For the contents, my skin is oily, mild to moderate acne, currently using a Curology routine, late 20s.

As someone who genuinely enjoys the ritual of using cleansing balms, I had high hopes for the Banila Co Clean It Zero Clarifying. Unfortunately, this one completely missed the mark and I think I’m officially done searching for a dupe for my tried-and-true Farmacy Green Clean which I’ve since repurchased.

Let’s talk details so the balm is $22 for 100 ml (3.3oz), which breaks down to about $0.22 per ml. The packaging is unnecessarily bulky, with thick frosted plastic walls that make the tub feel more substantial than it is. Inside, you’ll find a plastic shield and spatula, standard, but it adds to the excess.

Performance-wise, it was disappointing. I don’t wear waterproof mascara, just regular formulas and yet this balm consistently failed to remove it. It’s only when I go to rinse that I realize I’m left with full-on raccoon eyes. And this happened with every mascara I own, from drugstore to high-end. Waterproof? Forget it. I had to rely on micellar water either before or after to fully clean my eye area.

I also found myself using a lot more product than usual. With Farmacy, I typically need a modest amount to get a full cleanse. With this, I was scraping a full swipe across the tub, and often going back for more. Although it emulsifies decently and doesn’t leave a greasy film, I finished the tub in under a month, whereas Farmacy usually lasts me at least six weeks with daily use.

As for the clarifying claims, I didn’t notice any benefits. The so-called Tri-Acid Blend didn’t make a difference in my skin’s texture or clarity. Despite having oily skin that's generally tolerant of acids, this balm caused no tingling, reaction, or anything that made me think those actives were doing much. In fact, I tested my usual AHA/BHA routine afterward without issue, suggesting the acids in this formula are either negligible or ineffective. Worst of all, it stung when it got near my eyes.

I even did a toner test post-cleansing and still found residual foundation on my cotton pad, not exactly a confidence booster.

In the end, this balm wasn’t cost-effective either. Between needing extra micellar water, using more product per cleanse, and still not getting a thorough makeup removal, I likely didn’t save any money compared to my usual cleanser. At $34 for 100ml, Farmacy Green Clean may cost more upfront, but it works far better and lasts longer, well worth the extra $12 in my opinion.

Overally, I'd say this is 4/10 and not recommend. Disappointing performance, inefficient cleansing, and not at all clarifying. Save your time and your eyes.