Explore Routine Login

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free, fungal acne (malassezia) safe, and reef safe prescription. They have a total of 3 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain retinoid

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, brightening skin, reducing pores, scar healing and dark spots

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils, parabens, silicones or sulfates

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Notable Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.007%, Clindamycin Phosphate 1%, Azelaic Acid 2%)
Tretinoin
Retinoid  •  3 Benefits  •  2 Concerns

Tretinoin is the best retinoid due to its proven skin benefits. It only available with a prescription in many countries.

Clindamycin Phosphate

Clindamycin Phosphate is a perscription ingredient used to treat acne.

Azelaic Acid Buffering, Masking
5 Benefits

Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring acid that is derived from grains. However, the lab-created form is typically used within cosmetic products as it has better shelf-stability.

Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.009%, Clindamycin 1%, Azelaic Acid 9%)
Tretinoin
Retinoid  •  3 Benefits  •  2 Concerns

Tretinoin is the best retinoid due to its proven skin benefits. It only available with a prescription in many countries.

Clindamycin Phosphate

Clindamycin Phosphate is a perscription ingredient used to treat acne.

Azelaic Acid Buffering, Masking
5 Benefits

Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring acid that is derived from grains. However, the lab-created form is typically used within cosmetic products as it has better shelf-stability.

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Loved

Tretinoin is the best retinoid due to its proven skin benefits. It only available with a prescription in many countries.

All forms of OTC retinoids goes through a conversion line until it can become effective. The final step of conversion is retinoic acid; retinoic acid IS Tretinoin.

This is why tretinoin is so effective; it gets to work immediately on the skin.

Research on tretinoin has found it to be incredibly effective for reducing the signs of aging. It helps improve damage from the sun, even the skin tone, and smooth out wrinkles. It is also an effective acne treatment by reducing and balancing out sebum production in pores.

Tretinoin, like other forms of Vitamin A, increases the turnover cycle of skin cells. This helps the skin create newer and healthier skin cells faster.

It can cause irritation, redness, and dry skin because it is considered a "strong" ingredient. Those with sensitive skin should consult a professional about using tretinoin.

Using retinoids will increase sun-sensitivity in the first few weeks of use. Though studies show retinoids increase your skin's natural SPF with continuous use, it is best to always wear sunscreen and sun-protection.

Read about a form of retinoid you can purchase at the store, retinol.

Learn more about Tretinoin

Clindamycin Phosphate is a perscription ingredient used to treat acne.

Buffering, Masking
Loved

Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring acid that is derived from grains. However, the lab-created form is typically used within cosmetic products as it has better shelf-stability.

It has been shown to be effective in the treatment of acne, rosacea, and other skin conditions. Azelaic acid helps reduce the growth of bacteria that cause acne and helps to reduce inflammation.

It also helps to improve the appearance of skin by reducing the production of sebum and unclogging pores.

Azelaic Acid also has antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.

One of the main benefits of azelaic acid is that it is gentle and well-tolerated by most people. It is also non-comedogenic, meaning that it will not clog pores.

Learn more about Azelaic Acid

Ingredient Ratings

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.007%, Clindamycin Phosphate 1%, Azelaic Acid 2%)
3
liked
mixed
disliked
not rated
Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.009%, Clindamycin 1%, Azelaic Acid 9%)
3
liked
mixed
disliked
not rated

When to use

4 Routines
50% use in am
50% use in pm
100% use every day
47 Routines
6% use in am
94% use in pm
85% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->