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
$48 · 6 fl oz (177 ml)
A gel cleanser with salicylic acid and fruit and sugar-maple extracts (natural AHA sources), plus sulfonate and betaine surfactants and mica and titanium dioxide exfoliating beads.
Prices and listings checked Oct 28, 2026. Amazon prices change; the link shows today's price.
Step 2 · The build
Minimalist
CeraVe
Adds: Foaming gel surfactant system
Partial credit means the part only partly matches that standout.
The 100 points
We split AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser into 3 standout parts. Each bar shows what the build earns.
Penetrates oil to clear pores.
Sugar cane, citrus and maple extracts supply small amounts of AHAs.
Sulfonate and betaine surfactants rinse clean.
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 ~$7.36
Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)Running total ~$20.35
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. Published 2% salicylic acid plus LHA in a gel wash.
CeraVe
Why it is close. A well-known salicylic cleanser with ceramides.
Advanced Clinicals
Why it is close. A budget exfoliating wash.
Minimalist
Running total
Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)No gain nowMinimalist
CeraVe
Adds: Foaming gel surfactant system
Running total
Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)No gain nowCeraVe
Advanced Clinicals
Running total
Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)No gain nowAdvanced Clinicals
Salicylic acid is well studied as an exfoliating and peeling agent.
Arif 2015 · Clin Cosmet Investig Dermat…Hydroxy acids smooth the skin and are widely used.
Kornhauser 2010 · Clin Cosmet Investig Dermat…Water/Aqua/Eau, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, PEG/PPG-8/3 Diisostearate, Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil, Acrylates Copolymer, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit/Leaf Extract, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Acer Saccharum (Sugar Maple) Extract, Salicylic Acid, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Panthenol, Bisabolol, Citric Acid, Glycerin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Mica, Tin Oxide, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Ingredient list from a third-party listing, not confirmed on the brand site. Source
We split AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser into 3 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 + LHA 2% Face Cleanser by Minimalist is our closest single-product match at 66 out of 100 for ~$7.36 (100 ml / 3.4 fl oz). It shares Salicylic acid 2%, LHA.
AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser costs $48 for 6 fl oz (177 ml). The closest dupe costs ~$7.36, a saving of about $40.64. 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: Fruit AHAs. See our methodology for how we score.
SkinBetter Science · serum
~$47.68our build, 4 partsOriginal $145, build ~$47.68.
Differin + The Ordinary + Minimalist
Obagi · toner
~$34our build, 1 partOriginal $50, build ~$34.
Paula's Choice
Face Reality · serum
$30.99our build, 2 partsOriginal $34, build $30.99.
Minimalist + Naturium