The Agency Dark Spot FormulaRX Versus Curology Custom Formula Tretinoin 0.018%, Clindamycin 1%, Azelaic Acid 8%
Updated on July 23, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe prescription. They have a total of 4 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain 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, 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
The Agency Dark Spot FormulaRX 25 ingredients
Curology Custom Formula Tretinoin 0.018%, Clindamycin 1%, Azelaic Acid 8% 13 ingredients
What's inside
What's inside
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
The Agency Dark Spot FormulaRX 25 ingredients
Curology Custom Formula Tretinoin 0.018%, Clindamycin 1%, Azelaic Acid 8% 13 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Hydroquinone 4%
Stabilising
Kojic Acid 4%
Antioxidant
Azelaic Acid 3%
Buffering
Resveratrol
Antioxidant
Water
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Isohexadecane
EmollientIsododecane
EmollientC13-15 Alkane
SolventGlyceryl Stearate
Emollient
PEG-75 Stearate
Polyacrylate-13
Polyisobutene
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Polyurethane-39
Stearyl Behenate
Emollient
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Sodium Bisulfite
Antioxidant
Benzoic Acid 0.09%
Masking
Sorbic Acid 0.09%
Preservative
BHT
Antioxidant
Propanediol
Solvent
Hydroquinone 4%, Kojic Acid 4%, Azelaic Acid 3%, Resveratrol, Water, 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, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Bisulfite, Benzoic Acid 0.09%, Sorbic Acid 0.09%, BHT, Propanediol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Azelaic acid is a multitasker ingredient that helps treat acne, pigmentation, and irritation. It is a great option for sensitive skin.
What makes azelaic special?
The best thing about azelaic acid is it's gentleness. It's generally well-tolerated and safe to use alongside other actives like niacinamide or salicylic acid.
Unlike AHAs, azelaic acid will not make you photosensitive/sun sensitive.
You can find this ingredient naturally occurring in grains like wheat, rye, and barley. In cosmetics, azelaic acid is typically lab-made, which is more stable and effective.
Learn more about Azelaic AcidBHT 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 BHTTocopheryl 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 AcetateWater. 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 WaterIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
The Agency Dark Spot FormulaRX 25 ingredients
Curology Custom Formula Tretinoin 0.018%, Clindamycin 1%, Azelaic Acid 8% 13 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
