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How we build Cleansing Gel

The original, what makes it special, the shelf parts we use and how to get closer. Add or swap parts and the score updates.

Cleansing Gel

The original · SkinBetter Science

Cleansing Gel

~$50 Price not confirmed · 8 fl oz / 237 ml

A mild foaming gel using amino-acid and betaine surfactants to remove makeup and oil without stripping.

Official product page (opens in new tab)

Prices and listings checked Oct 28, 2026. Amazon prices change; the link shows today's price.

Step 2 · The build

Our build 4 parts

Gentle cleanse + moisturize

  • Illustration of CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

    CeraVe

    CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

    cleanser

    AMild amino-acid and betaine surfactants · 33 of 55CGlycerin humectant · 20
    $16.19Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
  • Illustration of Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer

    Vanicream

    Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer

    moisturizer

    $13.99Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
  • Illustration of Minimalist Aquaporin Booster 5% Face Cleanser

    Minimalist

    Minimalist Aquaporin Booster 5% Face Cleanser

    Adds: Mild amino-acid and betaine surfactants; Aloe, chamomile and cucumber

    AMild amino-acid and betaine surfactants · 41 of 55BAloe, chamomile and cucumber · 6 of 25CGlycerin humectant · 20
    ~$7.99Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)

    Listing not re-checked. Check the title and size on the retailer page.

  • Illustration of Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Facial Cleanser

    Aveeno

    Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Facial Cleanser

    Adds: Aloe, chamomile and cucumber

    AMild amino-acid and betaine surfactants · 33 of 55BAloe, chamomile and cucumber · 13 of 25
    Check priceView product (opens in new tab)

    Not an affiliate link.

Partial credit means the part only partly matches that standout.

The 100 points

What stands out 100 pts

We split Cleansing Gel into 3 standout parts. Each bar shows what the build earns.

  • AMild amino-acid and betaine surfactants41 of 55 pts

    A gentle foaming base is what lets it clean makeup and oil without stripping the skin.

    Ananthapadmanabhan 2004 · Dermatol Ther
  • BAloe, chamomile and cucumber13 of 25 pts

    These soothing extracts are what make it feel calm on sensitive skin.

  • CGlycerin humectant20 of 20 pts

    Glycerin keeps skin from feeling tight after rinsing.

Optional

Get closer score under 80

74 / 100. We have not found a shelf product that closes more of the gap yet.

Step 3 · Buy

Buy the build

One link per part. Each opens the retailer in a new tab.

Skincare SuppliesOct 28, 2026

Your build

  1. 01CeraVeCeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser$16.19

    Running total $16.19

    Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
  2. 02VanicreamVanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer$13.99

    Running total $30.18

    Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
  3. 03MinimalistMinimalist Aquaporin Booster 5% Face Cleanser~$7.99

    Running total ~$38.17

    Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)

    Listing not re-checked. Check the title and size on the retailer page.

  4. 04AveenoAveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Facial CleanserCheck price

    Running total ~$38.17 + check price

    View product (opens in new tab)

    Not an affiliate link.

Build total~$38.17 + check price
The splurge~$50
Match74/100

The total leaves out the 1 part showing "Check price".

How to use

  1. Wash AM/PM, moisturize.
  2. Add Minimalist Aquaporin Booster 5% Face Cleanser: Gentle gel cleanser with glycerin second on the list and the same isethionate surfactant, but only oat as a botanical.
  3. Add Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Facial Cleanser: Foaming gel cleanser with oat and feverfew for the soothing role; not the same botanicals.

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

Minimalist Aquaporin Booster 5% Face Cleanser

Minimalist

Match score 67 out of 100

No close match yet — we show the nearest formulas.

~$7.99 Price not confirmed · 100 ml / 3.4 fl ozSave ~$42.01
What it shares, what it misses

Shares

  • sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate
  • glycerin (INCI #2)
  • oat kernel extract
  • panthenol
  • allantoin

Misses

  • sodium methyl cocoyl taurate
  • aloe
  • chamomile
  • cucumber

Why it is close. Gentle gel cleanser with glycerin second on the list and the same isethionate surfactant, but only oat as a botanical.

Ingredient list source

Listing not re-checked. Check the product title and size on the retailer page.

Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
budget

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

CeraVe

Match score 53 out of 100
$16.19 · 16 fl oz
What it shares, what it misses

Shares

  • ceramides
  • hyaluronic acid
  • glycerin
  • gentle surfactants

Misses

  • acids

Why it is close. Non-foaming gentle cleanser for the barrier-focused role of Cleansing Gel.

Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
budget

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

Cetaphil

Match score 38 out of 100
Check price on Amazon · 16 fl oz
What it shares, what it misses

Shares

  • gentle, fragrance-free, sulfate-free cleansing

Misses

  • foaming texture
  • botanical extracts

Why it is close. Classic sensitive-skin cleanser; Amazon bundles showed about $11-14 but no single price confirmed.

Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
budget

Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser

Vanicream

Match score 33 out of 100
Check price on Amazon · 8 fl oz
What it shares, what it misses

Shares

  • pH-balanced, fragrance-free, soap-free cleansing

Misses

  • aloe/chamomile/cucumber botanicals

Why it is close. Free of botanical extracts and fragrance; price not confirmed.

Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)

What the science says

Full ingredient list

Show the INCI list

Aqua/Water, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Lauramidopropyl Betaine, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Sodium Chloride, Glycerin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Polyglyceryl-3 Caprate, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Phytic Acid

Source

Questions

What does the 74/100 score for our Cleansing Gel build mean?

We split Cleansing Gel into 3 standout parts worth 100 points in total. The build earns 74 of a possible 100. A full 100 needs every standout fully covered.

What is the best dupe for Cleansing Gel?

Minimalist Aquaporin Booster 5% Face Cleanser by Minimalist is our closest single-product match at 67 out of 100 for ~$7.99 (100 ml / 3.4 fl oz). It shares sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate, glycerin (INCI #2), oat kernel extract, panthenol, allantoin.

How much can I save on Cleansing Gel?

Cleansing Gel costs ~$50 for 8 fl oz / 237 ml. The closest dupe costs ~$7.99, a saving of about $42.01. Prices change, so check the seller page.

Is Minimalist Aquaporin Booster 5% Face Cleanser exactly the same as Cleansing Gel?

No. Dupes share the key actives but can differ in concentration, vehicle and supporting ingredients. Missing from this one: sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, aloe, chamomile, cucumber. See our methodology for how we score.

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