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
$35 · 1 oz
A 5% glycolic acid serum in a water, witch hazel and alcohol base with plantain leaf extract.
Prices and listings checked Oct 28, 2026. Amazon prices change; the link shows today's price.
Step 2 · The build
The Ordinary
Partial credit means the part only partly matches that standout.
The 100 points
We split 5% Glycolic Serum into 3 standout parts. Each bar shows what the build earns.
The one active. Glycolic acid peels are reviewed for acne, photoaging and texture.
An astringent base at an unpublished level.
No close retail equivalent: we credit at most 50% of these points.
A conditioning plant extract with no strong evidence behind the firmness claim.
No close retail equivalent: we credit at most 50% of these points.
Optional
57 / 100. We have not found a shelf product that closes more of the gap yet.
86 is our ceiling. Witch hazel base has no close retail equivalent, so we cap it at 50% credit. Plantain leaf extract 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 $9
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.
The Ordinary
No close match yet — we show the nearest formulas.
Why it is close. The Ordinary 7% glycolic toner at $9. A published 7%, between Face Reality's 5% and 10%.
Good Molecules
Why it is close. A $6 leave-on liquid with a published 8.1% glycolic level plus a little lactic acid. Stronger than the 5% and a different format.
Paula's Choice
Why it is close. Paula's Choice 8% glycolic gel. Closer to the 10% serum, and a gel rather than a thin serum.
The Ordinary
Running total
Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)No gain nowThe Ordinary
Good Molecules
Running total
Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)No gain nowGood Molecules
Paula's Choice
Running total
Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)No gain nowPaula's Choice
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), hamamelis virginiana (witch hazel) water, alcohol denat., glycerin, glycolic acid, alcohol, phenoxyethanol, hydroxyethylcellulose, benzyl alcohol, plantago lanceolata leaf extract, sodium gluconate, caprylhydroxamic acid, ethylhexylglycerin, xanthan gum
We split 5% Glycolic Serum into 3 standout parts worth 100 points in total. The build earns 57 of a possible 86. 86 is the most we claim, because some standouts have no close retail equivalent.
Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner by The Ordinary is our closest single-product match at 57 out of 100 for $9 (240 ml (size on page unclear)). It shares Glycolic acid.
5% Glycolic Serum costs $35 for 1 oz. The closest dupe costs $9, a saving of about $26. 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: Plantain extract, Serum format. See our methodology for how we score.
Face Reality · serum
~$43closest match, costs moreOriginal $37, build ~$43.
Paula's Choice + The Ordinary
Face Reality · toner
~$15.20our build, 2 partsOriginal $33, build ~$15.20.
Good Molecules + The Ordinary
SkinBetter Science · cleanser
~$29.35our build, 3 partsOriginal ~$60, build ~$29.35.
CeraVe + The Ordinary + Minimalist