BANILA CO Clean It Zero Pore Clarifying: The Oily-Skin Version of Korea's Iconic Cleansing Balm

BANILA CO's Clean It Zero is arguably the cleansing balm that taught Western consumers what a cleansing balm is. First launched in 2010, it sold 5+ million units and became the template every other Korean brand copied. The Pore Clarifying version (in the green jar) is the variant for oily, combination, and blackhead-prone skin. 100ml jar at $28.16, with a sherbet-to-oil-to-milk texture transition that is genuinely elegant for a cleansing balm at this price.

The original Clean It Zero Classic (pink jar) targets dry skin. This Pore Clarifying version adds acerola berry extract and BHA-like botanical actives to break down pore congestion during the cleanse. Both use the same underlying sherbet technology. If you're oily and have blackhead concerns, this is the variant. If you're dry, go Classic. This is one of the most imitated K-beauty products ever sold, and the original still performs as well as the copies.

What It Does

The sherbet-texture balm melts on contact with skin, transforming into a cleansing oil that dissolves sunscreen, makeup, and sebum. On contact with water, it emulsifies into a milk and rinses clean. The acerola and botanical pore-clarifying complex adds a mild clarifying action on blackhead-prone areas. Skin is left clean without the tight-strip feeling of foaming cleansers alone.

Who It's For

• Oily or combination skin: Breaks down sebum and sunscreen without over-stripping.
• Blackhead-prone skin: Acerola and clarifying botanicals help with pore congestion.
• Daily sunscreen wearers: SPF requires an oil-based first cleanse.
• Light makeup wearers: Handles tinted moisturizer, CC cream, light base makeup.
• Double-cleanse routines: Use as step one, follow with gel or foam cleanser.

Key Specs

• Volume: 100ml
• Price: $28.16
• Hero actives: acerola extract, papaya extract, botanical pore-clarifying complex
• Texture: sherbet balm to oil to milk
• Fragrance: light, fresh

How to Use

Scoop a quarter-sized amount with the included spatula. On dry skin with dry hands, massage gently for 30 to 60 seconds, breaking down makeup and sunscreen. Add a small amount of water, emulsify until the balm turns milky, then rinse thoroughly. Follow with a water-based cleanser for a full double cleanse.

For heavy eye makeup: apply extra around eyes and let sit for 30 seconds before massaging. Waterproof mascara may need a second round or a dedicated eye makeup remover first.

FAQ

Can I use this if I wear waterproof sunscreen and full makeup?

Yes, this is exactly what it's designed for. Waterproof mascara is the only reliable exception that sometimes needs a separate remover.

Clean It Zero Classic vs Pore Clarifying vs Nutrition?

Classic (pink): balanced for all skin types. Pore Clarifying (green): oily/combination, blackhead-prone. Nutrition (red): dry/mature, adds royal jelly and manuka honey. Pick by skin concern.

Will it clog pores?

Unlikely if properly emulsified and rinsed. The oil phase needs to be fully transformed with water before rinsing. If you rinse without emulsifying, residue can build up. This is a technique issue, not a formula issue.

How long does the jar last?

Daily use: 3 to 4 months. The jar is 100ml and a quarter-sized scoop is all you need per cleanse.

Double cleanse needed?

Recommended but not mandatory. A balm-plus-foam double cleanse handles SPF and light makeup more thoroughly. Balm-only is enough for bare-face days or light sun exposure.

Related Products

Pair with a water-based cleanser like COSRX Low pH Niacinamide Cleansing Water for a full double cleanse. Browse the full BANILA CO collection or Korean cleansing balms.