Elemis' cleansing balm has thousands of five-star reviews but it's £52 – so how does Aldi's £5.99 dupe compare?

The Sun

4 days ago

FOR years, I've watched from afar as beauty gurus and skincare connoisseurs have raved about one product in particular: the Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm.
It's a product that has achieved a high status, not just for its wonderful effects, but for its price tag.
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At a hefty £52 for a 100g tub, it's not a casual purchase - it's a commitment.
It's a signal that you've 'made it' in the world of luxury skincare.
So naturally, when Aldi announced its new Lacura Cleansing Balm, a dupe promising to deliver that same high-end experience for just £5.99, I knew I had to put my skincare devotion to the ultimate test.
Could a supermarket version really compete with the gold standard?
The Elemis balm is a ritual in a jar.
The first time I twisted open the lid, I was met with a rich, buttery yellow balm that felt dense and substantial.
Taking just a small, pea-sized amount, as a little truly goes a long, long way, it melts between my fingertips almost instantly.
The warmth from my skin releases the signature scent - a complex, aromatic blend of nine essential oils including Lavender, Chamomile, and Eucalyptus making it a full-on sensory experience.
There's no doubt that it's perfect for removing long-wear foundation and stubborn waterproof mascara.
It then turns into a silky, cleansing milk when I add a splash of water, rinsing away clean without any oily residue.
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My skin is left feeling soft, plump, and deeply nourished.
But let's be real, a £52 habit isn't sustainable for everyone.
Enter the Aldi Lacura Cleansing Balm, promising a huge 87% saving.
Upon opening it, the similarities are immediately clear.
The balm itself has that same thick, luxurious texture.
It's formulated with nourishing ingredients including Algae Extract, Sweet Almond, Elderberry, and Borage Oils, a respectable lineup that sounds like it could deliver results.
Now for the hands-on comparison.
When I scooped out the Aldi balm, the first thing I noticed was that I had to be a lot more generous with it.
While Elemis's formula is so concentrated that a tiny amount works wonders, I found myself needing to really slather on the Lacura balm to feel like I was getting the full cleanse.
The scent is lovely, but in a different way.
Classic 'spa' smell
Instead of the deep, complex aromatherapy of Elemis, this one has a lighter, fresher, more classic 'spa' smell.
As I massaged it into my skin, the balm-to-oil transformation was just as effective.
It did an impressive job of breaking down my makeup and tackled the foundation - but you need to be generous with the amount you use
When I rinsed it off, my skin felt clean, soft, and hydrated - all the things you want from a cleansing balm.
It didn't feel like
So, what's the final verdict?
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The Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm is, without a doubt, a masterpiece.
Its potent formula means you use less product per cleanse, and the exquisite scent is an experience in itself. But at £52, it remains a luxury.
The Aldi Lacura Cleansing Balm, on the other hand, is a brilliant contender.
While you do need to use a bit more product per cleanse, the fact that you're saving a £46 per tub makes it an incredible value.
For the vast majority of us, the Aldi version is a more than worthy dupe
Yasmin Harisha
For the vast majority of us, the Aldi version is a more than worthy dupe.
It performs the most important job - melting away makeup and impurities - and for a price that means you won't wince every time you reach for the pot.
It's a definite winner for anyone looking to get that spa-like glow without the luxury price tag.