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 · 0.5 fl oz (14.8 ml)
A night spot treatment combining retinol, glycolic acid, tranexamic acid, niacinamide, kojic dipalmitate and phenylethyl resorcinol, with tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate and a small amount of ceramide NP.
Prices and listings checked Oct 28, 2026. Amazon prices change; the link shows today's price.
Step 2 · The build
Good Molecules
The 100 points
We split Even & Correct Dark Spot Cream into 4 standout parts. Each bar shows what the build earns.
Two proven pigment reducers together.
Speeds turnover so spots fade faster.
Lifts pigmented surface cells.
Tyrosinase blockers, uncommon at retail.
No close retail equivalent: we credit at most 50% of these points.
Optional
35 / 100. We have not found a shelf product that closes more of the gap yet.
90 is our ceiling. Kojic dipalmitate and phenylethyl resorcinol 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 $11.99
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.
Good Molecules
No close match yet — we show the nearest formulas.
Why it is close. Low-cost TXA and niacinamide serum; no retinol or acid.
Anua
Why it is close. Covers the TXA and niacinamide part only. Add a retinol at night for the rest.
Naturium
Why it is close. Straight TXA; best layered with a retinol product.
Good Molecules
Running total
Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)No gain nowGood Molecules
Anua
Running total
Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)No gain nowAnua
Naturium
Running total
Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)No gain nowNaturium
Tranexamic acid has supporting trial evidence in melasma.
Taraz 2017 · Dermatol TherRetinol improved naturally aged skin.
Kafi 2007 · Arch DermatolGlycolic acid peels are well characterized for texture and pigment.
Sharad 2013 · Clin Cosmet Investig Dermat…Cyclopentasiloxane, Water, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Tranexamic Acid, Glycolic Acid, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Kojic Dipalmitate, Phenylethyl Resorcinol, Nelumbo Nucifera Germ Extract, Retinol, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Ceramide NP, Tocopheryl Acetate, Bisabolol, Dunaliella Salina Extract, Allantoin, Polysorbate 20, Cetyl Palmitate, Laureth-23, Squalane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Isoceteth-10, Dimethicone, Aminomethyl Propanediol, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Titanium Dioxide, Propanediol, Sodium Bisulfite, Hydrated Silica, Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate, Stearalkonium Hectorite, BHT, Sodium Surfactin, Phenoxyethanol, Propylene Carbonate, Silica, Trideceth-6 Phosphate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hydroxide
Ingredient list from a third-party listing, not confirmed on the brand site. Source
We split Even & Correct Dark Spot Cream into 4 standout parts worth 100 points in total. The build earns 35 of a possible 90. 90 is the most we claim, because some standouts have no close retail equivalent.
Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum by Good Molecules is our closest single-product match at 35 out of 100 for $11.99 (1 fl oz (30 ml)). It shares Tranexamic acid, Niacinamide.
Even & Correct Dark Spot Cream costs $88 for 0.5 fl oz (14.8 ml). The closest dupe costs $11.99, a saving of about $76.01. 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: Retinol, Glycolic acid. See our methodology for how we score.
SkinBetter Science · serum
~$82.71our build, 4 partsOriginal ~$190, build ~$82.71.
COSRX + Timeless Skin Care + The Ordinary + Anua
SkinBetter Science · serum
$56.27our build, 4 partsOriginal ~$170, build $56.27.
The Ordinary + Good Molecules + CeraVe + Naturium
Obagi · serum
$51.48our build, 3 partsOriginal $145, build $51.48.
CeraVe + The Ordinary + Minimalist