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Banila Co. Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm - Nourishing

lavlilacs Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Nourishing review

Banila Co.'s update to the Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm line had me nervous at first. The saying goes: if it isn't broke, don't fix it. Some customers wanted to see all the balms be mineral oil-less yet it was beloved by so many regardless of it having mineral-oil. Heck, they used to have a mineral oil-less version alongside the others so changes didn't seem that necessary in my eyes. Sometimes reformulations don't always end up being better; in this case, however, I think Banila Co. put my worries to rest to say the very least.





lavlilacs Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Nourishing packaging

lavlilacs Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Nourishing leaflet

Banila Co. 's Descriptions:

Clean it Zero 3-in-1 Cleansing Balm + Nourishing is a hypoallergenic cleanser that transforms from a sherbet-like balm texture into a smooth oil when applied to skin. Developed to remove even waterproof makeup and all of your skin’s impurities in just one step. Zero Balance Technology with Ginseng Berry & Royal Jelly deeply cleanses and gently exfoliates without stripping the skin, leaving it hydrated and moisturized.

ZERO BALANCE TECHNOLOGY – A proprietary blend of actives that effectively cleanses skin deeply without disturbing the skin’s natural moisture balance.

Added Ginseng Berry and Royal Jelly for an intense rush of moisture for supple glowing skin.

Formulated without:
•Parabens
•Sulfates
•Phthalates
•Mineral oil
•Alcohol
•Artificial coloring

Directions
Use spatula included to scoop balm. Gently massage in circular motions onto dry skin using your fingertips. Rinse well with lukewarm water or wipe off with face cloth or tissue. Pat skin dry.

Ingredients (translated from packaging)
ETHYLHEXYL PALMITATE, CETYL ETHYLHEXANOATE, PEG-20 GLYCERYL TRIISOSTEARATE, PEG-10 ISOSTEARATE, SYNTHETIC WAX, CARTHAMUS TINCTORIUS (SAFFLOWER) SEED OIL, PANAX GINSENG BERRY EXTRACT, OENOTHERA BIENNIS (EVENING PRIMROSE) OIL, HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL, SQUALANE, PHENOXYETHANOL, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, FRAGRANCE, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, PANAX GINSENG ROOT EXTRACT, ROYAL JELLY EXTRACT, WATER, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, BAMBUSA VULGARIS LEAF/STEM EXTRACT, ASPALATHUS LINEARIS EXTRACT, ANGELICA ARCHANGELICA ROOT EXTRACT, MALPIGHIA GLABRA (ACEROLA) FRUIT EXTRACT, ZEA MAYS (CORN) OIL, BETA-CAROTENE, POLYDIETHYLENEGLYCOL ADIPATE/IPDI COPOLYMER, TOCOPHEROL, ACRYLATES/AMMONIUM METHACRYLATE COPOLYMER, ACRYLATES/METHOXY PEG-15 METHACRYLATE COPOLYMER

Balm 100 ml

Banila Co. (Korean retail): ₩22,000
Banila Co. (US retail): USD $24.00
RoseRoseShop: ₩22,000
SOKO GLAM and Peach&Lily: USD $24.00
oo35mm: USD $27.99

lavlilacs Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Nourishing security sticker

lavlilacs Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Nourishing tub details

lavlilacs Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Nourishing contents

Packaging

A sturdy, yet lightweight, plastic tub with a screw-on cap. It isn't see-through but that wouldn't be a problem as you can open the jar to clearly see how much product is left. The included spatula has a nice large round paddle for easier handling and scooping. New balms come with an inner security seal and authentication seal.

Even though on the outside it looks as if the body of the tub is larger than the opening, I appreciate the fact that the inside of the jar is straight up and down. This results in an easier time when scooping without having to dig under the rim of the jar lip. It is bad news for those who dislike excess plastic usage. The packaging would have been better had it incorporated a flip-top cap for even easier one-handed access.

lavlilacs Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Nourishing swatch

Color, Texture, Finish & Scent

A faint pastel yellow color cleansing balm with a soft, mushy "sorbet" feel. It rubs into the skin easily and smooths into a lightweight consistency. The balm emulsifies and rinses away quickly without requiring a ton of rubbing. It did not leave behind any residue or film nor did it make my skin feel tight. The sweet, floral scent isn't strong or lingering.

The brand currently focuses on essentially providing the same cleanisng balm base with just varying ingredientns that give Original, Revitalizing, Purifying, and Nourishing their "flavors" or "scents".

lavlilacs Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Nourishing before after

How I Apply

The amount I use varies greatly depending on how much makeup I wear but I find a scoop of product with the provided spatula is usually enough for an average day's worth of makeup.

I rub the product between the palms of my hands prior to applying it to my face. Then I will lightly massage all around, including over my eyelids and lips. When I feel like I've thoroughly worked it into every corner of my made-up face, I'll wet my hands a little to start emulsifying the balm. After which I generously splash my face until most of the product is washed away.

Thoughts & Recommendations

I cannot say for sure how the ones now fair against the previous generation because I had only tried their mineral oil-less, "Purity", version in the past. But I would say this current formulation works just as well I remembered.

The Clean It Zero balm is easy to spread and massage. It doesn't feel overly suffocating and sticky on my skin. All the makeup is generally removed very well, granted I massage thoroughly. I did not ever break out from using the product nor have irritated eyes if I work it in that area. The main point that still blows my mind is how long I could go prior to moisturizing without feeling tight and parched...even when I use the cleanisng balm alone! Perhaps that is the "nourishing" elements at work?

Even though the renewal is meant to be more sensitive-skin friendly, ingredient-analyzing websites do show that the Clean It Zero Cleansing Balms still have some potentially non-oily/non-fungal acne friendly ingredients. Fragrance is in all the versions too; it is quite high on the ingredients list, despite it being a sensitive-skin trigger for some.

My biggest wish now would just be for Banila Co. to offer a jumbo size (180ml for $27 v. 100 ml for $24) in all versions rather than just the "Original". I tried the "Nourishing" one first and love it yet cannot benefit from the value size and price. I guess I have to give the "Original" version a try now to see how it compares. Otherwise, I would gladly repurchase and continue to use the reformulated Clean It Zero Cleansing Balms.

AROMATICA Orange Cleansing Sherbet

lavlilacs AROMATICA Orange Cleansing Sherbet Review

I have got to say, I am continuously impressed by each and every different cleansing balm I have tried so far. Aromatica's Orange Cleansing Sherbet wooed me with its impressive size and kept me hooked because of its effectiveness. While Aromatica is a new brand to me, this product alone and the brand's focus on high quality/toxin-free focus has me intrigued.

lavlilacs AROMATICA Orange Cleansing Sherbet packaging

lavlilacs AROMATICA Orange Cleansing Sherbet packaging bottom label

Aromatica's description:

AROMATICA's Orange Cleansing Sherbet removes impurities and all traces of make-up and balances oil production in the skin.

A sherbet type cleanser of fresh feeling leaves skin deeply cleansed, moisturized and soft.

Plant-derived canola oil and organic babassu seed oil allow the cleanser to dissolve grime and dead cells.

Directions
Apply a moderate amount of Orange Cleansing Sherbet to dry skin.
Gently massage using light circular movements and rinse well with warm water.

Ingredients
[CANOLA OIL] HELIANTHUS ANNUUS SEED OIL(CONDITIONER), SORBETH-30 TETRAOLEATE(PLANT-DERIVED EMULSIFYING AGENT), POLYETHYLENE(VISCOSITY CONTROLLING AGENT), [APRICOT KERNEL OIL] PRUNUS ARMENIACA KERNEL OIL(CONDITIONER), *[BABASSU SEED OIL] ORBIGNYA OLEIFERA SEED OIL, **LIMONENE, [YLANG-YLANG Oil] CANANGA ODORATA FLOWER OIL(CONDITIONER), [CEDARWOOD OIL] CEDRUS ATLANTICA WOOD OIL(SOOTHING AGENT), TOCOPHEROL, [SWEET ORANGE PEEL OIL] CITRUS AURANTIUM DULCIS (ORANGE) PEEL OIL(CONDITIONER), **BENZYL BENZOATE, **LINALOOL

*CERTIFIED ORGANIC **FROM NATURAL ESSENTIAL OILS

Balm 180 g / 6.7 oz

AROMATICA (Korean retail): ₩25,000
AROMATICA (American retail): USD $36.00
Peach & Lily: USD $35.00


lavlilacs AROMATICA Orange Cleansing Sherbet packaging details

Packaging

Note: Aromatica seems to have updated the labeling design for many, if not all, of their products. The Orange Cleansing Sherbet is not an exception. However, judging from the ingredients lists on the tub I have and the one listed on their website with the new label design both appear to be made of the same things and probably still have an identical formulation.

A tub of cleansing balm which comes in a sturdy wide, shallow, and opaque-white plastic jar sans box (at least that is how Peach & Lily presented it at their sample sale). It has a sole green security tape which connects the lid to the jar body. There is a reusable inner seal tab with an included golf club-like spatula.

lavlilacs AROMATICA Orange Cleansing Sherbet texture product closeup

Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent

A soft beige balm that scoops easily, spreads well, and melts with little to no effort. It kind of reminds of the consistency that coconut oil has when it isn't fully solidified. The "sherbet" balm emulsifies well; there isn't any residue left behind after fully rinsing. My face usually doesn't feel tight afterward either.

The one thing I could do without is the initially strong, almost artificial smelling, orange/citrus scent. I am reminded of household cleansers every time I use the cleansing balm. Judging by the ingredients the scent is definitely not because of any added "fragrance". It seems to come 100% from the fruit and plant oils/extracts (i.e. limonene, citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil, etc.). Luckily, the smell doesn't linger out of the jar in small quantities.

lavlilacs AROMATICA Orange Cleansing Sherbet before after test

How I Apply

1. Scoop an appropriate amount (varies depending on how much makeup I had put on my face).
2. Massage it gently all over. Focus on crevices and areas with a higher concentration of colors.
3. Sometimes wet my hands a little and emulsify the balm.
4. Continuously splash my face with water to fully rinse dissolved makeup and balm away.

Thoughts & Recommendations

The Orange Cleansing Sherbet is by far one of the largest tubs of cleansing balm I have tried thus far. Most products in this category offer ~80-90ml. Anything above 100ml is pretty rare and generous. Aromatica's version has a whopping 180ml! I like that it is reasonably priced per ml too at ~$0.19/ml.

To no surprise, this cleansing balm is effective at removing my makeup at the end of the day. The photo above is of it trying to erase fresh makeup on a completely bare arm (in terms of having no skincare/body care). It cleanses gently and doesn't leave my face feeling stripped of moisture. I never broke out or reacted badly to the product either.

What is surprising would be the balm's short ingredients list (only 11 components) compared to other cleansing balms on the market. A good chunk of the 11 ingredients is essential oils which may not work for those with super sensitive skin. Aromatica doesn't do this for all their products but I appreciate that they list the general reasoning behind each ingredient for the Orange Cleansing Sherbet specifically on their website.

The two biggest changes I would love to see, in order for this to be my HG cleansing balm, would be a less scented product and a flip-top lid instead of the screw-on top. Otherwise, I think this is a solid choice for most skin types and a great value all-around. As always, I am placing this on my "Repurchase" list but I will probably continue to try other cleansing balms before that re-buy time comes.

JUNGSAEMMOOL Clean Start Dtoxeed Oil Balm

lavlilacs JUNGSAEMMOOL Clean Start Dtoxeed Oil Balm Review

Of the cleansing balms I have tried, heck even of all the cleansing oils, the JUNGSAEMMOOL Clean Start Dtoxeed Oil Balm is the most expensive for the amount it has. I took a risk in ordering it when it was a fresh release, only a few months old. No reviews. No research. Blindly following my budding trust for JSM Beauty. Luckily this balm did not disturb that trust and, in fact, reassured me of the quality in her products. The important question becomes: is it worth the price tag and overseas order?

lavlilacs JUNGSAEMMOOL Clean Start Dtoxeed Oil Balm packaging

JUNGSAEMMOOL's description:

Deep cleansing with 71% of natural vegetable oil
Natural olive oil provides a mild and moist deep cleansing effect.

Powerful cleansing effect with fine cleansing particle!
Transparent Gelatinization System (TGS) which makes excess natural oil transparent and stabilized is applied to fine cleansing particles. The particle melts softly on the skin and allows powerful cleansing effect.

Make up & pore deep cleansing
Wild a mild formula oil balm, dissolve dead skin cells and express a healthy-looking complexion.

Return to pure skin
Moringa seed extracts, patented with superior detergency, recover skin to pure and clean natural tone.

Mild formula
Completed skin irritation test. Mineral oil-free. 7 parabens-free (methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, isopropylparaben, butylparaben, isobutlparaben, p-hydroxybenzoic acid).

Directions
With a provided spatula, take an appropriate amount and apply on the face. Massage gently to remove makeup and rinse well with lukewarm water - secondary cleansing is not necessary.

*This products melts fast with body temperature. Depending on the temperature, plant-derived oil may form water droplets on the surface. Such phenomena does not affect the quality of the product, and it is safe to use.

Ingredients
OLEA EUROPAEA (OLIVE) FRUIT OIL, PEG-20 GLYCERYL TRIISOSTEARATE, OCTYLDODECANOL, DEXTRIN PALMITATE, DIBUTYL ETHYLHEXANOYL GLUTAMIDE, DIBUTYL LAUROYL GLUTAMIDE, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, ROSA CANINA FRUIT OIL, SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS (JOJOBA) SEED OIL, ARGANIA SPINOSA (ARGAN) KERNEL OIL, ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS (ROSEMARY) LEAF OIL, SILICA DIMETHYL SILYLATE, DEXTRIN PALMITATE/ETHYLHEXANOATE, WATER, MORINGA OLEIFERA SEED EXTRACT, MALTODEXTRIN, NELUMBO NUCIFERA (LOTUS FLOWER) SEED EXTRACT, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, FRAGRANCE

Balm 90 g / 3.17 oz

JSM Beauty (Korean retail): ₩42,000
JSM Beauty (USA retail): USD $46.26

lavlilacs JUNGSAEMMOOL Clean Start Dtoxeed Oil Balm packaging opened

lavlilacs JUNGSAEMMOOL Clean Start Dtoxeed Oil Balm jar opened

Packaging

A hefty frosted glass jar with a plastic screw-on lid. Comes with a small spatula and has a seal/stopper. It comes in two layers of cardboard and paper boxing assumingly due to the weight. This isn't something to be traveling with but feels and looks luxurious on the countertop. I would have preferred if it had a flip-top lid instead but that is a rarity in the cleansing balm world.

lavlilacs JUNGSAEMMOOL Clean Start Dtoxeed Oil Balm closeup

lavlilacs JUNGSAEMMOOL Clean Start Dtoxeed Oil Balm swatch

Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent

Clear and hard-type balm. If you can imagine transparent butter, this is what the JUNGSAEMMOOL balm would be. It has to be scraped out. It isn't immediately soft like the "sorbet" balms are, think Banila Co., Clinique, and heimish. Once body heat is introduced this cleansing balm becomes just like any other and spreads very easily.

I can't place my finger on but there is a scent. It sometimes reminds me of what the 100% facial oils and other times it seems citrusy (even though there is no citrus oil nor extract in there). It isn't overpowering for me and the smell doesn't linger. For those who are sensitive, do note that fragrance is an included ingredient.

lavlilacs JUNGSAEMMOOL Clean Start Dtoxeed Oil Balm before and after

How I Apply

1. Scoop an appropriate amount (varies depending on how much makeup I had put on my face).
2. Massage it gently all over. Focus on crevices and areas with a higher concentration of colors.
3. Sometimes wet my hands a little and emulsify the balm.
4. Continuously splash my face with water to fully rinse dissolved makeup and balm away.

Thoughts & Recommendations

I had no idea JUNGSAEMMOOL actually says a second cleanse isn't necessary after using this cleansing balm. I wouldn't have believed it until I actually gave it a try shortly after discovering the claim. Now I can see why—the balm rinses off easily with no residue, everything is removed, doesn't leave the skin feeling stripped, and I could sit for a long time without moisturizing before my skin gets parched. These are also reasons why I have come to like this balm so much. I never realized because I am in the habit of always doing a second cleanse therefore never giving the chance to see if it leaves a residue nor dries my face out.

*As with previous cleansing balms I have tried, they aren't very good at removing fresh waterproof pen eyeliner, deep colored lipsticks which stain, and lip tints. All the cleansing balms and oils seem to do just fine against makeup that has worn down and mixed with facial oils.

Finishing the jar too quickly because it had a lesser amount had always been my biggest concern. Despite there only being 90 ml of product, versus 100+ ml, this jar of cleansing balm still lasted a good few months. I guess I inadvertently scoop less product out due to its harder texture.

If the Clean Start Dtoxeed Oil Balm was easier to get a hold of, say Peach & Lily expanded her JUNGSAEMMOOL curation, I would seriously consider a repurchase. However, since it is only available via JSM Beauty website which has expensive shipping fees for orders under USD $150 it isn't something I can buy without doing a massive haul. I could see all skin types liking this. This gets the job done well but whether it is worth double the price is questionable. Splurging on a cleansing balm once in a while isn't too bad though.

heimish All Clean Balm

lavlilacs heimish All Clean Balm Review

Good thing I was patient. Good thing I gave this a second chance. The heimish All Clean Balm has become my favorite cleansing balm tried to date. But credit should be given in part to the company for tweaking the packaging (and possibly formulation) of a beloved product of many to be even better.

lavlilacs heimish All Clean Balm packaging

memebox's description:

Aromatic and free of parabens, fragrace, or artificial pigments, Heimish's hypoallergenic All Clean Balm will relax and de-stress you as you massage your day's makeup and buildup away. Infused with Coconut Extract and Shea Butter, the balm melts into your skin and emulsifies with water to wash away dust, dirt, and even your heaviest makeup without an oily residue. It also moisturizes and soothes skin with natural botanical extracts like Freesia and Iris, so you won't be left tight and dry.

Directions
Step 1. Spread 3-4 scoops on face with DRY hands
Step 2. Massage in a circular motion with fingertips on point makeup
Step 3. Wash it off with tepid water like rubbing

Ingredients
ETHYLHEXYL PALMITATE, CETYL ETHYLHEXANOATE, PEG-20 GLYCERYL TRIISOSTEARATE, POLYETHYLENE, PEG-8 ISOSTEARATE, BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA) BUTTER, COCOS NUCIFERA (COCONUT) FRUIT EXTRACT, CITRUS AURANTIFOLIA (LIME) FRUIT EXTRACT, FREESIA REFRACTA EXTRACT, IRIS VERSICOLOR EXTRACT, JASMINUM OFFICINALE (JASMINE) EXTRACT, LILIUM TIGRINUM EXTRACT, LEONTOPODIUM ALPINUM EXTRACT, NELUMBIUM SPECIOSUM FLOWER EXTRACT, NARCISSUS PSEUDO-NARCISSUS (DAFFODIL) FLOWER EXTRACT, ROSE EXTRACT, CITRUS AURANTIUM DULCIS (ORANGE) PEEL OIL, LAVANDULA ANGUSTIFOLIA (LAVENDER) OIL, PELARGONIUM GRAVEOLENS FLOWER OIL, AMYRIS BALSAMIFERA BARK OIL, CITRUS PARADISI (GRAPEFRUIT) PEEL OIL, EUCALYPTUS GLOBULUS LEAF OIL, MELALEUCA ALTERNIFOLIA (TEA TREE) LEAF OIL, JUNIPERUS MEXICANA OIL, BOSWELLIA CARTERII OIL, CITRUS AURANTIUM BERGAMIA (BERGAMOT) FRUIT OIL, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, WATER, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, CITRIC ACID, PHENOXYETHANOL, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN

Balm 120 ml

Heimish (Korean retail): ₩18,000
oo35mm: USD $20.99
OHLOLLY: USD $19.00
StyleKorean: USD $18.50
Jolse: USD $18.00
YesStyle: USD $17.16

lavlilacs heimish All Clean Balm renewal

lavlilacs heimish All Clean Balm old versus new tubslavlilacs heimish All Clean Balm new lid closeup

lavlilacs heimish All Clean Balm spatulas

Packaging

Opaque white tub with a flip top lid. The diameter of the jar is larger than average but has a shallow height; this is a design choice I appreciate as I would rather have the option to comfortably use my knuckles to scoop over my fingertips and nails.

Not long after I bought my first jar of All Clean Balm to try, heimish re-released it in this current packaging. I had mentioned how I would love to see a brand incorporate a flip-top lid in my Banila Co. cleansing balm review and lo-and-behold someone finally did it! Not that it had anything to do with my sole comment; these small changes probably take ages to plan and execute. But still, I'm sure enough people voice their thoughts that heimish decided they had to take action. I can say this is my favorite cleansing balm, to date, based solely on the packaging. There's no more fuss over handling a jar, a separate lid, and a spatula while juggling a scoop of balm in my palm.

Besides the most obvious change, heimish also switched up the spatula as well. The newer one, left in the photo above, is a tiny bit longer and the scoop portion is a larger, more circular paddle shape instead of the lean and oblong one from before. The new touch lets me scoop out more product in one go.

lavlilacs heimish All Clean Balm new balm closeup

lavlilacs heimish All Clean Balm swatch old versus new

Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent

The cleansing balm, old and new, is white. Both have a solidified coconut oil-like consistency; the new one is much smoother straight out of the tub than the older balm though. After body-heat is added in and some massage action takes place, there is no discernable difference.

I was the most turned off by the scent of the original All Clean Balm—some days it smelled citrusy, some days it stank like smelly feet. After months of using the older tub, the latter scent was a more prevalent than the former. Due to that one reason alone, I never thought I would repurchase this product ever again. Luckily, the newer version doesn't have that rancid smell at all. It doesn't have a scent period.

 I am not sure what it was since the ingredients list seems to be the same. Maybe they adjusted the essential oil amounts? Maybe I got a dud? Then again...Bestie C used the older version of the cleansing balm as well and said she never thought it smelled bad, let alone stink like feet.

lavlilacs heimish All Clean Balm before and after

How I Apply

1. Scoop an appropriate amount (varies depending on how much makeup I had put on my face).
2. Massage it gently all over. Focus on crevices and areas with higher concentration of colors.
3. Sometimes wet my hands a little and emulsify the balm.
4. Continuously splash my face with water to fully rinse dissolved makeup and balm away.

Thoughts & Recommendations

Had I not tried the renewed version, I would have recommended people to steer away from this product. The smell was that bad and that persistent. However, the scent is a non-issue now and I only have good things to say about the cleansing balm.

  • The price point is good. (around USD $20 plus or minus)
  • Amount of product is highly generous. (80ml is standard, 100ml is generous, 120+ml is abnormal)
  • The flip-top lid is very convenient. LOVE!
  • Works well without stripping my skin. Doesn't leave a film.
  • Potentially good for sensitive skin; formulated without mineral oil, color, parabens, and fragrance.

There are only a few things I could see being a nuisance to people.

  • Isn't the best at removing fresh waterproof pen eyeliner or lip products that stain. I won't hold that against it because the balm works well enough on worn-out makeup at the end of the day. Even the highly popular Banila Co. Clean It cleansing balm didn't work against the same eyeliner and tint.
  • Can give me cloudy eyes but I find that unavoidable since the balm emulsifies once it meets water and my eyeballs aren't dry. The cloudiness goes away after some rinsing.
  • Has a ton of essential oils. Some people are reactive to it. I did not to this product.

The chances of repurchase, again, is very high with the packaging change and scent-free formula. It is inexpensive for the amount given and most importantly, effective. I've shopped around for new cleansing balms to try next and didn't realize how much less product most other brands offer for sometimes double the price or with less expensive ingredients as bases (such as mineral oil). I think all skin types would like this but may not be right for those sensitive to essential oils.

Banila Co. Clean It Zero Purity

lavlilacs Banila Co Clean It Zero Purity review

Even though I am the type of person to wait a while before jumping on any skin care trends, I am not sure what took me quite this long before trying Banila Co's Clean It Zero line myself. Maybe I was apprehensive towards the new idea of cleansing balms? Maybe I was just a little overwhelmed by the many variations Banila Co. offered? Whatever the reason was that stopped me then, I think my mind has been forever changed.

lavlilacs Banila Co Clean It Zero Purity packaging

Banila Co. & SOKO GLAM's Descriptions:

Refreshing feel & Recommended for Sensitive Skin.

Super skin-friendly mild "5 Non-Added Formula" reduces irritation of distressed skin while a healthy combination of 30% ECOCERT natural oils helps soften sensitive, coarse skin.

An offshoot from the popular Banila Co Clean It Zero Classic, this is a perfect first step in your double-cleanse. This award-winning hypoallergenic oil cleanser appears as a solid balm and transforms into a silky oil on the skin. It's sorbet-like texture and lightweight formula effortlessly dissolve stubborn makeup and impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils.

Free from artificial coloring, synthetic fragrance, alcohol, parabens, and mineral oil. Formulated for sensitive skin types.

Directions
1. Use the spatula to scoop a small amount and massage balm over dry skin, concentrating on eye and lip makeup.
2. Add a splash of lukewarm water to emulsify into a milky texture.
3. Follow with your cleanser as the next step in your double-cleanse.

Ingredients (translated from packaging)
CETYL ETHYLHEXANOATE, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, PEG-20 GLYCERYL TRIISOSTEARATE, PEG-10 ISOSTEARATE, POLYETHYLENE, ARGANIA SPINOSA KERNEL OIL, OENOTHERA BIENNIS (EVENING PRIMROSE) OIL, PORTULACA OLERACEA EXTRACT, GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA (LICORICE) ROOT EXTRACT, CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS (ROSEMARY) LEAF EXTRACT, CENTELLA ASIATICA EXTRACT, CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA (MATRICARIA) FLOWER EXTRACT, SCUTELLARIA BAICALENSIS ROOT EXTRACT, POLYGONUM CUSPIDATUM ROOT EXTRACT, ALTHAEA ROSEA FLOWER EXTRACT, ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, CALENDULA OFFICINALIS FLOWER EXTRACT, ANTHEMIS NOBILIS FLOWER WATER, EPILOBIUM ANGUSTIFOLIUM FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT, BETA-CAROTENE, WATER, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, GLYCERIN, CAPRYLHYDROXAMIC ACID, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, CITRUS AURANTIUM DULCIS (ORANGE) PEEL OIL, ABIES SIBIRICA OIL, ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS (ROSEMARY) LEAF OIL, LAVANDULA ANGUSTIFOLIA (LAVENDER) OIL

Balm 100 ml

Banila Co. (Korean retail): ₩22,000
RoseRoseShop: ₩22,000
iHerb: USD $21.80
SOKO GLAM and Peach&Lily: USD $25.00
oo35mm: USD $27.99

lavlilacs Banila Co Clean It Zero Purity security sticker

lavlilacs Banila Co Clean It Zero Purity seal

Packaging

A narrow and tall-ish jar with a twist off lid. The cleansing balm comes with a small plastic spatula. It is also sealed with a thin layer of circular foam.

I love that it comes with a spatula. However, I would have preferred if the jar itself was a tad wider in diameter and shorter so that I can always have the option to use my hands (specifically with the knuckles) and effortlessly scoop the product. It would just be one less thing to fiddle around with at the end of the day when all I want to do is just shower and plop into bed. Since the spatula itself is clear and small, it could easily get lost if I don't remember to store it inside the jar.

On a similar note, could companies make the lid flip-top instead of twist-off? I haven't ever seen it on a cleansing balm type product but it would just make life so much easier.

Ingredients

The beauty of the Clean It Zero Purity balm lies in the fact that it is free of typical irritants (artificial coloring, synthetic fragrance, alcohol, parabens, and mineral oil). CosDNA's analysis of the ingredients seems to give it an A-OK as well, with the exception of an "Oenothera biennis oil."

Purity is chock full of plant extracts which are popular in most Korean skincare products. Most of them look to serve as anti-inflammatories and/or moisturizers. There are a few essential oils listed towards the bottom of the list that supposedly acts as "natural" fragrances. I've heard of people who do have sensitivities to essential oils like citrus and lavender so I would tread with caution despite Purity being marketed as a sensitive-skin friendly makeup remover.

lavlilacs Banila Co Clean It Zero Purity swatch

Color, Texture, & Scent

Banila describes their Clean It line as sorbet balms, which I would somewhat agree with. It is light and easily meltable like sorbet. I use no effort to scoop out product whether it be with my finger or a spatula. The cleansing balm holds its shape well until I want to massage it in. The balm-oil glides well without much tugging and rubbing. I love that unlike traditional cleansing oils, the balm doesn't get uncontrollably runny. It stays put wherever I move it to on my face.

Since this is the Purity version, it doesn't have added color or artificial fragrances. A whiff of the cleansing balm, inside the jar, gives a very faint citrusy scent. But any scents are undetectable in the small amounts needed for cleansing.

lavlilacs Banila Co Clean It Zero Purity before after

How I Apply

The amount I use varies greatly depending on how much makeup I wear but I find a scoop of product with the provided spatula is usually enough for an average day's worth of makeup—perhaps slightly double the amount in the photos above. (I know that is also very subjective. The best I can say is my average face consists of cushion, powder, blush, highlight, bronzer, eyeshadow, eyeliner, and eyebrows.) I tend to be more generous with balm since it doesn't get very runny.

I rub the product between the palms of my hands prior to applying it to my face. Then I will lightly massage all around, including over my eyelids and lips. When I feel like I've thoroughly worked it into every corner of my made-up face, I'll wet my hands a little to start emulsifying the balm. After which I generously splash my face until most of the product is washed away.

Thoughts & Recommendations

Coming from someone who has used cleansing oils and a couple balms to remove her makeup all her makeup wearing life, the Clean It Zero Purity is one of the few (if not only one in recent memory) that doesn't leave skin dry and tight afterward.

But! I do have to say it takes a lot more splashing and rinsing effort to wash away than most cleansing oils. When I don't do a good enough job, I feel like there is still some leftover residue hanging around. It doesn't really bother me too much since I always follow up immediately with a second cleanse.

I do get cloudy vision if I open my eyes before rinsing; my eyesight is fine when I keep them shut until everything is washed away.

Waterproof pen liner (in the above photo) isn't removed well. However, do keep in mind, that is fresh liner on my forearm and not worn-out liner on my oily eyelids. The cleansing balm is able to cleanse that specific eyeliner off after a normal day but it does still need more massaging than other eyeliners would need. For those who wear more waterproof products, I would recommend using a separate eye-makeup remover.

My skin seems to like this product a lot. I have used almost the whole tub and still have yet to experience a drying or tightening effect (knock on wood). I do not think it has ever caused me to break out either. There are some videos and blogs that suggest using cleansing oils and balms to help with cleaning out pores and blackheads—this specific balm would not be one of those. I don't feel like it cleanses that deeply, it just does a good job at removing makeup and facial dirt & oils. If there weren't so many other cleansing balms on the market to try or the Clean It Zero Purity was slightly cheaper, I would repurchase it in a heartbeat. Until the day I get tired of trying new makeup removers comes around, I am just glad to know there is one available that definitely works for me.

Skin79 Smart Clear Deep Cleansing Oil

I actually finished this bottle of Skin79 Smart Clear Deep Cleansing Oil a few months back and had every intention to review it. But, unfortunately, it didn't happen. Here's a quick post before I really forgot everything about the product. Hopefully I got down as many details as I can remember.
This was one of those products that I bought because my cleansing oil at the time was running out. I bought it from a beauty store in Chinatown (in Manhattan) for ~$17 (if I remember correctly). However, I purchased this without reading any prior reviews and truly went in with experimentation in mind. Coming from a brand that is most known for their BB Creams, I was thinking that their cleansing oil shouldn't be too bad for makeup removal. So home it went with me!
Here are some of the packaging details for those who understand Korean. Luckily the ingredients list is in English, so don't fret for those who are conscious about what is in products.
As with most cleansing oils that come in pump bottles, the new bottles come sealed and with a stopper to prevent any leakage pre-purchase. The trouble came afterwards when the cleansing oil seemed to slightly burst through the pump with each use and leaves the bottle an oily mess. I wish I took a photo of it to more accurately show what I mean but my mom must have thrown out the bottle when she was doing a thorough cleaning. But compared to something else, this is a rather insignificant problem.

The main dislike I had was this formulation. It really stung my eyes! This was not even a result of me specifically use it to remove eye makeup. Even when I avoided rubbing my eye area with the product, the cleansing oil & residue eventually makes it way around my (closed) eyes when I go to rinse the product off. That milky-residue-water made my eyes really burn. Of the cleansing oils that I have used, some did make my vision a little, temporarily, cloudy. But none has ever stung my eyes like this one did.

Due to that reason, I actually dreaded going through this bottle the whole time I had it. This was also why I ended up trying Bioderma in late-spring through the summer, when I still had about half a bottle of the Skin79 Smart Clear Deep Cleansing Oil left.

Otherwise, the cleansing oil took off both light & heavy-ish face makeup pretty well. This product did leave my skin a bit tight afterwards. But all cleansing oils (that I have used thus far) pretty much have the same effect for me, so I am not going to nit-pick on that point.

I don't quite remember if this cleansing oil had a runnier or thicker consistency, but I do remember that I used around 2 pumps during each cleanse. I presume that a bottle would probably last a few months with consistent usage.

Even though it is on the less expensive side for a cleansing oil, this is something I would definitely not repurchase. Unless, who knows, maybe I got a dud? Any who, with the cleansing oil trend picking up in Western brands I think I may give those a try first before I have to consider this specific one again.

Have you tried any bad cleansing oils before?
Do share! That way we can know beforehand what items to cross off the "To try" list.

Hada Labo Craze (Partially) Fulfilled

Hada Labo Tamagohada AHA+BHA Face Wash



Product Description/Claims (from Hada Labo SG's website):
✻ Gently exfoliates skin to remove impurities, dirt & oil trapped within pores
✻ Polishes away dullness & refines skin's texture for visibly clear, smooth & radiant skin
✻ Skin pH balanced. Low irritation
✻ Free of fragrances, mineral oil, alcohol & colorant
*This product is recommended to be used with a sunscreen product.

Places to purchase:Sasa
Imomoko
Adambeauty
Try your local Asian beauty store.

Packaging:
Very standard cleanser package. Nothing much to complain about. It has the same problem that most tube cleansers have, getting all the product out. I'm probably going to have to cut it in have to finish all of it :P



Directions:
✻ (Website) Use twice a day. Squeeze sufficient amount onto your palm. Lather with water and massage onto face, using gentle circular motions. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
✻ When I first started to use this cleanser, I only used it at night. Then every once in a while I'd use it both day and night. I always put sunscreen on anyways so I didn't notice any sensitivity...but then again the damage is probably on the microscopic level so I can't see it (yet). I found that using this with a foaming net was the best. It creates a very nice dense foam that makes it easier to massage around my face. When I foam it with my hands the foam is rather flat (but this is the same for most manual/hand foaming cleansers). I didn't know that Hada Labo recommends a specific way to massage my face...if you're interested click HERE (image is a screenshot from the Hada Labo SG website).







Positives:
-Makes my skin feel very soft and smooth
-Doesn't make my skin feel tight or dry...definitely a first!
-Retail price isn't very expensive
-It seems to help control my acne but doesn't stop the acne from forming altogether. Ever since I've used this my cheeks and forehead have had a significantly less amount of acne whereas my nose and chin area still have the occasional breakouts. If I don't pick at it and such...they tend to go away quickly (without using any other acne treating products)

Negatives:
-Hard to get outside of asia..particularly this specific cleanser. I've seen a lot of the Hyaluronic Acid Cleansers (regular and light versions) and sometimes even the self-foaming version of the Tamagohada Cleanser, but this particular one rarely pops up in the beauty stores in NYC
-Prices can be marked up in stores outside of Asia (Close to double)
-I didn't see too much change with my pores...that was a little disappointing.

Repurchase?
Yes! But not right now...Have a lot of cleansers to finish. I'd definitely want to get a backup of this though if I have the chance to.

Recommend?
Yes

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Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Face Wash



Product Description/Claims (from Hada Labo SG's website):
✻ Hydrates as it cleanses. Helps restore and preserve skin's natural moisture, leaving it silky smooth
✻ Gently cleanses leaving skin comfortably hydrated and refreshed
✻ Skin pH balanced. Low irritation
✻ Free of fragrances, mineral oil, alcohol & colorant

Places to Purchase:
Sasa
imomoko
Adambeauty
Try your local Asian beauty store

Packaging:
It is made out of a rubbery kind of plastic. Very bendable so it's much easier to squeeze the last bits out compared to the Tamagohada tube.



Directions:
✻ (Website) Use twice a day. Squeeze sufficient amount onto your palm. Lather with water and massage onto face. Using gentle circular motion. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
✻ I typically use the same amount as shown in the photo, give or take a bit. I foam it with the face nets and massage the foam around before I rinse it off with water.





Positives:
-Cleanses well, but is a gentle cleanser so it got a while for me to get use it.
-Did not dry my skin out or make it tight!
-Isn't expensive

Negatives:
-Although it is a 'hydrating' cleanser, I don't think it stays in long enough for my skin to benefit from those properties...at most it just doesn't make my face dried out after using it.

Repurchase?
Maybe. If I'm in need of a gentler cleanser yes. But I'm still looking for an HG cleanser that'll also help with my acne.

Recommend?
To those who want something not as harsh. But between this and the Tamagohada one, I'd choose the latter.

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Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Cleansing Oil



Product Description/Claims (from Hada Labo SG's website):
✻ For heavy makeup & waterproof mascara
✻ Formulated with high purity Olive Oil to deep clean and gently remove dirt, excessive oil and stubborn makeup instantly
✻ High cleansing ability even for waterproof mascara
✻ Gentle to your delicate eye area and eyelashes
✻ Enhanced with Super Hyaluronic Acid to intensely hydrate and maintain
✻ It is water-soluble, does not leave an unpleasant greasy feeling
✻ Skin pH balanced. Low irritation
✻ Free of fragrances, mineral oil, alcohol & colorant

Places to Purchase:
Adambeauty
Try your local Asian beauty store



Directions:
✻ (Website) Keep your hands and face dry. Pump sufficient cleansing oil onto your palm and gently massage onto your face and eye area. Wet face to emulsify the cleansing oil. Rinse thoroughly with water.
✻ I use 1 pump when I'm wearing light makeup (powder & blush) and 2 for anything heavier. It is more than enough with 2 pumps to easily massage around my face.





Positives:
-This cleanser lasted the longest before it finally ended up making my face tight & dry after using it. I remember I was so excited in the beginning because it didn't dry me out. Then somewhere along the line I think my skin got used to it...*sigh
-It removes makeup well. I don't know how it fairs against waterproof makeup since I don't wear that.
-Isn't hard to rinse off & doesn't leave an oily film.
-Inexpensive
-Doesn't contain any added color, fragrance, or mineral oil!

Negatives:
-Difficult to get, but more and more online shops carry this now.
-It leaves my eyes a bit cloudy after using it.

Repurchase?
Probably not. There are still many cleansing oils out there that I haven't tried yet. If my skin didn't get used to it, the chances of me repurchasing this would have been a lot higher...However! If I really have tried many cleansing oils and my skin suffers the same fate for all, I'd probably come back to this one just because it doesn't have any excess additives.

Recommend?
Maybe. I think this tight & dry problems I'm having with cleansing products is just my skin...nothing seems to really work. Other than that point, this cleansing oil wasn't too bad. Worth a try if you have the opportunity to try it.

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Hada Labo Gokujyun Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Lotion




Product Description/Claims (from Hada Labo SG's website):
✻ Instantly hydrates skin and helps preserve its optimum
✻ Replenishes and locks-in moisture for complete hydration. Skin feels significantly soft and supple
✻ Helps improve dry and dehydrated skin, leaving it silky smooth
✻ Skin pH balanced. Low irritation
✻ Free of fragrances, mineral oil, alcohol & colorant

Places to purchase:
Sasa
Imomoko
Try your local Asian beauty store.

There are also refill packages available! However, I've only seen those available on imomoko.

Packaging:For the type of product and way we're supposed to apply it, the package is great! You can easily pour the product out drop by drop. Have lots of control!



Directions:
✻ (Website) Use twice a day after cleansing face. Apply on palms and gently pat onto skin until thoroughly absorbed.
✻ When I first got it, I didn't know how to read the instructions. I tried to use 1 drop because of the "1 drops locks the ocean" advertisement/marketing. I felt that it wasn't enough for me, so I upped it to about 3-5 drops depending on how I felt. Most of the time I use about 5 drops (especially in the colder months). I'd rub my hands together to spread the product out and then pat my face. A lot of people said it was sticky and I totally agree, but I found that if I spend just a little more time patting the product in the sticky feeling goes away.





Positives:
-One bottle lasted me a LONG time, I don't remember exactly but I think it was well over 6 months.
-It has multiple uses (toner, maybe a lotion for those with very oily skin but don't take my word for it hehe, mask...using the layered cotton pads or the compressed masks)
-Keeps my face very moist and hydrated. My cheeks have the bouncy feeling whenever I use it. I think this, along with the H2O+ products I used last winter, really helped save me during the cold and allergy seasons.
-Isn't too expensive, if you can get it at the retail place. However, I've seen stores in NYC sell this for up to $22 dollars! =.=
-No extra nonsense (alcohol, color, etc.)

Cons:
-Difficult to get outside of Asia. Now that it's become so popular this isn't too much of a problem (at least in the Asian heavy neighborhoods here in NYC) The bigger problem is the ridiculous price increase.
-It isn't difficult for me to find, but for people living in not Asian heavy communities...it'll be more difficult. Online shopping is your best friend! :P
-Leaves hands a bit sticky because you have to pat it onto the skin, nothing a little tissue or hand washing can't fix. But as mentioned before if you pat a little longer it isn't too big of a problem.

Repurchase?
Yes. But right not now since I've recently bought a new toner and have a set of hyaluronic acid serums I can use. Also as weird as this may sound, I've missed using a toner that I can wipe :X

Recommend?
Yes!

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Hada Labo Shirojun Arbutin Whitening Lotion



Product Description/Claims (from Hada Labo SG's website):
✻ Contains Arbutin to fight dark spots. Smooths & clarifies to optimize skin's radiance & translucency
✻ Vitamin C helps skin recover from accumulated sun damage while reducing the appearance of dark spots to give clearer, fairer skin
✻ Contains Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate intensely, keeping skin soft & supple
✻ Skin pH balanced. Low irritation
✻ Free of fragrances, mineral oil, alcohol & colorant

Places to purchase:
Imomoko
Try your local Asian beauty store

There are also refill packages available! However, I've only seen those available on imomoko.

Packaging:
Again, the package is great! There is so much control and you can get it drop by drop. I was a bit OCD and always counted how many drops I used :X



Directions:
✻ (Website) Use twice a day after cleansing face. Apply on palms and gently pat onto skin until thoroughly absorbed.
✻ I tried this after using the Hyaluronic Acid version for a while so I knew better & how much to use, ~5 drops. The texture and feel are very similar to the Hyaluronic Acid Toner. The only differences are 1) this whitening toner felt a bit liquidy in consistency 2) it was not as sticky as the Hyaluronic Acid Toner. But if I don't pat enough, it'll still leave a stickiness on my hands. So if anyone gets this...make sure you pat pat pat!!





Positives:
-Hydrates my skin well. But definitely not as much as the Super Hyaluronic Acid Lotion does.
-I've only used this together with the Milky Lotion so I can't say how it will fair when used alone. But the set does make my skin look and bit brighter than usual. It helps a with my acne scarring, but not all.
-This could probably be used for a mask as well (I haven't tried it though).
-No unnecessary ingredients add!
-Lasts a long time

Negatives:
-Is not hydrating enough for the winter time. Especially when I rub my nose a lot and it's all cracked...

Repurchase?
No. It was great while it lasted. But nothing really special makes me want to buy it again.

Recommend?
Maybe. Try to look for the mini set! I've seen those around youtube and blogger a few times. Good way to try it without the big commitment of the full bottle :P

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Hada Labo Shirojun Arbutin Whitening Milky Lotion



Product Description/Claims (from Hada Labo SG's website):
✻ Contains Arbutin to fight dark spots & re-balance skin tone for visibly fair & radiant skin
✻ Enhanced with Vitamin C for a more uniform skin tone & reawakens the appearance of dull skin caused by UV rays
✻ Preserves skin's natural moisture. Smoothes & clarifies to optimize skin's translucency
✻ Skin pH balanced. Low irritation
✻ Free of fragrances, mineral oil, alcohol & colorant

Places to purchase:
Imomoko
Try your local Asian beauty store

There are also refill packages available! However, I've only seen those available on imomoko.

Packaging:
The bottle is the similar to the toner, but this one is a bit shorter and contains a little less product. I didn't particularly like or hate it. It's just ok. The product flows out of the bottle pretty well since the lotion is pretty liquidy. However, sometimes it creates this weird crust at the top of the cap when the product dries there. Bugged me a lot :X But that could just be me hehe When I got to the very last bit, it became difficult to get the product out, especially with the cap on. I have to stand with the bottle upside-down for quite a while before the product drip out.





Directions:
✻ (Website) Use twice a day after applying Whitening Lotion. Apply on palms and gently pat onto skin until thoroughly absorbed.
✻ I applied this in a similar way to how I applied the toners. It is harder to control how much of this lotion comes out of the bottle because the opening is much bigger and the consistency of this is a bit runnier. I just eyeball a quarter-size amount onto my hand, rub my hands together, and pat it onto my face until my skin absorbs it all.





Positives:
-Very light. Didn't break me out or clog my pores.
-Similar to the lotion. My skin felt brighter when I used it but nothing dramatic. My acne scarring did seem to go down.
-This was enough moisture for my skin in the summer.

Negatives:
-The size is a little smaller than the lotion which I felt was strange.
-Difficult to get all the product out when you get towards the last few uses.
-Once the cooler winter came and my nose became cracked and dry from rubbing it too much, this just wasn't enough.

The whitening line just didn't wow me.

Repurchase?
Nope.

Recommend?
Maybe. Again, try to look for the mini set! This would probably be better for those who don't live in dry places or when the weather isn't as dry.

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Now with all that said, I love Hada Labo as a brand. Especially because they don't add the bad stuff in. Always good to steer away from those as much as we can. Also, there are some pretty good products...granted I have tried all of them (but will, hence "partially fulfilled craze").

Disclaimer: I am not associated with the brand or any of the websites that I've shared. These are just how the products worked for me and my opinions. If you tried it any the product had bad effects on you, I'm sorry! But everyone's skin is different...to each their own! >__<;;
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