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How we build Nu-Derm Blend Fx

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

NUDERM

The original · Obagi

Nu-Derm Blend Fx

$125 · 2 oz (57 g)

A hydroquinone-free brightening cream with arbutin to slow pigment production and TEA-salicylate plus lactic acid for gentle exfoliation.

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

Arbutin serum + salicylic acid nights

  • Illustration of The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA

    The Ordinary

    The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA

    Alpha arbutin brightener (PM)

    AArbutin · 34 of 45
    $11.50Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
  • Illustration of The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution

    The Ordinary

    Salicylic Acid 2% Solution

    BHA exfoliant (PM, 2-3 nights a week)

    BTEA-salicylate · 15 of 20
    ~$6.70Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
  • Illustration of Minimalist Alpha Arbutin 2% Face Serum

    Minimalist

    Minimalist Alpha Arbutin 2% Face Serum

    Adds: Lactic acid; Vitamin E and vitamin C

    AArbutin · 34 of 45CLactic acid · 8 of 15DVitamin E and vitamin C · 3 of 10
    $10.99Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)

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

  • Illustration of COSRX 2% Alpha Arbutin Discoloration Care Serum

    COSRX

    COSRX 2% Alpha Arbutin Discoloration Care Serum

    Adds: Vitamin E and vitamin C

    AArbutin · 34 of 45DVitamin E and vitamin C · 5 of 10
    ~$25Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)

Partial credit means the part only partly matches that standout.

The 100 points

What stands out 100 pts

We split Nu-Derm Blend Fx into 5 standout parts. Each bar shows what the build earns.

  • AArbutin34 of 45 pts

    The main brightener: slows melanin production to fade uneven tone without hydroquinone.

    Boo 2021 · Antioxidants (Basel)
  • BTEA-salicylate15 of 20 pts

    A salicylate that gives a gentle exfoliating, clarifying effect.

    Arif 2015 · Clin Cosmet Investig Dermat…
  • CLactic acid8 of 15 pts

    A mild AHA that loosens dull surface cells.

    Ditre 1996 · J Am Acad Dermatol
  • DVitamin E and vitamin C5 of 10 pts

    Antioxidants that support the brightening.

  • EBlending cream base0 of 10 pts

    Glycerin and emollients make a cream that blends tone and suits evening use.

Optional

Get closer score under 80

62 / 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. 01The OrdinaryThe Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA$11.50

    Running total $11.50

    Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
  2. 02The OrdinarySalicylic Acid 2% Solution~$6.70

    Running total ~$18.20

    Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
  3. 03MinimalistMinimalist Alpha Arbutin 2% Face Serum$10.99

    Running total ~$29.19

    Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)

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

  4. 04COSRXCOSRX 2% Alpha Arbutin Discoloration Care Serum~$25

    Running total ~$54.19

    Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
Build total~$54.19
The splurge$125
Match62/100
You keep~$70.81

Snapshot prices. Each link shows today's price.

How to use

  1. Patch test any new active on the inner forearm or behind the ear for 24-48 hours first. PM: alpha arbutin serum, then moisturizer. On 2-3 nights a week, apply the salicylic acid solution first, wait a few minutes, then the arbutin. Use SPF 30+ every morning.
  2. Add Minimalist Alpha Arbutin 2% Face Serum: Alpha arbutin 2% with a small amount of lactic acid, plus ferulic acid and butylresorcinol. It has no salicylate.
  3. Add COSRX 2% Alpha Arbutin Discoloration Care Serum: Alpha arbutin with niacinamide, tranexamic acid and antioxidants including vitamin E. It has no exfoliating acid.

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 Alpha Arbutin 2% Face Serum

Minimalist

Match score 45 out of 100

No close match yet — we show the nearest formulas.

$10.99 · 1 fl oz (30 ml)
What it shares, what it misses

Shares

  • Alpha arbutin
  • Lactic acid

Misses

  • Salicylate
  • Vitamin E and C
  • Cream base

Why it is close. Alpha arbutin 2% with a small amount of lactic acid, plus ferulic acid and butylresorcinol. It has no salicylate.

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

COSRX 2% Alpha Arbutin Discoloration Care Serum

COSRX

Match score 39 out of 100
~$25 Price not confirmed · 1.7 fl oz (50 ml)
What it shares, what it misses

Shares

  • Alpha arbutin
  • Vitamin E

Misses

  • Salicylate
  • Lactic acid
  • Cream base

Why it is close. Alpha arbutin with niacinamide, tranexamic acid and antioxidants including vitamin E. It has no exfoliating acid.

Ingredient list source

Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
budget

The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA

The Ordinary

Match score 34 out of 100
$11.50 · 1 fl oz (30 ml)
What it shares, what it misses

Shares

  • Alpha arbutin

Misses

  • Salicylate
  • Lactic acid
  • Vitamin E and C

Why it is close. Alpha arbutin at a published 2% with hyaluronic acid. It covers the main brightener only.

Ingredient list source

Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)

What the science says

Full ingredient list

Show the INCI list

Aqua/water/eau, glycerin, cetyl, alcohol, arbutin, PPG-2 myristyl ether propionate, sodium lauryl sulfate, TEA-salicylate, tocopheryl acetate, ascorbic acid, lactic acid, phenyl trimethicone, sodium metabisulfite, BHT, saponins, disodium EDTA, methylparaben, propylparaben.

Source

Questions

What does the 62/100 score for our Nu-Derm Blend Fx build mean?

We split Nu-Derm Blend Fx into 5 standout parts worth 100 points in total. The build earns 62 of a possible 100. A full 100 needs every standout fully covered.

What is the best dupe for Nu-Derm Blend Fx?

Minimalist Alpha Arbutin 2% Face Serum by Minimalist is our closest single-product match at 45 out of 100 for $10.99 (1 fl oz (30 ml)). It shares Alpha arbutin, Lactic acid.

How much can I save on Nu-Derm Blend Fx?

Nu-Derm Blend Fx costs $125 for 2 oz (57 g). The closest dupe costs $10.99, a saving of about $114.01. Prices change, so check the seller page.

Is Minimalist Alpha Arbutin 2% Face Serum exactly the same as Nu-Derm Blend Fx?

No. Dupes share the key actives but can differ in concentration, vehicle and supporting ingredients. Missing from this one: Salicylate, Vitamin E and C, Cream base. See our methodology for how we score.

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