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How we build Nu-Derm Clear 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 Clear Fx

$125 · 2 oz (57 g)

A hydroquinone-free brightening cream led by arbutin, which slows the enzyme that makes melanin.

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 + lactic acid nights

  • Illustration of Minimalist Alpha Arbutin 2% Face Serum

    Minimalist

    Minimalist Alpha Arbutin 2% Face Serum

    Alpha arbutin brightener (AM and PM)

    AArbutin · 41 of 55BVitamin E and vitamin C · 4 of 15CLactic acid · 8 of 15
    ~$10.99Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)

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

  • Illustration of The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA

    The Ordinary

    Lactic Acid 10% + HA

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

    CLactic acid · 15
    $9.20Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
  • Illustration of CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

    CeraVe

    CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

    Ceramide cream (AM and PM, after the serum)

    DMoisturizing cream base · 11 of 15
    $15.99Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
  • Illustration of COSRX 2% Alpha Arbutin Discoloration Care Serum

    COSRX

    COSRX 2% Alpha Arbutin Discoloration Care Serum

    Adds: Vitamin E and vitamin C

    AArbutin · 41 of 55BVitamin E and vitamin C · 8 of 15
    ~$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 Clear Fx into 4 standout parts. Each bar shows what the build earns.

Optional

Get closer score under 80

75 / 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. 01MinimalistMinimalist Alpha Arbutin 2% Face Serum~$10.99

    Running total ~$10.99

    Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)

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

  2. 02The OrdinaryLactic Acid 10% + HA$9.20

    Running total ~$20.19

    Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
  3. 03CeraVeCeraVe Moisturizing Cream$15.99

    Running total ~$36.18

    Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
  4. 04COSRXCOSRX 2% Alpha Arbutin Discoloration Care Serum~$25

    Running total ~$61.18

    Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
Build total~$61.18
The splurge$125
Match75/100
You keep~$63.82

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. AM and PM: alpha arbutin serum, then moisturizer. On 2-3 nights a week, apply lactic acid first and skip the arbutin that night. Use SPF 30+ every morning.
  2. Add CeraVe Moisturizing Cream: covers Moisturizing cream base.
  3. Add COSRX 2% Alpha Arbutin Discoloration Care Serum: Alpha arbutin with niacinamide, tranexamic acid, licorice and antioxidants such as vitamin E, glutathione and ferulic acid. It brightens through more routes than the Obagi cream but has no AHA.

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 53 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

  • 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 is a light serum, so follow with a moisturizer.

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 49 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

  • Lactic acid
  • Cream base

Why it is close. Alpha arbutin with niacinamide, tranexamic acid, licorice and antioxidants such as vitamin E, glutathione and ferulic acid. It brightens through more routes than the Obagi cream but has no AHA.

Ingredient list source

Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
budget

The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA

The Ordinary

Match score 41 out of 100
$11.50 · 1 fl oz (30 ml)
What it shares, what it misses

Shares

  • Alpha arbutin

Misses

  • Vitamin E and C
  • Lactic acid
  • Cream base

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, arbutin, cetyl alcohol, glycerin, sodium lauryl sulfate, stearyl alcohol, tocopheryl acetate, ascorbic acid, saponins, sodium metabisulfite, BHT, lactic acid, disodium EDTA, butylparaben, methylparaben, propylparaben.

Source

Questions

What does the 75/100 score for our Nu-Derm Clear Fx build mean?

We split Nu-Derm Clear Fx into 4 standout parts worth 100 points in total. The build earns 75 of a possible 100. A full 100 needs every standout fully covered.

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

Minimalist Alpha Arbutin 2% Face Serum by Minimalist is our closest single-product match at 53 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 Clear Fx?

Nu-Derm Clear 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 Clear Fx?

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

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