Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Curology Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.01% Azelaic acid 2% Niacinamide 4%) versus Urban Skin Retinol Rapid Repair and Dark Spot Treatment .
Published on January 06, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 7 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain niacinamide, retinoid and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, brightening skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens, silicones or sulfates
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.
Facial Treatment
Facial treatments are specially designed to treat a skin concern. Acne treatments and anti-aging products are common examples of facial treatments.
Price
Ingredient Info
Curology Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.01% Azelaic acid 2% Niacinamide 4%) 14 ingredients
Urban Skin Retinol Rapid Repair and Dark Spot Treatment 32 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 🎉
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Contains Oils
Ingredients in this product that are types of oil:
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 🎉
Vegan
This product is 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
Urban Skin Retinol Rapid Repair and Dark Spot Treatment 32 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Concerns
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Concerns
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Curology Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.01% Azelaic acid 2% Niacinamide 4%) 14 ingredients
Urban Skin Retinol Rapid Repair and Dark Spot Treatment 32 ingredients
Water • Niacinamide • Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil • Polyacrylamide • Kojic Acid • C13-14 Isoparaffin • Phenoxyethanol • Retinyl Palmitate • Laureth-7 • Tocopherol • Retinol • Polysorbate 20 • Sodium Metabisulfite • Ethylhexylglycerin • Citric Acid • Sodium Phytate • Squalane • Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate • Glycerin • Alpha-Arbutin • Ascorbic Acid • Glutathione • Azelaic Acid • Alchemilla Vulgaris Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract • Malva Sylvestris Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract • Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract • Primula Veris Flower Extract • Veronica Officinalis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract • Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract • Sodium Sulfite • Sodium Hyaluronate • Achillea Millefolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
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.
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.
Urban Skin Retinol Rapid Repair and Dark Spot Treatment contains this as ingredient number 23.
Niacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.
It is known to treat acne by reducing inflammation. It also helps fade dark-spots and strengthen the skin by promoting the growth of the ceramide barrier.
Other benefits include smoothing wrinkles and minimizing redness.
The cherry on top? Niacinamide can also help build keratin, a protein that keeps skin firm.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
Niacinamide can be mixed with other ingredients to boost benefits. For instance, it has shown to be effective when used with copper, folic acid, and zinc to treat acne.
Learn more about NiacinamideCurology Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.01% Azelaic acid 2% Niacinamide 4%) contains this as ingredient number 3.
Urban Skin Retinol Rapid Repair and Dark Spot Treatment contains this as ingredient number 2.
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.
Urban Skin Retinol Rapid Repair and Dark Spot Treatment 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.
Urban Skin Retinol Rapid Repair and Dark Spot Treatment contains this as ingredient number 1.
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.
Urban Skin Retinol Rapid Repair and Dark Spot Treatment contains this as ingredient number 9.
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.
Urban Skin Retinol Rapid Repair and Dark Spot Treatment contains this as ingredient number 7.
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.
Urban Skin Retinol Rapid Repair and Dark Spot Treatment contains this as ingredient number 4.
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
Urban Skin Retinol Rapid Repair and Dark Spot Treatment 32 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
Urban Skin Retinol Rapid Repair and Dark Spot Treatment 32 ingredients
Alternatives
We haven't detected any alternatives for Curology Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.01% Azelaic acid 2% Niacinamide 4%).
Our Dupe Finder has found 1 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Urban Skin Retinol Rapid Repair and Dark Spot Treatment.
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