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)
Phytic acid, a mild plant-derived acid, loosens dull surface cells in a light moisturizing lotion.
Prices and listings checked Oct 28, 2026. Amazon prices change; the link shows today's price.
Step 2 · The build
Lactic acid serum + ceramide lotion
The Ordinary
Mild AHA exfoliant
CeraVe
Moisturizing lotion over the 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 Lightweight Exfoliating Lotion into 3 standout parts. Each bar shows what the build earns.
A mild acid that lifts dull surface cells for a brighter look.
No close retail equivalent: we credit at most 50% of these points.
Lets it exfoliate daily without drying normal to dry skin.
A small antioxidant addition.
Optional
62 / 100. We have not found a shelf product that closes more of the gap yet.
75 is our ceiling. Phytic acid exfoliation 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 $9.20
Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)Running total $24.19
Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)Running total $52.14
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. An acid lotion you leave on, like Exfoderm. Lactic acid is stronger than phytic acid and the lotion is sold for the body, so use a thin layer on the face and watch for sting.
CeraVe
Why it is close. A gentle ceramide lotion with salicylic acid for rough skin. It exfoliates differently from phytic acid but keeps the light lotion format.
The Ordinary
Why it is close. A serum-style lactic acid that brightens dull skin. It is not a lotion, so add a moisturizer.
The Ordinary
Mild AHA exfoliant
Running total
Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)No gain nowThe Ordinary
CeraVe
Moisturizing lotion over the 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
CeraVe
Running total
Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)No gain nowCeraVe
Hydroxy acids are reviewed as exfoliants that improve texture and photoaging.
Kornhauser 2010 · Clin Cosmet Investig Dermat…Lactic acid lotions were compared for treating dry skin in a double-blind trial.
Rogers 1989 · J Am Acad Dermatolaqua/water/eau, ethoxydiglycol, glycerin, phytic acid, cetearyl alcohol, glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate, canola oil, isohexadecane, magnesium aluminum silicate, potassium cetyl phosphate, sodium hydroxide, bis-diglyceryl polyacyladipate-2, cetyl alcohol, dimethicone, xanthan gum, phenoxyethanol, glycereth-7, polysorbate 60, steareth-20, ethylhexylglycerin, tocopheryl acetate, PEG-150 distearate, saponins
We split Nu-Derm Exfoderm Lightweight Exfoliating Lotion into 3 standout parts worth 100 points in total. The build earns 62 of a possible 75. 75 is the most we claim, because some standouts have no close retail equivalent.
Daily Nourish 12% Lactic Acid Lotion by AmLactin is our closest single-product match at 51 out of 100 (14.1 oz). It shares Acid exfoliant in a lotion (lactic acid 12%), Glycerin.
Nu-Derm Exfoderm 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: Phytic acid, Vitamin E. See our methodology for how we score.
SkinBetter Science · cleanser
~$29.35our build, 3 partsOriginal ~$60, build ~$29.35.
CeraVe + The Ordinary + Minimalist
SkinBetter Science · cleanser
~$29.35our build, 3 partsOriginal ~$48, build ~$29.35.
CeraVe + Minimalist + The Ordinary
SkinBetter Science · exfoliant
~$37our build, 4 partsOriginal $125, build ~$37.
The Ordinary