The Agency Future Formula Versus hers Anti-Aging Rx Cream
Updated on March 19, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe prescription. They have a total of 6 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain niacinamide and retinoid
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 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
The Agency Future Formula 13 ingredients
hers Anti-Aging Rx Cream 28 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
The Agency Future Formula 13 ingredients
hers Anti-Aging Rx Cream 28 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Tretinoin
Skin Conditioning
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Azelaic Acid
Buffering
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Ceteareth-20
Cleansing
Candelilla Wax Esters
Dimethicone
Emollient
Methyl Alcohol
Solvent
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Stearate
Emollient
2-Hydroxyethyl Acrylate
Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate
Lecithin
Emollient
Octyldodecanol
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Poloxamer 407
EmulsifyingPolyethylene
Abrasive
Distearyl Ether
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Bentonite
Absorbent
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSorbitol
Humectant
Squalene
Emollient
Stearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Tretinoin, Niacinamide, Azelaic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Candelilla Wax Esters, Dimethicone, Methyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, 2-Hydroxyethyl Acrylate, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Lecithin, Octyldodecanol, PEG-100 Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Poloxamer 407, Polyethylene, Distearyl Ether, Polysorbate 60, Propylene Glycol, Bentonite, Water, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Sorbitol, Squalene, Stearyl Alcohol
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 naturally occurring acid derived from grains. This ingredient is effective in treating acne, rosacea, and other skin conditions.
It has been shown to reduce the growth of acne-causing bacteria and helps reduce inflammation. On top of that, it helps reduce the production of sebum and unclog pores.
Azelaic Acid also has antioxidant properties. Antioxidants protect our skin cells from free-radical damage.
One of the main benefits of azelaic acid is that it is gentle and well-tolerated by most people.
Fun fact: The lab-created form of azelaic acid is typically used within cosmetic products for its shelf-stability.
Learn more about Azelaic AcidThis 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 NiacinamidePhenoxyethanol 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.
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 WaterTretinoin 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 TretinoinIngredient Ratings
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When to use
The Agency Future Formula 13 ingredients
hers Anti-Aging Rx Cream 28 ingredients
Reviews
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