BANILA CO CLEAN IT ZERO PORE CLARIFYING CLEANSING BALM 100ML

Values you can verify here: 100% Authentic Guarantee (Adilsons policy) • Ingredient-screened for pregnancy-contraindicated actives* • Vegan-Friendly* (no animal-derived ingredients detected in the sourced list, though Banila Co is not vegan brand-wide) • Not certified cruelty-free.

*Screened against retinoids, salicylic acid above 2%, hydroquinone, and chemical UV filters — Salicylic Acid is present but its exact concentration is not disclosed; as a rinse-off product with short skin contact time, this is lower-risk than a leave-on BHA but not risk-free. See the Pregnancy note in the Safety and Patch Test Protocol section below.

Pros: genuinely melts waterproof sunscreen and makeup in one step; non-stripping compared to a foaming cleanser; real Tea Tree and salicylic-acid-family actives for oily/congested skin; sherbet texture is fun and easy to massage.

Caveats: leaves a light oily residue that needs a water-based second cleanse to fully remove, per consistent community reports; distinct tea tree scent may not suit fragrance-sensitive users; not the gentlest choice if your skin is currently dry, reactive, or barrier-compromised.

In Mauritius heat, the "grimy" feeling by midday is usually sebum and sweat doing their job, not dirt — washing more than twice daily strips the skin's acid mantle (target pH 4.5-5.5) and triggers compensatory sebum overproduction, the exact oiliness you're trying to fix.

How this product breaks the cycle: its oil-based, ester-driven cleansing mechanism (Cetyl Ethylhexanoate) dissolves sebum and makeup through "like dissolves like" chemistry rather than surfactant stripping, which is gentler on the barrier than a high-foam cleanser used as a sole step — provided you follow with a proper water-based second cleanse rather than skipping it or over-massaging.

1. When: PM, as your first cleanse (before a water-based second cleanser).
2. How much: A grape-size scoop of balm.
3. How: Massage on completely dry skin for 30-60 seconds, then add a little water to emulsify to a milky texture before rinsing.

The one rule: Introduce this as the ONLY new product in your routine. Wait a full 14 days before adding anything else. This isolation window ensures you can identify whether any reaction is caused by this specific product.

1. BANILA CO Clean It Zero Pore Clarifying Cleansing Balm (first cleanse, dry hands and face) → 2. Water-based second cleanser (gel or foam) → 3. Toner (optional) → 4. Serum → 5. Moisturizer.

Skin cycling integration: this cleanser's real acid content (Salicylic Acid + LHA) counts toward your Exfoliation lane for the night, even though it's rinsed off — if you're also using a leave-on retinoid or a separate acid toner that same evening, that's still two active-lane products in one routine. Keep to one lane: use this balm freely as your first cleanse, but don't stack a second strong exfoliant on top the same night.

Emulsify first: massage on completely dry skin and face for 30-60 seconds to dissolve makeup/sunscreen, then add a small amount of water and continue massaging until the balm turns milky, then rinse thoroughly.

Required skin state: Dry hands and dry face at the start — water added too early reduces the oil's dissolving power.

60-second rule: adequate massage time ensures full contact with makeup and sunscreen film before rinsing.

This is an encyclopedia map of all product types. You do not use all of these daily. You select modules based on your skin state.

Global execution rules: viscosity ladder thinnest to thickest, water-phase before oil-phase, treatments before seals. Wait-time defaults: watery layers 10-20s, serum layers 30-60s, before sunscreen 10-15 minutes if going outdoors. Amount defaults: watery toner 5-8 drops; serum 2-3 drops; eye product ½ rice-grain per eye; gel moisturizer 1-1.5 peas, cream 1-2 peas; occlusive seal rice-grain to pea-size; sunscreen 2-finger rule for the face. Hard cap rule: if the routine pills, stings, or feels heavy, reduce layers, not increase.

PM Maximum Stack placement: 1. Micellar pre-cleanse (optional) → 2. Oil Cleanser/Balm (this product, if SPF/makeup) — massage on dry skin 30-60s → add water to emulsify until milky → rinse. Proceed immediately → 3. Water Cleanser (second cleanse) → 4. pH-Prep Toner (optional) → 5. Hydrating Toner Layers → 6. Essence (optional) → 7. Soothing/Barrier Serum (optional) → 8. Anchor active product → 9. Targeted Serum (only if non-conflicting) → 10. Moisturizer → 11. Sleeping Mask (optional) → 12. Occlusive Seal (optional) → 13. Spot Treatment (as needed) → 14. Lip Sleeping Mask (optional). Do not layer retinoids with AHA/BHA in the same night; keep "one lane" per night.

Lane strictness: One-lane rule — Retinoid OR Exfoliation OR Strong Vitamin C (LAA) OR Acne-control active per routine; barrier/hydration can always accompany. If unsure, default to the safest lane and reduce layers.

This is a solid-to-oil balm — the thickest texture in your routine, applied first (before any water-based product) because it needs to be massaged onto completely dry skin to work. It is an oil-phase product by design.

This product appears solid/waxy in the jar but transforms into a fluid oil, then a milky emulsion, on contact with skin warmth and water — don't judge the texture by how it looks in the jar.

Purge vs. reaction: mild breakouts in your usual congestion zones during the first 2-4 weeks can be purging; new-area breakouts, burning, or swelling are a reaction — stop and reassess if you see those.

Before starting this product, your routine should already include a basic moisturizer and, ideally, daily SPF — a cleansing balm with real acid content works best as part of a stable routine, not a rescue product for an already-irritated face.

Barrier index gate: if your skin stings on moisturizer or feels tight within 30 minutes of cleansing, your barrier is below threshold — switch to a plain, non-acid cleansing balm or oil first.

Makeup/sunscreen removal: Cetyl Ethylhexanoate and the wax/oil base dissolve waterproof formulas that water-based cleansers alone can't fully remove. Congested pores: the Salicylic Acid/LHA blend works within the oil-soluble pore lining during the brief contact window. Excess sebum: Tea Tree Leaf Oil/Extract has traditional antiseptic and oil-balancing associations.

What this product cannot do: it cannot physically shrink pores (only their visible congestion changes), and as a rinse-off product its acid exposure time is too brief to replace a dedicated leave-on BHA treatment for stubborn textural concerns.

All pairings below are verified in Adilsons' live catalog at the time of writing (stock levels change constantly — check the product page for current availability).

• Anua Heartleaf Succinic Cleansing Foam 150ml — a low-pH, mildly exfoliating second cleanser; use right after this balm to fully rinse away the oily residue community reviews mention.
• AXIS-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Toner 125ml — a brand-stated 5% Niacinamide toner; supports oil control and tone after your double cleanse.
• COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser 150ml — a gentler AM-only second-cleanse option if your skin feels tight after using this balm's acid blend PM.

Pilling pairs: Rushing to add water-based serums before fully rinsing balm residue can cause pilling. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry before your next step.

MYTH: "Oil-based cleansers leave your face greasy and clog pores." REALITY: A properly emulsified oil/balm cleanser dissolves and rinses away with water, unlike leaving a facial oil on the skin — the "like dissolves like" mechanism is precisely what lifts sebum and makeup off rather than trapping it.

MYTH: "Double cleansing is unnecessary extra steps." REALITY: A single water-based cleanse alone often can't fully remove waterproof sunscreen or heavy makeup — the balm/oil step handles what surfactants alone struggle with, especially relevant with daily SPF wear in Mauritius.

Sugar cane burning season (July-November): PM2.5 increases during this period — a thorough oil-based first cleanse is genuinely useful for lifting particulate buildup that a water-only wash can miss.

Hard water note: Mauritius tap water hardness varies by region; hard water can leave a calcium-stearate film after any cleanse — following with a pH-adjusting toner helps counteract tightness.

Full INCI list — a note on sourcing: 1,2-Hexanediol, Aspalathus Linearis (Rooibos) Extract, Bambusa Vulgaris (Bamboo) Leaf/Stem Extract, Butylene Glycol, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Malpighia Glabra (Acerola) Fruit Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, PEG-10 Isostearate, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Salicylic Acid, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Synthetic Wax, Water.* [--- Estimated 1% Line ---] This particular source presents the list in what appears to be alphabetical rather than concentration order, so we cannot confidently mark where the 1% line falls — treat every ingredient's relative concentration as unknown rather than inferring it from list position here.

*This list comes from a third-party aggregator (via WebSearch) that noted some ingredients were "deliberately hidden to protect proprietary formulations." WebFetch to INCIDecoder and CosDNA was blocked this session, so we could not directly verify completeness against a primary source. Treat as medium confidence and incomplete rather than exhaustive.

Fragrance status: No separate "Fragrance/Parfum" listed in the sourced ingredients, but Tea Tree Leaf Oil is a real essential oil with its own scent and allergen profile.

Scent: Distinct tea tree scent, per multiple community reviews.

EU 26 allergen screen: None of the 26 declarable EU allergens by name were found in the sourced ingredient list, though essential-oil-derived Tea Tree components can carry natural trace allergens not always broken out separately on Korean labels.*

*Based on a third-party-aggregated ingredient list, not a directly fetched primary source this session.

Halal:* Self-assessed by Adilsons based on available ingredient data. No ethanol from fermentation, no porcine-derived ingredients, and no haram animal-derived ingredients detected in the sourced ingredient list. This is NOT a formal Halal certification. Muslims with stricter requirements should consult their own scholars.

Vegan:* Self-assessed by Adilsons based on available ingredient data — no animal-derived ingredients (honey, beeswax, royal jelly, propolis, silk, all of which Banila Co uses elsewhere in its range) were detected in this specific SKU's sourced ingredient list. This is NOT a formal vegan certification, and Banila Co is not a vegan brand overall — check each SKU individually.

Cruelty-Free:* Brand-stated policy only. Banila Co is not certified by PETA or Leaping Bunny, and the brand sells in Mainland China, where post-market animal testing may be required by law — cross-border e-commerce sales may be exempt.

Microplastic status: Contains Synthetic Wax and PEG-based emulsifiers, which are not classic rinse-off microbeads, but exact polymer composition is not disclosed — treat as unconfirmed rather than a flat "microplastic-free" claim.

MFDS classification: Not confirmed as a Functional Cosmetic — treat as a General Cosmetic.

Evidence confidence: Medium.* Salicylic acid and LHA are well-studied exfoliant chemistries generally, and ester-based oil cleansing is a well-established mechanism, but no product-specific clinical study for this exact SKU was found, and exact concentrations are undisclosed.

FA safety: FA-Conditional. PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate and PEG-10 Isostearate are considered conditional by some conservative Malassezia-feeding-ingredient lists — as a rinse-off product with short contact time, real-world fungal-acne risk is lower than in a leave-on product, but fungal-acne-prone users should still patch test.

Assessment: Low during use, but incomplete rinsing can cause downstream pilling with the next water-based step.

Mitigation: Rinse thoroughly until skin feels genuinely clean, not just "less oily," before applying your next product.

The balm should stay its characteristic sherbet color and texture; a rancid smell or visible separation are signs to discard.

Storage: Keep the jar's lid tightly closed; a balm can soften significantly in Mauritius bathroom heat, which is cosmetic (not spoilage) unless the scent also changes.

Patch test: Apply to your inner forearm and wait 24 hours, then behind the ear for another 24 hours, before full facial use.

72-hour barrier reset: If you have an adverse reaction, STOP ALL ACTIVES. For 72 hours, use ONLY a gentle cleanser and a plain moisturizer, plus mineral SPF. No acids, retinoids, Vitamin C, or essential oils. After 72 hours, reintroduce one product per 14 days.

Emergency stop signals: hives, swelling, blistering, persistent burning, or breathing difficulty — seek emergency care.

Pregnancy note: This product contains real Salicylic Acid at an undisclosed concentration. As a rinse-off cleanser, contact time is brief, which lowers systemic absorption risk compared to a leave-on BHA — but if you are pregnant or nursing and choosing to avoid all salicylic-acid-family products out of caution, skip this and consult your doctor.

• Adding water too early — reduces the balm's ability to dissolve makeup and sunscreen before emulsifying.
• Skipping the second, water-based cleanse — the residue community reviews mention is largely solved by this step.
• Using both AM and PM daily when your skin doesn't need a full double cleanse in the morning.
• Massaging too vigorously over active inflamed breakouts, which can worsen irritation.

Overuse threshold: more than twice daily provides no additional benefit and raises the risk of barrier stripping.

Usage math: 100ml jar, roughly a grape-size scoop per use.

Lifespan: Used once daily (PM), typically 2-3 months per jar depending on scoop size; using the correct amount rather than over-scooping extends the jar's life.

Reorder timing: Reorder when the jar is roughly a quarter full to allow for shipping time.

This balm is a first-cleanse step for oily/acne-prone skin wearing daily sunscreen — it does the heavy lifting on makeup/SPF removal and delivers real pore-clarifying actives during a brief contact window. Numbered PM: 1. This balm (dry skin, 30-60s massage, emulsify, rinse) → 2. Water-based second cleanser → 3. Toner → 4. Serum → 5. Moisturizer.

If your skin is barrier-compromised right now — switch temporarily to Banila Co's Original Cleansing Balm (no acid blend) until your barrier recovers.

If you're not wearing sunscreen or makeup that day — a single water-based cleanse may be enough; save this balm for SPF/makeup days.

If you're also using a leave-on BHA/retinoid that night — you're already in the Exfoliation lane via this cleanser; don't add a third acid product the same evening.

Stock-true bundle (3 products): This balm + Anua Heartleaf Succinic Cleansing Foam 150ml + AXIS-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Toner 125ml — balm to dissolve makeup/sunscreen, foam to fully rinse and gently exfoliate, toner to support tone and oil control after.

After purchasing, you will receive our skincare education email series covering this product in depth.

The recommendations above are based on formulation synergy with this Clean It Zero Pore Clarifying Cleansing Balm, not on margin or stock levels. If a pairing does not exist in our catalog, we say so. If you already own a product that fills the same role, use what you have first.

If your skin is dry, sensitive, or you don't need the acid blend, consider BANILA CO Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm 100ml — the same trusted balm-to-oil mechanism without the salicylic-acid-family actives.

If you want a lighter, liquid oil-cleanser format instead of a balm, consider EQQUALBERRY Purple Rice Pore Smoothing Cleansing Oil 200ml — same first-cleanse job, different texture and brand actives.

If you'd rather skip the balm step entirely and use a stronger single-step gel cleanser, consider Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser 100ml — a low-pH gel-to-foam cleanser with natural AHA content, though it won't remove waterproof sunscreen as thoroughly as an oil/balm first cleanse.

Mindful reminder: If you already have an open cleansing balm or oil at home, finish it first before starting this one.

This product's PRIMARY function is: dissolve makeup/sunscreen and deliver mild pore-clarifying acids as a first-cleanse step. You do NOT need this if you already own an active cleansing balm or oil that you use daily — finish your current product before purchasing.

Stacking assessment: No Benefit if you already run a daily oil/balm first cleanse (same mechanism). Marginal Benefit if you only own a water-based single-step cleanser. Significant Benefit if you currently skip double cleansing entirely despite wearing daily sunscreen.

This product is sourced through authorized Korean distributors — primarily Craver Co., Ltd (South Korea), alongside other verified distribution partners. Craver is a major Korean beauty distributor and the parent company of SKIN1004, handling authorized distribution for multiple K-beauty brands. All products are shipped directly to Mauritius via verified channels.

For comprehensive information about how we verify authenticity, our layered verification system, and how to check your product at home, visit our dedicated Authenticity and Trust page.

Brand profile: Parent group F&F (via subsidiary F&Co), South Korea, founded around 2005. BANILA CO is best known globally for its Clean It Zero cleansing balm, which remains the brand's flagship product and the format most associated with the brand.

The brand's founding philosophy centers on the idea that good makeup requires good skin underneath — positioning it at the intersection of color cosmetics and skincare rather than as a pure actives-driven skincare brand.

Paraphrased from third-party review and blog sources; individual results vary.

Reviewers consistently describe the balm as melting quickly and removing makeup effectively, with a distinct tea tree scent that some find pleasant and others find strong. A recurring theme across multiple sources is that the balm "leaves a bit of an oily residue," with the consistent recommendation to follow with a water-based cleanser.

Common praise theme: effective makeup/sunscreen removal, pleasant sherbet-to-oil texture. Common complaint theme: residual oiliness if not followed by a proper second cleanse; the tea tree scent is polarizing.

Sustainability: Check local Mauritius recycling guidance for the jar material before disposal.

Does this remove waterproof sunscreen?

Yes — this is the specific job an oil/balm first cleanse does better than a water-based cleanser alone.

Why does my face feel oily after rinsing?

This is a consistently reported experience — add more water while emulsifying, and follow with a water-based second cleanser.

Is this the same as the Original Clean It Zero?

No — this Pore Clarifying version adds a Tri-Peel Acid Blend (Salicylic Acid + LHA) and Tea Tree, which the Original does not contain.

Can I use this every day?

Yes for most oily/combination skin, typically once daily (PM); twice daily only if you wear heavy sunscreen/makeup both AM and PM.

Is this suitable for fungal-acne-prone skin?

Likely acceptable given the short rinse-off contact time, but it contains PEG-based emulsifiers some conservative lists flag — patch test if you're strictly FA-avoidant.

Double cleansing

Using an oil/balm cleanser first, followed by a water-based cleanser, to fully remove sunscreen/makeup and residue.

Emulsify

The process of a balm/oil turning milky when mixed with water, which allows it to rinse away cleanly.

LHA

Lipo-Hydroxy Acid — a gentler, fat-soluble salicylic-acid derivative.

Tri-Peel Acid Blend

Banila Co's marketing term for this SKU's combined exfoliating acid ingredients.

Barrier

The outermost skin layer that keeps water in and irritants out.

Every product sold by Adilsons Beauty is 100% genuine, sourced through authorized Korean distribution channels. Full details on our verification system: Authenticity and Trust.

Our team is available to help you build a routine, troubleshoot reactions, and answer ingredient questions. WhatsApp: +230 5 778 2336.

For in-depth skincare education, visit our blog at adilsons.mu/blogs/k-beauty or subscribe to our email to get our guided education series delivered to your inbox.

Coverage: Island-wide delivery (Mauritius).

Processing and Timing: Orders process in 1-2 business days; usually ready by Day 3 for pickup by our delivery partners/regional team. Partner collection can take up to 1 week. After pickup, delivery typically takes 1-5 business days (weekdays only).

Express: May be available by region; request on WhatsApp: +230 5 778 2336.

Liquids/Sensitive Items: Serums, toners, liquid makeup (and kits containing liquids) are pickup or door-to-door only; checkout enforces this.

Scheduling: Deliveries run by region on set schedules; we will contact you the evening before.

Pickup: Citadelle Mall pickup available.

Returns: No change-of-mind exchanges.

Refunds (Summary): For defective/damaged on receipt (report within 48h), wrong item, or manufacturing defect within 6 months. Refunds via bank transfer (7-10 business days); card refunds may incur a 5% processor fee (fee not charged for defects/order errors). Opened skincare/personal-care items are non-returnable (except if damaged on delivery).

Source of Truth: This is a quick snapshot. If anything differs, the policy pages are final.

Store Policies: For the most up-to-date information, please review our Shipping Policy and Refund Policy.

Best for: oily, combination, or acne-prone skin in Mauritius that wears daily sunscreen/makeup and wants an efficient, real-acid-content first cleanse rather than a plain oil.

Key benefits: genuinely effective waterproof-sunscreen and makeup removal; real Salicylic Acid/LHA pore-clarifying actives; non-stripping compared to a foaming-only routine.

Keep in mind: consistently reported to leave a light oily residue without a second cleanse; distinct tea tree scent won't suit everyone; not the gentlest option for dry or reactive skin — consider the Original Cleansing Balm instead in that case.