# Skinbetter Science Refining Foam Cleanser for dry skin

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

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

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

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

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dry skin: flakiness, tightness, dehydration, 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 skin; the cleansers alongside fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate exfoliation for your dry or flaky skin due to the presence of glycolic acid and lactic acid, which provide some skincare benefits but pose major risks of worsening dryness.
- The combination of these acids, along with salicylic acid, has a keratolytic action that can strip natural oils, making it unsuitable for your dry skin type.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/skinbetter-science/refining-foam-cleanser/for/oily-skin): High
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/skinbetter-science/refining-foam-cleanser/for/dry-skin): Caution (this page)
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/skinbetter-science/refining-foam-cleanser/for/combination-skin): Average
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/skinbetter-science/refining-foam-cleanser/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/skinbetter-science/refining-foam-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin): Average
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/skinbetter-science/refining-foam-cleanser/for/dark-spots): Low
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/skinbetter-science/refining-foam-cleanser/for/mature-skin): Low
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/skinbetter-science/refining-foam-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Caution
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/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 this cleanser AM and PM every day to keep your skin clean. Start using it daily right away since your skin is not sensitive.
- Apply this cleanser as the very first step in your morning routine and right after your pre-cleanser in the evening. Follow with your toner and moisturizer afterwards.
- Gently massage a small amount of cleanser onto your face using soft circular motions. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat dry with a clean towel.
- Apply this cleanser on slightly damp skin for a comfortable and refreshing wash. This helps maintain your skin's natural moisture while cleansing away dirt.
- Avoid getting the cleanser directly into your eyes to prevent any irritation. Do a simple patch test before your first use to ensure your skin likes it.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/6a08416bd9315041c09c72f61cf27cc1.mp4

## Questions and answers

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

This cleanser uses glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid to exfoliate, but this action may strip natural oils and worsen dryness on dry skin. Cleansers that fit this skin better need gentle, hydrating ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide to support moisture and protect the skin barrier.

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

Glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid make this cleanser a poor fit for dry skin. Their exfoliating action can strip natural oils and worsen dryness. A cleanser for this skin type needs hydrating and barrier-supporting ingredients like essential ceramides, sodium hyaluronate, or niacinamide.

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

Glycolic acid helps smooth and soften dry skin by speeding up the shedding of older surface cells. Because it can also cause the skin to lose more moisture, dry skin needs extra hydrating ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid alongside it to keep the skin comfortable.
Sources: [Acta Dermato-venereologica, 1995](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8651024/)

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

Lactic acid helps relieve dry skin by drawing in moisture and strengthening the skin's barrier so it stays soft and smooth. This ingredient gently sheds dead cells and supports natural moisturizing factors, making it very useful for improving rough or flaky areas.
Sources: [International Journal of Dermatology, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40231699/), [Skin Research and Technology, 2013](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23521561/)

### Where does it go in a skincare routine for dry skin?

This cleanser goes into the morning and evening routine for dry skin, but because it contains glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid, it can strip natural oils and make dryness worse. Dry skin needs a cleanser that is mild and hydrating to protect moisture and keep the skin soft and smooth.
Sources: [The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32239984/)

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

Using this cleanser with retinol is a poor match for your dry skin, as the combination of exfoliating acids can strip natural oils and worsen dryness. A cleanser of this type for dry skin needs gentle, hydrating ingredients that protect your natural moisture barrier instead.

### How often should I use it?

This cleanser may not be a good fit for dry skin because its acids can strip natural oils and worsen dryness. When using a product of this type on dry skin, it needs a gentle formula with hydrating ingredients like glycerin and soothing plant oils to keep skin soft and comfortable.
Sources: [The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32239984/)

### Can it clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for dry skin?

This cleanser is unlikely to clog pores, but because it contains acids that strip natural oils, it may worsen dryness and cause flaking. A product for dry skin needs gentle, hydrating ingredients and mild cleansers that protect your skin's natural moisture barrier.

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

This cleanser is not a good match for the thin skin around your eyes or on your body because its acids may strip natural oils and worsen dryness. Dry skin needs a gentle, hydrating cleanser with nourishing ingredients that clean without removing essential moisture.
Sources: [Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12375070/)

### Is it fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

## Alternatives for dry skin

- [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 53.59 at Amazon
- [La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/la-roche-posay/toleriane-hydrating-gentle-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 297.00 at Amazon
- [Fresh Soy Face Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/fresh/soy-face-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 191.00 at Amazon

## Routine for dry skin

### AM

- Cleanser: [La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/la-roche-posay/toleriane-hydrating-gentle-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 297.00 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/skin1004/madagascar-centella-probio-cica-enrich-cream/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 48.00 at Amazon
- SPF: [d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/d-alba/piedmont-waterfull-mild-sunscreen/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 75.00 at Amazon

### PM

- Pre-Cleanser: [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 65.11 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/la-roche-posay/toleriane-hydrating-gentle-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 297.00 at Amazon
- Cleansing Toner: [ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Water](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/round-lab/1025-dokdo-cleansing-water/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 72.64 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/peach-and-lily/glass-skin-refining-serum/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 222.00 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/skin1004/madagascar-centella-probio-cica-enrich-cream/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 48.00 at Amazon

### Weekly

- Pre-Cleanser: [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 65.11 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/la-roche-posay/toleriane-hydrating-gentle-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 297.00 at Amazon
- Enzyme Powder: [Fancl Facial Washing Powder](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/fancl/facial-washing-powder/for/dry-skin) — High fit — SAR 130.30 at Amazon
- Nourishing Mask: [Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/mediheal/watermide-essential-mask/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 234.73 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/peach-and-lily/glass-skin-refining-serum/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 222.00 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/skin1004/madagascar-centella-probio-cica-enrich-cream/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 48.00 at Amazon

## Where to buy

No store in Saudi Arabia 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-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/skinbetter-science/refining-foam-cleanser/for/dry-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/skinbetter-science/refining-foam-cleanser/for/dry-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/skinbetter-science/refining-foam-cleanser/for/dry-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/skinbetter-science/refining-foam-cleanser/for/dry-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/skinbetter-science/refining-foam-cleanser/for/dry-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/skinbetter-science/refining-foam-cleanser/for/dry-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/skinbetter-science/refining-foam-cleanser/for/dry-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/skinbetter-science/refining-foam-cleanser/for/dry-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/skinbetter-science/refining-foam-cleanser/for/dry-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/skinbetter-science/refining-foam-cleanser/for/dry-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/skinbetter-science/refining-foam-cleanser/for/dry-skin (this page)
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/skinbetter-science/refining-foam-cleanser/for/dry-skin