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Product Comparison

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 American Brand United States
Facial Treatment American Brand United States

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

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Buy Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.01% Azelaic acid 2% Niacinamide 4%)

Shop

Buy Retinol Rapid Repair and Dark Spot Treatment

Starts at $19.99

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Retinoid
Vitamin E
Niacinamide

Benefits

Good For Oily Skin
Redness Reducing (3)
Reduces Irritation
Reduces Large Pores (2)
Anti-Aging
Dark Spots (2)
Scar Healing
Acne Fighting (3)
Brightening (3)

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin
Irritating
Rosacea
Eczema

Notable Ingredients

AHA
Retinoid (2)
Vitamin C (2)
Vitamin E
Niacinamide
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

Hydrating (4)
Good For Oily Skin (3)
Redness Reducing (4)
Skin Texture (5)
Reduces Large Pores (5)
Anti-Aging (5)
Dark Spots (8)
Scar Healing (8)
Acne Fighting (4)
Brightening (6)

Concerns

Drying (2)
May Worsen Oily Skin
Irritating (4)
Rosacea
Eczema
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Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

1
What it does: Buffering, Masking
Community Rating: 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

Curology 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.

2
What it does: Smoothing
Community Rating: Loved

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 Niacinamide

Curology 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.

3
What it does: Emollient, Solvent
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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 Isoparaffin

Curology 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.

4
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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 Water

Curology 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.

5
What it does: Emulsifying
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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.

6
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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.

7
What it does:
Community Rating: Disliked

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 Polyacrylamide

Curology 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.

43% are loved or liked
7% have mixed ratings
43% are disliked or very disliked
7% have no rating yet
44% are loved or liked
13% have mixed ratings
25% are disliked or very disliked
19% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

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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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