Versus

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm Versus Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm

Makeup Remover
Makeup Remover
American Brand United States
Korean Brand South Korea

Updated on April 29, 2025

Overview

What they are

These products are both vegan and reef safe makeup removers. They have a total of 2 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain exfoliants

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin and scar healing

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, parabens, silicones or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain oils

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

What's inside (and what isn't)

What's inside (and what isn't)

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Masking, Skin Conditioning

This ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.

It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.

Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.

While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.

Learn more about Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.

You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water

When to use

486 Routines
7% use in am
93% use in pm
90% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
104 Routines
5% use in am
95% use in pm
88% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm 9 ingredients

3.4 /5
from 10 ratings
Works Well (3) No Scent (3) Expensive (3)
sarape's avatar

Sara

1 year ago
Review

It has given me one of my worst acne breakouts ever. DO NOT USE if you are oily/acne-prone skin. It's a very heavy formula, that's not easy to wash off your face even when rinsing it thoroughly. So it always ends up building up inside your pores creating more gunk. Plus, I don't think it's even good at removing waterproof make-up, any micellar water or cleansing oil can do a better job. I would Show more

#expensive
#broke me out
#heavy
#oily
elinstrandh's avatar

elinstrandh

1 year ago
Review

Honestly, I do like this. However it’s not the best balm I’ve used. It really does leave a film on your face, which doesn’t work for all skin types, it just happens to work for mine. A little too expensive, definitely get the beauty of joseon one instead.

#expensive
#heavy
#oily
#works well

Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm 14 ingredients

3.6 /5
from 5 ratings
No Scent (5) Great Value (3) Works Well (3)
Elapidae's avatar

Ela

5 months ago
Review

Oh Boy, this prolly gonna end on my holy grail! ❤️ Sensible to the skin, doesn’t break me out, no residue after washing it off … no endless rubbing on waterproof make up. The only “bad thing” is prolly that it contains oil that rests on your eyeballs a bit. So you just see everything a bit milky for few minutes.

#great value
#absorbs well
#oily
#no scent
yarasweedan's avatar

Yara Sweedan

10 months ago
Review

I love using this as double cleansing step instead of oil cleanser as the oil one caused me acne breakouts
This one is very hygienic i love the packaging also u dont need to use alot if amount it removes makeup and sunscreen very easily
You first rub it on dry skin and then emulsify with some water and then wash it off and move on to the cleanser step

#great value
#hydrating
#light
#absorbs well