# Clinique Take The Day Off Charcoal Cleansing Balm for oily acne-prone skin

**Lovi Fit: Average fit for oily acne-prone skin.**
Oily Skin Fit: High · Effectiveness: High · Safety: High.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/clinique/take-the-day-off-charcoal-cleansing-balm/for/oily-acne-prone-skin

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for the Netherlands.

Brand: [Clinique](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/brands/clinique)
Category: [Makeup removers](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/best/makeup-removers)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily acne-prone skin: shine, breakouts, blemishes, and enlarged pores. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

Works for oily acne-prone skin; other pre-cleansers fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate benefits for your oily skin and acne concerns, as charcoal powder effectively absorbs excess sebum and impurities, complemented by tocopherol for antioxidant protection.
- The formulation includes ethylhexyl palmitate and carthamus tinctorius seed oil, which are beneficial for dissolving makeup and cleansing oily skin.
- The product is safe for your skin, with no identified risks of irritation due to the absence of harsh ingredients.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/clinique/take-the-day-off-charcoal-cleansing-balm/for/oily-skin): Average
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/clinique/take-the-day-off-charcoal-cleansing-balm/for/dry-skin): Average
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/clinique/take-the-day-off-charcoal-cleansing-balm/for/combination-skin): High
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/clinique/take-the-day-off-charcoal-cleansing-balm/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/clinique/take-the-day-off-charcoal-cleansing-balm/for/acne-prone-skin): Average
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/clinique/take-the-day-off-charcoal-cleansing-balm/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/clinique/take-the-day-off-charcoal-cleansing-balm/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/clinique/take-the-day-off-charcoal-cleansing-balm/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Average
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/clinique/take-the-day-off-charcoal-cleansing-balm/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average (this page)

## Key ingredients

Charcoal, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Tocopherol

## What the research says

- A topical serum containing vitamin C, vitamin E, and raspberry leaf cell culture extract improved skin color, elasticity, radiance, smoothness, scaliness, and wrinkles compared to the untreated contralateral side in fifty female volunteers. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31975502/))
- Soap-and-water wash and superactive charcoal paste applied topically at various times after T-2 toxin exposure effectively reduced skin lesion severity in swine compared to untreated controls. ([Fundamental and Applied Toxicology, 1989](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2612785/))
- Safflower oil body-human epidermal growth factor microgel emulsions mixed with xanthan gum enhance transdermal absorption, regulate inflammation, accelerate angiogenesis, and promote re-epithelialization and remodeling in full-layer skin wounds in rats. ([International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36126813/))
- Topical application of an emollient emulsion containing 15.0% caprylic/capric triglyceride doubled the amount of urocanic acid isomers and increased skin hydration with reduced transepidermal water loss in healthy subjects, though it did not prevent ultraviolet-induced urocanic acid isomerization. ([Life, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37109405/))
- Topical application of an antioxidant serum containing 15% ascorbic acid, 0.5% ferulic acid, and 1% tocopherol prevented particulate matter-induced degradation of extracellular matrix components, inflammation, and oxidative stress in the skin of 15 female volunteers compared to untreated controls. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40642809/))
- Dermatological products containing d-alpha tocopheryl acetate showed non-comedogenic potential with less than a 50% increase in microcomedones in 12 healthy male subjects compared to octyl palmitate. ([Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34471722/))
- Topical application of an antioxidant mix containing 15% ascorbic acid, 0.5% ferulic acid, and 1% tocopherol prevented PM and UV-induced skin barrier perturbation, lipid peroxidation, inflammatory markers, MMP9 activation, and Type I collagen loss in 15 healthy females compared to untreated exposed skin. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38590207/))

## What reviewers say

This balm is widely praised as a powerful first cleanse for oily and acne-prone skin, effectively dissolving stubborn makeup while using Japanese charcoal to detoxify pores. Users frequently note a messy trade-off, as the black formula can stain sinks and washcloths, and some find it slightly more drying than the original cult-classic version.

- Liked: Effective makeup removal (mostly mentioned)
- Disliked: Messy application (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Deep pore cleansing (often mentioned)
- Liked: Rinses clean (often mentioned)
- Liked: Fragrance-free (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Drying effect (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Eye irritation (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Price (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use this makeup remover PM as the first step of your evening routine to clear away impurities. Start by using it 3×/week before working up to daily use if your skin tolerates it well.
- Apply this makeup remover before your regular cleanser and toner. Follow it with your usual cleansing steps to ensure all residue is thoroughly washed away.
- Gently press a small amount of the makeup remover onto your face using soft cotton pads. Avoid harsh rubbing to prevent irritating your blemishes and active breakouts.
- Apply the makeup remover on completely dry skin to effectively break down excess oil and makeup. Clean away thoroughly before moving on to the next skincare steps .
- Do a patch test before your first use to ensure your skin reacts well. Avoid getting the product directly into your eyes .
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/c35a78bc839b6c00f5359ad6ae653522.mp4

## Questions and answers

### How well does Clinique Charcoal Cleansing Balm work for oily acne-prone skin?

This cleansing balm works reasonably well for oily acne-prone skin because charcoal absorbs excess oil while oils help dissolve makeup without causing irritation. However, a product of this type needs lighter ingredients or oil-controlling components that target breakouts rather than heavier oils and emollients which may not deliver the best results for your skin.

### Which ingredients make this cleanser a good fit for oily acne-prone skin?

Charcoal powder in this cleanser helps absorb excess oil and impurities, while safflower seed oil and ethylhexyl palmitate dissolve makeup effectively for oily skin. A makeup remover for this skin needs ingredients that control oil and breakouts without heavy oils that can clog pores.

### What does Activated Charcoal do for oily acne-prone skin?

Activated charcoal is unlikely to provide proven benefits for oily and acne-prone skin, as these products lack clinical evidence to support claims that they can treat conditions like acne or provide exfoliative effects. Oily and acne-prone skin typically needs ingredients that regulate sebum production and gently clear pores without irritation.
Sources: [Clinics in Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32513407/)

### What does Safflower Seed Oil do for oily acne-prone skin?

Safflower seed oil is a poor fit for oily acne-prone skin because it lacks the specific protective benefits and specialized ingredients needed to keep pores clear and calm breakouts.

### Where does this cleanser go in a skincare routine for oily acne-prone skin?

This makeup remover goes in the evening routine before your cleanser, and in your weekly routine before your cleanser and enzyme powder. Oily acne-prone skin needs a makeup remover that uses charcoal or similar ingredients to absorb excess oil and clear impurities without causing irritation.

### Can I use this cleanser with retinol, and in what order?

You can use this makeup remover in your evening routine before your cleanser when using retinol. Oily acne-prone skin often needs products that cleanse away impurities without harsh ingredients, while also benefiting from soothing hydrators and barrier-restoring ceramides.

### How often should I use this cleanser?

You can use this makeup remover in your evening routine whenever you wear makeup, as it works well to dissolve impurities without causing irritation. Oily acne-prone skin often benefits more from lightweight cleansers and targeted treatments that actively balance oil and clear blemishes every day.

### Can this cleanser clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily acne-prone skin?

This cleanser is unlikely to cause irritation on oily acne-prone skin because it lacks harsh ingredients, though it offers only an average fit for your skin type. Oily acne-prone skin needs a cleanser with ingredients that clear excess oil and impurities without leaving a heavy residue.

### Is this cleanser fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

## Alternatives for oily acne-prone skin

- [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €11.83 at Amazon
- [Cetaphil Gentle Makeup Removing Wipes](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/cetaphil/gentle-makeup-removing-wipes/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit — €22.48 at Amazon
- [B.LAB Cica Barrier Cleansing Oil Balm](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/b-lab/cica-barrier-cleansing-oil-balm/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit — €13.49 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [Paula's Choice CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/paula-s-choice/clear-pore-normalizing-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €29.00 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €36.00 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [SKIN1004 Centella Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/skin1004/centella-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €19.20 at Amazon

## Where to buy

No store in Netherlands has a checked price for this product, so the page shows none.

## Ingredients

Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate, Synthetic Wax, Peg-5 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Charcoal Powder, Tocopherol, Caprylyl Glycol, Water, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Phenoxyethanol
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/clinique/take-the-day-off-charcoal-cleansing-balm/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/clinique/take-the-day-off-charcoal-cleansing-balm/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
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