Banila Co Clean It Zero Pore Clarifying Foam Cleanser Versus Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm - Pore Clarifying
Updated on June 24, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 8 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain BHA and exfoliants
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing and dark spots
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 Pore Clarifying Foam Cleanser 42 ingredients
Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm 20 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Banila Co Clean It Zero Pore Clarifying Foam Cleanser 42 ingredients
Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm 20 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
CleansingGlyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Coconut Acid
Cleansing
Propanediol
Solvent
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
CI 77004
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Isethionate
CleansingHydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
Cleansing
Palmitic Acid
Emollient
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Antioxidant
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Sorbitol
Humectant
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientButylene Glycol
Humectant
Magnesium Aluminum Silicate
Absorbent1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningArachidic Acid
Cleansing
Capryloyl Salicylic Acid
Exfoliating
CI 77015
Cosmetic ColorantMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningMyristic Acid
Cleansing
Oleic Acid
Emollient
Sodium Lactate
BufferingVolcanic Ash
Abrasive
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium PCA
Humectant
Montmorillonite
AbsorbentMalic Acid
Buffering
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Pyruvic Acid
MaskingMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Tartaric Acid
Buffering
Water, Glycerin, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Coconut Acid, Propanediol, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Stearic Acid, CI 77004, Sodium Isethionate, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Palmitic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Sodium Chloride, Sorbitol, Caprylyl Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Arachidic Acid, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, CI 77015, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Myristic Acid, Oleic Acid, Sodium Lactate, Volcanic Ash, Citric Acid, Sodium PCA, Montmorillonite, Malic Acid, Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Pyruvic Acid, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, Tartaric Acid
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientPEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate
Emollient
PEG-10 Isostearate
Emulsifying
Synthetic Wax
Abrasive
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
C12-13 Alkyl Lactate
EmollientButylene Glycol
Humectant
Water
Skin ConditioningCapryloyl Salicylic Acid
Exfoliating
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Melaleuca Cajaputi Extract
TonicMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Antioxidant
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningBambusa Vulgaris Extract
Skin Conditioning
Aspalathus Linearis Extract
Skin ConditioningAngelica Archangelica Root Extract
Masking
Malpighia Emarginata Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Palmitate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, PEG-10 Isostearate, Synthetic Wax, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, C12-13 Alkyl Lactate, Butylene Glycol, Water, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Melaleuca Cajaputi Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Bambusa Vulgaris Extract, Aspalathus Linearis Extract, Angelica Archangelica Root Extract, Malpighia Emarginata Fruit Extract
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.Â
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 preservativesÂ
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolCapryloyl Salicylic Acid comes from salicylic acid, the famous acne-fighting BHA.
It usually goes by a more common name of LHA, or lipohydroxy acid.
Like salicylic acid, this ingredient is a chemical exfoliant that can help break down the oil in your pores and reduce inflammation.
Though studies for LHA do show it to be less effective than salicylic acid. To be fair, salicylic acid is the reigning monarch of acne treatments.
However, a study from 2009 found LHA to be comparable to BPO, making it a good alternative for people with sensitive skin. Another study of 14 patients found a significant decrease in comedones after using LHA.
Another pro of LHA? It is less irritating than salicylic acid due to its large molecule size.
Large molecules cannot penetrate skin as well, so they are gentler on the skin. LHA is much less penetrative than salicylic acid.
An in-vitro study (not done on a living organism) found only 6% of LHA penetrated past the statum corneum compared to 58% of salicylic acid. An in-vivo (done on a living organism) analysis revealed ~17% of LHA was still present in the top layer of skin after 4 days, versus ~9% of salicylic acid.
Interestingly, a study from 2008 found LHA comparable to another famous acid, glycolic acid.
This study found about 10% of LHA is as effective as 20-50% of glycolic acid in treating hyperpigmentation and fine-lines.
Hydroxy acids have been found to stimulate skin protein, lipids, and thermal thickening. This may have anti-aging benefits.
Learn more about Capryloyl Salicylic AcidThis tea tree oil comes from the leaves of the Tea Tree plant. Tea tree oil has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
According to the book Journal of Profiles of Drug Substances, tea tree helps in reducing acne-causing bacteria such as Propionibacterium acnes. This is due to the Terpinen components of tea tree oil.
Tea tree may cause sensitivity and irritation for some people. This oil naturally contains fragrance such as linalool and limonene.
However, research shows irritation usually occurs when using pure tea tree oil and not in cosmetic products.
Tea tree oil was found to help relieve the symptoms of psoriasis in one study.
Tea tree oil is toxic when ingested. Another study showed it to caused damage to the nervous system of dogs and cats when applied to their skin or given orally.
Learn more about Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf OilMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract is from the Neem tree. Neem trees originate from India.
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract contains antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.
The flowers of this tree are lilac colored.
Learn more about Melia Azadirachta Flower ExtractMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract is extract from the neem plant.
The leaves of this tree contain flavonoids and polyphenols. These two compounds are antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial. Further research is needed as to their effects when applied on skin.
Salicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is a well-known ingredient for treating skin that struggles with acne and clogged pores. It exfoliates both the skin's surface and deep within the pores to help clear out buildup, control oil, and reduce inflammation.
Unlike AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble. This allows it to penetrate into pores which makes it especially effective for treating blackheads and preventing future breakouts.
Salicylic acid is also known for its soothing properties. It has a similar structure to aspirin and can calm inflamed or irritated skin, making it a good option for acne-prone skin that is also sensitive.
Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product.
It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing this ingredient into your routine.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun sensitivity, it’s still important to wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin.
If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.
Learn more about Salicylic AcidWater. 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 WaterIngredient Ratings
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When to use
Banila Co Clean It Zero Pore Clarifying Foam Cleanser 42 ingredients
Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm 20 ingredients
Reviews
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