Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm - Original Versus Mary & May Vitamin B, C, E Cleansing Balm
Updated on April 16, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe makeup removers. They have a total of 9 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants and Vitamin C
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances and oils
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
Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm 17 ingredients
Mary & May Vitamin B, C, E Cleansing Balm 32 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm 17 ingredients
Mary & May Vitamin B, C, E Cleansing Balm 32 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientEthylhexyl Stearate
Emollient
PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate
Emollient
PEG-10 Isostearate
Emulsifying
Synthetic Wax
Abrasive
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil
Masking
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Water
Skin ConditioningMalpighia Glabra Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningParfum
Masking
Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract
Skin ConditioningSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Punica Granatum Fruit Extract
AntioxidantVaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract
AstringentLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningAscorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Ethylhexyl Stearate, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, PEG-10 Isostearate, Synthetic Wax, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Water, Malpighia Glabra Fruit Extract, Parfum, Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Punica Granatum Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment, Ascorbic Acid
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingSorbeth-30 Tetraoleate
Emulsifying
Synthetic Wax
Abrasive
Synthetic Beeswax
Emulsion Stabilising
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil
Masking
Glycerin
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Benzyl Glycol
SolventCitrus Paradisi Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningMalpighia Glabra Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPunica Granatum Fruit Extract
AntioxidantPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Limon Fruit Extract
Masking
Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Juice
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Water
MaskingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract
Emulsion Stabilising
Raspberry Ketone
Masking
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningParfum
Masking
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningBeta-Carotene
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Palmitate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate, Synthetic Wax, Synthetic Beeswax, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Ascorbic Acid, Panthenol, Tocopherol, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Benzyl Glycol, Citrus Paradisi Fruit Extract, Malpighia Glabra Fruit Extract, Punica Granatum Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Juice, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Leaf Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Water, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Flower Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract, Raspberry Ketone, Water, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Parfum, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract, Beta-Carotene
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Synthetic Wax is created from fossil fuels such as natural gas. It is used to enhance texture, adjust pH, and as an occlusive.
It may also be used as an abrasive ingredient to exfoliate the skin.
Synthetic Wax may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Synthetic WaxOlea Europaea Fruit Oil is the fixed oil obtained from the ripe fruit of the Olive. In other words - olive oil.
The primary contents of olive oil are glycerides of the fatty acids linoleic, oleic and palmitic.
Olive oil also contains antioxidants such as Vitamin E. Antioxidants may help reduce signs of aging by fighting unstable free-radical molecules. It also contains Vitamins A (retinol), D, and K.
The squalene in olive oil makes it a great emollient. Emollients help soothe and soften your skin by trapping moisture in. This makes olive oil a great skin moisturizer.
Studies show olive oil to have antibacterial and antifungal properties in low concentrations. Another study found olive oil irritated sensitive oily skin. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Due to the fatty acid content, this ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Olea Europaea Fruit Oil1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives
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.
- It has mild preservative properties.
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
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 WaterWe don't have a description for Malpighia Glabra Fruit Extract yet.
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.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or '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 ParfumYou might know this ingredient as pomegranate fruit. It has been shown to have antioxidant, skin soothing and anti-aging benefits.
Pomegranates are rich in antioxidant compounds such as polyphenolic compounds such as ellagic acid, phenolic acids, anthocyanins, and flavonoids.
Both in-vivo and in-vitro studies show pomegranate fruit helps with:
These benefits offer skin anti-aging and skin soothing benefits.
Fun fact: The name pomegranate comes from two latin words: "pome" or apple, and "granate" or "many seeded".
Pomegranate flower extract is often confused for pomegranate fruit extract, but comes from the flowers of the tree.
Learn more about Punica Granatum Fruit ExtractAscorbic Acid is is pure Vitamin C. This form makes up the largest amount of vitamin C found naturally in our skin.
Not only is vitamin C great for your overall health and immune system, it also has plenty of benefits on your skin.
Vitamin C is best used for brightening skin. It improves dark spots, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation. This is because it blocks the process of skin darkening when exposed to UV.
Remember: Vitamin C should not replace sunscreen!
Your skin uses vitamin C to build collagen. Collagen is one key component in having a strong skin barrier and plump skin. Vitamin C also plays a role in regulating collagen, thus making it effective in improving wrinkles and fine lines.
Ascorbic acid shows potent antioxidant activity. As an antioxidant, it helps fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells. These antioxidants also protect skin against UV damage.
The best formulations include Vitamin E and/or ferulic acid. These two ingredients help stabilize and provide a boost in the benefits of ascorbic acid. This is because ascorbic acid becomes unstable when exposed to UV and air. In fact, you can tell your ascorbic acid has oxidized when it turns an orange-yellow color.
Ascorbic acid is generally compatible with other ingredients. However, using ascorbic acid with other active ingredients might cause irritation. Two ingredients: copper ions and benzoyl peroxide, will inactivate ascorbic acid completely.
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Foods rich with vitamin C include oranges, strawberries, broccoli, bell peppers, and more. When consuming Vitamin C, your skin receives a portion of the nutrients.
Learn more about Ascorbic AcidIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm 17 ingredients
Mary & May Vitamin B, C, E Cleansing Balm 32 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm 17 ingredients
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 Show more
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 Show more
Mary & May Vitamin B, C, E Cleansing Balm 32 ingredients
This is a really thick balm that makes a nice oil. Starts to emulsify with water, but definitely needs to be thoroughly rinsed off or followed up with a second cleanser. I love it though.
