Description
What it is
The Pore Clarifying balm, now sold as the Tea-Tree EX version, is the Clean It Zero option for shine-prone faces. It keeps the same melt-and-emulsify format as the rest of the line but swaps the comforting oils for a formula aimed at oily and combination skin: tea tree extract and leaf oil, a touch of beta hydroxy acid, and a polyhydroxy acid.
Banila Co says it removes waterproof makeup along with excess sebum and dead skin cells. It is still a rinse-off cleanser, so the acids are in contact with skin only briefly; think of it as a balm that feels fresher and lighter on an oily T-zone rather than a substitute for a leave-on exfoliant.
Key ingredients
- Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) extract and leaf oil: the “Tea-Tree EX” part of the name, associated with a clean, clarifying feel on oily skin
- 4-Terpineol: a component of tea tree oil that the brand calls out on its own
- Salicylic acid and capryloyl salicylic acid: oil-soluble BHA ingredients that are attracted to pores; at a cleanser’s short contact time their effect is mild
- Gluconolactone: a gentle polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that adds light smoothing
- Simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil: a lightweight oil that helps dissolve makeup without feeling heavy
- Gardenia florida fruit and safflower flower extracts: plant extracts included as supporting ingredients
Product details
| Brand | Banila Co (South Korea) |
|---|---|
| Line | Clean It Zero |
| Size | 100 ml (a 180 ml jumbo size also exists) |
| Format | Green cleansing balm that melts into an oil; spatula included |
| Main concerns | Look of enlarged or clogged pores, excess oil, makeup removal |
| Skin types | Oily and combination skin |
| When to use | Evening first cleanse |
| Fragrance | Contains added fragrance and tea tree oil |
| Amazon ASIN | B0F6VMNLXP |
How to use
- Scoop a small amount with the spatula.
- Massage over dry skin, spending a little extra time on the nose, chin and forehead where sebum collects.
- Add water and keep massaging until the balm becomes milky.
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
- Follow with a water-based cleanser, then your toner and moisturizer.
Don’t scrub. Gentle circular massage is enough; pressing hard on congested areas tends to cause redness without clearing pores any faster.
Who it suits
This version is meant for people who find traditional cleansing balms too rich: oily T-zones, combination skin that gets shiny by midday, and anyone who wears long-wear foundation over oily skin. If you are setting up your first double-cleansing routine, our beginner routine guide walks through the order of steps.
Who should be careful
Tea tree oil, fragrance and acids can all bother sensitive or very dry skin, and tea tree is a known allergen for some people. If your skin is reactive, the Calming balm may be a better match. If you already use a strong leave-on BHA or retinoid, watch for extra dryness. Ask a pharmacist or doctor before using salicylic acid products if you are pregnant or allergic to aspirin.
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
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Ethylhexyl Stearate, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, PEG-10 Isostearate, Synthetic Wax, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Water, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Extract, Fragrance, Onsen-Sui, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Flower Extract, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Dextrin, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Citric Acid, Gluconolactone, Lactobacillus Ferment, 4-Terpineol
This is the Tea-Tree EX formula listed by the brand. It contains fragrance and tea tree leaf oil (an essential oil). Earlier Pore Clarifying jars used a different list, so check your packaging.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Pore Clarifying balm good for acne-prone skin?
It is designed for oily and combination skin and many acne-prone users like its lighter feel. The brand calls it non-comedogenic, but individual reactions vary, so introduce it slowly and rinse well.
What does Tea-Tree EX mean?
It is the brand’s name for the updated formula built around tea tree extract, tea tree leaf oil and 4-terpineol.
Can I use it every night?
Most people can, since it is rinsed off quickly. If you notice dryness or stinging, alternate with a gentler balm.
Does it really unclog pores?
It helps remove the makeup, sunscreen and oil that can build up in pores. A rinse-off cleanser cannot replace leave-on exfoliants for stubborn congestion.
Learn more
Compare it with other K-beauty staples in our best Korean skincare products in Canada roundup, or start with 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.
