The original, what makes it special, the shelf parts we use and how to get closer. Add or swap parts and the score updates.
The original · Face Reality
$33 · 6 oz
Glycolic and lactic acid in a water, propanediol and alcohol base with witch hazel and a little L-ascorbic acid.
Prices and listings checked Oct 28, 2026. Amazon prices change; the link shows today's price.
Step 2 · The build
Good Molecules
The Ordinary
Adds: Lactic acid
Partial credit means the part only partly matches that standout.
The 100 points
We split Glycolic-Lactic Toner into 3 standout parts. Each bar shows what the build earns.
Glycolic acid peels are reviewed for acne, photoaging and texture; leave-on toner strength here is unpublished.
A gentler alpha hydroxy acid that also holds water.
Astringent and antioxidant extras at unpublished levels.
No close retail equivalent: we credit at most 50% of these points.
Optional
61 / 100. We have not found a shelf product that closes more of the gap yet.
71 is our ceiling. Glycolic acid has no close retail equivalent, so we cap it at 75% credit. Lactic acid has no close retail equivalent, so we cap it at 75% credit. Witch hazel and vitamin C has no close retail equivalent, so we cap it at 50% credit.
Step 3 · Buy
One link per part. Each opens the retailer in a new tab.
Your build
Running total ~$6
Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)Running total ~$15.20
Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)Snapshot prices. Each link shows today's price.
One bottle instead of a build. Sorted by match score; scores use the same standouts as above.
Good Molecules
No close match yet — we show the nearest formulas.
Why it is close. A $6 leave-on liquid with both glycolic and lactic acid and a published glycolic level. It is a stronger, overnight format rather than a daily toner.
The Ordinary
Why it is close. The Ordinary 7% glycolic toner at $9. Its strength is published; Face Reality does not publish the strength of theirs.
The Ordinary
Why it is close. The Ordinary 10% lactic acid serum at $9.20. Covers the lactic half only.
Good Molecules
Running total
Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)No gain nowGood Molecules
The Ordinary
Adds: Lactic acid
Running total
Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)No gain nowThe Ordinary
The Ordinary
Running total
Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)No gain nowThe Ordinary
Glycolic acid peels are reviewed for acne, photoaging, melasma and texture.
Sharad 2013 · Clin Cosmet Investig Dermat…AHAs and BHAs exfoliate and are reviewed for photoaging benefit.
Kornhauser 2010 · Clin Cosmet Investig Dermat…aqua (water), glycolic acid, lactic acid (l), propanediol, alcohol denat., glycerin, leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate, hamamelis virginiana (witch hazel) water, caprylyl glycol, sodium pca, sodium gluconate, chamomilla recutita (matricaria) flower extract, alcohol, allantoin, ascorbic acid (l)
We split Glycolic-Lactic Toner into 3 standout parts worth 100 points in total. The build earns 61 of a possible 71. 71 is the most we claim, because some standouts have no close retail equivalent.
Good Molecules Overnight Exfoliating Treatment by Good Molecules is our closest single-product match at 53 out of 100 for ~$6 (30 ml / 1 fl oz). It shares glycolic acid (8.1% per brand), lactic acid (1% per brand), sodium hyaluronate.
Glycolic-Lactic Toner costs $33 for 6 oz. The closest dupe costs ~$6, a saving of about $27. Prices change, so check the seller page.
No. Dupes share the key actives but can differ in concentration, vehicle and supporting ingredients. Missing from this one: Witch hazel, Vitamin C. See our methodology for how we score.
Face Reality · serum
~$43closest match, costs moreOriginal $37, build ~$43.
Paula's Choice + The Ordinary
Face Reality · serum
$9our build, 1 partOriginal $35, build $9.
The Ordinary
SkinBetter Science · cleanser
~$29.35our build, 3 partsOriginal ~$60, build ~$29.35.
CeraVe + The Ordinary + Minimalist