Curology Custom Formula Tretinoin 0.018%, Clindamycin 1%, Azelaic Acid 8% Versus Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2%
Updated on March 19, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 3 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, oils, parabens 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
Curology Custom Formula Tretinoin 0.018%, Clindamycin 1%, Azelaic Acid 8% 12 ingredients
Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2% 16 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Curology Custom Formula Tretinoin 0.018%, Clindamycin 1%, Azelaic Acid 8% 12 ingredients
Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2% 16 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
Smoothing
Propanediol
Solvent
Glycerin
Humectant
Zinc PCA
Humectant
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-11
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Dimethicone
Emollient
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Glyceryl Polyacrylate
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Hexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingCitric Acid
Buffering
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 WaterPhenoxyethanol 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.
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 AcetateIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Curology Custom Formula Tretinoin 0.018%, Clindamycin 1%, Azelaic Acid 8% 12 ingredients
Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2% 16 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Curology Custom Formula Tretinoin 0.018%, Clindamycin 1%, Azelaic Acid 8% 12 ingredients
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.
Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2% 16 ingredients
I really do love this product. The mix of niacinamide and zinc underneath my sunscreen make me feel super protected during the day. Especially since I cannot tolerate Vitamin C as my antioxidant. And this pairs super well with Paula's Choice BHA Gel Exfoliant on days where I'm having acne breakouts. I <3 it here!
Broke me out so bad!I tried it for a few days not really using anything on top just my usual sunscreen ,but it broke me out after a few days even without my sunscreen 😔
