Last Updated on March 21, 2026 by omgbart
The Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm is among the most popular balm-to-oil makeup removers on the market. The vividly purple jar is inescapable at major beauty retailers and duty-free counters. Personally I've never been a fan — the formula works but the sensory experience has always felt lackluster to me.
The Cleansing Mousse is a different story. As a fan of foaming formulas I was immediately curious. Here's what I found.
Cleansing Balm vs. Cleansing Mousse
Unlike the OG, the Cleansing Mousse is Clinique’s take on a one-step cleanse that works as well sinkside as in the shower. There is no need to warm up or melt the product into the skin, and no liquifying after combining with water. It does, however, work incredibly well at removing makeup and SPF. So much so, that I am convinced an intentional single step cleansing can be just as effective as a double cleanse ritual. If you wear full on eye makeup (shadow/liner/mascara), this is not an option for your one-and-done routine.
What’s in it?
Clinique's commitment to dermatologically sound formulations is evident in the fragrance-free and uncomplicated composition of this mousse. Designed for all skin types, including sensitive, but in my opinion it is probably most ideal for those with normal, combination, and oily complexions. The formula uses coconut-derived cleansing agents alongside a 10% blend of Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin to ensure a gentle yet effective cleansing experience.
User experience
Upon contact with the skin the mousse turns thick, velvety, and frothy — reminiscent of some of my favorite Japanese and Korean cleansing foams. The texture is a result of a well-balanced blend of surfactants and emollients that clean effectively without stripping. For a completely unscented formula it still manages to turn the simple act of face washing into something closer to a spa moment than a sink ritual.
The upright tube with a flip top cap dispenses a precise amount every time — no waste, no mess.
Putting it to the test
Wasting absolutely no time, I tried the Take The Day Off Facial Cleansing Mousse the day I got my tube. The formula contains emulsifiers that effectively break down oil-based impurities, including tinted moisturizer, concealer, and sunscreen. My first experience was superb as the one-step cleanse removed all my Jones Road WTF, tinted Miracle Balm, and the Kosas concealer. I was extra careful around the eyes as Clinique emphasizes to avoid this particular area–otherwise, it may sting.
On day 2, I tried it after wearing my ISDIN mineral tinted SPF for roughly 10 hours. After rinsing off, there was not a trace of dirt or pigment on the cotton round when I followed up with a hydrating toner. Most importantly, my skin's natural moisture barrier post-cleansing felt calm and uninterrupted. There is the very slight tightness upon rinsing it off but it's nowhere near the discomfort most cleansing foams cause. P.S. This time, I wasn’t as careful around the eyes and yes, it did sting.
Final thoughts
If you enjoy foaming cleansers as much as I do, you will love the Take The Day Off Cleansing Mousse. Do I wish it had a subtle, clean scent? Sure, but it’s hardly a dealbreaker. When it comes to overall performance it is a solid mainstream choice and personally, it is one of the most reached-for ones in my shower.
$32 (125ml) at ulta.com, sephora.com, macys.com, boots.com, lookfantastic.com
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm and Cleansing Mousse?
The balm is a makeup-melting formula that transforms from solid to oil on contact — ideal for heavy eye makeup, long-wear foundation, and waterproof formulas. The mousse is a foaming one-step cleanser better suited for everyday use when you're wearing lighter products like tinted SPF, concealer, or a tinted moisturizer. Think of them as complementary rather than interchangeable.
Does Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Mousse remove waterproof makeup?
It handles everyday makeup and mineral tinted SPF very well — a cotton round showed no trace of pigment after rinsing. For waterproof eye makeup or heavy long-wear foundation, the Cleansing Balm is the better tool.
Is Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Mousse good for sensitive skin?
Clinique markets it as suitable for all skin types including sensitive, but that claim is broad and worth approaching with caution. If foaming and mousse cleansers have consistently caused redness or irritation for you in the past, this is unlikely to be the formula that suddenly changes that. Patch test first. The truth is you either get along with foaming cleansers or you don't — there is rarely a middle ground. For genuinely reactive skin a cream or balm cleanser is a safer starting point.
Who is Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Mousse best for?
Normal, combination, and oily skin types will get the most out of this formula. It's also particularly well suited to warmer and more humid climates where a lighter, foam-based cleanser feels more appropriate than a rich cream or balm. If you live somewhere hot, shower frequently, or wear tinted SPF daily, this fits naturally into that routine.
Does Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Mousse sting eyes?
Yes, if it gets into the eye area. Clinique advises avoiding the eye area and they mean it. This is not your eye makeup removing solution — use the Cleansing Balm for that. The mousse excels everywhere else on the face.
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