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 · ZO Skin Health
$125 · 50 mL / 1.7 fl oz
A fragrance-free, alcohol-free water serum with water-soluble salicylic acid (level unpublished), a sebum-targeting plant blend (Z-SEB3) and stem cell and polysaccharide extracts for redness and barr…
Prices and listings checked Oct 28, 2026. Amazon prices change; the link shows today's price.
Step 2 · The build
The Ordinary
Good Molecules
Adds: Z-SEB3 plant sebum complex
Partial credit means the part only partly matches that standout.
The 100 points
We split Complexion Clarifying Serum into 3 standout parts. Each bar shows what the build earns.
Pore decongestion; level unpublished.
Proprietary; no budget equivalent.
Redness and barrier claims.
Optional
61 / 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 ~$6.70
Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)Running total ~$11.70
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.
The Ordinary
No close match yet — we show the nearest formulas.
Why it is close. The Ordinary 2% salicylic acid in a water-and-anhydrous base; very cheap.
Minimalist
Why it is close. A 2% salicylic serum with a simple formula, 30 ml.
Good Molecules
Why it is close. Niacinamide 10% by Good Molecules for oil and pores, no BHA.
The Ordinary
Running total
Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)No gain nowThe Ordinary
Good Molecules
Adds: Z-SEB3 plant sebum complex
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
Salicylic acid helps acne by exfoliating inside pores.
Arif 2015 · Clin Cosmet Investig Dermat…Aqua, Water, Eau, Propanediol, Glycerin, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Polyacrylate, Butylene Glycol, Eugenia Uniflora Leaf Extract, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Syringa Vulgaris (Lilac) Extract, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract, Leontopodium Alpinum Meristem Cell Culture, Marrubium Vulgare Meristem Cell Culture, Lecithin, Galactoarabinan, Schizophyllan, Maltodextrin, Caprylyl Glycol, Phytic Acid, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Acacia Senegal Gum, Xanthan Gum, Mannitol, Sodium Citrate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Trehalose, Sodium Bisulfite, Ergothioneine, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Benzyl Alcohol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate
We split Complexion Clarifying Serum into 3 standout parts worth 100 points in total. The build earns 61 of a possible 100. A full 100 needs every standout fully covered.
Salicylic Acid 2% Solution by The Ordinary is our closest single-product match at 55 out of 100 for ~$6.70 (30 ml). It shares Salicylic acid 2%.
Complexion Clarifying Serum costs $125 for 50 mL / 1.7 fl oz. The closest dupe costs ~$6.70, a saving of about $118.30. 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: Plant complexes. See our methodology for how we score.
EltaMD · spf
$11.89our build, 1 partOriginal $49, build $11.89.
CeraVe
EltaMD · spf
$11.89our build, 1 partOriginal $46, build $11.89.
CeraVe
SkinBetter Science · serum
~$47.68our build, 4 partsOriginal $145, build ~$47.68.
Differin + The Ordinary + Minimalist