emulsify thoroughly with warm water or a soft cloth, or it can leave a slight film. In very hot bathrooms, the oil phase may separate a little in the tube. Knead the tube before use to mix it back together if that happens.
How it compares: Compared with CeraVe, The Inkey List feels richer and more comforting, with a slower melt that many dry skins love. As an affordable alternative to the gentle cleanse and conditioned finish of Farmacy Green Clean, it hits the mark. If you want speed and a clean-rinse feel for heavy eye looks, e.l.f. or JUNO & Co will be faster.
JUNO & Co Clean 10 Cleansing Balm review
Who it is for: Choose this if you wear full glam, water-resistant sunscreen, or long-wear mascara and want it all gone in under a minute. It is an excellent fit for normal to combination skin that prefers a clean-rinse finish and a hint of citrus.
How it feels and works: Clean 10 is silky and high-slip from the first swipe. It melts on contact, floods over makeup, and eats through waterproof formulas quickly. With water, it turns into a milky rinse that leaves skin fresh without a waxy film.
Key ingredients and features: The formula is streamlined with only a handful of ingredients, including skin-conditioning oils and a touch of orange peel oil that provides a light citrus scent. The texture feels similar to certain high-end balms known for speed and melt, like Glow Recipe’s sorbet-cleanser style.
Drawbacks: That citrus scent is pleasant but not for everyone. If your eyes are very sensitive, you may notice temporary cloudiness or mild sting if product gets into the waterline. Use a pea-sized amount, keep eyes gently closed while massaging, and emulsify thoroughly before rinsing.
How it compares: Versus e.l.f., JUNO & Co runs even silkier with faster makeup breakup, especially on waterproof mascara. Against Versed, it feels less plush but more efficient. As a wallet-friendly stand-in for the makeup-melting power of Glow Recipe Papaya Sorbet or Farmacy Green Clean, it shines.
How to choose
Use this quick decision map to match a balm to your skin, makeup habits, and preferences:
- You want the safest bet for most faces: Start with e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm. It is fast, effective, and has a near-neutral scent.
- Your skin is sensitive or eczema-prone, or you prefer fragrance-free: Choose CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm for barrier support and a clean rinse.
- You crave a spa-like cleanse and enjoy essential oils: Pick Versed Day Dissolve for a calm eucalyptus aroma and indulgent slip.
- Your skin is dry, tight, or easily irritated by exfoliants and retinoids: Go with The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm for extra cushion and comfort.
- You wear heavy or waterproof makeup and want the quickest melt: Get JUNO & Co Clean 10 for high slip and speedy breakdown.
If you are acne prone, remember that rinsable balms are designed to emulsify and wash off, so they are less likely to clog than leave-on oils. Still, avoid rubbing harshly and always follow with a gentle second cleanse if you notice any film or feel. For contact lens wearers and sensitive eyes, stick with fragrance-free options or keep aromatic balms away from the waterline and emulsify thoroughly before opening your eyes.
How to use a cleansing balm for best results
Cleanse on dry skin. Scoop a pea to chickpea-size amount into dry hands, then smooth over a dry face. Massage for 30 to 60 seconds, spending extra time on mascara and sunscreen around the hairline. Wet your hands and massage again to emulsify into a milk. Rinse with lukewarm water. If you prefer a pristine finish, follow with a gentle water-based cleanser.
- For waterproof mascara: Press a tiny dab onto lashes and pinch gently between fingers to melt, keeping eyes closed. Add water and continue massaging before rinsing.
- To avoid cloudy eyes: Use less than you think, keep eyes relaxed and closed while massaging, and fully emulsify with water before opening.
- For dry patches: With The Inkey List Oat, leave a thin layer on dry areas for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing for a softening boost.
- For oily or acne-prone skin: Choose a thorough but gentle second cleanse, then pat dry and continue with your routine.
Final thoughts
If you need a one-and-done pick, start with e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm. It nails the luxury-balm cleanse at a drugstore price. Sensitive or fragrance-averse readers should lean toward CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm. If you want pampering aromatics, Versed Day Dissolve is your Elemis stand-in. Dry or irritated skin will love the comfort of The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm, and heavy makeup wearers who value speed should choose JUNO & Co Clean 10. Pick the texture and finish you enjoy, and you will actually look forward to washing your face every night.
See also
If you enjoy a little ritual with your routine, you might love pairing a clean face with a special scent. Mark a personal achievement with ideas from our guide to best luxury perfumes for milestone moments, and if your makeup base could use a refresh, see our picks for best drugstore foundations for mature skin.
On body care, a thoughtful cleanser can make a daily difference. Explore our top body washes for acne and our favorites for comfort in best body wash for eczema, and do not miss smart, inclusive staples in drugstore skincare for dark skin on a budget.
FAQ
Which drugstore cleansing balm is closest to Clinique Take The Day Off in feel and performance?
e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm is the closest match for most people. It has the same quick melt, low scent, and clean rinse, and it breaks down long-wear makeup without leaving a film. If you prefer a firmer balm in the jar, Clinique is a touch stiffer, but the on-skin experience is very similar.
What is the best fragrance-free cleansing balm for sensitive or eczema-prone skin?
CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm is the safest bet. It is fragrance-free and formulated with barrier-supporting ceramides, so it cleans without sting or tightness. The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm is another gentle option if you want a richer, more cushioning texture.
Will these dupes remove waterproof mascara and water-resistant sunscreen?
Yes. For speed, JUNO & Co Clean 10 and e.l.f. Holy Hydration are the fastest at breaking down waterproof formulas. For sensitive eyes, use a pea-sized amount, keep eyes closed while massaging, and fully emulsify with water before opening. If a trace of mascara remains, follow with a gentle second cleanse and a soft cloth.
Do I still need a second cleanse after using a balm?
If you wear makeup or heavy sunscreen, a quick second cleanse with a mild water-based cleanser ensures every trace is gone and prevents buildup. On bare-skin mornings or low-sunscreen days, many people are comfortable rinsing the balm and going straight to toner and moisturizer, especially with CeraVe or e.l.f. which rinse cleanly.
Which dupe feels most like Elemis Pro-Collagen’s spa experience?
Versed Day Dissolve comes closest. Its eucalyptus and clove aroma and plush slip feel pampering while still rinsing clean. If you want the sensorial moment but have sensitive skin or eyes, patch test first or use a small amount strategically away from the waterline.
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