Mad Hippie Super A Serum Dupes & Cheaper Alternatives
From 6 Reddit threads · Updated September 26, 2026
Low-dose retinoid serum for easing into vitamin A; can still purge hard. The catch: purge can hit hard and last months. Here's what Redditors reach for instead.
The short answer
Best Overall AlternativeCeramides plus cholesterol for barrier support · $21.99 · 29.6 ml
Best Cheaper AlternativeWatery, fast-absorbing centella · $6.00 · 30 ml vs $28.99 for the original
#1
Best Overall Alternative
- Size: 29.6 ml
- Price per ml: $0.74/ml (original $0.96/ml)
The why
One minus
Can burn over cuts or a compromised barrier
Good forDry Skin, Sensitive Skin
The original, at a glance
- Why people love it
- Low-dose intro retinoid
- Price
- $28.99 · 30.2 ml · $0.96/ml
#2
Best Cheaper Alternative
- Size: 30 ml
- Price per ml: $0.20/ml (original $0.96/ml)
The why
A watery centella ampoule that people use before moisturizer or tret. It suits irritated, dehydrated, or barrier-damaged skin. On very reactive faces, it can sting, break out, or do basically nothing.
One minus
Can trigger closed comedones or whiteheads
Good forSensitive Skin, Dry Skin
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