Curology review for anti-aging, 2022 edition
Written By Jenny Wu on
It’s been more than 6 years since I first raved about my Curology custom formula, and while I don’t talk about it as much, it’s still very much a staple in my routine.
In this post I want to share my updated Curology review, some before and afters, and how to best use your custom prescription to get maximum results with minimum damage.
Table of Contents
What is Curology?
Curology is a subscription based skincare that matches you to a licensed healthcare provider who will create a custom formula to fit your skin care needs. You start with the Curology quiz and some photos of your current skin, and once it’s been reviewed by your healthcare provider they’ll prescribe your Curology formula!
As a subscription, you pay $19.95/month and can choose the following
- A smaller bottle (18g) of the customized cream delivered once a month and pay the $4.95 s&h
- A larger bottle (24g) every two months with free shipping.
I chose the latter to save costs and reduce waste! Curology also provides the following add-ons:
- Cleanser + moisturizer set for $10
- Pimple patches for $2.48
- Acne body wash for $9
- Lip balm for $2.48. Comes in 4 flavors: unflavored, vanilla, mint, and passion fruit! Only available if you choose the large bottle subscription
- Micellar makeup remover for $4, only available if you choose the large bottle subscription
You can add/remove these each month based on your needs, and while I haven’t tried them myself, the prices are reasonable.
Curology offers all the above as part of their free trial. You get a 30-day custom prescription plus any of the above products necessary for just $4.95 shipping & handling!
Curology Active Ingredients
Clindamycin is an antibiotic that is recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology as a treatment for mild to moderate acne. It works by killing the P. acnes bacteria that can get into our pores causing inflammation (ie. acne), but is best used when combined with other anti-blemish ingredients.
Azelaic acid is primarily used for treating acne and rosacea, but studies have shown that it’s also effective against hyperpigmentation, and that using it together with tretinoin can boost its brightening effects!
Tretinoin is a member of the retinoid family and the anti-aging ingredient with a blemish fighting benefits too! It does everything from reducing fine lines to stimulating collagen production to reversing sun damage!
Niacinamde is an extremely well-studied ingredient that’s been proven to show antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, brightening, barrier repair, and collagen boosting effects!
Zinc Pyrithione has antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties that make it a potential ingredient for fighting blemishes. How it works against acne is still unclear but it’s been shown to inhibit the growth of P. acnes bacteria.
Tranexamic acid is a dark spot fighting ingredient that works to inhibit melanin (what gives skin and spots their colors) accumulation and reduce inflammation. A study found that 5% TA was just as effective against dark spots as 3% hydroquinone, an effective but controversial ingredient.
Metronidazole is an FDA-approved antibiotic that is used to treat rosacea by reducing the redness and pimples, thanks to its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antifungal benefits.
Who should use Curology?
The brand began as a custom prescription skincare for acne but has since expanded to include ingredients that would benefit other skin types as well:
- Mature skin types or those looking for prevention against signs of aging.
- Those with rosasea or skin prone to redness.
- Dull skin or those with dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
- And of course acne-prone skin types, with possibly the exception of hormonal acne.
The only skin type I would be hesitant to recommend Curology to would be those with a compromised skin barrier. It’s best to repair your barrier back to health first before working with actives again.
My Current Curology Formula
My goal is reducing/preventing fine lines and fading of dark spots, and this has been my custom mix for the past years:
5% azelaic acid + 0.012% tretinoin + 4% niacinamide
While Niacinamide and Azelaic Acid can be found in many OTC skincare products, Tretinoin is available via prescription only. However thanks to services like Curology, it’s now much more accessible than before!
How to use Curology in your skincare routine
Aka, lessons learned from my experience so far so you don’t have to repeat my mistakes!
1. Adjust your custom formula slowly
This allows your skin to gradually adjust to the stronger formula and decreases the chance of any irritations. Check in with your assigned healthcare provider regularly and get feedback on when you’re ready to increase the prescription strength!
2. Use the sandwich method
If your customized cream features any of the acne-fighting ingredients including Tretinoin, I highly recommend applying it between layers of moisturizer or facial oil, similar to creating a sandwich:
cleanser – toner – serums – moisturizer/facial oil – Curology Tretinoin – moisturizer/facial oil
This helps create a buffer between your skin to minimize any irritations, and the final layer of moisturizer is to prevent any dryness! Once your skin gets used to your formula, you can move it up in your routine.
If you’re still worried about tretinoin and possible skin discomfort, I wrote this for you: How to use retinol without irritations: a beginner’s guide
3. Keep using your custom mix consistently!
It can take MONTHS before you start seeing results, especially if you’re using tretinoin for anti-aging, so don’t give up just after a few weeks! A lot of products come and go in my routine, but Curology has remained one of the few consistencies throughout the years and that’s because it really works!
Products that work well with Curology
🧼 A gentle low-pH cleanser.
My top recommendation will always be the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser for how affordable it is, but I also love the H2O+ Hydration Sensitive Gel Cleanser which might be the most hydrating cleanser I’ve used to date. Or to make it super easy, you can add the Curology cleanser to your subscription.
💦 A hydrating serum
Dryness is a common side effect with tretinoin so humectants like hyaluronic acid will be your best friend. I like the Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Serum, Filorga Hydra-Hyal, or the Holifrog Galilee Antioxidant Dewy Drops. The Holifrog has an incredible blend of ingredients and is the most nourishing of the 3!
🧱 A barrier restoring product
I’ve gotten great result with the Skin Actives Every Lipid Serum (full review here) which contains ceramides, fatty acids, and all sorts of great oils to really nourish my skin. Other options I like are the Activist Skincare Precious Oils Active Infusion and Cerave Skin Renewing Oil, but any nourishing plant oil will work.
🧈 A nourishing + soothing moisturizer.
LOVE the La Roche Posay Cicaplast B5 Baume (reviewed here) which is fantastic for healing redness and irritations. I also like the Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream for its ceramide + fatty acid formula and the Bybi Night Nutrition for how moisturizing it feels. The Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream is soothing but it’s not moisturizing on its own. Again, you can also add the Curology moisturizer to your subscription, which has been specifically made to work with these potent ingredients.
Need more moisturizer recommendations? 38 moisturizers reviewed, and here are the best ones for dry aging skin
☀️ Sunscreen with PA+++/UVA circle
UVA protection is so important, especially if your goal with Curology is antiaging as that’s the ray responsible for fine lines and dark spots! Newsletter subscribers get access to my exclusive sunscreen database, but you can’t go wrong with the La Roche Posay Anthelios or Allie Extra UV Gel N!
Further reading: Dermatologist-tested best sunscreens of 2020 (and my personal picks)
Curology Pros and Cons
➕ A custom formula with prescription only ingredients to target your specific skincare needs.
➕ Access to a licensed healthcare provider to ask any questions or tweak your formula.
➕ Reasonable prices and convenient – no more having decision paralysis over which products to try.
➕ Uses well-researched ingredients at effective % to deliver noticeable long term results.
➖ The Curology quiz isn’t always accurate and the initial formula may be too strong at times.
➖ The formulas might not be effective for hormonal acne.
➖ While Curology products are effective, their skintertainment factor is low to none. So if you’re looking for beautiful packaging, textures, or scent, this isn’t it.
Does Curology Work? My Before and After
The before shots were from 2016 before I started Curology, and the after shots were from August 2020. While it’s hard to see the changes in fine lines, the fading of dark spots is pretty noticeable.
It’s possible that other skincare products contributed to the improvements, but I’ve used similar products in my pre-Curology days and I didn’t notice results then.
Also keep in mind a big part of anti-aging skincare is in prevention, so a lack of overwhelming new aging signs (eg. fine lines or new dark spots) is a good thing! Other than a slight loss of firmness (there’s only so much topical skincare can do), my skin is looks and feels healthier now than it did those 5 years ago!
So don’t feel discouraged if you’re just starting out, because it can’t be worse than my initial experience! Keep it up, and you’ll see results soon enough!
Article Sources
To keep my content accurate and trustworthy, I rely on peer-reviewed studies, articles from reputable academic institutions, and quotes from certified healthcare professionals to back my claims.
Croke, Lisa M. “Acne Vulgaris: Treatment Guidelines from the AAD.” American Family Physician, vol. 95, no. 11, June 2017, pp. 740–41, www.aafp.org/afp/2017/0601/p740.html.
Wohlrab, Johannes, and Daniela Kreft. “Niacinamide – Mechanisms of Action and Its Topical Use in Dermatology.” Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, vol. 27, no. 6, 2014, pp. 311–15, https://doi.org/10.1159/000359974.
Gehring, W. “Nicotinic Acid/Niacinamide and the Skin.” Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, vol. 3, no. 2, Apr. 2004, pp. 88–93, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1473-2130.2004.00115.x
Breathnach AS. “Melanin Hyperpigmentation of Skin: Melasma, Topical Treatment with Azelaic Acid, and Other Therapies.” Cutis, vol. 57, no. 1 Suppl, Cutis, 2011, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8654129/.
Cervantes, Jessica, et al. “The Role of Zinc in the Treatment of Acne: A Review of the Literature.” Dermatologic Therapy, vol. 31, no. 1, Nov. 2017, p. e12576, https://doi.org/10.1111/dth.12576.
Janney, Manasa S., et al. “A Randomized Controlled Study Comparing the Efficacy of Topical 5% Tranexamic Acid Solution versus 3% Hydroquinone Cream in Melasma.” Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, vol. 12, no. 1, Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2019, pp. 63–67, https://doi.org/10.4103/JCAS.JCAS_40_18.
“Metronidazole Topical: MedlinePlus Drug Information.” Medlineplus.gov, Nov. 2021, medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682244.html.
Passionate about science-based skincare. Tested hundreds if not thousands of products since my 20's. Working regularly with brands like iHerb, Ulta, CurrentBody, and MedStar Health to share my knowledge and experience in all things beauty. Learn more.
Skin profile: 35+, dry/combination, focused on well-aging, hydration, and a healthy glow ✨
Comments & Questions
Liz
I've never heard of this company before! That's so cool! I've used Cera Ve in the past and that's a good alternative for sure.
Jenny Wu
Thank you for stopping by Liz! Curology is a great alternative if your health insurance doesn't cover dermatologist visits!
Angelle Marix
Wow, I loved reading this thorough review about this line of products. I personally have the most sensitive skin and constantly looking for the best products for my skin type. I need to look into purchasing this Asap.
xoxo,
Angelle
www.dashingdarlin.com
Jenny Wu
Thank you Angelle! The great thing about Curology is that you'll have a licensed health care provider creating your formula, so you know it'll work well for your skin type :)
Cat L
Hi Jenny, this was such an informative post! I was not familiar with Curology and how the service worked, but I could absolutely see the need and realize that a lot of people could benefit from it. Thank you also for sharing your tips on how to best use these services!
~ Cat L.
www.CatsDailyLiving.com
Jenny Wu
Thank you so much for your comment Cat! It's definitely a great alternative than seeing a dermatologist, which can be expensive if not covered by insurance!
Elisa
curology is such an interesting concept! it's like getting prescription from a dermatologist but without physically going to the dermatologist. there is no such service in indonesia, at least none that i know of so this is the first time i've heard of curology.
your skincare products are such a dream! i've always wanted to try out so many skincare products but they're expensive so i mostly settle for drugstore ones. your skincare regime sounds so complex too! hahaha i only settle with the same products everyday xD
Jenny Wu
I think this is the first of its type in the US, though with everything being digital now, I can see online dermatology really taking off!
I think my skincare routine overall doesn't have too many steps (for an Asian routine at least), but I do switch things up depending on how my skin feels ? For me applying skincare products is super therapeutic, so it's something I'll spend my money on to get the results!
Wendy
I started on curology with the same formula .05 tretinoin, .04 niacinimide, and .04 azaleic acid. This formula was too strong so my provider reduced the treinoin to .012 and left the azaleic acid and niacinimide the same. Is there a reason your derm gave for only adding azaleic acid if tretinoin was at .05?
Jenny Wu
At that time they said that was the lowest tretinoin strength available if I wanted to keep azaleic acid :( I'm glad they've since improved their formula options and allowed a lower dosage!
Melissa
After 6 years are you still only using 0.012% Tret..?
Jenny Wu
It's the % that works best for me so yes, I've stuck with it. I might be able to move to the next %, I might try it in the future!
K-Beauty Notes
Great breakdown on Curology Jenny! I've always been curious about this brand but it's not available where I live.
Ledia | K-Beauty Notes
Jazz
Looking for anti-aging, wrinkles and age spots care