Banila Co. Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm

Last year I introduced you to my favourite cleanser (from Japan), the DHC Deep Cleansing Oil. This year, it’s time to reveal its Korean counterpart. Meet Banila Co. Clean It Zero, the award-winning and best-selling cleanser that goes on as a solid balm and transforms into a silky oil on the skin.

If you’re not on the oil cleansing train already, I highly suggest you do. It’s the most effective way of getting rid of your makeup, dirt and leftover skin care residue you can’t remove using other cleansers (like sunscreen). Unlike oil cleansers, balm cleansers have the advantage of being more travel friendly and less messy to work with aka no oil dripping down your elbows. Or is that just me?

The Banila Co. Clean It Zero has a sorbet-like, lightweight texture that is easy to scoop out thanks to the spatula that comes with it. Seriously, why don’t all creams and masks have this? So hygienic! Be careful not to scoop out too much at once like I did at first. You only need a tiny amount (about the size of an almond) for the entire face. Gently massage the formula all over your dry face and neck to have it emulsify into more of an oil, and dissolve the makeup or other dirt on your skin. You can then add some lukewarm water to turn it slightly milky as you keep massaging your face. Afterwards rinse thoroughly using lukewarm water before continuing with the next step in your skin care routine (which should be a water-based cleanser if you double-cleanse).

I found this balm effortlessly removes stubborn makeup without stripping the face or leave a greasy residue. I will still use an eye makeup remover before continuing the double cleanse though. It’s main ingredient is mineral oil which might put some people off. Personally I haven’t had any problems with mineral oil and I’d also like to point out there’s no proof to date that mineral oil is bad for your skin. It’s just a cheap ingredient, so if you see it pop up on expensive products, then yes I’d look for something else. Given this cleanser is pretty affordable, I have no problems with it at all. Well, I did pay too much in Chinatown (couldn’t help myself), but I’m still really happy because it performs so well!

The formula also contains papaya extract (known for its exfoliating abilities), as well as acerola extract (rich in vitamin C which helps to brighten) and cherry extract (good source of vitamin A to fight free radicals to protect your skin from premature ageing).

Ingredients list:

Mineral Oil, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, PEG-10 Isostearate, Polyethylene, Butylene Glycol, Water, Rubus Suavissimus (Raspberry) Leaf Extract, Bambusa Arundinacea Stem Extract, Aspalathus Linearis Leaf Extract, Viscum Album (Mistletoe) Leaf Extract, Angelica Polymorpha Sinesis Root Extract, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Malpighia Glabra (Acerola) Fruit Extract, Epilobium Angustifolium Leaf Extract, BHT, Butylparaben, CI 16255, CI 15985, Fragrance

This balm is suitable for all skin types. I have sensitive skin, this balm has worked miracles in removing my makeup. If you do mind the mineral oil, make sure to check out their Purity version. I absolutely love this and recommend you try it if you can get your hands on it!

Banila Co. Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm (100 ml) – $ 21 / € 25 / £ 27
I purchased mine at P2bus in Chinatown in London.

Disclaimer: The product mentioned in this post was purchased.