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Curology is a skin care company that provides personalized remote treatment and sells customized products online.

A Curology provider works with each customer to create a skin care plan. The company requires customers to sign up for a monthly prescription to purchase products.

This article discusses Curology in more detail, including what the company offers and the advantages and disadvantages. It also lists some alternative treatment options and skin care brands to consider.

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information is purely research-based.

The basic Curology skin care routine includes:

  • Personalized Curology formula: This formula is a lightly moisturizing base layer that in-house dermatologists design to meet each individual’s specific needs. The company recommends applying it in the evening.
  • Cleanser: Free from oil and fragrance, the cleanser uses hydrating plant sugars and soothing oat extract.
  • Moisturizer: Hyaluronic acid is a base ingredient of this product, which is free from fragrances, oils, parabens, and gluten.
  • Rich moisturizer: Along with hyaluronic acid, this product contains shea butter, aloe, and three additional moisturizing ingredients.

Other products include:

  • Curology spot patch: Available only as an add-on to other Curology products, the company claims that these semitransparent emergency stickers draw out pus and oil and promote healing.
  • Acne body wash: This product contains 2% salicylic acid to treat and prevent breakouts. Curology claims that it is safe for all skin types.
  • Dark spot formula: The company says that this formula is for use in the morning when a person should use it alongside sunscreen and in the evening. People can use this product to reduce areas of hyperpigmentation, but they should follow a dermatologist’s instructions carefully because it is important to take breaks from treatment.

Curology makes all of its products in the United States. The company does not test on animals, so all products are vegan.

People can use these products alongside other skin care products. However, they should check on the website or with a dermatologist to ensure that doing so will not cause interactions or irritation.

Curology products use prescription-only acne treatments as active ingredients.

The company markets its products to those with acne-prone skin. It also has products to suit those with blackheads, whiteheads, wrinkles, and occasional breakouts.

The company caters to those who have acne anywhere on their body and offers online access to skin experts to whom they can submit photographs and discuss their skin history. Following this discussion, individuals can receive a personalized formula.

Curology offers a free trial to new customers. However, a person with a free trial still needs to pay $4.95 for shipping.

Once the free trial ends, prices range from $4.95–39.95 per shipment. Some products qualify for free shipping, while others incur the $4.95 shipping cost.

Curology does not accept insurance. However, if a person’s prescription contains oral medication, these are usually covered by most insurance plans. Curology also accepts flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) cards, except for the first initial payment.

Customers start by filling out a questionnaire to describe their skin concerns, general physical health, and current skincare practices. They can also upload photos of their skin.

Curology states that a board certified physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant, licensed to operate in an individual’s home state, reviews their skin health and goals before contacting them. They then recommend a personalized skin care product based on the details a customer provides.

The healthcare professional will stay in contact to check on a person’s progress and answer questions. Care plans and products may change based on the updated information an individual provides.

People must take out a monthly subscription to buy Curology products. The company offers a free 30-day trial, although customers must still pay for shipping. A person will have to opt out of their subscription if they choose not to continue.

Curology has an average customer rating of 4.1 out of a possible 5 stars on Trustpilot.

Positive reviews on Trustpilot frequently mention the effectiveness of the products. Additionally, some comments also mention that, although Curology products cost more than typical skin care products, the cost is lower than seeking in-person dermatology treatment.

Negative reviews mention reactions to these products, with customer complaints noting that some people may experience dryness, discoloration, and mild itching when they first start using Curology. In some cases, their breakouts may initially become more frequent or severe. However, the company offers tips to help people adjust to their new skin care routine.

The company also has a Better Business Bureau (BBB) page. Here, they have a rating of A+, but they lack accreditation. They have closed 28 complaints in the last year.

The typical Curology review is positive. Some benefits and drawbacks that customers mention include:

Pros

  • simple ordering from home
  • online access to Curology providers
  • straightforward skin care routines
  • easier access to prescription-only acne treatments

Cons

  • it is necessary to get a subscription
  • the initial examination of the skin takes place only through photos and an online assessment
  • if a person does not have acne, the company may misdiagnose the cause of their skin symptoms
  • the active ingredients are available at a lower cost elsewhere
  • people cannot use health insurance to pay for Curology products
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Curology notes that hydroquinone, an active ingredient in its dark spot formula, can cause halo spots around areas of use or lead to darkening or staining of the skin.

Although rare, more serious side effects are possible, such as Cushing’s syndrome, hyperglycemia, and eye problems. People should report all unusual reactions to their providers and stop using the products immediately.

Anyone with concerns should speak with a doctor or dermatologist before starting a new skin care regimen.

Before signing up for Curology, a person may consider reviewing advice from experts and consider other options.

The American Academy of Dermatology Association maintains that almost every person with acne can get successful treatment. It says that including the following self-care practices can help clear up breakouts:

  • using gentle, alcohol-free products on the skin
  • washing the face twice a day, using the hands and a gentle cleanser
  • refraining from popping pimples or scrubbing the skin and avoiding touching the face during the day
  • rinsing with lukewarm water rather than hot water
  • avoiding tanning beds and protecting the skin from the sun

Learn more about how to treat and prevent acne here.

The following practices can help prevent premature skin aging:

  • limiting exposure to the sun
  • using sunscreen and moisturizer every day
  • stopping smoking and limiting exposure to secondhand smoke
  • moderating alcohol consumption
  • eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly
  • avoiding the use of products that irritate the skin or make it burn or sting

People wishing to compare other online skin care companies with Curology can consider:

Formulyst

This company asks prospective purchasers to complete an online assessment to determine the appropriate formula for their skin care. It allows people to save money by purchasing a bundle of products but only sells anti-aging products.

Atolla

This company also offers personalized skin care online, which it provides through at-home assessments, virtual calls with experts, and the ability to tweak products over time. The core products include cleansers, serums, and moisturizers, which the company can formulate to address a range of skin issues.

Below we answer some common questions relating to Curology.

Is Curology really worth it?

Curology has a good customer rating on Trustpilot. There are also a wide array of reviews that award the company five stars and state the effectiveness of the product.

Should I avoid other products while using Curology?

The company states that dryness or irritation may occur if a person uses other products such as physical exfoliators in conjunction with Curology products.

The brand also advises avoiding alternative products that contain the following ingredients:

What are Curology consultation credits?

Consultation credits work like a points system. Every time a person orders a shipment, they earn one credit. This credit allows a person to have a one-on-one conversation with a healthcare professional.

Curology is an online skin care platform that offers customers online assessment and virtual consultation with its providers. The providers then develop a personalized formula to suit each individual’s needs and offer ongoing support. The products are only available through a monthly subscription.

Anyone who has concerns about their skin health or is considering a course of treatment should speak with a doctor or dermatologist.