SkinBetter Science Refining Foam Cleanser Versus SkinCeuticals Simply Clean Gel
Updated on September 23, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe face cleansers. They have a total of 6 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, parabens, silicones or sulfates
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
SkinBetter Science Refining Foam Cleanser 35 ingredients
SkinCeuticals Simply Clean Gel 17 ingredients
What's inside
What's inside
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
SkinBetter Science Refining Foam Cleanser 35 ingredients
SkinCeuticals Simply Clean Gel 17 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDisodium Cocoyl Glutamate
CleansingGlycerin
Humectant
Polyglyceryl-10 Caprylate
EmulsifyingLauramidopropyl Betaine
CleansingPolyglyceryl-6 Caprylate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-4 Caprate
EmulsifyingEthoxydiglycol
HumectantMagnesium Aspartate
Skin ConditioningZinc Gluconate
Skin Conditioning
Copper Gluconate
Skin Conditioning
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Malic Acid
Buffering
Bisabolol
Masking
Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters
Skin Conditioning
Beta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
Algin
Masking
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Ethyl Macadamiate
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate
CleansingGlyceryl Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Decylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSodium Chloride
Masking
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Magnesium Silicate
Phytic Acid
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Benzoic Acid
Masking
Sorbic Acid
Preservative
Water, 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
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Cocoyl Glycinate
CleansingCoco-Betaine
CleansingGlycerin
Humectant
Acrylates Copolymer
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSodium Chloride
Masking
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingDisodium EDTA
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil
Masking
Limonene
Perfuming
Aloe Barbadensis Extract
Skin Conditioning
Chamomilla Recutita Extract
Skin Conditioning
Citric Acid
Buffering
Water, Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate, Coco-Betaine, Glycerin, Acrylates Copolymer, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Chloride, Propylene Glycol, Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil, Limonene, Aloe Barbadensis Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Extract, Citric Acid
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Citric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.
Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.
In skincare formulas, citric acid can:
While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.
Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidGlycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinPentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolPhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Chances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt.
This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.
You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.
There is much debate on whether this ingredient is comedogenic. The short answer - comedogenic ratings don't tell the whole story. Learn more about comegodenic ratings here.
The concensus about this ingredient causing acne seems to be divided. Research is needed to understand if this ingredient does cause acne.
Scrubs may use salt as the primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChlorideWater. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterIngredient Ratings
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When to use
SkinBetter Science Refining Foam Cleanser 35 ingredients
SkinCeuticals Simply Clean Gel 17 ingredients
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