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Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm - Original Versus e.l.f. cosmetics Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm

Makeup Remover
Makeup Remover
Korean Brand South Korea
American Brand United States

Updated on June 05, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe makeup removers. They have a total of 8 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain exfoliants

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for brightening skin

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, parabens, silicones or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain fragrances

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients
ph level
6.1

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Notable Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm
Ethylhexyl Palmitate Emollient
2-3 / 0 May worsen Oily Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
3 Concerns

Ethylhexyl Palmitate is created from 2-ethylhexyl alcohol and palmitic acid. It is a fatty acid ester.

2-3 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate Emollient

Cetyl Ethylhexanoate comes from cetearyl alcohol and 2-ethylhexanoic acid.

Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate Emollient, Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate comes from Isostearic Acid and glycerin.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Peg-10 Isostearate Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Peg-10 Isostearate isn't fungal acne safe.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Synthetic Wax Abrasive, Emulsion Stabilising, Masking
Exfoliant IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
ExfoliantExfoliant Icon 2 Concerns

Synthetic Wax is created from fossil fuels such as natural gas. It is used to enhance texture, adjust pH, and as an occlusive.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Phenoxyethanol Preservative
Preservative Icon
PreservativePreservative Icon

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Butylene Glycol Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
1 / 0

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract Skin Conditioning

Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract comes from the roots of the Lithospermumerythrorhizon plant, or the purple gromwell plant.

Tocopheryl Acetate Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant IconHelps brighten skin Icon
Vitamin EVitamin E Icon AntioxidantAntioxidant Icon Helps brighten skinHelps brighten skin Icon

Tocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Parfum Masking, Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon
FragranceFragrance Icon 2 Concerns

Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Ethylhexylglycerin Skin Conditioning

Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.

Water Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

1,2-Hexanediol Skin Conditioning, Solvent

1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.

Bambusa Vulgaris Leaf/Stem Extract Humectant

Bambusa Vulgaris Leaf/Stem Extract comes from bamboo plant.

Aspalathus Linearis Extract Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Aspalathus Linearis Extract.

Unknown Full details ->
Angelica Archangelica Root Extract Masking, Perfuming, Skin Conditioning
Fragrance Icon
FragranceFragrance Icon

Angelica Archangelica Root Extract is a fragrance.

Unknown Full details ->
Malpighia Glabra Fruit Extract Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Malpighia Glabra Fruit Extract.

Unknown Full details ->
Polydiethyleneglycol Adipate/Ipdi Copolymer

We don't have a description for Polydiethyleneglycol Adipate/Ipdi Copolymer.

Unknown Full details ->
Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer

We don't have a description for Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer.

Unknown Full details ->
Acrylates/Methoxy Peg-15 Methacrylate Copolymer

We don't have a description for Acrylates/Methoxy Peg-15 Methacrylate Copolymer.

Unknown Full details ->
Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate Emollient

Cetyl Ethylhexanoate comes from cetearyl alcohol and 2-ethylhexanoic acid.

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride Masking, Skin Conditioning

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.

Hydrogenated Polydecene Emollient, Masking, Skin Conditioning

Hydrogenated Polydecene is an emollient. It creates a non-occlusive film on the skin that offers extra protection for your skin barrier.

Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate Emollient, Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate comes from Isostearic Acid and glycerin.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Polyethylene Abrasive
Exfoliant Icon
ExfoliantExfoliant Icon

Polyethylene is a synthetic ingredient that helps the skin retain moisture. It is a polymer.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Peg-10 Isostearate Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Peg-10 Isostearate isn't fungal acne safe.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Emollient, Masking, Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Oil IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
OilOil Icon Helps hydrate Dry SkinHelps hydrate Dry Skin Icon 2 Concerns

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil is the oil derived from the seeds of a Sunflower. Sunflower seed oil is non-fragrant. It is an emollient, meaning it helps to soften the skin.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Disliked Full details ->
Hydrogenated Sunflower Seed Oil Skin Conditioning
Oil Icon
OilOil Icon

Hydrogenated Sunflower Seed Oil is an oil.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
PeptidePeptide Icon Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 is a 3-amino acid peptide. Peptides are building blocks for protein.

Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
PeptidePeptide Icon Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 is a peptide. Peptides are building blocks for protein.

Ceramide 3 Skin Conditioning
Ceramide IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon
CeramideCeramide Icon 4 Benefits

Ceramide 3 is a form of ceramide.

Ceramide 6 Ii Skin Conditioning
Ceramide IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon
CeramideCeramide Icon 4 Benefits

Ceramide 6 II is a type of Ceramide.

Ceramide 1 Skin Conditioning
Ceramide IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon
CeramideCeramide Icon 4 Benefits

Ceramide 1 is a type of Ceramide.

Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate Skin Conditioning

This ingredient is created by putting sodium hyaluronate through hydrolysis.

Phytosphingosine Skin Conditioning

Phytosphingosine is a phospholipid naturally found in our skin. It helps moisturize, soothe, and protect skin.

Glycerin Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin Icon
2 Benefits

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Butylene Glycol Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
1 / 0

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Water Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

Polysorbate 20 Emulsifying
0 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Polysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Carbomer Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming
1 / 0

Carbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create gel consistency within products.

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Disliked Full details ->
Xanthan Gum Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming

Xanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.

Disliked Full details ->
Cholesterol Emollient, Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness Icon
2 Benefits

Cholesterol is a class of organic molecules called lipids. It helps hydrate your skin and is essential to having a healthy skin barrier.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate Emulsifying

Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate is the lauric acid sodium salt of lactyl lactate.

Phenoxyethanol Preservative
Preservative Icon
PreservativePreservative Icon

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Ethylhexylglycerin Skin Conditioning

Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.

Caprylyl Glycol Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.

Geraniol Perfuming, Tonic
Fragrance IconEU Allergen Icon
FragranceFragrance Icon EU AllergenEU Allergen Icon

Geraniol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is the main component of citronellol. It is a monoterpenoid and an alcohol.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Linalool Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon
FragranceFragrance Icon 2 Concerns

Linalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Parfum Masking, Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon
FragranceFragrance Icon 2 Concerns

Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.

Very Disliked Full details ->

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Emollient
Mixed

Cetyl Ethylhexanoate comes from cetearyl alcohol and 2-ethylhexanoic acid.

It is an emollient that adds a velvety feel to products when applied. Emollients help trap moisture into your skin, keeping your skin soft and hydrated.

Emollient, Emulsifying
Very Disliked

Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate comes from Isostearic Acid and glycerin.

It is an emollient, emulsifier, and gentle cleanser. As an emollient, it helps trap moisture to keep skin soft and hydrated. Emulsifiers help prevent ingredients from separating.

This ingredient is common in oil-based products. This is because it helps oil-ingredients be easily washed away without leaving a residue.

Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate may not be fungal-acne safe.

Learn more about Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate
Emulsifying
Very Disliked

Peg-10 Isostearate isn't fungal acne safe.

Preservative
Very Disliked

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.

It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.

Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
Mixed

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

  • It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
  • It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
  • It helps improve product application.

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient. It is unlikely to irritate skin, and works well with pretty much all other ingredients.

Masking, Perfuming
Very Disliked

Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.

Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.

In the US, the alternative name for parfum is 'fragrance'.

The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.

For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance by INCI standards.

One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.

Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.

Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.

The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.

Learn more about Parfum
Skin Conditioning
Mixed

Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.

You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.

Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Loved

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.

You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water

Ingredient Ratings

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.

Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm
4
4
6
6
liked
mixed
disliked
not rated
Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm
11
6
12
liked
mixed
disliked
not rated

When to use

571 Routines
11% use in am
89% use in pm
90% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
303 Routines
5% use in am
95% use in pm
90% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm 20 ingredients

3.5 /5
from 2 ratings
Works Well (3) Drying (1) Great Value (1)
cgi's avatar

cgi

6 months ago · Oily Skin
Review

give it a try
i liked this cleansing balm. it goes second place on my list of favorite cleansing balms but this one was actually really good. i did...

give it a try
i liked this cleansing balm. it goes second place on my list of favorite cleansing balms but this one was actually really good. i did like that it came with a little scooper so i wouldn't spread bacteria from my hands when picking up product. it is a little hard to take off but it easily cleaned up all my makeup and dirt from my face. what i don't like is that it literally gets in my eyes when i get to the part where i have to take my mascara off but other than that, i like this. i would buy it again if it wasn't for the price.

DamDamfino's avatar

DamDamfino

6 months ago · Combination Skin
Review

I was really late on the Banila Clean it Zero trend. I mean, I had heard of it for years but didn't buy it or try it until 2022.
Did it live up...

I was really late on the Banila Clean it Zero trend. I mean, I had heard of it for years but didn't buy it or try it until 2022.
Did it live up to the hype? Eh, maybe not?

I enjoy the tactile sensation of spreading a semi-solid around my face. I do like the idea of a cleansing balm a lot. Most of the time I rub this on my face before hopping into the shower to rinse it off, and having the product stay on my face without dripping off is very nice!

I use it as a sunscreen and makeup remover before my second cleanse. At that task, it does a great job. But I don't think I could use this on it's own.
I find it to be very drying to my skin after rinsing off. A weird, almost gritty dry feeling.

I appreciate including the spatula to make scooping out the product more hygienic, but the problem is...where do I put the spatula in between uses? I just wish there was a better solution that involved less hands and less washing, because having to unscrew the cap, remove the spatula from the clear plastic lid, remove the clear plastic lid, then scoop the product, replace lids, wash face...etc etc is actually quite annoying to do every day while trying to keep everything clean and hygienic. Screwing a lid back on when I have a handful of product is *not* my favorite thing to do. I wish there was just a built in storage option for the spatula or something. Maybe a screw top jar just isn't the greatest packaging - or, I'd just rather use my fingers to scoop out the product!

For the price, its actually very inexpensive and will last a long time since you don't need to use a lot each time. A little goes a long way... but scooping always lends itself to scooping a large amount. I find myself using more than I should/need more often than not.

Would I repurchase this? If I were in a bind, sure. But right now I'd rather try other cleansing balms to find one I like better.

e.l.f. cosmetics Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm 29 ingredients

4.2 /5
from 5 ratings
Great Value (1) Light Scent (1) Works Well (1)
AsiaRhodes_98's avatar

AsiaRhodes_98

9 months ago · Dry Skin
Review

The way it removes 24 hr stay lipsticks is beautiful. Still not sure if there a safe way to use it for mascara though

NurseMeg's avatar

NurseMeg

4 months ago · Combination Skin
Review

It was fine but it didn’t really remove my makeup. Better products out there