IllustrationPart 1 · CeraVe
CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser
cleanser
AGlycolic, lactic and malic acids · 6 of 25BSalicylic acid · 15 of 20CGlutamate and polyglyceryl surfactants · 13 of 25EBeta-glucan and bisabolol · 4 of 15
How we build Refining Foam Cleanser
Four steps: the original, what makes it special, the parts we use, and how to get closer.
The original
SkinBetter Science
Refining Foam Cleanser
~$48 Price not confirmed · 5 fl oz / 148 ml
A foaming wash built on gentle glutamate and polyglyceryl surfactants with a small AHA/BHA blend (glycolic, lactic, malic, salicylic) plus zinc and copper gluconate.
Prices and listings checked Oct 28, 2026. Amazon prices change; the link shows today's price.
What stands out 100 pts
- AGlycolic, lactic and malic acids25 pts
Small amounts of alpha hydroxy acids clear dull surface cells.
- BSalicylic acid20 pts
Salicylic acid helps clear surface oil and pore buildup.
- CGlutamate and polyglyceryl surfactants25 pts
A mild, plant-derived foaming base cleans without leaving skin tight.
- DZinc and copper gluconate15 pts
Mineral salts included to help balance oil.
- EBeta-glucan and bisabolol15 pts
These temper dryness from the acids and surfactants.
Total to match100 pts
Now we cover those 5 with shelf products
Our build 3 parts
Oil-control cleanse
Illustration
IllustrationPart 2 · The Ordinary
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner
Adds: Glycolic, lactic and malic acids
AGlycolic, lactic and malic acids · 19 of 25
IllustrationPart 3 · The Inkey List
The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Adds: Salicylic acid; Zinc and copper gluconate
BSalicylic acid · 20CGlutamate and polyglyceryl surfactants · 6 of 25DZinc and copper gluconate · 8 of 15
How to use. PM use, follow with a light moisturizer. Add The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner: Fills the glycolic acid gap; leave-on, use on alternate nights. Add The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser: Single-acid BHA cleanser; price and ingredient list not confirmed.
Partial credit means the part only partly matches that standout.
Match score64 / 100
- B fully covered20 pts
- A · C · D · E partly covered44 pts
Refining Foam Cleanser~$48
Our build$21.99 + check price
The total leaves out the 1 part showing "Check price".
Get closer score under 80
64 / 100. We have not found a shelf product that closes more of the gap yet.
96 is our ceiling. Copper gluconate has no common retail match; zinc PCA gives partial credit.
Buy the build · $21.99 + check priceScore 64/100
Other single-product swaps
One bottle instead of a build. Sorted by match score; scores use the same standouts as above.
budget Closest we found
Match score 40 out of 100Advanced Clinicals Exfoliating Face Wash
Advanced Clinicals
No close match yet — we show the nearest formulas.
$19.99 · 11.75 fl oz
What it shares, what it misses
Shares
Misses
- malic acid
- oxygen infusion
- full INCI not on page
Why it is close. Same three-acid concept in a larger bottle; listed at $19.99 at Target and about $15.99 on Amazon.
budget
Match score 38 out of 100CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser
CeraVe
$12.99 · 8 fl oz
What it shares, what it misses
Shares
Misses
- glycolic acid
- malic acid
- oxygen-infusion
Why it is close. Salicylic exfoliating wash with ceramides; milder acid package than Oxygen Infusion Wash.
budget
Match score 34 out of 100The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser
The Inkey List
Check price on Amazon · 5 fl oz
What it shares, what it misses
Shares
Misses
- glycolic acid
- lactic acid
- malic acid
Why it is close. Single-acid BHA cleanser; price and ingredient list not confirmed.
budget
Match score 17 out of 100CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
CeraVe
$16.19 · 16 fl oz
What it shares, what it misses
Shares
Misses
- acids
Why it is close. Non-foaming gentle cleanser for the barrier-focused role of Cleansing Gel.
What the science says
Hydroxy acids improve texture
Kornhauser 2010 · Clin Cosmet Investig Dermat…Mild cleansers preserve the barrier
Ananthapadmanabhan 2004 · Dermatol Ther
Full ingredient list
Show the INCI list
Aqua, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Glycerin, Polyglyceryl-10 Caprylate, Lauramidopropyl Betaine, Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Ethoxydiglycol, Magnesium Aspartate, Zinc Gluconate, Copper Gluconate, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Malic Acid, Bisabolol, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Beta-Glucan, Algin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol, Ethyl Macadamiate, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Glyceryl Caprylate/Caprate, Xanthan Gum, Pentylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Decylene Glycol, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, Sodium Magnesium Silicate, Phytic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Benzoic Acid, Sorbic Acid
Questions
What does the 64/100 score for our Refining Foam Cleanser build mean?
We split Refining Foam Cleanser into 5 standout parts worth 100 points in total. The build earns 64 of a possible 96. 96 is the most we claim, because some standouts have no close retail equivalent.
What is the best dupe for Refining Foam Cleanser?
Advanced Clinicals Exfoliating Face Wash by Advanced Clinicals is our closest single-product match at 40 out of 100 for $19.99 (11.75 fl oz). It shares glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid.
How much can I save on Refining Foam Cleanser?
Refining Foam Cleanser costs ~$48 for 5 fl oz / 148 ml. The closest dupe costs $19.99, a saving of about $28.01. Prices change, so check the seller page.
Is Advanced Clinicals Exfoliating Face Wash exactly the same as Refining Foam Cleanser?
No. Dupes share the key actives but can differ in concentration, vehicle and supporting ingredients. Missing from this one: malic acid, oxygen infusion, full INCI not on page. See our methodology for how we score.
