# Skinbetter Science Refining Foam Cleanser for dry sensitive skin

**Lovi Fit: Caution fit for dry sensitive skin.**
Dry Skin Fit: Caution · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: Concerning.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/skinbetter-science/refining-foam-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for the United Arab Emirates.

Brand: [Skinbetter Science](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/brands/skinbetter-science)
Category: [Cleansers](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/best/cleansers)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dry sensitive skin: flakiness, tightness, redness, fine lines, and wrinkles. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

A poor match for dry sensitive skin; the cleansers alongside fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate exfoliation for your dry and flaky skin due to the presence of glycolic acid and lactic acid, which provide chemical exfoliation but may pose risks of worsening dryness or flakiness due to their potentially stripping nature for your sensitive, dry skin.
- The combination of these acids, while beneficial for decongesting pores, makes the cleanser unsuitable for your dry skin type as they can strip natural oils.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/skinbetter-science/refining-foam-cleanser/for/oily-skin): High
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/skinbetter-science/refining-foam-cleanser/for/dry-skin): Caution
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/skinbetter-science/refining-foam-cleanser/for/combination-skin): Average
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/skinbetter-science/refining-foam-cleanser/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/skinbetter-science/refining-foam-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin): Average
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/skinbetter-science/refining-foam-cleanser/for/dark-spots): Low
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/skinbetter-science/refining-foam-cleanser/for/mature-skin): Low
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/skinbetter-science/refining-foam-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Caution (this page)
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/skinbetter-science/refining-foam-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average

## Key ingredients

Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Salicylic Acid

## What the research says

- Repeated short-contact 70% glycolic acid peels provided superior results in atrophic acne scars compared to daily low-strength glycolic acid cream or placebo in 58 women over 24 weeks. ([International Journal of Dermatology, 2000](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11095203/))
- Serial glycolic acid peels combined with a modified Kligman formula significantly reduced facial PIH severity in Indian patients compared to the modified Kligman formula alone. ([Dermatologic Surgery, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28114204/))
- Application of a cream containing lactic acid 12% and pramoxine HCl 1% significantly improved skin dryness, hydration, and itch compared with a nontreated control in 24 women with a history of dry itchy skin. ([Cutis, 2004](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15027519/))
- Topical 12% ammonium lactate produced a significant sparing of epidermal and dermal atrophy induced by clobetasol propionate in human volunteers, without influencing the corticosteroid's bioavailability or antiinflammatory properties. ([Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 1992](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1597538/))
- A lactic acid/ceramide lotion significantly improved skin moisturization and desquamation compared to no treatment in women with dry, rough skin on the anterior shins. ([The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33178384/))
- Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen achieved a higher cure rate (39%) than salicylic acid (24%) and a wait-and-see approach (16%) for cutaneous warts at 13 weeks in primary care patients. ([CMAJ, 2010](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20837684/))
- A moisturizer containing licochalcone A, 1,2-decanediol, L-carnitine, and salicylic acid significantly reduced noninflammatory, inflammatory, and total acne lesion counts compared to a vehicle control in Thai patients during a 12-week maintenance phase. ([BioMed Research International, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33150170/))
- Treatment with 2% supramolecular salicylic acid hydrogel resulted in a regression and markedly improvement rate of 51.01% compared to 43.10% for Adapaline gel in patients with mild to moderate facial acne vulgaris, showing no significant difference in efficacy. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38590107/))

## What reviewers say

This cleanser is praised for its ability to gently exfoliate and brighten skin, with many users reporting smoother texture and reduced congestion after consistent use. While it is highly effective for normal to oily skin types, some users with drier skin or those accustomed to the previous "Oxygen Infusion Wash" formula find the texture less satisfying or occasionally drying.

- Liked: Gentle exfoliation (often mentioned)
- Liked: Improves skin texture (often mentioned)
- Liked: Brightens complexion (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Non-stripping cleanse (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Less luxurious feel (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Can be drying (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Inconsistent deep clean (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use your cleanser AM and PM every day to keep your face fresh. Start slowly once a day if your dry skin feels sensitive at first.
- Apply your cleanser first thing in your routine before any toner or moisturizer. Follow the usual steps for your AM or PM daily routine.
- Gently massage the cleanser onto your face using soft circular motions. Avoid harsh rubbing to protect your dry skin.
- Apply the cleanser to slightly damp skin to help it clean gently without stripping moisture. This method is very safe for sensitive and dry skin types.
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and avoid the delicate eye area. Always do a patch test before using the product for the first time.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/6a08416bd9315041c09c72f61cf27cc1.mp4

## Questions and answers

### Why does Lovi advise caution with skinbetter science Refining Foam Cleanser for dry sensitive skin?

Lovi advises caution because the glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids in this cleanser can strip natural oils and worsen dryness or flakiness on sensitive, dry skin. A cleanser for this skin needs hydrating and barrier-repairing ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid to maintain moisture and health.

### Which ingredients make this cleanser a poor fit for dry sensitive skin?

Glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid make this cleanser a poor fit because they can strip natural oils and worsen dryness or flakiness on sensitive, dry skin. A product of this type needs a rich blend of hydrating and barrier-repairing ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid to maintain moisture and skin health.

### What does Glycolic Acid do for dry sensitive skin?

Glycolic acid can be too harsh for dry sensitive skin and may cause irritation, so this skin type needs gentle calming ingredients and deeply nourishing moisturizers to keep the skin barrier safe and smooth.
Sources: [Acta Dermato-venereologica, 1995](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8651024/), [The British Journal of Dermatology, 1997](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9470910/)

### What does Lactic Acid do for dry sensitive skin?

Lactic acid helps hydrate dry skin, but for sensitive skin it may cause stinging and irritation unless it is formulated with soothing ingredients like colloidal oat or tangerine fruit extract to calm discomfort.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36575892/), [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33500646/)

### Where does this cleanser go in a skincare routine for dry sensitive skin?

This cleanser is used in the morning and evening, but because it contains glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid, it may strip natural oils from dry sensitive skin. A cleanser for this skin type needs gentle, hydrating ingredients and mild cleansing agents that keep skin soft and smooth without causing dryness.

### Can I use this cleanser with retinol, and in what order?

This exfoliating cleanser is a poor match for your dry sensitive skin because its acids may strip away natural oils and worsen dryness. A cleanser for this skin needs gentle, hydrating ingredients and added ceramides to protect the skin barrier.

### How often should I use this cleanser?

This cleanser may strip natural oils and worsen dryness or flakiness on dry sensitive skin, so a cleanser of this type needs gentle, hydrating ingredients like glycerin and soothing plant extracts to protect the skin barrier.

### Can this cleanser clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for dry sensitive skin?

This cleanser is unlikely to clog pores since it contains salicylic acid to help keep them clear, but it may worsen dryness on sensitive skin. A product for this skin needs gentle hydrating ingredients and soothing agents to cleanse without stripping natural oils.

### Can I use this cleanser around the eyes or on my body?

This cleanser is not ideal for the thin skin around your eyes or for your body because its acids can easily strip natural oils and worsen dryness. A cleanser for this skin needs gentle, hydrating ingredients like glycerin and soothing plant extracts that clean without removing moisture.

### Is this cleanser fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

## Alternatives for dry sensitive skin

- [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — AED 32.95 at Amazon
- [La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/la-roche-posay/toleriane-hydrating-gentle-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — AED 74.76 at Amazon
- [Torriden DIVE IN Cleansing Foam](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/torriden/dive-in-cleansing-foam/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — AED 59.00 at Amazon

## Routine for dry sensitive skin

### AM

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — AED 32.95 at Amazon
- Soothing Toner: [Clarins Toning Lotion with Camomile](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/clarins/soothing-toning-lotion/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — AED 81.41 at Amazon
- Moisturizer with Sun Protection: [Dr.G Green Mild Up Sun+](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/dr-g/green-mild-up-sun/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — AED 81.00 at Amazon

### PM

- Pre-Cleanser: [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — AED 35.29 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — AED 32.95 at Amazon
- Soothing Toner: [Clarins Toning Lotion with Camomile](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/clarins/soothing-toning-lotion/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — AED 81.41 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/peach-and-lily/glass-skin-refining-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — AED 168.76 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Lift and Firm Night Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/elizabeth-arden/advanced-ceramide-lift-and-firm-night-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — AED 493.00 at Amazon

### Weekly

- Pre-Cleanser: [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — AED 35.29 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — AED 32.95 at Amazon
- Enzyme Powder: [Fancl Facial Washing Powder](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/fancl/facial-washing-powder/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — AED 91.68 at Amazon
- Nourishing Mask: [Pyunkang Yul Calming Mask Pack](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/pyunkang-yul/calming-mask-pack/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — AED 122.85 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/peach-and-lily/glass-skin-refining-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — AED 168.76 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Lift and Firm Night Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/elizabeth-arden/advanced-ceramide-lift-and-firm-night-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — AED 493.00 at Amazon

## Where to buy

No store in United Arab Emirates has a checked price for this product, so the page shows none.

## Ingredients

Water, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Glycerin, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Pca, Sodium Lactate, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/skinbetter-science/refining-foam-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/skinbetter-science/refining-foam-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/skinbetter-science/refining-foam-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/skinbetter-science/refining-foam-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/skinbetter-science/refining-foam-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/skinbetter-science/refining-foam-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/skinbetter-science/refining-foam-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/skinbetter-science/refining-foam-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/skinbetter-science/refining-foam-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/skinbetter-science/refining-foam-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/skinbetter-science/refining-foam-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/skinbetter-science/refining-foam-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/skinbetter-science/refining-foam-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin (this page)
