Versus

Curology Custom Formula Tretinoin 0.018%, Clindamycin 1%, Azelaic Acid 8% Versus Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum

Prescription
Serum
American Brand United States
American Brand United States

Updated on March 19, 2025

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 4 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, dark spots and better texture

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, oils, parabens 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 needs an update? Let us know.

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

About this product

About this product

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Retinol Youth Renewal Serum

Water

Skin Conditioning

Cyclopentasiloxane

Emollient
Silicon Icon

Isopropyl Palmitate

Emollient
3-4 / 1 May worsen Oily Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

C14-22 Alcohols

Emulsion Stabilising

Polymethylsilsesquioxane

Silicon Icon

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

Masking, Skin Conditioning

This ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.

It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.

Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.

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 Triglyceride
Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water
Preservative

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent 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.

Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning

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 Acetate

When to use

57 Routines
4% use in am
96% use in pm
88% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
50 Routines
6% use in am
94% use in pm
62% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Curology Custom Formula Tretinoin 0.018%, Clindamycin 1%, Azelaic Acid 8% 12 ingredients

3.0 /5
from 1 rating
Drying (1) Irritating (1)
ye1's avatar

y e

4 months ago
Review

super mid, can’t really see a difference to be honest and I’ve been on this for 3 months ( was on 0.01 tret and 1% clind p and 4% aa before). Thinking of upping to 5 and quitting curology.

#drying
#irritating

Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum 53 ingredients

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