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

> Our patients love Curology because it's convenient, customized, and powerful. Each bottle contains  multiple active ingredients  that are only available with...

Source: https://support.curology.com/en_us/curology-vs.-other-prescription-skincare-products-SykqX2_nd

Last updated: 2024-04-25T17:08:15.344Z

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.

  

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### 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.

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### 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™](https://support.curology.com/en_us/retin-atm-BytOQnd3O), 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.