Banish Skincare Review: Exploring the Brand and Its Best-Selling Starter Kit

Founded in Pasadena, California by content creator Daisy Jing, Banish was born from a personal struggle with acne and the frustration of using countless products that never worked. After discovering the power of microneedling and vitamin C, Daisy created her own effective skincare system. That DIY routine ultimately evolved into Banish—a brand focused not on promising overnight perfection, but on real, long-term results.

More than just a skincare line, Banish embraces the idea that clear skin is not a one-size-fits-all journey. The brand promotes the message that skincare is only 10% of the battle, with lifestyle, diet, and stress all playing major roles in skin health. Every product is made fresh in small batches, packed with clean ingredients, and shipped from the brand’s Pasadena-based lab using sustainable packaging.

Banish Starter Kit: What’s Inside?

The Banish Starter Kit features five of the brand’s most essential products designed to help fade acne scars, brighten skin, and calm breakouts. It includes:

Banisher 3.0
Banish Serum (Vitamin C, E, Ferulic Acid)
Pumpkin Enzyme Masque
Fighter Gel
Vitamin C Creme Lightweight

These products are meant to be used in a specific routine depending on your skin’s needs and timing. Here’s how to use them effectively:

Step 1: Banisher 3.0

Use: Once every 1–2 weeks
The Banisher 3.0 is a patented microneedling tool designed to fade acne scars and improve overall skin texture. Its 0.5mm gold-plated titanium bristles create microchannels that allow better product absorption and stimulate collagen production.

Comes with two replaceable heads, each lasting up to eight sessions when used on small areas, for a total of 16 treatments.
Thinner bristles help microchannels close faster—an added safety benefit.
Do not use if prone to keloids.
Use only on clean, dry skin. Avoid active acne and do not drag or twist.
Sanitize thoroughly with 70–90% isopropyl alcohol before and after each use.
Store with the protective cap. Do not share.
Some users report an immediate glow and plumping effect the next day.

How to use:

Wash hands, cleanse face.
Fill Banisher cap with alcohol; soak head for 5 minutes.
Optional: wipe skin with alcohol.
Stamp Banisher 3 times per area (do not drag or twist).
Apply Banish Serum immediately after.
Use sunscreen the following day.
Avoid makeup and exfoliants for at least 24 hours.

Step 2: Banish Serum – Vitamin C Serum Dark Spot Corrector

Use: Daily or after Banisher
This clear, glycerin-based Vitamin C serum is designed to fade dark spots, restore glow, and improve skin brightness. Formerly known as Banish Oil, it’s made fresh daily to maintain ingredient potency and is ideal for supporting collagen and reducing pigmentation.

Features L-Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin E, and Ferulic Acid—a well-researched combination for brightening and anti-aging.
Helps correct discoloration, refine skin tone, and defend against free radicals.
Glycerin base moisturizes and supports barrier health—ideal for sensitive skin.
Lightweight texture adds a subtle glow under makeup.
pH level around 3 for optimal Vitamin C delivery.
Can be layered under sunscreen to boost UV protection.
Apply 2–3 drops daily to clean skin. Best used at night.
Use after Banisher or as a standalone serum.
Store tightly closed in a dark, cool place. Shelf life: 6 months.
Free from Propylene Glycol, which may irritate sensitive skin.
Vegan and cruelty-free.

Why it stands out:

Most Vitamin C serums oxidize quickly and lose efficacy, turning yellow or orange. Banish Serum remains clear and potent thanks to small-batch production.
Many formulas on the market contain Propylene Glycol, a potential irritant for those with eczema or reactive skin. Banish avoids this ingredient, opting for a soothing glycerin alternative.

Step 3: Pumpkin Enzyme Masque – Instant Glow

Use: 1–3x per week
This exfoliating mask contains pumpkin enzymes, glycolic acid, and natural AHAs to help remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and smooth the texture.

Resurfaces skin with AHAs to reveal brightness.
Helps reduce oiliness and clears congested pores, blackheads, and breakouts.
Improves dullness, skin clarity, and overall skin tone.
It can be used to prevent cystic acne by cleaning deep into pores.
Formulated with glycolic acid molecules small enough to penetrate and cleanse effectively.
Suitable for oily, dry, combination, and normal skin types.
Free of artificial fragrance and dyes.
Shelf life: 6 months. Store in a cool, dark place (like the fridge) to extend freshness.
Do not use on the same day as the Banisher.
Wear SPF 30+ during the day to protect freshly exfoliated skin.

How to use:

Apply a thin layer to clean, dry skin.
Leave on for 10–15 minutes. A mild tingling sensation is normal.
Rinse thoroughly. If excessive stinging occurs, wash off with cool water.
Use 1–3 times weekly or as needed.
Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding without consulting a doctor.

Step 4: Fighter Gel – Breakout Calming Gel

Use: Daily or as needed
Fighter Gel is a cooling anti-inflammatory gel designed to reduce redness, acne breakouts, and irritation without drying the skin.

Water-based gel texture for all skin types.
Addresses acne-prone skin, redness, irritation, and itchiness.
Contains anti-inflammatory ingredients including:
- Dimethyl Sulfone (sulfur-based) to support collagen and reduce inflammation.
- Aloe Vera to hydrate and soothe.
- Arnica to accelerate skin healing.
- Green Tea Extract to balance oil production and calm skin.
- Gotu Kola (Centella) to strengthen the skin barrier and relieve itchiness.
Shelf life: 6 months. Store in a cool, dark place.
Vegan and cruelty-free. Made with natural ingredients.

How to use:

Apply a small amount to affected areas after cleansing and serums.
Use before creams or sunscreen.
Can be used once or twice daily as a spot treatment or all-over layer.
Avoid direct sunlight or excessive heat during storage.

Step 5: Vitamin C Creme Lightweight – Moisture + Brightening

Use: Daily, morning and/or night
This lightweight Vitamin C moisturizer locks in hydration while brightening and strengthening your skin barrier. It’s a creamy yet breathable layer that supports the benefits of the Banish Serum.

Contains Vitamin C to boost brightness and protect against free radicals.
Features Aloe Vera, Shea Butter, and Panthenol for soothing and barrier-repairing properties.
Green Tea Extract and CoQ10 provide antioxidant support.
Smooth, non-greasy texture makes it ideal for layering under sunscreen or makeup.
It can be used by all skin types, especially dull, dehydrated, or sensitive skin.
Helps maintain moisture after using active treatments like serums and masks.
Vegan and cruelty-free. No artificial fragrance or dyes.

How to use:

Apply a small amount to clean skin after serums.
Use in the morning and evening as needed.
Follow with sunscreen during the day.

Next, we’ll look at two add-on products that complement the Banish Starter Kit: the Bacne Blaster and Retinol + Ceramide Serum.

Add-On Product: Bacne Blaster – Body Scrub for Acne & KP

Use: 1–3x per week on the body
This exfoliating, minty scrub targets breakouts and keratosis pilaris (KP) on the body. It combines physical and chemical exfoliation to smooth rough skin and prevent clogged pores.

Gently removes dead skin and smooths texture.
Helps with “strawberry legs,” bacne, and chest acne.
A blend of Alpha Hydroxy Acids (glycolic, malic, lactic, tartaric acid) exfoliates deep into pores.
Organic Aloe Leaf Juice and Jojoba Oil hydrate and reduce inflammation.
Oat Straw Extract calms irritated or itchy skin.
Fine-Grained Walnut Powder provides physical exfoliation.

How to use:

Use on wet skin while showering.
Massage gently in circular motions on the back, arms, or chest.
Rinse off thoroughly.
Not intended for use on the face.

Add-On Product: Retinol + Ceramide Serum – Gentle Resurfacing + Anti-Aging

Use: Nightly, as part of evening routine
This milky, water-based serum delivers the benefits of retinol without the irritation. It resurfaces skin, reduces breakouts, and supports collagen production—without flaking, burning, or dryness.

Lightweight, quick-absorbing formula.
Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive.
Helps fade fine lines, smooth texture, and reduce acne.
No pilling when layered with other products.

Key Ingredients & Benefits:

Retinol: Smooths skin, boosts collagen, and evens skin tone. Studies show visible wrinkle reduction after 12 weeks of consistent use.
Glycolic Acid: Clears pores and stimulates cell turnover.
Willow Bark Extract: Controls excess oil and calms inflammation.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid: A powerful antioxidant that improves skin tone and texture with regular use.
Botanical Ceramides, Centella Asiatica, and Cassia Angustifolia: Help maintain a strong, hydrated skin barrier.

How to use:

Apply a small amount to freshly cleansed skin at night.
Gently massage in circular motions.
Follow with a moisturizer if needed.
Always use SPF 30+ during the day.
Avoid using it right after the Banisher.
If irritation occurs, reduce usage frequency.

Note:

Avoid contact with the eyes. Discontinue use if irritation persists.
Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight.

Final Thoughts

The Banish Starter Kit offers a complete, targeted skincare system that prioritizes real ingredients and fresh formulations over trendy hype. From the Banisher 3.0’s collagen-boosting benefits to the gentle but effective Vitamin C and retinol-based treatments, every product in the lineup is designed with long-term skin health in mind.

Whether you’re dealing with acne scars, uneven tone, or occasional breakouts, the Banish approach is refreshingly straightforward: consistent use of clean, effective products that support—not fight—your skin. With bonus add-ons like the Bacne Blaster and Retinol + Ceramide Serum, the system becomes even more versatile, catering to both facial and body skincare needs.

If you’re ready to invest in a skincare routine that actually aligns with your goals and values, the Banish Starter Kit might just be the reset your skin has been waiting for.

To learn more about the Banish Starter Kit and other products, visit their official website at www.banish.com. You can also follow them on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube via The Acne Channel. If you want to read more about how others are using the products, their website also features real customer testimonials and before-and-after results.