Versus

Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2% Versus Curology Custom Serum (Niacinamide 4%, Clindamycin 1%, Azelaic 4%)

Serum
Prescription
American Brand United States
American Brand United States

Updated on June 05, 2024

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 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 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

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

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

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
Smoothing

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
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

470 Routines
48% use in am
52% use in pm
94% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
63 Routines
13% use in am
87% use in pm
97% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2% 16 ingredients

3.5 /5
from 2 ratings
Absorbs Well (2) Light (2) Great Value (1)
MichelleR's avatar

MichelleR

1 year ago
Review

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!

#great value
#light
#absorbs well
#no scent
seandupont1's avatar

Noner Seaner

9 months ago
Review

It has helped my skins redness go way down after a couple uses. But after a while my redness and acne kind of came back worse..

#expensive
#hydrating
#light
#absorbs well

Curology Custom Serum (Niacinamide 4%, Clindamycin 1%, Azelaic 4%) 13 ingredients

5.0 /5
from 2 ratings
USAFGal09's avatar

USAFGal09

2 years ago
Review

HOLY GRAIL PRODUCT
The title says it all; this is the one skincare product that I can 110% tell you has made a difference in my skin. I started using it in 2012 and every time I've stopped, I notice the difference. And yes, the difference is visual! I love that it's tailored to you makes it worth the money.