Product recommendations

May 7 2025 4:08pm • Est. Read Time: 4 MIN

Our dermatology providers have helped to curate this comprehensive list of skincare product recommendations. We’ve included our own products that Curology’s dermatologists have developed and tested, but we’re happy to recommend products from other brands as well!

If you’re interested in any Curology products, we encourage you to add them to your subscription box or purchase them at The Curology Shop (mini and standard sizes available).


Cleanser

It's important that you find a cleanser that doesn't irritate your skin. Here are a few of our favorites:

It's okay to use a different cleanser not mentioned above, as long as it isn't irritating your skin and it doesn’t contain pore-clogging ingredients.

Acne cleansers or scrubs that contain benzoyl peroxide, alpha hydroxy acids (AHA, such as glycolic acid or lactic acid), or a beta hydroxy acid (salicylic acid) are helpful, but they may cause some irritation at first. If your cleanser has one of these ingredients, we recommend switching to a gentle cleanser for 2-3 weeks until your skin has adjusted to your Curology medication.

Here are a few of our favorite cleansers with benzoyl peroxide:

  1. Replenix Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Wash 5%
  2. Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser


Some people prefer to simply rinse their face with water and no cleanser. This is fine, especially for people with sensitive skin — it's not necessary to use a cleanser every time you wash your face.

Avoid cleansing your face with hand soaps (like SoftSoap), body washes, and harsh bar soaps (like Ivory, Dial, and Irish Spring).

For even more info, check out our Cleansers Guide.


Moisturizer

If you are experiencing any dryness or irritation, adding a moisturizer to your routine can be a great way to help soothe your skin. Here are a few that we love:

You can apply moisturizer in the morning and a few minutes before or after you apply your Curology medication in the evening.

If your medication contains tretinoin, we recommend using a moisturizer once or twice daily. If your medication does not contain tretinoin or if you have oily skin, a moisturizer is optional. Check with your licensed dermatology provider for more personalized advice!

For even more info, check out our Moisturizers Guide.


Sunscreen

To keep your skin looking young and healthy, we recommend using a daily sunscreen, moisturizer, or makeup with at least SPF 30.

There are lots of excellent options, and which sunscreen you choose is a matter of personal preference.

Physical sunscreen

By deflecting or blocking the sun's rays, physical sunscreens provide excellent protection. We like:

  1. Curology Everyday Sunscreen SPF 30

  2. Curology Hydro+ Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30

  3. MD SolarSciences Mineral Crème

  4. TIZO3 Facial Primer Sunscreen


Chemical sunscreen

Chemical sunscreens absorb the sun’s rays to protect the skin and provide a cosmetically elegant feel and finish. We like:

  • Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Absorbing Moisturizer SPF 30

  • La Roche Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Oil Free Sunscreen SPF 60

Learn more about the difference between physical and chemical sunscreens (and sunscreens in general) on our blog and by checking out our sunscreen guide.

Sunscreen for skin of color

These sunscreens do not tend to leave a white cast, which can be important when applying to skin of color (the medical term used for skin with more melanin/pigment):

  1. MDSolarSciences Mineral Tinted Creme SPF 30 (light tint)

  2. CoTZ flawless complexion SPF 50

  3. Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc SPF 30 Natural Continuous Spray

  4. Cetaphil Pro Oil Absorbing Moisturizer SPF 30

  5. CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with SPF 30

Moisturizing sunscreen

These sunscreens have a particularly moisturizing base:

  1. Curology Hydro+ Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30

  2. Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Absorbing Moisturizer SPF 30

  3. EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 (untinted)



Body Wash

You may want to use a body wash with active acne-fighting ingredients if you’re looking to help prevent and treat body acne.

Here are some of our favorite products:

  1. Curology Acne Body Wash (contains salicylic acid, tea tree oil, and zinc pyrithione!)

  2. Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash

  3. Dermalogica Clearing Skin Wash

  4. Noble Formula 2% Pyrithione Zinc (ZnP) Argan Oil Bar



Hydrocolloid bandage

For larger inflamed lesions that need to heal, you can cover them with a hydrocolloid bandage overnight (or up to 24 hours) to help draw out pus and oil and speed up healing. It can also help to prevent you from touching and picking at the lesion!

Here are some of our favorite products:

  1. Curology Emergency Spot Patches

  2. Curology Emergency Spot Patch Clusters

  3. Cover-Dot Acne Care Clear Adhesive Dots 

  4. CosRx Acne Pimple Master Patch 

  5. Rael Beauty Miracle Patch Spot Control Cover


Lip balm

To keep your lips feeling healthy and moisturized, we suggest using a lip balm as needed. Here are some of our favorite products:

  1. Curology Lip Balm (five flavors to choose from)

  2. Vaseline (plain petrolatum) can be a good option




Micellar makeup remover

To ensure you're getting all the makeup and dirt off from the day, we suggest using a micellar makeup remover  as the first step in your evening routine. Here are some of our favorite products:

  1. Curology Micellar Makeup Remover

  2. Bioderma Sensibio H20

  3. Micellar water by Garnier 



AHA & BHA

Recommendations 

AHA is an abbreviation for alpha hydroxy acid. The most commonly used AHAs in skincare are glycolic acid and lactic acid. AHAs can help clear dead skin cells, unclog pores, and reduce hyperpigmentation. For more information on AHAs, you can check out our blog post. 

Some good choices for AHA products include:

  • Pixi Glow Tonic 

  • Derma-E Overnight Peel with alpha hydroxy acids 

  • Skinceuticals C + AHA serum

  • Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner

  • First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads

  • Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum

BHA is an abbreviation for beta hydroxy acid. Salicylic acid, a commonly used ingredient in skincare, is a BHA. It can help exfoliate the skin and help prevent and treat clogged pores. For more information on BHAs, check out our blog post!

Some good choices for BHA products include:

  1. Stridex (red box) WipesPads

  2. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash

  3. Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid

  4. Paula's Choice RESIST Advanced Pore-Refining Treatment 4% BHA

Should I use an AHA or BHA product?

If you’re consistently using your Curology medication as directed, there’s generally no need to use any other medicated products. However, if you enjoy using any of these products, it’s generally okay to continue using it with Curology after your skin adjusts to your formula. If your skin feels irritated, we recommend that you temporarily stop using the AHA or BHA product. As your skin adjusts, you may be able to gradually re-introduce the product. Reach out to your licensed dermatology provider for more advice! 

Vegan/cruelty-free recommendations

Cleanser:

Moisturizer:

Sunscreen: