Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Kiehl's Breakout Control Targeted Acne Spot Treatment versus Curology Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.01% Azelaic acid 2% Niacinamide 4%) .
Published on November 19, 2022
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 8 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain niacinamide and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, 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, 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.
Facial Treatment
Facial treatments are specially designed to treat a skin concern. Acne treatments and anti-aging products are common examples of facial treatments.
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
Kiehl's Breakout Control Targeted Acne Spot Treatment 26 ingredients
Curology Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.01% Azelaic acid 2% Niacinamide 4%) 14 ingredients
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 🎉
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
Kiehl's Breakout Control Targeted Acne Spot Treatment 26 ingredients
Curology Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.01% Azelaic acid 2% Niacinamide 4%) 14 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
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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 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Kiehl's Breakout Control Targeted Acne Spot Treatment 26 ingredients
Curology Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.01% Azelaic acid 2% Niacinamide 4%) 14 ingredients
Sulfur • Water • Niacinamide • Zea Mays Starch • Glycolic Acid • Stearyl Alcohol • Glycerin • Octyldodecyl Myristate • Cetearyl Alcohol • Glyceryl Stearate • Magnesium Aluminum Silicate • Phenoxyethanol • Polyacrylamide • Ceteareth-20 • Sodium Hydroxide • Peg-100 Stearate • Phenylethyl Resorcinol • Tocopheryl Acetate • C13-14 Isoparaffin • Disodium EDTA • Laureth-7 • Allantoin • Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice • Hydrogenated Lecithin • Ethylhexylglycerin • Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root 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.
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 WaterKiehl's Breakout Control Targeted Acne Spot Treatment contains this as ingredient number 2.
Curology Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.01% Azelaic acid 2% Niacinamide 4%) contains this as ingredient number 7.
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 NiacinamideKiehl's Breakout Control Targeted Acne Spot Treatment contains this as ingredient number 3.
Curology Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.01% Azelaic acid 2% Niacinamide 4%) contains this as ingredient number 3.
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.
Kiehl's Breakout Control Targeted Acne Spot Treatment contains this as ingredient number 12.
Curology Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.01% Azelaic acid 2% Niacinamide 4%) contains this as ingredient number 9.
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 PolyacrylamideKiehl's Breakout Control Targeted Acne Spot Treatment contains this as ingredient number 13.
Curology Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.01% Azelaic acid 2% Niacinamide 4%) contains this as ingredient number 10.
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 AcetateKiehl's Breakout Control Targeted Acne Spot Treatment contains this as ingredient number 18.
Curology Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.01% Azelaic acid 2% Niacinamide 4%) contains this as ingredient number 11.
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 IsoparaffinKiehl's Breakout Control Targeted Acne Spot Treatment contains this as ingredient number 19.
Curology Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.01% Azelaic acid 2% Niacinamide 4%) contains this as ingredient number 5.
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.
Kiehl's Breakout Control Targeted Acne Spot Treatment contains this as ingredient number 21.
Curology Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.01% Azelaic acid 2% Niacinamide 4%) contains this as ingredient number 8.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice comes from leaves of the aloe plant. Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice is best known for helping to soothe sunburns. It is also anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, antiseptic, and can help heal wounds.
Aloe is packed with good stuff including Vitamins A, C, and E. These vitamins are antioxidants, which help fight free-radicals and the damage they may cause. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice also contains sugars. These sugars come in the form of monosaccharides and polysaccharides, folic acid, and choline. These sugars are able to help bind moisture to skin.
It also contains minerals such as calcium, 12 anthraquinones, fatty acids, amino acids, and Vitamin B12.
Learn more about Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceKiehl's Breakout Control Targeted Acne Spot Treatment contains this as ingredient number 23.
Curology Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.01% Azelaic acid 2% Niacinamide 4%) contains this as ingredient number 4.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Kiehl's Breakout Control Targeted Acne Spot Treatment 26 ingredients
Curology Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.01% Azelaic acid 2% Niacinamide 4%) 14 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Kiehl's Breakout Control Targeted Acne Spot Treatment 26 ingredients
Curology Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.01% Azelaic acid 2% Niacinamide 4%) 14 ingredients
Alternatives
Our Dupe Finder has found 15 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Kiehl's Breakout Control Targeted Acne Spot Treatment.
See 15 alternativesWe haven't detected any alternatives for Curology Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.01% Azelaic acid 2% Niacinamide 4%).
