MediCube Super Cica Deep Cleansing Balm 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 makeup removers. They have a total of 9 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain 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
MediCube Super Cica Deep Cleansing Balm 40 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
MediCube Super Cica Deep Cleansing Balm 40 ingredients
Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm 20 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate
Emollient
Isododecane
EmollientHydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)
EmollientSynthetic Wax
Abrasive
PEG-10 Isostearate
Emulsifying
Silica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientParfum
Masking
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil
Masking
Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Water
Skin ConditioningSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
Emulsifying
Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCarthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Coptis Japonica Extract
AntimicrobialGlycerin
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Dipropylene Glycol
MaskingPolyglyceryl-10 Oleate
Skin Conditioning
Centella Asiatica Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningMadecassoside
Antioxidant
Capryloyl Salicylic Acid
Exfoliating
4-Terpineol
Masking
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin Conditioning
Propanediol
Solvent
Asiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningMadecassic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Asiaticoside
Antioxidant
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Oil
Masking
Indigofera Tinctoria Extract
MaskingCynanchum Atratum Extract
Skin ConditioningHemerocallis Fulva Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningMyosotis Sylvatica Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningHydroxycinnamic Acid
Skin ConditioningRutin
Antioxidant
Ethylhexyl Palmitate, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Isododecane, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Synthetic Wax, PEG-10 Isostearate, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Parfum, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Glyceryl Stearate, Water, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Carthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract, Butylene Glycol, Coptis Japonica Extract, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dipropylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Centella Asiatica Root Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Madecassoside, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, 4-Terpineol, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Propanediol, Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid, Asiaticoside, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Oil, Indigofera Tinctoria Extract, Cynanchum Atratum Extract, Hemerocallis Fulva Flower Extract, Myosotis Sylvatica Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Hydroxycinnamic Acid, Rutin
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 AcidEthylhexyl 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.
You'll likely find this ingredient in sunscreen, as it is often used to mix UV-blocking 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.
Due to its high fatty acid content, it may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl PalmitatePEG-10 Isostearate isn't fungal acne safe.
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 TriisostearateThis oil comes from the seeds of the desert shrub called Jojoba. It is more commonly known as jojoba oil, a non-comedogenic oil.
Jojoba oil does not contain fragrance and has many fatty-acids, making it a great soothing ingredient.
It also contains Vitamin E, a great moisturizing ingredient. Vitamin E is also an antioxidant and protects your skin against oxidative damage.
This ingredient humectant properties, meaning it helps draw moisture from the air. This helps keep your skin hydrated.
While jojoba has antibacterial properties, it is only able to kill some strains of bacteria.
Studies also show it helps in wound healing. In fact, Indigenous cultures have used jojoba as a moisturizer and to help treat burns for centuries.
Fun fact: Jojoba oil similar to natural human skin sebum, so it has a great effect on dry skin. It is also promising with helping to regulate sebum production.
Due to its fatty acid content, Jojoba oil may not be fungal acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Simmondsia Chinensis Seed OilSynthetic 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 WaxWater. 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
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
MediCube Super Cica Deep Cleansing Balm 40 ingredients
Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm 20 ingredients
Reviews
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