🇦🇪United Arab Emirates

Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Purifying for acne-prone skin

Average

  • HighCombination Skin Fit
  • AverageEffectiveness
  • HighSafety

Works for acne-prone skin; other pre-cleansers fit it better.

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with acne-prone skin: breakouts, blackheads, and post-acne marks. For scores and recommendations based on your full skin profile, including your 12D face scan results and any goals or preferences you have, please use the Lovi app.

Page built Nov 8, 2026How the Fit score works

Lovi Assistant explains

  • Suitable for combination skin, this product effectively removes makeup with Cetyl Ethylhexanoate and Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, which cleanse pores and decongest the skin. Anthemis Nobilis Flower Water and Centella Asiatica Extract further support barrier repair and offer anti-inflammatory action.
  • While it provides general hydration and soothing benefits, the formula lacks targeted ingredients to address your specific concerns of acne, blemishes, and breakouts.
  • The product is safe for your acne-prone skin, with no risks of irritation due to the absence of prohibited or harsh ingredients.

How to apply

  • Use this makeup remover PM as the first step of your evening routine to clear away dirt and oil. Start 3x/week and work up to daily use if your combination skin tolerates it well.
  • Apply this makeup remover before cleansing and using the rest of your skin products. This ensures all makeup and impurities are fully washed away.
  • Gently press a small amount of the makeup remover onto your face using a soft cotton pad. Avoid rubbing the skin too harshly to prevent irritation.
  • Apply the makeup remover on dry skin to easily dissolve makeup and clear out blemishes. There is no need to dampen your face beforehand.
  • Do a patch test before first use to ensure your skin reacts well. Avoid the delicate eye area while applying.

People Say

★4.8Overall rating based on 2.5k+ reviews

This cleansing balm is widely praised as a "holy grail" for sensitive and acne-prone skin, effectively melting away stubborn makeup without stripping natural oils. Users consistently report that it calms redness and leaves the face feeling soft and hydrated, though a recent formula change regarding its scent has divided some long-time fans. This summary is based on a very large amount of data and should definitely be taken into account.

Highlights

  • Effective makeup removal Mostly Mentioned
    • “Melts makeup instantly”
    • “Removes waterproof mascara”
    • “Erases everything in seconds”
  • Gentle on sensitive skin Mostly Mentioned
    • “Doesn't sting my eyes”
    • “Calms my redness”
    • “No irritation at all”
  • Non-stripping hydration Often Mentioned
    • “Skin feels plump”
    • “No tight feeling”
    • “Leaves face soft”
  • Pleasant texture Sometimes Noted
    • “Melts like butter”
    • “Smooth application”
    • “Easy to spread”
  • Blurry vision Sometimes Noted
    • “Foggy eyes after rinsing”
    • “Blurs my vision”
    • “Oil film in eyes”
  • Scent change Sometimes Noted
    • “Smells like candy”
    • “Prefer the old scent”
    • “Artificial fragrance smell”
  • Caused breakouts Rarely Noted
    • “Caused cystic acne”
    • “Clogged my pores”
    • “Broke me out”
  • Price point Rarely Noted
    • “A bit expensive”
    • “Wish it was cheaper”
    • “Pricey for size”

Sources: lovi.care, influencer.com, sokoglam.com, ulta.com, yesstyle.com, amazon.com, and more

Questions and answers

How well does Banila Co Clean It Zero Purifying work for acne-prone skin?

This makeup remover works as an average fit for acne-prone skin, safely cleansing pores and offering soothing benefits without causing irritation. However, it lacks targeted ingredients to address breakouts. A makeup remover of this type needs nourishing oils and extracts that provide soothing properties and relevant skincare benefits for acne and blemishes, while performing its cleansing function extremely well.

Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2016Life, 2023

Which ingredients make this cleanser a good fit for acne-prone skin?

Centella Asiatica Extract and Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract help calm the skin and support barrier health. Makeup removers that fit acne-prone skin best need targeted ingredients for breakouts and blemishes alongside gentle, nourishing oils and plant extracts.

Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2016Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019

What does Centella Asiatica Extract do for acne-prone skin?

Centella asiatica extract helps calm angry skin, reduces redness, and supports healing for breakouts. It is unlikely to cause irritation and may improve overall skin clarity when used consistently.

Molecules, 2023Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2020

What does Licorice Root Extract do for acne-prone skin?

Licorice root extract helps calm redness and swelling in acne-prone skin while easing irritation. It also works to reduce oxidative stress in the skin cells, making it a soothing addition to a blemish-focused routine.

Experimental Dermatology, 2015

Where does this cleanser go in a skincare routine for acne-prone skin?

This makeup remover goes in the evening routine before your cleanser. It is safe for your skin and helps soothe it, though acne-prone skin needs products with targeted blemish-fighting ingredients to work best.

Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2016Molecules, 2023

Can I use this cleanser with retinol, and in what order?

You can use this makeup remover in your evening routine before your cleanser, and then apply retinol after cleansing. It is unlikely to irritate your skin, but an acne-prone routine works best with a cleanser containing targeted ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to actively clear breakouts.

Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2012Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023

How often should I use this cleanser?

You can use this makeup remover in the evening as the first step of your routine. It is safe for your skin, though an acne-prone skin routine needs targeted ingredients to address breakouts.

Can this cleanser clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for acne-prone skin?

This cleanser is unlikely to cause irritation on acne-prone skin, though some users report occasional breakouts. To best care for this skin type, a product needs targeted ingredients that actively clear blemishes and prevent breakouts.

Is this cleanser fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

What the research says

  • Cosmetic formulations containing 5% Centella asiatica extract showed the best efficacy in improving skin moisture and decreasing transepidermal water loss, while also exhibiting antiinflammatory properties in 25 volunteers compared to baseline measurements.

    Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2016
  • Co-delivery of paeonol and madecassoside via nanoemulsions improved transdermal delivery, promoted barrier repair proteins, inhibited inflammatory cytokine secretion in cellular and 3D models, and reduced transepidermal water loss and acne in human facial skin compared to free components.

    Molecules, 2023
  • Topical application of an emollient emulsion containing 15.0% caprylic/capric triglyceride doubled the amount of urocanic acid isomers and increased skin hydration with reduced transepidermal water loss in healthy subjects, though it did not prevent ultraviolet-induced urocanic acid isomerization.

    Life, 2023
  • Topical application of an argan oil NLC-based hydrogel formulation increased skin hydration in healthy volunteers over a one-month period through a synergistic effect of NLC occlusion and argan oil hydration.

    International Journal of Nanomedicine, 2014
  • An anti-acne hydrogel containing Aloe barbadensis, Garcinia mangostana, and Camellia sinensis extracts showed superior antiacne and antiblotch activities compared to 1% clindamycin gel in sixty subjects with mild-moderate acne.

    Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019
  • Topical application of 0.05% w/w ECa 233 gel reduced erythema index by 0.03 U and improved early crusting and general wound appearance compared to placebo in thirty individuals undergoing facial laser resurfacing.

    Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2020
  • A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women.

    Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
  • Moisturizer containing 5% panthenol, madecassoside, and copper-zinc-manganese decreased adverse reactions and downtime after ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing with comparable efficacy to 0.02% triamcinolone acetonide cream in 20 subjects.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019
  • Combining 755 nm alexandrite laser with topical licorice gel significantly reduces terminal hair counts compared to alexandrite laser with placebo in women with idiopathic hirsutism.

    Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2015
  • Licochalcone A activated Nrf2 signaling, elevated cytoprotective enzymes, increased the reduced-to-oxidized glutathione ratio, and decreased reactive oxygen species in human fibroblasts and neutrophils, while a LicA-rich licorice extract lowered UVA-induced oxidative processes in vivo.

    Experimental Dermatology, 2015
  • Bioactive glycyrrhizic acid and oxymatrine ionic liquid self-assembled nanomicelles significantly promoted the transdermal permeation, subcutaneous retention, and anti-photoaging efficacy of palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 in cellular and animal models compared to unformulated peptide.

    Advanced Science, 2025
  • Electrospun poly (vinyl butyral-co-vinyl alcohol-co-vinyl acetate) patches loaded with evening primrose oil applied to the forearm of volunteers for 6 hours increased skin moisture, with pore size, shape, and fiber diameter influencing oil transport.

    Biomaterials Advances, 2022
  • A topical preparation containing urea, sunflower oil, evening primrose oil, wheat germ oil, and sodium pyruvate led to clinical improvement after a month in diverse hyperkeratotic skin conditions except pityriasis lichenoides.

    Medicina Cutanea Ibero-latino-americana, 1986
  • Topical application of linseed, evening primrose, and olive oil emulsions accelerated wound closure in rats with excision wounds compared to untreated controls, though via different mechanisms.

    Drug Delivery and Translational Research, 2019
  • A combination cream of stimu-tex AS and saccharide isomerate reduced erythema, increased skin capacitance, and reduced transepidermal water loss compared to placebo in 20 subjects after fractional CO2 laser procedure without causing serious adverse events.

    Lasers in Medical Science, 2025
  • Incorporating allantoin into argan oil enriched liposomes improved its accumulation in the dermis (~8.7μg/cm(2)) and permeation through the skin (~33μg/cm(2)) compared to conventional liposomes, water dispersion, and a commercial gel.

    International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2016
  • Topical green tea extract significantly improved clinical symptoms, tear breakup times, and meibomian gland health compared to standard treatment in patients with dry eye and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction.

    Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 2017
  • Topical low-dose green tea extract reduces UVB-induced p53 expression and apoptosis in human skin keratinocytes compared to placebo.

    Experimental Dermatology, 2009
  • Topical application of green tea extract encapsulated chitosan microparticles improved skin elasticity, melanin index, and facial wrinkles compared to a placebo in female volunteers without causing skin irritation.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022

Ingredients

Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Peg-10 Isostearate, Synthetic Wax, Water, Phenoxyethanol, Butylene Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Oenothera Biennis Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Water, Glycerin, Centella Asiatica Extract, Epilobium Angustifolium Stem Extract Flower Leaf, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract Licorice Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Citric Acid, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract Rosemary Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract Matricaria Flower Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Althaea Rosea Flower Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Bambusa Vulgaris Stem Extract Leaf, Aspalathus Linearis Extract, Angelica Archangelica Root Extract, Acerola Fruit Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Metabisulfite, Zea Mays Oil, Beta-Carotene, Polydiethyleneglycol Adipate Ipdi Copolymer, Acrylates Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer, Acrylates Methoxy Peg-15 Methacrylate Copolymer, Tocopherol

Behind this fit score

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.

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Prices checked 31 Oct 2026

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