Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Dermatica Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.05% & Azelaic Acid 15%) versus Curology Custom Formula (Tretinoid 0.09%, Clindamycin Phosphate 1%, Azelaic Acid 5%) .
Published on June 22, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe prescription. They have a total of 15 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, 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 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
Dermatica Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.05% & Azelaic Acid 15%) 17 ingredients
Curology Custom Formula (Tretinoid 0.09%, Clindamycin Phosphate 1%, Azelaic Acid 5%) 31 ingredients
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
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 😥
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not 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
Dermatica Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.05% & Azelaic Acid 15%) 17 ingredients
Curology Custom Formula (Tretinoid 0.09%, Clindamycin Phosphate 1%, Azelaic Acid 5%) 31 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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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:
Notable Ingredients
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:
Benefits
This product contains 3 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 2 ingredients 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:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Concerns
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 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.
Dermatica Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.05% & Azelaic Acid 15%) 17 ingredients
Curology Custom Formula (Tretinoid 0.09%, Clindamycin Phosphate 1%, Azelaic Acid 5%) 31 ingredients
Water • Azelaic Acid 15% • Tretinoin 0.05% • Propanediol • Glycerin • Cetyl Alcohol • Glyceryl Stearate • Isohexadecane • Isododecane • C13-15 Alkane • Dimethicone • Polyacrylate-13 • Polyisobutene • Polysorbate 20 • Polyurethane-39 • Phenoxyethanol 0.6% • Tocopheryl Acetate
Tretinoin 0.09% • Clindamycin Phosphate 1% • Azelaic Acid 5% • Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice • C13-14 Isoparaffin • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Water • Laureth-7 • Phenoxyethanol • Polyacrylamide • Tocopheryl Acetate • Triethylene Glycol • Cetearyl Alcohol • Polysorbate 60 • Isohexadecane • Isododecane • C13-15 Alkane • Glyceryl Stearate • Peg-75 Stearate • Polyacrylate-13 • Polyisobutene • Polysorbate 20 • Polyurethane-39 • Stearyl Behenate • Cetyl Alcohol • Ascorbic Acid • Sodium Bisulfite • Benzoic Acid 0.09% • Sorbic Acid 0.09% • BHT • Propanediol
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.
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 WaterDermatica Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.05% & Azelaic Acid 15%) contains this as ingredient number 1.
Curology Custom Formula (Tretinoid 0.09%, Clindamycin Phosphate 1%, Azelaic Acid 5%) contains this as ingredient number 7.
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 AcidDermatica Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.05% & Azelaic Acid 15%) contains this as ingredient number 2.
Curology Custom Formula (Tretinoid 0.09%, Clindamycin Phosphate 1%, Azelaic Acid 5%) contains this as ingredient number 3.
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 TretinoinDermatica Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.05% & Azelaic Acid 15%) contains this as ingredient number 3.
Curology Custom Formula (Tretinoid 0.09%, Clindamycin Phosphate 1%, Azelaic Acid 5%) contains this as ingredient number 1.
Propanediol helps absorb ingredients into your skin, boosting their benefits. It can act as an emollient, making your skin softer. Propanediol can help products last longer by boosting the properties of preservatives within the formulation.
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use.
It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolDermatica Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.05% & Azelaic Acid 15%) contains this as ingredient number 4.
Curology Custom Formula (Tretinoid 0.09%, Clindamycin Phosphate 1%, Azelaic Acid 5%) contains this as ingredient number 32.
Cetyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol. Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product.
Cetyl Alcohol is not related to SD alcohol, denatured alcohol, or ethyl alcohol. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
Its main roles are:
Learn more about Cetyl AlcoholDermatica Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.05% & Azelaic Acid 15%) contains this as ingredient number 6.
Curology Custom Formula (Tretinoid 0.09%, Clindamycin Phosphate 1%, Azelaic Acid 5%) contains this as ingredient number 25.
Glyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.
Glyceryl Stearate is used to stabilize the mixing of water and oil ingredients. By preventing these ingredients from separating, it can help elongate shelf life. It can also help thicken the product's texture.
As an emollient, it helps soften skin and supports barrier-replenishing ingredients.
In cosmetics, Glyceryl Stearate is often made from vegetable oils or synthetically produced. The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearateDermatica Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.05% & Azelaic Acid 15%) contains this as ingredient number 7.
Curology Custom Formula (Tretinoid 0.09%, Clindamycin Phosphate 1%, Azelaic Acid 5%) contains this as ingredient number 18.
Isohexadecane is added to enhance texture, emulsify, and to help cleanse. It is an isoparrafin. It is a component of petrolatum.
Due to its large size, Isohexadecane is not absorbed by the skin. Instead, it sits on top and acts as an emollient. Emollients help keep your skin soft and smooth by trapping moisture within.
Isohexadecane is often used in products designed to help oily skin. It is lightweight and non-greasy while helping to moisturize. When mixed with silicones, it gives a product a silky feel.
Learn more about IsohexadecaneDermatica Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.05% & Azelaic Acid 15%) contains this as ingredient number 8.
Curology Custom Formula (Tretinoid 0.09%, Clindamycin Phosphate 1%, Azelaic Acid 5%) contains this as ingredient number 15.
Isododecane is a fragrance, emollient, and solvent.
As an emollient, it helps your skin stay soft and hydrated. Emollients help trap moisture into your skin.
Isododecane's role as a solvent makes it a great texture enhancer. It spreads smoothly on skin and does not leave a sticky feeling behind. Isododecane also helps prevent color transfer in makeup products.
Isododecane is not absorbed into skin.
Learn more about IsododecaneDermatica Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.05% & Azelaic Acid 15%) contains this as ingredient number 9.
Curology Custom Formula (Tretinoid 0.09%, Clindamycin Phosphate 1%, Azelaic Acid 5%) contains this as ingredient number 16.
C13-15 Alkane is a group of alkanes with 13 to 15 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain.
It is a solvent and texture enhancer. Solvents are used to keep ingredients together in a product. They can help dissolve ingredients to stable bases or help evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product.
Dermatica Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.05% & Azelaic Acid 15%) contains this as ingredient number 10.
Curology Custom Formula (Tretinoid 0.09%, Clindamycin Phosphate 1%, Azelaic Acid 5%) contains this as ingredient number 17.
Polyacrylate-13 is a type of acrylate polymer. Acrylate polymers are commonly used as adhesives in cosmetics.
Polyacrylate-13 creates a film to protect the skin. It is also used to thicken and stabilize a product. It works by making water a gel-like consistency. This gel consistency helps suspend particles.
Polyacrylate-13 is a copolymer of acrylic acid, acrylamide, sodium acrylate, sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate monomers
Learn more about Polyacrylate-13Dermatica Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.05% & Azelaic Acid 15%) contains this as ingredient number 12.
Curology Custom Formula (Tretinoid 0.09%, Clindamycin Phosphate 1%, Azelaic Acid 5%) contains this as ingredient number 20.
Polyisobutene is a synthetic polymer made from isobutene.
It is a film-forming agent and helps bind ingredients together.
Polyisobutene is not absorbed by the skin.
Learn more about PolyisobuteneDermatica Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.05% & Azelaic Acid 15%) contains this as ingredient number 13.
Curology Custom Formula (Tretinoid 0.09%, Clindamycin Phosphate 1%, Azelaic Acid 5%) contains this as ingredient number 21.
Polysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.
As a surfactant, it helps collect dirt and oils for washing. Emulsifiers prevent oils and water from separating.
Polysorbate 20 also adds scent to a product. Since it is made using sorbitol, it has a sweet scent. Sorbitol can also be found in fruits such as apples and peaches.
The lauric acid used to create Polysorbate 20 is often derived from coconuts.
Polysorbate 20 may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20Dermatica Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.05% & Azelaic Acid 15%) contains this as ingredient number 14.
Curology Custom Formula (Tretinoid 0.09%, Clindamycin Phosphate 1%, Azelaic Acid 5%) contains this as ingredient number 22.
We don't have a description for Polyurethane-39.
Dermatica Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.05% & Azelaic Acid 15%) contains this as ingredient number 15.
Curology Custom Formula (Tretinoid 0.09%, Clindamycin Phosphate 1%, Azelaic Acid 5%) contains this as ingredient number 23.
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.
Dermatica Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.05% & Azelaic Acid 15%) contains this as ingredient number 16.
Curology Custom Formula (Tretinoid 0.09%, Clindamycin Phosphate 1%, Azelaic Acid 5%) contains this as ingredient number 9.
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 AcetateDermatica Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.05% & Azelaic Acid 15%) contains this as ingredient number 17.
Curology Custom Formula (Tretinoid 0.09%, Clindamycin Phosphate 1%, Azelaic Acid 5%) contains this as ingredient number 11.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Dermatica Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.05% & Azelaic Acid 15%) 17 ingredients
Curology Custom Formula (Tretinoid 0.09%, Clindamycin Phosphate 1%, Azelaic Acid 5%) 31 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
