Custom skincare routines: how your Curology plan fits in

A little Curology History

Curology was founded in 2014 by Dr. David Lortscher, a board-certified dermatologist. At his practice in New Mexico, David saw the need to make prescription skincare for acne more accessible. By teaming up with his mom, Nancy Satur (a fellow dermatologist), and his brother, Glenn (a computer wiz), they created Curology’s custom approach to skincare.

How does Curology work?

Curology connects you with an in-house medical provider trained in dermatology and licensed to practice in your state. Your provider reviews your photos and medical history, and if Curology is a fit, they prescribe a personalized formula built around your specific skin, body, or hair concerns. That same provider stays with you. As your skin changes, your formula can change too. 

Beyond your prescription, Curology also makes a full line of skincare products so you can build your routine with products that are designed to work together, so you can get a complete skincare routine sent straight to your door.

Curology at a glance

• Take a few  selfies and complete the brief  quiz

• Get matched with a licensed dermatology provider

• Your provider prescribes your personalized formula, if appropriate

• We ship your skincare box directly to you

• Message your provider with questions, if something changes, or if you need help with your routine, any time. 

Your Curology prescription formulas

Curology offers a small family of prescription formulas, each designed for a different job. Your provider picks clinically proven active ingredients for your formula based on your goals and can help you treat acne, hyperpigmentation/dark spots, rosacea, and help reduce signs of aging such as fine lines.

Custom Formulaᴿˣ — daily acne clearing treatment

The Custom Formulaᴿˣ is the flagship: a personalized nighttime treatment with up to 3 clinically proven active ingredients chosen by your provider. It targets acne with combinations of ingredients that aren’t available over the counter. It can also be formulated for dark spots, texture, rosacea, and more. In Curology’s clinical study, 90.5% of patients saw improvement in their acne by week 3, and 95% saw improvement by week 12. 

Results may vary. In a clinical trial of 150 Curology patients. Self-reported.

HydroTretᴿˣ — hydrating tretinoin formula

HydroTretᴿˣ is designed to be Curology’s most hydrating prescription anti-aging formula and the one to consider if dryness or sensitivity has kept you from using tretinoin before. It pairs tretinoin with dexpanthenol (proVitamin B5) to help reinforce your skin barrier while you treat texture, fine lines, and tone. It’s designed for all skin types—including dry and sensitive—and was named Vogue’s Best Tretinoin for Sensitive Skin. A tretinoin-free version is also available if that’s a better fit.

DayPrimeᴿˣ — daytime acne treatment + blurring primer

DayPrimeᴿˣ is the first-ever prescription acne treatment and blurring primer in one. The prescription actives go to work on acne, dark spots, redness, or texture with up to 3 personalized clinically proven active ingredients, while the primer instantly blurs the look of pores, smooths texture, and holds makeup in place for up to 12 hours.* It’s designed for daytime, layers under sunscreen and makeup without pilling, and pairs naturally with a nighttime Custom Formulaᴿˣ or HydroTretᴿˣ for round-the-clock treatment. It was named Cosmopolitan’s 2025 Acne Award winner.

*Based on an Independent instrumental study with 30 volunteers using the DayPrimeRx base

Body Cleanseᴿˣ — in-shower body acne treatment

Body Cleanseᴿˣ is the first prescription in-shower treatment for body acne. Body Cleanseᴿˣ is formulated with 3 clinically proven prescription active ingredients in a soothing base of glycerin and oat extract—designed to be more effective at clearing and preventing body acne than off-the-shelf body washes, while gentle enough for daily use, including on sensitive skin.

What ingredients might be in your formula?

Your provider selects ingredients and ingredient strengths based on your specific goals and unique needs. Common ingredients include? 

• Clindamycin

• Azelaic acid

• Tretinoin

• Niacinamide

• Zinc pyrithione

• Tranexamic acid

• Metronidazole

• Dexpanthenol

• Ivermectin

• Spironolactone

How to use your Curology formula

So, your new personalized prescription formula has just arrived, but how do you get started using it? Simple!

Curology’s nighttime formulas like Custom FormulaRx and HydrotretRx, are designed to work while you sleep. It’s important to follow your licensed dermatology provider’s instructions, however in general, each evening, after cleansing, apply a thin layer of your formula to your face (and neck, if applicable) with your fingertips. Use just enough product to cover the area to be treated. Rub it into your skin gently. 

With daytime formulas (like our blurring DayPrimeRx), you apply in the morning after cleansing, apply moisturizer and spf for sun protection before the rest of your morning routine. 

Your personalized formula is made with a lightly moisturizing base,but your skin type and the active ingredients in your formula matter. If your formula includes tretinoin, we generally recommend using moisturizer once or twice a day.

Your provider may have you start every other night to ease your skin in. If you do experience any redness or irritation from your new formula, be sure to reach out to your medical provider, they can offer tips or make adjustments as needed.

More Curology products to round out your routine

Curology’s product lineup is designed so your cleanser, moisturizer, SPF and other treatments work together with your prescription, not against it. All Curology products are dermatologist-tested, non-comedogenic, non-acnegenic, dye-free, paraben-free, and cruelty free (Leaping Bunny certified!) 

Gentle Cleanser

The Gentle Cleanser is what most people start with. It washes away dirt and excess oil without stripping skin or clogging pores, with a lightly foaming gel texture that’s especially well-suited to sensitive skin. The formula uses glycerin to help skin hold onto moisture and oat extract to help calm and soothe—which matters when you’re also using actives.

Moisturizers

The right moisturizer depends on what your skin is telling you (and your personal preference!). Curology makes two so you can match the texture to your skin and your season.

For lightweight, everyday hydration: the Gel Moisturizer gives skin a quick boost of hydration with a lightweight, buildable formula that works into your routine without feeling heavy. Good if your skin is oily, combo, or acne-prone, or if you’re also layering with other products. Also known as The Moisturizer.

For richer hydration and barrier support: the Cream Moisturizer is powered by 6 super-ingredients—including hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and squalane—to deliver a rich boost of hydration and help restore your skin barrier, without clogging pores. Good fit if your skin tends to be dry, if you’re working through tretinoin dryness, or if winter has done a number on your skin. Also known as The Rich Moisturizer.

Daily Moisturizing Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Daily SPF is the single most important step in any dark spot or anti-aging routine—and arguably in any acne routine too, since post-acne marks darken with sun exposure. The Daily Moisturizing Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 30 is acne-friendly: lightweight, non-pore-clogging, formulated with zinc PCA and niacinamide to help control excess oil, plus ceramides and glycerin for hydration. Designed to blend invisibly into all skin tones with no white cast.*

*Sunscreen can’t prevent all UV harm. Pair it with shade, a hat, and sunglasses—especially if you’re using tretinoin or other actives that can increase photosensitivity.

Targeted serums

Brightening Vitamin C Serum. The Brightening Vitamin C Serum is a 10% vitamin C serum with azelaic acid, designed as a daily morning reset. The lightweight, milky formula absorbs fast and is non-pilling under makeup. Vitamin C helps protect skin against environmental pollutants and UV damage, while azelaic acid visibly smooths texture and calms redness to reveal a brighter, more even-looking complexion.

Dark Spot Serum. The Dark Spot Serum is a gentle, fast-absorbing, milky serum that helps visibly fade discoloration, stubborn dark spots, and post-acne marks. It’s built around niacinamide plus Curology’s Discoloration Fading Complex—glycolic acid, tranexamic acid, kojic acid, and licorice root extract—which work together to tackle the appearance of discoloration at every stage, from soothing inflammation to visibly brightening uneven tone. 

Hydration Serum. The Hydration Serum is built for layering. Designed to deliver deep hydration and support your skin barrier, it can be especially helpful if your skin is feeling dry from active ingredients like tretinoin. Apply under your moisturizer in the morning, evening, or both.

Acne Body Wash

The Acne Body Wash is the over-the-counter option for body breakouts. Formulated with 2% salicylic acid to exfoliate, help clear excess oil, and help prevent breakouts on the back, chest, and shoulders. Designed to be gentle enough for daily use, even on sensitive skin. If body breakouts aren’t responding to OTC options, Body Cleanseᴿˣ (above) is the prescription step up—worth discussing with your medical provider.

Emergency Spot Patch

The Emergency Spot Patch is a hydrocolloid patch that helps visibly improve the look of surprise blemishes. It’s thin enough to wear under makeup. Your prescription formula is the long-game treatment; spot patches are the in-the-moment cover. Apply to clean, dry skin and leave on for 6–12 hours, then peel off and repeat if needed.

The Lip Balm

The Lip Balm is a nourishing, one-handed-applicator balm with a plant-based blend of butters and oils to help moisturize lips. 

Skincare routine order: How to layer your Curology products

Start with the basic three-step framework 

• Step 1: Cleanse 

• Step 2: Treat with your personalized prescription formula

• Step 3: Moisturize, finish with SPF every morning

Even if your skincare routine has more than three steps, the “3-step routine” can help you remember how to order your skincare products. Always start with products that clean and prep your skin for your treatment and end with products that hydrate and reinforce your skin’s moisture barrier. 

If you have additional toners, serums, or face oils, we recommend applying your products in order of consistency, starting from thinnest to thickest.

Not sure how much of each of your skincare products to use? Check out our handy guide below [image to keep].

How long does Curology take to start working?

Realistic expectations help. Skin doesn’t turn over overnight—literally. The cell turnover cycle is roughly 28 days, and active ingredients like tretinoin take time to do their work.

Some Curology members start to see acne improvement in the first few weeks. In Curology’s clinical study, 63% of patients saw glowing skin and 70% saw softer, smoother skin in just 3 weeks.* Others may not see meaningful change for 6–8 weeks. You may also see temporary worsening—dryness, mild irritation, or skin purging—as your skin adjusts.

Other concerns have longer timelines. Hyperpigmentation, post-inflammatory marks, and melasma can take 6 months or longer. Everyone’s skin is different. The fastest path to results is consistency plus communicating with your provider when something’s not working.

* Results may vary. In a clinical trial of 150 Curology patients. Self-reported.

How to get started with Curology

There’s no in-person visit required. Take the skin quiz, upload a few selfies, and a licensed dermatology provider reviews your skin and history. If Curology is right for you, your provider prescribes your personalized formula with active ingredients to target your concerns—whether that’s for acne, dark spots, skin texture, fine lines, or some combination. You’ll also get recommendations for the rest of your routine, drawn from Curology’s product line.

Start your consultation.**

FAQs

What products or ingredients should I avoid in my first few weeks of using Curology?

Your skin might tolerate these just fine, but using them in combination with your new Curology cream can cause dryness and irritation.

• AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids, such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, etc.)

• BHA (beta hydroxy acid aka salicylic acid)

• Vitamin C

• Retinol

• Physical exfoliators (face scrubs, Clarisonic brushes, etc)

• Benzoyl peroxide

When should I use a spot patch?

When you need support for surprise blemishes, apply the Emergency Spot Patch by Curology—a hydrocolloid patch that improves the appearance of blemishes. Just remember to apply it before your Curology cream.

How to use our spot patch:

• Cleanse and dry the area

• Apply patch to the problem spot

• Wait 6-12 hours, then peel off

• Repeat as needed

Can I use a toner with my Curology routine?

A toner is not necessary, and we generally suggest avoiding astringent toners with alcohol in them. Another option is to use micellar water. Micellar waters gently cleanse and remove makeup in one step. They can also leave the skin feeling fresh and hydrated—what a plus!

Can I use serums with my Curology formula?

You can use serums while you’re first starting with Curology as long as they don’t contain potentially irritating ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). These can be added back in once your skin adjusts. Reach out to your dermatology provider for personalized guidance.

Our Dark Spot Serum can be a great addition to your skincare routine. In general, we recommend you temporarily stop using this serum when starting a Curology prescription. That way, you’ll help avoid potential irritation. You can gradually reintroduce the serum back into your routine in a few weeks, after your skin fully adjusts to your personalized prescription formula. Remember, it is always best to get personalized advice from your dermatology provider.

Can I use face masks with my Custom Formula?

You can use a mask as long as it doesn’t contain strong exfoliants or other potentially irritating ingredients.

How do I check a product for potentially pore-clogging ingredients?

You can check the acne-causing potential of the products you use by making sure it doesn’t contain the potentially pore-clogging ingredients mentioned here. Sound like a lot of work? You can always check our quick lists of recommended cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreens as a starting point, or reach out to your licensed dermatology provider for personalized guidance.

Can I use witch hazel with Curology products?

Witch hazel can be used with Curology, as long as the product is alcohol-free! However, if your skin is sensitive, witch hazel may be irritating . It’s often used to soothe minor skin irritations, itching, and dryness because of its anti-inflammatory properties.¹

If you’re not using pure witch hazel but a product that contains it, make sure it won’t clog your pores by checking it for any of the potentially pore-clogging ingredients.

Can I use tea tree oil with my skin routine?

Tea tree oil can help treat acne because of its anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties.² But 100% tea tree oil solution is very irritating to the skin, so make sure to dilute tea tree oil before you use it!

For spot treatment, dilute one part tea tree oil with three parts carrier oil of your choice, such as sunflower, castor, jojoba, or hemp oil (not coconut oil!).

How do you use Curology as a spot treatment?

Curology makes emergency spot patches and spot patch clusters to help with those sudden spots. These semi-transparent hydrocolloid spot patches help mask the appearance of problem spots.

Can you use Curology to treat acne?

Yes! Acne is one of Curology’s specialties. Our Custom Formulaᴿˣ for acne can be customized by your dermatology provider with up to 3 active ingredients to target acne. This includes clinically proven ingredients like tretinoin, azelaic acid, clindamycin, and more. And your formula can evolve with you over time as you move towards your skincare goals.

Can you use Curology to treat Melasma?

Curology's personalized formulas are designed to be an effective treatment for dark spots, but they may or may not make a noticeable difference in melasma specifically. Melasma is typically driven by a mix of hormones, sun exposure, and genetics, with pigment that often sits deeper in the skin, making it more stubborn than surface-level dark spots like post-acne marks. Your Curology provider can build a formula using prescription ingredients dermatologists often turn to for pigmentation concerns, such as tretinoin, azelaic acid, niacinamide, or tranexamic acid. Results vary from person to person, and because hormonal and UV triggers don't go away on their own, melasma typically requires ongoing maintenance. Daily broad-spectrum SPF 30+ (ideally a tinted mineral sunscreen with iron oxides to help block visible light) is essential, and for severe or persistent cases, your provider may recommend seeing an in-person dermatologist for additional options.

What is the shelf life of Curology?

All skincare products expire eventually, whether they’re prescription or over-the-counter. Your prescription Curology formula has an expiration date listed on the package. Curology’s other products generally have a shelf life of about 2 years. Most skincare products won’t last long enough to worry about expiration dates if you’re using them consistently.

How often can you use Curology?

Your personalized prescription formula should typically be applied in the evening, as directed by your licensed dermatology provider. Most Curology formulas are used every night, but in certain cases, your provider may have you start at a slower pace. Curology cleansers and moisturizers can be used both mornings and evenings in your skincare routine.

P.S. We did the homework so you don’t have to:

• Piazza, S., et al. Unveiling the Ability of Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana L.) Bark Extract to Impair Keratinocyte Inflammatory Cascade Typical of Atopic Eczema. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. (August 2022).

• Carson, C. F., et al. Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) oil: a Review of Antimicrobial and Other Medicinal Properties. Clinical Microbiology Reviews. (January 2006).

**Cancel anytime. Subject to consultation. Results may vary. Restrictions apply. See website for full details and important safety information.

• • •

Our medical review process: We’re here to tell you what we know. That’s why our information is evidence-based and fact-checked by medical experts. Still, everyone’s skin is unique—the best way to get advice is to talk to your healthcare provider.

Our policy on product links: Empowering you with knowledge is our top priority. Our reviews of other brands’ products in this post are not paid endorsements—but they do meet our medically fact-checked standards for ingredients (at the time of publication).

Written by

Curology Team

Medically reviewed by

Elise Bradley, PA-C