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CLINIQUE Take The Day Off Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm

This is the go-to balm for anyone who wears makeup or SPF and wants a simple, effective first step in their cleansing routine. It melts away everything without leaving a greasy residue, making it a reliable choice for all skin types.

Sephora price

$15.00 - $58.00

Price matters most when you are trying to learn whether this lane belongs in your routine without turning the test into a luxury gamble.

Sephora reviews

4.5 / 5

About 4,573 reviews on the current Sephora source, so there is real volume behind the reputation.

Shoppers keep mentioning

allure 2021: Clean Beauty WinnerWithout Sulfates SLS & SLESBest for Dry, Combo, Normal SkinCommunity FavoriteFragrance FreeSafflower Seed Oil: Works to help break up natural oil found on skin, plus dissolves makeup. Maximum Results | Allergy-tested, 100 percent fragrance-free, and always formulated for maximum results—without irritation. Clinique avoids using allergens, irritants, and ingredients that can age or harm skin, while never sacrificing one bit of the effectiveness you need.

These are the shopper themes that keep showing up around this listing and shape why people open it in the first place.

Glass take

4.5 / 5 overall fit

A gentle, effective balm that removes all traces of makeup and SPF without stripping the skin. It's a fragrance-free favorite for all skin types, especially dry and combination.

CLINIQUE Take The Day Off Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm

Sephora snapshot refreshed April 23, 2026

Price, rating, review count, and source status come from Sephora. Glass adds the routine fit, overlap risk, and what to compare next.

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What Sephora says

What this product is supposed to do

An iconic, non-comedogenic makeup remover with a silky balm formula that gently dissolves makeup and SPF and unclogs pores without stripping the skin.

NormalDryCombinationand Oily

Use makeup remover balm before cleanser and other treatment products.

Massage balm over dry skin with your fingertips.

Rinse well with warm water. Pat dry.

Follow with Take The Day Off™ Facial Cleansing Mousse or your favorite All About Clean™ cleanser for a thorough double cleanse.

Expert Tip:

No matter how late it is or how tired you are, remove your makeup. Going to bed with makeup on can lead to dullness, irritation, and clogged pores. Clinique's Take The Day Off™ formulas work gently, effectively. How will you take the day off?

What Glass adds

What actually matters before you buy it

This balm is a straightforward, effective makeup remover. It excels at its primary job: dissolving makeup and SPF. It's a solid choice for the first step of a double cleanse, especially for those who wear heavy makeup or SPF daily.

Makeup removal power

Users consistently highlight how effortlessly this balm removes foundation, mascara, eyeliner, and even long-wear lipstick.

Skin feel after use

Many reviews mention that skin feels soft and clean, never tight or dry, after using this balm.

Best for

When this is a smart buy

  • Anyone who wears makeup or SPF
  • All skin types, especially dry and combination
  • People looking for a gentle first cleanse

Skip if

When this is the wrong lane

  • You prefer a water-based cleanser for makeup removal
  • You have extremely sensitive skin that reacts to oils (though this is generally well-tolerated)

Routine fit

Your first step to clean skin

Use this balm as the very first step in your evening routine, before any other cleansers or treatments. Massage it onto dry skin to break down makeup and SPF, then rinse with warm water. Follow with your regular cleanser to ensure all impurities are removed.

Why it works

Where it earns the slot and where it does not

The useful question is not whether this product is good in a vacuum. It is whether it makes your routine easier to run or just adds one more bottle with a familiar ingredient on it.

What it actually does well

  • Removes all makeup and SPF effectively
  • Gentle and non-stripping
  • Fragrance-free
  • Suitable for all skin types
  • Iconic and reliable

Where it starts to feel redundant

  • Requires a second cleanse for a thorough clean
  • Can feel heavy for those who prefer lighter textures

Routine fit

Where it belongs in the stack

Evening routine

This is best used in the evening to remove the day's makeup, SPF, and any accumulated grime. It prepares the skin for subsequent treatment steps.

Glass rating

How this formula scores in real life

4.5/ 5 overall

A gentle, effective balm that removes all traces of makeup and SPF without stripping the skin. It's a fragrance-free favorite for all skin types, especially dry and combination.

Effectiveness

4.7 / 5

Consistently praised for its ability to dissolve even stubborn makeup and SPF.

Gentleness

4.6 / 5

Users appreciate that it removes impurities without causing dryness or irritation.

Full ingredient breakdown

Every ingredient, what it does, and whether I care

Emollient

Ethylhexyl Palmitate

Badness

1.0 / 10

A common emollient that helps to soften and smooth the skin. It aids in dissolving makeup.

Usually helps with

Softening skin, dissolving makeup

Watch for

Can be comedogenic for some acne-prone individuals, but generally well-tolerated in rinse-off products.

Emollient

Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil

Badness

1.0 / 10

A plant-derived oil rich in linoleic acid, known for its moisturizing and makeup-dissolving properties.

Usually helps with

Moisturizing, dissolving makeup

Watch for

Generally well-tolerated.

Emollient

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Badness

1.0 / 10

A derivative of coconut oil and glycerin, it's an excellent emollient that helps to replenish the skin.

Usually helps with

Moisturizing, skin conditioning

Watch for

Generally well-tolerated.

Emulsifier

Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate

Badness

2.0 / 10

An emulsifier that helps oil and water to mix, allowing the balm to rinse away cleanly.

Usually helps with

Rinsing clean

Watch for

Can sometimes cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals, but typically used at safe concentrations.

Texture Enhancer

Polyethylene

Badness

3.0 / 10

A polymer that contributes to the balm's solid texture and helps in makeup removal.

Usually helps with

Texture, makeup removal

Watch for

While generally considered safe in rinse-off products, some prefer to avoid microplastics.

Emulsifier

Peg-5 Glyceryl Triisostearate

Badness

2.0 / 10

An emulsifier that aids in the removal of makeup and impurities.

Usually helps with

Emulsifying, makeup removal

Watch for

Generally considered safe, but some individuals may be sensitive to PEGs.

Solvent

Water

Badness

0.0 / 10

The base for many cosmetic formulations.

Usually helps with

Hydration

Watch for

N/A

Antioxidant

Tocopherol

Badness

1.0 / 10

A form of Vitamin E that helps protect the formula and offers antioxidant benefits to the skin.

Usually helps with

Antioxidant protection

Watch for

Generally well-tolerated.

Preservative

Phenoxyethanol

Badness

2.0 / 10

A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetic products.

Usually helps with

Product preservation

Watch for

Can cause allergic reactions or irritation in some individuals, especially at higher concentrations.

Compare before you buy

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Ingredient Checker

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Product directory

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FAQ

The fast answers people actually need

Does this remove waterproof mascara?

Yes, many users report that it effectively removes waterproof makeup, including mascara and eyeliner, without excessive rubbing.

Is this suitable for sensitive skin?

Yes, it is fragrance-free and allergy-tested, making it a good option for most skin types, including sensitive skin. However, always patch test if you have concerns.

Do I need to double cleanse after using this balm?

Clinique recommends following up with a second cleanser (like their facial cleansing mousse) to ensure a thorough clean, especially if you wear heavy makeup or SPF.

See If This Is Compatible With My Skin