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Removing long-wear makeup, sunscreen, and eye products can turn your evening routine into more work than it needs to be. BANILA CO Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm is designed to simplify that first cleansing step with a sherbet-like balm that melts into oil as you massage it over dry skin. The 3.38 fl oz / 100 mL Original formula is positioned for all skin types and combines strong makeup-removing performance with a less-stripping feel. Its main caveat is that the formula contains fragrance, so shoppers with fragrance sensitivity may prefer a different cleanser even though this product is marketed as hypoallergenic.
Quick Verdict
Rating: 8.5/10
Best For: Makeup and sunscreen wearers who want a rinse-off balm as the first step of their cleansing routine.
Bottom Line: Clean It Zero Original offers an easy balm-to-oil texture, a 100 mL jar, and strong makeup-removal positioning in a formula made for all skin types. The main tradeoff is fragrance, which may make the Original version less appealing if your skin or eyes react to scented skincare.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | BANILA CO |
| Product | Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm |
| Product type | Facial cleansing balm / makeup remover |
| Size | 3.38 fl oz / 100 mL |
| Package quantity | 1 jar |
| Texture | Sherbet-like balm that melts into oil |
| Skin type | Marketed for all skin types |
| Key highlighted ingredients | Acerola Berry and Vitamin C |
| Scent | Fruity floral |
| Formula claims | Vegan, dermatologist-tested, and hypoallergenic |
| Included accessory | Spatula |
| Best use | Removing makeup, sunscreen, and facial buildup before rinsing or double cleansing |
What Is BANILA CO Clean It Zero Original?
BANILA CO Clean It Zero Original is an oil-based cleansing balm designed primarily to break down makeup, sunscreen, and facial buildup. Unlike a liquid cleansing oil, it starts as a solid sherbet-like balm inside a jar. The texture softens as you massage it onto dry skin and changes into an oil that can spread across the face without immediately running through your fingers.
The Original version reviewed here comes in a 3.38 fl oz / 100 mL jar and includes a spatula for scooping the balm. BANILA CO markets the product for all skin types and highlights Acerola Berry and Vitamin C in the formula. It is best treated as a cleansing product first, rather than as a replacement for leave-on brightening serums or moisturizers.
Who Should Buy It?
Best For
- You regularly wear foundation, long-wear makeup, eye makeup, or sunscreen.
- You prefer a solid balm over a runny cleansing oil.
- You want an oil-based first cleanser that emulsifies with water before rinsing.
Skip If
- You specifically need fragrance-free skincare.
- Your eyes or skin tend to react to scented cleansing products.
- You want one cleanser to address a specific skin condition rather than primarily removing makeup and sunscreen.
Before You Buy: The Original formula is marketed as dermatologist-tested and hypoallergenic, but its ingredient list includes fragrance. Those claims do not guarantee that every sensitive user will tolerate it. Check the current ingredient label and consider a fragrance-free cleansing balm if fragrance is a known trigger for you.
Why Choose BANILA CO Clean It Zero?
The strongest reason to consider Clean It Zero is its balm-to-oil cleansing format. You can scoop a controlled amount from the jar, spread it over dry skin, and massage it through makeup and sunscreen before adding water. This gives you more control than a thin cleansing oil and can make it easier to work around areas with heavier makeup.
The 100 mL size also makes the Original jar substantial enough for regular home use without being an oversized container. The included spatula keeps you from having to dig directly into the jar with your fingers each time, although the spatula itself still needs to be kept clean and dry.
Balm-to-Oil Makeup Removal
Clean It Zero begins as a firm, sherbet-like balm. When you massage it into dry skin, it melts into an oil that can loosen oil-soluble products such as foundation, sunscreen, and many long-wear cosmetics. Water is added only after you have worked the balm over the areas you want to cleanse.
That second step is important. When water is introduced, the oily layer emulsifies into a milky texture that is easier to rinse away. Skipping emulsification can make any cleansing balm feel heavier and may leave more residue behind.
| Step | What to Do | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Scoop balm with the spatula | Helps control the amount and keeps fingers out of the jar |
| 2 | Apply to dry skin | Lets the oil phase contact makeup and sunscreen before water is added |
| 3 | Massage gently in circular motions | Spreads the melted balm across the areas being cleansed |
| 4 | Add water and massage again | Emulsifies the oil into a milkier rinse-off texture |
| 5 | Rinse well with lukewarm water | Removes loosened makeup, balm, and residue |
Ingredients, Fragrance, and Skin Considerations
BANILA CO highlights Acerola Berry and Vitamin C in the Original formula. The Amazon listing positions these ingredients around hydration and skin vitality while the cleanser does its main job of removing makeup and impurities. Because the balm is rinsed off, you should view these skincare benefits as secondary rather than expecting the same effect you might seek from a leave-on Vitamin C product.
The product is also listed as vegan, dermatologist-tested, and hypoallergenic. Those are useful formula details, but they do not mean irritation is impossible. The ingredient list includes fragrance, and the listed scent is fruity floral. Fragrance-sensitive skin may therefore need a more cautious approach.
For your first use, follow the current package directions and stop using the balm if you notice persistent irritation. If you have a diagnosed skin condition or a history of significant reactions to cosmetics, personalized advice from a qualified healthcare professional is more appropriate than relying on a product label alone.
How to Use BANILA CO Clean It Zero Correctly
Start with dry hands and a dry face. Use the included spatula to scoop an appropriate amount of balm, then spread it over your face with gentle circular motions. Give areas with heavier makeup enough massage time for the balm to loosen the product without aggressive rubbing.
Next, wet your fingertips and massage again. The balm should begin changing from an oily layer into a milkier emulsion. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. If you use the balm as the first half of a double-cleansing routine, you can follow it with your usual compatible water-based facial cleanser.
Pro Tip: Spend time on the emulsifying step instead of trying to remove the balm with water immediately. Adding a little water and massaging until the texture turns milky can make the rinse cleaner and reduce the heavy feeling that people sometimes associate with oil-based cleansers.
How It Performs in Real Use
For Everyday Makeup and Sunscreen
This is the most natural role for Clean It Zero Original. The balm format gives you time to massage over foundation, concealer, facial sunscreen, and other products before rinsing. If you wear several layers during the day, using an oil-based balm first can make the rest of your evening cleanse more straightforward.
For Waterproof and Long-Wear Makeup
BANILA CO markets Clean It Zero for stubborn and waterproof makeup. For eye makeup, use gentle pressure and keep your eyes closed while working around the eye area. Some products may need a little more massage time, and you should avoid rubbing aggressively just because a cosmetic is difficult to remove.
As the First Step of a Double Cleanse
The balm works particularly well when your goal is to separate makeup removal from the final skin-cleansing step. Clean It Zero can remove oily or long-wear layers first, then a compatible water-based cleanser can be used afterward if that approach fits your routine. A second cleanser is not automatically necessary for every person, so your skin’s response should guide the routine.
For Travel and Storage
A balm is less runny than a bottled cleansing oil, which can make the format convenient to handle. The reviewed jar is 100 mL, however, so you should check the current transportation rules that apply to your trip rather than assuming the full-size container will meet every carry-on restriction. Keep the lid closed, keep water out of the jar, and store it according to the package instructions.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Balm-to-oil texture is easy to spread over dry skin.
- Designed to remove makeup, sunscreen, and waterproof cosmetics.
- 100 mL / 3.38 fl oz full-size jar.
- Spatula is included for scooping the product.
- Marketed as vegan, dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic, and suitable for all skin types.
Cons
- The Original formula contains fragrance and has a fruity-floral scent.
- Proper emulsification adds an extra step compared with a simple foaming cleanser.
- It is mainly a makeup-removing cleanser, so it should not be expected to replace targeted leave-on skincare treatments.
Is It Worth the Price?
Clean It Zero Original makes the most sense if you value the balm format and regularly need to remove sunscreen or makeup before bed. The 100 mL jar, included spatula, emulsifying texture, and established cleansing-balm formula give you more than a basic facial wash, particularly when makeup removal is the main reason you are buying it.
Value becomes less convincing if you rarely wear makeup or sunscreen that requires an oil-based first cleanse. In that situation, you may get more use from a simpler everyday cleanser. It is also not the best fit if fragrance-free skincare is a requirement, regardless of how well the balm removes cosmetics.
How It Compares to Alternatives
The e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm is another balm-to-oil option and emphasizes ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and peptides. It can be worth comparing if you want a different ingredient profile or want to compare available sizes before buying.
Farmacy Green Clean Cleansing Balm is another established makeup- and SPF-removing balm with several size options, including fragrance-free versions in its current lineup. BANILA CO Clean It Zero Original makes the most sense when you specifically want the classic Clean It Zero sherbet texture and Acerola Berry/Vitamin C positioning, while a fragrance-free alternative may be more appropriate if scent is your main concern.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can BANILA CO Clean It Zero Original remove waterproof makeup?
Yes. BANILA CO markets the Original cleansing balm for removing waterproof and stubborn makeup. Massage it over dry skin first, then add water to emulsify before rinsing instead of trying to wash the untouched balm off immediately.
Is Clean It Zero Original suitable for sensitive skin?
It is marketed as hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested, and suitable for all skin types. However, the Original formula contains fragrance, so those with known fragrance sensitivity should check the current ingredient label and consider a fragrance-free alternative if necessary.
Can you use it to remove eye makeup?
The product is designed for face and eye makeup removal, including stubborn cosmetics. Keep your eyes closed, use gentle pressure, and rinse thoroughly. Stop using it around the eye area if you experience persistent irritation.
Do you need to wash your face again after using Clean It Zero?
Not everyone needs the same routine. Clean It Zero can be used as the first step of a double cleanse, followed by a water-based cleanser, especially after heavy makeup or sunscreen. If the balm rinses cleanly and your skin does well with a single cleanse, follow the routine recommended for your skin and the product directions.
Does BANILA CO Clean It Zero Original contain fragrance?
Yes. Fragrance appears in the listed ingredients, and the Amazon product information describes the scent as fruity floral. This matters if you intentionally avoid scented skincare or have reacted to fragranced facial products in the past.
How long does a 100 mL jar last?
There is no reliable universal number because usage depends on how much balm you scoop, how often you wear makeup or sunscreen, and whether you use it every day. Using the included spatula can help you control the amount instead of taking an unnecessarily large scoop.
How should you store the cleansing balm?
Keep the jar closed when you are not using it and avoid introducing water into the container. Follow the storage and period-after-opening information printed on your current packaging rather than assuming a fixed shelf life for every batch or market.
Who should skip BANILA CO Clean It Zero Original?
You may want to skip the Original version if you require fragrance-free facial products or do not need a separate oil-based makeup-removal step. It is also not a substitute for medical treatment or a targeted leave-on product for specific skin concerns.
The Bottom Line
BANILA CO Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm is a strong choice if you regularly remove makeup or sunscreen and prefer a controlled balm texture over a liquid cleansing oil. Its 100 mL jar, included spatula, balm-to-oil transformation, and emulsifying rinse make it practical for that job, while fragrance remains the main reason some sensitive users may want to choose another formula.
If makeup removal is a regular part of your routine and fragrance is not a concern, the Original version earns its 8.5/10 recommendation. If you specifically need fragrance-free skincare, compare alternatives before buying.
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