If there's one product category that K-beauty truly owns, it's the double cleanse, and the Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm is arguably where the modern cleansing balm craze started. This product has sold millions of units worldwide, won countless awards, and remains a fixture in Korean skincare routines. I spent four weeks using it every night to determine whether this OG cleansing balm still holds up against the newer competition. Here's everything I found.
First Impressions
The pink jar feels solid and well-made. Inside, the balm sits as a firm, sherbet-like solid, it has a satisfying texture that's clearly different from an oil cleanser or a cream cleanser. The spatula is a thoughtful inclusion for keeping things clean.
Scooping out a small amount, I was struck by how the product transforms on contact with skin. The solid balm melts almost instantly into a smooth, lightweight oil as your body heat warms it up. There's something satisfying about that transformation, it feels like the product is activating. The scent is very subtle, almost fragrance-free, which surprised me in a good way. Many cleansing balms I've tried are heavily perfumed.
My first cleanse with it removed a full face of makeup, foundation, concealer, mascara, and sunscreen, with about 60 seconds of gentle massaging. When I added water to emulsify, it turned into a milky liquid that rinsed off cleanly without any greasy residue. My skin felt clean but not stripped. That's the gold standard for a first-step cleanser, and Clean It Zero hit it right away.
Key Ingredients
Banila Co formulated this balm with a focused ingredient list that prioritizes effective cleansing without irritation:
- Cetyl Ethylhexanoate: The primary cleansing agent, an ester-based oil that dissolves makeup, sunscreen, and sebum efficiently. It's lighter and less pore-clogging than many traditional cleansing oils.
- Hot Spring Water: Provides mineral-rich hydration during the cleansing step. This is an underrated ingredient that helps prevent the dryness that aggressive cleansing can cause.
- Acerola Extract (Vitamin C): A natural antioxidant derived from acerola cherries. It provides brightening support even during the cleansing step, though the contact time is brief.
- Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E): Conditions and protects the skin's moisture barrier during cleansing. It works alongside the acerola extract as an antioxidant team.
- Arachidyl Glucoside & related emulsifiers: These are what allow the balm to emulsify with water and rinse cleanly. Without good emulsifiers, cleansing balms leave a film, this one doesn't, which speaks to the quality of the emulsification system.
The formula is free of parabens, sulfates, and alcohol. For a first-step cleanser that contacts your skin briefly, the ingredient list is clean and purposeful.
How I Used It
I used Clean It Zero every evening as the first step of my double cleanse for the full four weeks. My routine was consistent: dry hands, dry face. I scooped out about a quarter-sized amount with the spatula, warmed it between my palms for a second, then massaged it across my entire face in circular motions for about 60-90 seconds.
I focused extra time on my T-zone (where sunscreen and oil tend to accumulate), around my eyes (mascara and eye makeup), and along my jawline and hairline (where makeup often gets missed during cleansing). Then I added a splash of water to emulsify the balm into a milky consistency and rinsed thoroughly.
After Clean It Zero, I followed with a water-based second cleanser to complete the double cleanse. On some evenings I tested Clean It Zero alone (without a second cleanser) to see if it could work as a standalone.
I tested it against various makeup and sunscreen products: waterproof mascara, long-wear liquid foundation, heavy mineral sunscreen, and the TIRTIR cushion foundation I'd been wearing.
Results After 4 Weeks
Week 1: The cleansing performance was rock-solid from day one. Waterproof mascara? Dissolved in under a minute of gentle massaging. SPF50 mineral sunscreen? Gone without scrubbing. The emulsification was clean every time, no oily residue left behind after rinsing. My skin felt balanced and comfortable post-cleanse, never that tight, squeaky-clean feeling that means you've over-cleansed.
Week 2: I started noticing something interesting: the pores on my nose appeared smaller. This wasn't the balm "shrinking" pores (nothing does that), but rather the consistent, thorough oil cleansing was keeping them cleaner. Sebaceous filaments that normally darken by midday were less visible. The gentle massage seemed to be helping draw out congestion without harsh extraction.
Week 3: I tested it as a standalone cleanser on a few evenings when I hadn't worn much makeup, just sunscreen and a light tint. Used alone, it left my skin feeling clean but not deeply cleansed enough for my preference. I'd still recommend following with a water-based cleanser for the most thorough results. Where it shined solo was on lazy evenings, it's better than a micellar water wipe and far less effort than a multi-step removal routine.
Week 4: My skin's overall clarity had improved. I attribute this partly to consistent double cleansing rather than Clean It Zero alone, but the product made the double cleanse routine enjoyable rather than tedious. The jar was about two-thirds full after a month of nightly use, suggesting the 100ml size offers good value. No breakouts, no irritation, no issues with clogged pores, just clean, happy skin.
Who Should Use It
- Anyone who wears makeup or sunscreen daily and needs an effective first-step cleanser
- People new to the double cleansing method who want a foolproof entry point
- Those with sensitive skin who need a gentle, non-stripping makeup remover
- Anyone who finds oil cleansers too messy or hard to rinse
- People whose pores are prone to congestion from makeup and sunscreen buildup
Who Should Think Twice
- If you don't wear makeup or sunscreen, a cleansing balm may be unnecessary, a single water-based cleanser might be enough
- If you strongly prefer pump-bottle oil cleansers for speed and convenience, the jar format is slightly less practical
- If you're looking for a cleanser with active treatment ingredients (acids, retinol), this is a straightforward cleansing product
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Removes all types of makeup and sunscreen thoroughly, including waterproof formulas
- Satisfying solid-to-oil texture transformation on contact
- Clean emulsification, rinses without leaving oily residue
- Gentle and non-stripping, even for sensitive skin
- Free of parabens, sulfates, and alcohol
- 100ml jar lasts well over a month with nightly use
- Spatula included for hygienic scooping
Cons
- Jar format is less convenient than pump bottles for travel
- Not effective as a standalone cleanser for deep cleansing, best as step one of a double cleanse
- The gentle formula means stubborn, multi-layered waterproof eye makeup may need a second pass
- Product can soften or partially melt in very hot environments
The Verdict: 4.0 / 5
The Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm is a classic for a reason. It does one thing, remove makeup and sunscreen, and it does it better than most products in the category. The solid-to-oil transformation is genuinely pleasant to use, the emulsification is among the cleanest I've experienced, and the formula is gentle enough that even reactive skin types can use it nightly without concern.
Is it the most exciting product in your routine? No, and it's not trying to be. It's the reliable workhorse that makes the rest of your skincare more effective by ensuring your skin is properly clean before treatments, serums, and moisturizers go on. In that role, Clean It Zero is nearly unbeatable.
The reason I give it a 4.0 rather than higher is that the cleansing balm market has grown significantly since this product launched, and some newer options offer similar performance with added features (larger sizes, pump packaging, specialized formulas for different skin concerns). Clean It Zero remains an excellent choice, especially for beginners, but it's no longer the only strong option in the category.
For your first step into Korean skincare, starting with a proper cleanse is arguably the most impactful thing you can do. Check out the full Banila Co collection and the rest of our best sellers at Mirai Skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to double cleanse if I use the Banila Co Clean It Zero?
If you wore makeup or sunscreen during the day, yes, following Clean It Zero with a water-based cleanser gives you the most thorough cleanse. The balm dissolves oil-based impurities (makeup, SPF, excess sebum), and the second cleanser handles water-based impurities (sweat, dirt, remaining residue). On bare-skin days without SPF, Clean It Zero alone may suffice.
Can the Banila Co Clean It Zero remove waterproof mascara?
Yes. I tested it against several waterproof mascaras, and it dissolved them with about 60 seconds of gentle circular massage on the eye area. For very heavy, multi-coat waterproof mascara, you may want to hold the balm on your lashes for 15-20 seconds before massaging to give it time to break down the formula. Always be gentle around the delicate eye area.
Is the Banila Co Clean It Zero safe for sensitive or acne-prone skin?
The Original formula is suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin. It's free of parabens, sulfates, and alcohol, and the pH-balanced, gentle formula is designed not to disrupt your skin barrier. For acne-prone skin, the key is to rinse thoroughly and always follow with a proper second cleanser to ensure no residue remains that could contribute to clogged pores.
How long does a jar of Banila Co Clean It Zero last?
With nightly use (one application per evening), the 100ml jar lasts approximately 6-8 weeks. If you use it twice daily (morning and evening), expect about 4 weeks. A little goes a long way, about a quarter-sized scoop is enough for a full face of makeup removal. The jar format with spatula also helps you control portions and avoid waste.
