Banila Co Clean It Zero Review: Best Oil Cleanser?

Choosing the right first cleanser is critical to the double cleansing method, and the Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm has long been the default recommendation in K-Beauty communities. With its iconic pink tub and sherbet-like texture, it has sold millions of units worldwide and introduced countless people to the concept of oil cleansing. But is it really the best option for the first step of your double cleanse? I put it through a thorough month-long test to find out.

Texture and Application

The Clean It Zero has a unique sherbet or sorbet-like consistency that is solid in the jar but melts instantly on contact with skin. This makes it much less messy than traditional liquid cleansing oils, which is one of the reasons it appeals to oil-cleansing beginners. You scoop out a small amount with the included spatula (a nice hygienic touch), warm it between your palms, and massage it across your dry face. As you massage, it transforms into a silky oil that glides effortlessly over the skin.

Cleansing Power

This is where the Clean It Zero truly shines. I tested it against waterproof mascara, long-wear foundation, mineral sunscreen, and my daily combination of SPF50 and light makeup. It dissolved everything. Waterproof mascara melted away within 30 seconds of gentle circular massage. Sunscreen, which is notoriously difficult to remove completely, came off cleanly as confirmed by a subsequent cleanse with a damp white cloth showing no residue. The emulsification step, where you add a bit of water and the oil turns milky, is satisfying and effective. It rinses clean without any greasy film.

Skin Feel After Use

One of my biggest concerns with oil cleansers is that they often leave a residue that interferes with the second cleanse. The Banila Co balm rinses remarkably clean. After use, my skin felt soft, smooth, and prepped for the next step, never tight or stripped. The formula contains vitamin C and acerola extract, which may contribute to the slight brightening effect I noticed over time. After a month of use, the skin around my nose and chin (where I tend to get congested) felt noticeably smoother and cleaner.

Considerations

While I found the original (pink) version excellent for my normal-to-dry skin, Banila Co also offers variants for different skin types: the green "Pore Clarifying" version for oily skin, the purple "Zero" for sensitive skin, and the yellow "Nourishing" version for very dry skin. This range means there is likely a version that works for you, though I can only speak to the original formula. The jar packaging, while aesthetically pleasing, is inherently less hygienic than a pump dispenser, though the included spatula mitigates this concern.

Value and Longevity

At $19 for 100ml, the Clean It Zero sits at a reasonable price point for a first cleanser. A little goes a long way since you only need about a grape-sized amount per use. My jar lasted well over two months with daily evening use, which works out to roughly $0.30 per cleanse. Considering how effectively it performs, that represents solid value.