Description
What it is
The Nourishing balm is the golden, ginseng-themed member of the Clean It Zero family. It still melts from a solid into an oil and still rinses away with water, but it is formulated for people whose skin feels tight or flaky after cleansing. Retailers describe it as one of the more oil-rich balms in the range, and Banila Co says it is designed to hydrate and help repair the look of dry skin while it lifts waterproof makeup.
Where the Original keeps its plant list short, Nourishing layers several forms of ginseng (root extract, berry extract, root water, seed oil and a fermented ginseng filtrate) with plant oils and butters. The result is a cushier, more cocooning feel during the massage step, which many dry-skin users prefer in winter.
Key ingredients
- Panax ginseng root and berry extracts: the signature botanicals of this version, traditionally used in Korean beauty for a revitalized, healthier-looking complexion
- Carthamus tinctorius (safflower) seed oil: a plant oil high in linoleic acid that adds slip and helps break down makeup
- Butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter: a rich emollient that leaves a softer after-feel on dry skin
- Simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil: a wax ester similar to skin’s own sebum, used for cushion and glide
- Lactobacillus/Panax ginseng root ferment filtrate: a fermented ginseng ingredient included as a conditioning extra
- Avena sativa (oat) meal extract: a soothing extract often chosen for dry, easily irritated skin
Product details
| Brand | Banila Co (South Korea) |
|---|---|
| Line | Clean It Zero |
| Size | 100 ml |
| Format | Golden cleansing balm that melts into an oil; spatula included |
| Main concerns | Dryness, tightness after cleansing, dull-looking skin, makeup removal |
| Skin types | Dry, dehydrated and mature skin |
| When to use | Evening first cleanse; especially useful in cold, dry months |
| Fragrance | Contains added fragrance (parfum) |
| Amazon ASIN | B085QLV1G9 |
How to use
- Take one scoop with the spatula and warm it between dry fingertips.
- Massage over dry skin for up to a minute, giving extra time to areas with foundation or water-resistant sunscreen.
- Add a splash of water and keep massaging until the balm turns cloudy.
- Rinse with lukewarm, not hot, water.
- Follow with a gentle, low-foam second cleanser and apply moisturizer while skin is still slightly damp.
Dry skin often feels best when the second cleanse is short and gentle; you can even skip it on mornings when you are not removing anything.
Who it suits
Nourishing is the balm to look at if your face feels taut after washing, if you get flaky patches around the nose and mouth, or if you live through long, dry Canadian winters. It pairs naturally with the richer creams and layering ideas in our best Korean skincare for dry skin guide.
Who should be careful
Because it is oil-rich, people with very oily or acne-prone skin may find it too heavy and may prefer the Pore Clarifying balm. It contains fragrance, soy polypeptide and cocoa extract, so check the list if you avoid any of these. Formulas have changed: some earlier jars listed royal jelly, evening primrose and sunflower oils instead, so read the label of the jar you actually buy.
Patch test first. Apply a small amount to the inner forearm or behind the ear and wait 24 to 48 hours before using it on the face.
Full ingredient list
Ethylhexyl Stearate, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, PEG-10 Isostearate, Synthetic Wax, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Butylene Glycol, Aqua (Water), Parfum, Glyceryl Caprylate, Caprylyl Glycol, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Panax Ginseng Berry Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Onsen-Sui, 1,2-Hexanediol, Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Water, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract, Dextrin, Glycine Max (Soybean) Polypeptide, Lactobacillus Ferment, Avena Sativa (Oat) Meal Extract, Panax Ginseng Seed Oil, Lactobacillus/Panax Ginseng Root Ferment Filtrate, Hydrolyzed Ginseng Saponins
This is the current list published by a major UK retailer. It contains fragrance, soy and oat derivatives; no tree-nut oils are listed. An older version of this balm (with royal jelly extract and evening primrose oil) is still in circulation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Clean It Zero Original and Nourishing?
Nourishing is the richer option, with ginseng, safflower oil and shea butter aimed at dry skin, while the Original has a lighter, simpler base meant for most skin types.
Is the Nourishing balm good for mature skin?
Mature skin is often drier, so many people prefer its cushioned feel. It is a cleanser, though, so think of it as comfort during cleansing rather than an anti-aging treatment.
Does Clean It Zero Nourishing contain ginseng?
Yes. Several ginseng ingredients appear in the list, including root extract, berry extract, root water, seed oil and a fermented filtrate.
Will this balm leave a greasy film?
It should rinse clean once it is fully emulsified with water. If you feel residue, massage with water a little longer or follow with a second cleanser.
Learn more
Build the rest of a comfortable routine with our dry skin guide and the beginner routine guide.
Ingredient lists can change between batches and markets. Always check the box you receive. This page is an independent guide; melaxin.ca does not sell products directly.
