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 · SkinMedica
$88 · 2 fl oz (60 ml)
A leave-on serum with encapsulated 2% salicylic acid (delivered as tridecyl salicylate), niacinamide, bakuchiol, baicalin and a botanical oil blend including manuka and nigella.
Prices and listings checked Oct 28, 2026. Amazon prices change; the link shows today's price.
Step 2 · The build
Minimalist
Good Molecules
Adds: Niacinamide
Partial credit means the part only partly matches that standout.
The 100 points
We split Acne Clarifying Treatment into 4 standout parts. Each bar shows what the build earns.
Clears pores and calms breakouts.
Reduces oil and redness.
Retinol-like effect with less irritation.
Calming botanical oils and extracts.
Optional
74 / 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 $10.99
Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)Running total ~$15.99
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.
Minimalist
No close match yet — we show the nearest formulas.
Why it is close. A published 2% SA serum.
The Ordinary
Why it is close. Plain 2% SA; layer a niacinamide for the oil-control role.
Good Molecules
Why it is close. Handles the niacinamide role only.
Minimalist
Running total
Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)No gain nowMinimalist
Good Molecules
Adds: Niacinamide
Running total
Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)No gain nowGood Molecules
The Ordinary
Running total
Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)No gain nowThe Ordinary
Salicylic acid is a well studied exfoliating agent.
Arif 2015 · Clin Cosmet Investig Dermat…2% niacinamide reduced sebum production.
Draelos 2006 · J Cosmet Laser TherAcne guidelines support topical retinoid-class and BHA approaches.
Reynolds 2024 · J Am Acad DermatolWater, Tridecyl Salicylate, Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Propanediol, Arachidyl Alcohol, Niacinamide, Di-C12-13 Alkyl Malate, Glycerin, Polyacrylate-13, Butylene Glycol, Behenyl Alcohol, Bakuchiol, Baicalin, Potassium Lauroyl Wheat Amino Acids, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8, Centella Asiatica Extract, Magnolia Grandiflora Bark Extract, Physalis Pubescens Fruit Juice, Narcissus Tazetta Bulb Extract, Taraktogenos Kurzii Seed Oil, Nigella Sativa Seed Oil, Leptospermum Scoparium Branch/Leaf Oil, Saccharide Isomerate, Palm Glycerides, Capryloyl Glycine, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol, Polysorbate 20, Arachidyl Glucoside, Polyisobutene, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Dextran, Xanthan Gum, Aminomethyl Propanol, Potassium Sorbate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium EDTA
Ingredient list from a third-party listing, not confirmed on the brand site. Source
We split Acne Clarifying Treatment into 4 standout parts worth 100 points in total. The build earns 74 of a possible 100. A full 100 needs every standout fully covered.
Minimalist Salicylic Acid 2% Face Serum by Minimalist is our closest single-product match at 49 out of 100 for $10.99 (30 ml / 1 fl oz). It shares Salicylic acid 2%.
Acne Clarifying Treatment costs $88 for 2 fl oz (60 ml). The closest dupe costs $10.99, a saving of about $77.01. 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: Bakuchiol, Niacinamide. See our methodology for how we score.
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