The original, what makes it special and the shelf parts we use. This build already reaches the highest score we can honestly claim.
The original · SkinBetter Science
$125 · 30 pads
Individually packaged leave-on pads combine glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids with AlphaRet (ethyl lactyl retinoate) to exfoliate while delivering a retinoid.
Prices and listings checked Oct 28, 2026. Amazon prices change; the link shows today's price.
Step 2 · The build
AHA toner + BHA + retinoid on separate nights
The Ordinary
Glycolic acid toner (PM, night A)
The Ordinary
Salicylic acid 2% (PM, night B)
The Ordinary
Retinoid emulsion (PM, night C)
The Ordinary
Adds: Lactic acid
Partial credit means the part only partly matches that standout.
The 100 points
We split AlphaRet Exfoliating Peel Pads into 4 standout parts. Each bar shows what the build earns.
The retinoid bonded to lactic acid is the part aimed at visible lines and tone.
No close retail equivalent: we credit at most 40% of these points.
Lactic acid is listed first among the acids and smooths and brightens the surface.
Glycolic acid is the strongest exfoliating acid in the blend, for texture and dullness.
Salicylic acid reaches into pores for the oiliness and pore part of the claim.
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 ~$15.70
Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)Running total ~$27.80
Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)Running total ~$37
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.
Dermlogic
No close match yet — we show the nearest formulas.
Why it is close. Pads with the same three acids as the AlphaRet pads (5% glycolic, 5% lactic, 2% salicylic) but no retinoid; layer a retinol separately on other nights.
RoC
Why it is close. Two-step pads that pair a multi-acid peel (lactic, glycolic, mandelic, phytic, gluconolactone) with retinol, the closest format and active match. Price not verified.
Minimalist
Why it is close. Leave-on lactic, glycolic and salicylic acid toner, the same three acids as the pads at a fraction of the price.
Good Molecules
Why it is close. Leave-on liquid (not pads) with glycolic 8.1%, lactic 1%, salicylic 0.1% stated by the brand; covers glycolic better than any current dupe.
The Ordinary
Why it is close. Cheap single-AHA toner; pair with a retinoid on other nights.
Paula's Choice
Why it is close. Leave-on 8% AHA gel for texture; no BHA or retinoid.
Paula's Choice
Why it is close. Best-reviewed liquid BHA for pores; covers the salicylic part only.
The Ordinary
Glycolic acid toner (PM, night A)
Running total
Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)No gain nowThe Ordinary
The Ordinary
Salicylic acid 2% (PM, night B)
Running total
Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)No gain nowThe Ordinary
The Ordinary
Retinoid emulsion (PM, night C)
Running total
Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)No gain nowThe Ordinary
The Ordinary
Adds: Lactic acid
Running total
Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)No gain nowThe Ordinary
RoC
Running total
Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)No gain nowRoC
Dermlogic
Running total
Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)No gain nowDermlogic
Paula's Choice
Running total
Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)No gain nowPaula's Choice
Paula's Choice
Running total
Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)No gain nowPaula's Choice
Good Molecules
Running total
Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)No gain nowGood Molecules
Minimalist
Running total
Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)No gain nowMinimalist
Glycolic acid peels and exfoliants are reviewed as improving texture, photoaging and pigmentation.
Sharad 2013 · Clin Cosmet Investig Dermat…Salicylic acid, a lipophilic BHA, is reviewed as a keratolytic and comedolytic peeling agent used for acne and photoaging.
Arif 2015 · Clin Cosmet Investig Dermat…A double-conjugated retinoid/AHA cream was noninferior to 0.025% tretinoin in most categories over 12 weeks, with less irritation, in a 48-woman split-face study.
McDaniel 2017 · J Cosmet DermatolAqua/Water, Lactic Acid, Alcohol Denat., Glycolic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethyl Lactyl Retinoate, Salicylic Acid, Ricinoleth-40
We split AlphaRet Exfoliating Peel Pads into 4 standout parts worth 100 points in total. The build earns 76 of a possible 76. 76 is the most we claim, because some standouts have no close retail equivalent.
Anti-Aging Resurfacing Peel Pads (5% glycolic, 5% lactic, 2% salicylic) by Dermlogic is our closest single-product match at 60 out of 100 (count not found). It shares Glycolic acid, Lactic acid, Salicylic acid.
AlphaRet Exfoliating Peel Pads costs $125 for 30 pads. 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: Retinoid. See our methodology for how we score.
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
~$28.20 + check priceour build, 4 partsOriginal $225, build ~$28.20 + check price.
Good Molecules + The Ordinary + Byoma
SkinBetter Science · treatment
~$109.18our build, 4 partsOriginal $145, build ~$109.18.
CeraVe + The Ordinary + Paula's Choice + Minimalist