Versus

Retin-A (Tretinoin) Retin-A 0.025% (Tretinoin) Versus Curology Custom Formula Tretinoin 0.01% Clindamycin 1% Azelaic Acid 4%

Prescription
Prescription
South African Brand South Africa
American Brand United States

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe prescription. They have a total of 3 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain retinoid

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, brightening skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture

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 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

Concerns

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

Tretinoin is the best retinoid due to its proven skin benefits. It only available with a prescription in many countries.

All 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 Tretinoin
BHT
Antioxidant, Masking

BHT is a synthetic antioxidant and preservative.

As an antioxidant, it helps your body fight off free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.

As a preservative, it is used to stabilize products and prevent them from degrading. Specifically, BHT prevents degradation from oxidation.

The concerns related to BHT come from oral studies; this ingredient is currently allowed for use by both the FDA and EU.

However, it was recently restricted for use in the UK as of April 2024.

Learn more about BHT
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

When to use

1,098 Routines
3% use in am
97% use in pm
69% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
71 Routines
6% use in am
94% use in pm
80% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Retin-A (Tretinoin) Retin-A 0.025% (Tretinoin) 9 ingredients

4.0 /5
from 3 ratings
Drying (1) Great Value (1) Strong Scent (1)

Curology Custom Formula Tretinoin 0.01% Clindamycin 1% Azelaic Acid 4% 13 ingredients

5.0 /5
from 1 rating
sandraGarcia_117's avatar

sandraGarcia_117

1 year ago
Review

I’ve tried this product and I loved it but is too expensive