Explore Routine Login
Versus

Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm - Original Versus Good Molecules Instant Cleansing Balm

Face Cleanser
Face Cleanser
Korean Brand South Korea
American Brand United States

Updated on June 05, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe face cleansers. They have a total of 5 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain exfoliants and Vitamin E

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for dry skin

Free From

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

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

Free from

Safety & Ethics

pH Level 6.1

Product acidity level

Korean Brand

Brand country of origin

Free from

Safety & Ethics

American Brand

Brand country of origin

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Ingredients, at a glance

What's in this product, and how it might affect your skin.

Notable Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients, at a glance

What's in this product, and how it might affect your skin.

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

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

2-3 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very disliked
3 Concerns
Learn more
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate Emollient

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

Mixed reviews
Learn more
PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate Emollient, Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

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

Very disliked
Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Learn more
PEG-10 Isostearate Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

PEG-10 Isostearate isn't fungal acne safe.

Very disliked
Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Learn more
Synthetic Wax Abrasive, Emulsion Stabilising, Masking
Exfoliant IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

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
ExfoliantExfoliant Icon2 Concerns
Learn more
Phenoxyethanol Preservative
Preservative 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
PreservativePreservative Icon
Learn more
Butylene Glycol Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

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

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Mixed reviews
Helps hydrate Dry SkinHelps hydrate Dry Skin Icon
Learn more
Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract Skin Conditioning

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

Loved by users
Learn more
Tocopheryl Acetate Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant 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.
Liked by users
Vitamin EVitamin E IconAntioxidantAntioxidant Icon
Learn more
Parfum Masking, Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

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

Very disliked
FragranceFragrance Icon2 Concerns
Learn more
Ethylhexylglycerin Skin Conditioning

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

Mixed reviews
Learn more
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.

Loved by users
Learn more
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.

Mixed reviews
Learn more
Bambusa Vulgaris Leaf/Stem Extract Humectant

Bambusa Vulgaris Leaf/Stem Extract comes from bamboo plant.

Mixed reviews
Learn more
Aspalathus Linearis Extract Skin Conditioning

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

Loved by users
Learn more
Angelica Archangelica Root Extract Masking, Perfuming, Skin Conditioning
Fragrance Icon

Angelica Archangelica Root Extract is used to add a fragrance to products. Its scent is described as woody and herbaceous.

Mixed reviews
FragranceFragrance Icon
Learn more
Malpighia Glabra Fruit Extract Skin Conditioning

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

Not enough ratings
Learn more
Polydiethyleneglycol Adipate/Ipdi Copolymer

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

Not enough ratings
Learn more
Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer

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

Not enough ratings
Learn more
Acrylates/Methoxy PEG-15 Methacrylate Copolymer

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

Not enough ratings
Learn more
Instant Cleansing Balm
Ethylhexyl Palmitate Emollient
2-3 / 0 May worsen Oily Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

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

2-3 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very disliked
3 Concerns
Learn more
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate Emollient

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

Mixed reviews
Learn more
PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate Emollient, Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

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

Very disliked
Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Learn more
Polyethylene Abrasive
Exfoliant Icon

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

Very disliked
ExfoliantExfoliant Icon
Learn more
PEG-8 Isostearate Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

PEG-8 Isostearate isn't fungal acne safe.

Not enough ratings
Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Learn more
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.

Mixed reviews
Learn more
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Butyrospermum Parkii Butter is a plant lipid from the fruit of the Shea Tree. It is an effective skin hydrator and emollient.

Very disliked
Helps hydrate Dry SkinHelps hydrate Dry Skin Icon3 Concerns
Learn more
Tocopheryl Acetate Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant 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.
Liked by users
Vitamin EVitamin E IconAntioxidantAntioxidant Icon
Learn more
Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil Skin Conditioning
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil comes from a green tea plant native to China. It is closely related to Camellia sinensis. Both plants have very similar properties. This plant also has similar properties to olive oil.

Mixed reviews
OilOil IconNot safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Learn more
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.

Mixed reviews
Learn more
Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil also known as seabuckthorn oil. This oil is usually extracted from the fruit pulp or seeds.

Liked by users
OilOil IconNot safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Learn more
Citric Acid Buffering, Masking
AHA IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).

Disliked by users
AHAAHA Icon5 BenefitsMay worsen RosaceaMay worsen Rosacea Icon
Learn more

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

Emollient
Very Disliked

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

The fatty acid content of Ethylhexyl Palmitate makes it an emollient. Emollients help soften and hydrate your skin by trapping moisture within.

Ethylhexyl Palmitate is also used to help improve the texture of cosmetics. It helps other ingredient dissolve in products and help disperse ingredients more evenly. In fact, it is commonly used to evenly mix sunscreen ingredients such as avobenzone and ethylhexyl triazone. It can also help stabilize the fragrances in a product as a fragrance fixative.

Ethylhexyl Palmitate can be used to substitute mineral oil.

Learn more about Ethylhexyl Palmitate
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
Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
Liked

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.

One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.

Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.

Learn more about Tocopheryl Acetate
Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Mixed

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.

This ingredient also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.

In products that are water-based, this ingredient can help stabilize perfumes and fragrances. It can also help make the texture of products softer and more smooth.

Learn more about 1,2-Hexanediol

When to use

575 Routines
11% use in am
89% use in pm
90% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
94 Routines
9% use in am
91% use in pm
93% 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

3.1 /5
from 22 ratings
Works Well (5) Light Scent (3) Great Value (1)
cgi's avatar

cgi

1 year 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

1 year 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.

Good Molecules Instant Cleansing Balm 12 ingredients

Instant Cleansing Balm hasn't been rated yet.
Rate it now