What is the difference between Curology vs. other prescription skincare products?

April 25 2024 5:08pm

Here at Curology, we combine multiple active ingredients in a single prescription formula. This combination of active ingredients is designed to be more effective than prescribing one ingredient on its own. Instead, you get the benefit of all 3 active ingredients to help address your concerns. We also offer formulas with concentrations of certain actives that may not be available through a traditional pharmacy. This personalization helps to reduce the chance of irritation and dryness that many topical prescription products can cause.





Prescription vs. Non-Prescription

The most common non-prescription (over-the-counter) ingredients for acne are benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. These are included in many non-prescription acne treatments, such as Proactiv™, Clean & Clear™, Murad™, Oxy™, and Stridex™. These can be a good place to start, but for some people, they can be irritating or simply not work.


Prescription Acne Treatments

Prescription ingredients (including those found in Curology formulas) require evaluation and treatment by a licensed medical provider. Common examples include tretinoin ( Retin-A™, TriLuma™, Ziana™), adapalene (Differin™, found in Epiduo™), clindamycin (Cleocin™, Benzaclin™), erythromycin (Benzamycin™), azelaic acid (Finacea™, Azelex™), and dapsone (Aczone™).

When used appropriately, prescription treatments can be more effective and less irritating than non-prescription acne treatments.