Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Curology Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.01% Azelaic acid 2% Niacinamide 4%) versus Curology Custom Formula Tretinoin 0.01% Clindamycin 1% Azelaic Acid 4% .
Published on April 03, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe prescription. They have a total of 12 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain retinoid and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, brightening skin, sensitive skin, reducing pores, scar healing and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, oils, parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.
Prescription
Prescription skincare treatments. The ingredients in these product are prescription strength and considered medication. In many countries, these must be prescribed by a certified professional.
Prescription
Prescription skincare treatments. The ingredients in these product are prescription strength and considered medication. In many countries, these must be prescribed by a certified professional.
Price
Ingredient Info
Curology Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.01% Azelaic acid 2% Niacinamide 4%) 14 ingredients
Curology Custom Formula Tretinoin 0.01% Clindamycin 1% Azelaic Acid 4% 13 ingredients
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Silicon Free
This product is free of silicons 🎉
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Silicon Free
This product is free of silicons 🎉
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Curology Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.01% Azelaic acid 2% Niacinamide 4%) 14 ingredients
Curology Custom Formula Tretinoin 0.01% Clindamycin 1% Azelaic Acid 4% 13 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Notable Ingredients
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 TretinoinCurology Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.01% Azelaic acid 2% Niacinamide 4%) contains this as ingredient number 1.
Curology Custom Formula Tretinoin 0.01% Clindamycin 1% Azelaic Acid 4% contains this as ingredient number 1.
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 AcidCurology Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.01% Azelaic acid 2% Niacinamide 4%) contains this as ingredient number 2.
Curology Custom Formula Tretinoin 0.01% Clindamycin 1% Azelaic Acid 4% contains this as ingredient number 3.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice comes from leaves of the aloe plant. Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice is best known for helping to soothe sunburns. It is also anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, antiseptic, and can help heal wounds.
Aloe is packed with good stuff including Vitamins A, C, and E. These vitamins are antioxidants, which help fight free-radicals and the damage they may cause. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice also contains sugars. These sugars come in the form of monosaccharides and polysaccharides, folic acid, and choline. These sugars are able to help bind moisture to skin.
It also contains minerals such as calcium, 12 anthraquinones, fatty acids, amino acids, and Vitamin B12.
Learn more about Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceCurology Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.01% Azelaic acid 2% Niacinamide 4%) contains this as ingredient number 4.
Curology Custom Formula Tretinoin 0.01% Clindamycin 1% Azelaic Acid 4% contains this as ingredient number 4.
C13-14 Isoparaffin is created from petroleum-based mineral oils. It is an emollient and helps thicken a product.
As an emollient, it helps keep the skin soft and smooth by creating a barrier on top. This barrier traps moisture in, keeping the skin hydrated.
C13-14 Isoparaffin may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about C13-14 IsoparaffinCurology Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.01% Azelaic acid 2% Niacinamide 4%) contains this as ingredient number 5.
Curology Custom Formula Tretinoin 0.01% Clindamycin 1% Azelaic Acid 4% contains this as ingredient number 5.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
Within a product, Caprylic Triglyceride can thicken the product and make spreadability easier by dissolving clumping compounds. An added benefit of Caprylic Triglyceride is its antioxidant properties.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid. Caprylic Triglyceride has not been found to be toxic for human use in concentrations under 50%.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCurology Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.01% Azelaic acid 2% Niacinamide 4%) contains this as ingredient number 6.
Curology Custom Formula Tretinoin 0.01% Clindamycin 1% Azelaic Acid 4% contains this as ingredient number 6.
Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterCurology Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.01% Azelaic acid 2% Niacinamide 4%) contains this as ingredient number 7.
Curology Custom Formula Tretinoin 0.01% Clindamycin 1% Azelaic Acid 4% contains this as ingredient number 7.
Laureth-7 is created by the ethoxylation of lauryl alcohol using ethylene oxide. Lauryl alcohol is a fatty alcohol with hydrating properties.
Laureth-7 is an emulsifier and cleansing ingredient. As an emulsifier, it is used to prevent ingredients from separating. It also helps cleanse the skin by gathering dirt, oil, and pollutants to be rinsed away.
Curology Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.01% Azelaic acid 2% Niacinamide 4%) contains this as ingredient number 8.
Curology Custom Formula Tretinoin 0.01% Clindamycin 1% Azelaic Acid 4% contains this as ingredient number 8.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Curology Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.01% Azelaic acid 2% Niacinamide 4%) contains this as ingredient number 9.
Curology Custom Formula Tretinoin 0.01% Clindamycin 1% Azelaic Acid 4% contains this as ingredient number 9.
Polyacrylamide is a synthetic polymer. It is used to stabilize products and bind ingredients. When hydrated, Polyacrylamide forms a soft gel.
Polyacrylamide is low-toxicity. If source properly, it is deemed safe to use in cosmetics.
It should be noted the precursor to Polyacrylamide is acrylamide. Acrylamide is a carcinogen. Most reputable sources of Polyacrylamide will screen for residual acrylamide to make sure the count is in a safe range. Acrylamide is not able to be absorbed through the skin.
We recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns.
Learn more about PolyacrylamideCurology Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.01% Azelaic acid 2% Niacinamide 4%) contains this as ingredient number 10.
Curology Custom Formula Tretinoin 0.01% Clindamycin 1% Azelaic Acid 4% contains this as ingredient number 10.
Tocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateCurology Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.01% Azelaic acid 2% Niacinamide 4%) contains this as ingredient number 11.
Curology Custom Formula Tretinoin 0.01% Clindamycin 1% Azelaic Acid 4% contains this as ingredient number 11.
Triethylene Glycol is a fragrance.
Curology Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.01% Azelaic acid 2% Niacinamide 4%) contains this as ingredient number 12.
Curology Custom Formula Tretinoin 0.01% Clindamycin 1% Azelaic Acid 4% contains this as ingredient number 12.
BHT is a synthetic antioxidant. As an antioxidant, it helps your body fight off free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.
BHT also helps stabilize products and prevent them from degrading. Many products are sensitive to air and light. BHT prevents them from breaking down when exposed.
Curology Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.01% Azelaic acid 2% Niacinamide 4%) contains this as ingredient number 13.
Curology Custom Formula Tretinoin 0.01% Clindamycin 1% Azelaic Acid 4% contains this as ingredient number 13.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Curology Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.01% Azelaic acid 2% Niacinamide 4%) 14 ingredients
Curology Custom Formula Tretinoin 0.01% Clindamycin 1% Azelaic Acid 4% 13 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Curology Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.01% Azelaic acid 2% Niacinamide 4%) 14 ingredients
Curology Custom Formula Tretinoin 0.01% Clindamycin 1% Azelaic Acid 4% 13 ingredients
Reviews
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