Naturium Vegan Lactic Acid Emulsion 5% Versus Curology Custom Serum (Niacinamide 4%, Clindamycin 1%, Azelaic 4%)
Updated on June 05, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 5 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, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens, silicones 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
Naturium Vegan Lactic Acid Emulsion 5% 20 ingredients
Curology Custom Serum (Niacinamide 4%, Clindamycin 1%, Azelaic 4%) 13 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
Naturium Vegan Lactic Acid Emulsion 5% 20 ingredients
Curology Custom Serum (Niacinamide 4%, Clindamycin 1%, Azelaic 4%) 13 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Glyceryl Stearate Citrate
Emollient
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Bisabolol
Masking
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Evodia Rutaecarpa Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingWater, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, Lactic Acid, Cetyl Alcohol, Glycerin, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Niacinamide, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Bisabolol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Evodia Rutaecarpa Fruit Extract, Propanediol, Tocopherol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hydroxide
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 WaterThis 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 TriglycerideNiacinamide is a multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pores and dark spots, regulates oil, and improves signs of aging.
And the best part? It's gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.
You might have heard of "niacin flush", or the reddening of skin that causes itchiness. Niacinamide has not been found to cause this.
In very rare cases, some individuals may not be able to tolerate niacinamide at all or experience an allergic reaction to it.
If you are experiencing flaking, irritation, and dryness with this ingredient, be sure to double check all your products as this ingredient can be found in all categories of skincare.
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.
When you apply niacinamide to your skin, your body converts it into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is an essential coenzyme that is already found in your cells as "fuel" and powers countless biological processes.
In your skin, NAD helps repair cell damage, produce new healthy cells, support collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, and fight environmental stressors (like UV and pollution).
Our natural NAD levels start to decline with age, leading to slower skin repair, visible aging, and a weaker skin barrier. By providing your skin niacinamide, you're recharging your skin's NAD levels. This leads to stronger, healthier, and younger looking skin.
Another name for vitamin B3 is nicotinamide. This vitamin is water-soluble and our bodies don't store it. We obtain Vitamin B3 from either food or skincare. Meat, fish, wheat, yeast, and leafy greens contain vitamin B3.
The type of niacinamide used in skincare is synthetically created.
Learn more about NiacinamideAloe 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 JuiceTocopheryl 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
Naturium Vegan Lactic Acid Emulsion 5% 20 ingredients
Curology Custom Serum (Niacinamide 4%, Clindamycin 1%, Azelaic 4%) 13 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Naturium Vegan Lactic Acid Emulsion 5% 20 ingredients
I patch tested this on my inner arm, and brown spots began to appear. I wasn't sure if this was the causal factor, so I tested it on my other arm. Same thing. Small brown spots began to appear where I placed the product. I couldn't find anything on line that explained this phenomenon, so I'm presuming it is too strong. If anyone has seen anything like this, please post a comment!
Curology Custom Serum (Niacinamide 4%, Clindamycin 1%, Azelaic 4%) 13 ingredients
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.
Because it has Tret in it.
