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 · Obagi
$105 · 2 oz (57 g)
Glycolic and lactic acids, both AHAs, loosen dead surface cells to smooth and brighten.
Prices and listings checked Oct 28, 2026. Amazon prices change; the link shows today's price.
Step 2 · The build
Glycolic toner + lactic serum + light lotion
The Ordinary
Glycolic AHA (alternate nights)
The Ordinary
Lactic AHA (alternate nights)
CeraVe
Moisturizing lotion after either acid
Timeless Skin Care
Adds: Vitamin E
Partial credit means the part only partly matches that standout.
The 100 points
We split Nu-Derm Exfoderm Forte Lightweight Exfoliating Lotion into 4 standout parts. Each bar shows what the build earns.
The smallest AHA; it smooths texture and brightens.
A gentler AHA that also holds water in the skin.
Delivers the acids in a leave-on lotion that does not over-dry.
A small antioxidant addition.
Optional
92 / 100. We have not found a shelf product that closes more of the gap yet.
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)Running total $18.20
Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)Running total $33.19
Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)Running total $61.14
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.
AmLactin
No close match yet — we show the nearest formulas.
Why it is close. A lactic acid lotion that copies the format and the second acid. It is sold for the body, so use a thin layer on the face.
Paula's Choice
Why it is close. A leave-on 8% glycolic gel, so it covers the main acid. It has no lactic acid and is a gel rather than a lotion.
The Ordinary
Why it is close. A glycolic toner for the cheapest way to get the main acid. Follow with a moisturizer.
The Ordinary
Glycolic AHA (alternate nights)
Running total
Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)No gain nowThe Ordinary
The Ordinary
Lactic AHA (alternate nights)
Running total
Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)No gain nowThe Ordinary
CeraVe
Moisturizing lotion after either acid
Running total
Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)No gain nowCeraVe
Timeless Skin Care
Adds: Vitamin E
Running total
Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)No gain nowTimeless Skin Care
AmLactin
Running total
Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)No gain nowAmLactin
Paula's Choice
Running total
Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)No gain nowPaula's Choice
Glycolic acid is reviewed as improving texture, photoaging and pigmentation.
Sharad 2013 · Clin Cosmet Investig Dermat…About 6 months of 25% glycolic, lactic or citric acid lotion increased skin thickness and improved photoaged skin.
Ditre 1996 · J Am Acad DermatolHydroxy acids are reviewed as exfoliants that improve texture and photoaging.
Kornhauser 2010 · Clin Cosmet Investig Dermat…Aqua/water/eau, glycerin, cetearyl alcohol, glycolic acid, caprylic/capric triglyceride, lactic acid, cetyl alcohol, olea europaea (olive) fruit oil, sodium hydroxide, polysorbate 60, stearyl alcohol, palmitic acid, saponins, dimethicone, myristic acid, stearic acid, ethylhexylglycerin, phenoxyethanol, tocopherol
We split Nu-Derm Exfoderm Forte Lightweight Exfoliating Lotion into 4 standout parts worth 100 points in total. The build earns 92 of a possible 100. A full 100 needs every standout fully covered.
Daily Nourish 12% Lactic Acid Lotion by AmLactin is our closest single-product match at 54 out of 100 (14.1 oz). It shares Lactic acid 12%, Lotion base.
Nu-Derm Exfoderm Forte Lightweight Exfoliating Lotion costs $105 for 2 oz (57 g). The closest dupe has no price we could confirm (see the seller page). 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: Glycolic acid. See our methodology for how we score.
SkinBetter Science · exfoliant
~$37our build, 4 partsOriginal $125, build ~$37.
The Ordinary
SkinBetter Science · serum
~$52.98 + check priceour build, 4 partsOriginal ~$195, build ~$52.98 + check price.
CeraVe + The Ordinary + Vanicream + Paula's Choice
SkinBetter Science · serum
~$82.71our build, 4 partsOriginal ~$190, build ~$82.71.
COSRX + Timeless Skin Care + The Ordinary + Anua