Elemis' £49 spa cleansing balm has thousands of 5-star reviews – I compared it to Boots £7.50 dupe everyone raves about

The Sun

28-07-2025

AS a dedicated skincare enthusiast, I'm always on the lookout for that perfect balance where effectiveness meets affordability.
For what feels like an age, the beauty world has been abuzz with endless praise for the Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, a product often dubbed a 'spa-worthy' luxury cleanser.
4
And, I won't deny it - it truly is a delight to use.
The experience of the Elemis balm is truly an undeniable one.
It begins as a rich, solid balm, melting seamlessly into a sumptuous oil as it warms on the skin, before finally evolving into a delicate, hydrating milk upon contact with water.
And there's no denying that it dissolves every trace of makeup, daily grime and impurities.
It certainly leaves my skin feeling soft, nourished, and pampered.
The formula itself is a boasts exceptional ingredients such as Elderberry and Padina Pavonica, complemented by a meticulously crafted essential oil blend that elevates the cleansing process into a truly indulgent evening ritual.
However, with a price tag of £49.00, from Boots for a modest 100g jar, it's undeniably a splurge - one that, for many, myself included, simply isn't sustainable for day-to-day use.
This led me to a recent discovery that has completely shifted my perspective and won my heart: the Boots HABI Moisture Melt Cleansing Balm.
Beauty fans have taken to internet to praise it for being a "dupe" to the Elemis product, and a "great alternative."
At an astonishing £7.50 for a generous 100g pot, the HABI Moisture Melt Cleansing Balm offers everything I desire in a cleansing balm, without the hefty price tag.
And like the Elemis cleansing balm, it's nothing short of a revelation.
Even the design of the pot is something else.
You can twist the lid for it to come out bit by bit, or use the provide spoon to scoop it out onto your hands.
From the moment I scoop out a small amount, I'm greeted with a smooth, gel-like balm that feels wonderfully indulgent.
As I dot it onto my dry face and gently massage it in, the texture transforms beautifully.
I've come to realise that these extras, while lovely, aren't strictly necessary for achieving a great cleanse
Yasmin Harisha
Under the warmth of my fingertips, it melts into a silky, lightweight oil that glides effortlessly across the skin.
This transformation is key - the oil works its magic, dissolving even the most stubborn waterproof mascara and lifting away the day's build-up of dirt and pollutants.
Like the Elemis product it turns into a milky texture after water is applied to it.
Once I felt I had immulsified it enough on my face, I grabbed a soaked flannel and wipe it off.
After rinsing, my skin feels immaculately clean, soft, and comfortably refreshed, with no tightness, greasiness, or unpleasant residue.
It delivers a thorough and satisfying cleanse every time - exactly what I look for in a cleansing balm.
While the Elemis balm does offer a more aromatic experience and a slightly more intricate texture transition, I've come to realise that these extras, while lovely, aren't strictly necessary for achieving a great cleanse.
Especially when the price difference is so stark.
The HABI balm proves, without question, that you don't need to spend a small fortune to achieve beautifully clean, happy skin.
It's straightforward, exceptionally effective, and wonderfully affordable, making it a true unsung hero of skincare - perfect for daily use.
For me, the Boots HABI Moisture Melt Cleansing Balm is the undisputed winner.
It excels in its primary purpose - cleansing - and does so at a price point that's accessible to all.
Why spend nearly seven times more for a few extra essential oils when HABI delivers impeccable results for just £7.50?
It's now my absolute go-to cleansing balm, and I genuinely cannot recommend it highly enough.
If you're searching for a budget-friendly skincare gem that doesn't compromise on performance, HABI is the answer.
Biggest skincare trends for 2025
Face The Future's Head of Clinic, Kimberley Medd, shared the five skincare trends predicted to take off in 2025.
1. Exosomes
Exosomes are the buzzword for 2025, taking advanced skin regeneration to new heights. These micro-messengers signal skin cells to repair damage, boost collagen, and accelerate recovery, and they're a gamechanger for targeting ageing.
2. Streamlined Skincare
The age of 12-step routines is fading as consumers shift to more intentional, multi-functional products. Streamlining skincare not only saves time but also reduces the risk of overloading your skin. In 2025, we'll see a rise in hybrid products that combine active ingredients for simplified, effective results.
3. Vegan Collagen
Plant-based collagen will dominate the skincare world this year, providing a sustainable, ethical alternative to traditional animal-derived collagen. Expect vegan collagen in everything from moisturisers to serums.
4. The Rise Of AI
AI is revolutionising the beauty landscape, making it possible for consumers to get truly personalised skincare solutions. In 2025, we predict a dramatic shift towards AI-powered tools that help people understand their skin on a deeper level.
5. Hair Loss Solutions -
Hair loss is an issue that affects more men than we often realise, and it's no longer just something we're talking about behind closed doors. This year, expect to see a continued rise in demand for treatments that not only tackle hair loss but also nurture overall scalp health.