Which tretinoin is right for you, according to Vogue?

Tretinoin is considered the gold standard ingredient in prescription skin care for acne and aging concerns. It’s a dermatologist-trusted multitasker to help treat acne, fine lines, dark spots, and more! 

In a recent article on the best tretinoin creams, Vogue featured two Curology formulas:

• Custom Formula Rx was named Best Overall Tretinoin Cream

• HydroTret Rx was named Best Tretinoin for Sensitive Skin

If you’re curious if tretinoin may be right for you, keep reading!

What are the benefits of tretinoin? 

Tretinoin is one of the most effective and well-researched topical retinoids. It promotes cellular turnover and growth, helping to prevent clogged pores and improving the skin’s overall appearance. It has been proven to help deliver the following skin benefits: 

• Treats acne 

• Reduces fine lines

• Evens out skin tone

• Improves skin texture and elasticity

• Improves the appearance of dark spots

• Boosts collagen production

• Helps prevent new breakouts

• Treats photoaging (premature skin aging due to exposure to UV rays)

Why use prescription tretinoin over an off-the-shelf retinol? 

Tretinoin is considered to be more powerful than retinol - potentially up to 20x as strong!

What makes tretinoin from Curology so special? 

Curology offers lower strengths of tretinoin than are typically available at a brick-and-mortar pharmacy to provide a gentler starting point for patients. 

Instead of making big leaps in tretinoin concentration, providers can “micro-jump” tretinoin strengths. These small, controlled increases are designed to help patients build tolerance gradually, and to help minimize redness, dryness, and peeling while still progressing toward results.

Curology offers two prescription products that can contain tretinoin, customized for your unique skin goals by a licensed dermatology provider, Custom Formula Rx and HydroTret Rx

Best Overall: Curology Custom Formula Rx

Why Vogue says Custom Formula Rx is worth it: “A pioneer in telemedicine, Curology was the first to pair customers with a dermatology-trained provider, who assesses photos and learns about your skin during an online consultation before creating a personalized formula. The company is hands-on, with providers checking in through a chat and tweaking your formula (if needed) based on your feedback and results.” 

Why we love Custom Formula Rx: This formula targets multiple causes of acne at once with a blend of 3 customized active ingredients – and 90.5% of patients saw an improvement in their acne at 3 weeks!* 

*Results may vary. In a clinical trial of 150 Curology patients after 3 weeks. Self-reported. 

Best for Sensitive Skin: Curology HydroTret Rx

Why Vogue says HydroTret Rx is worth it:“Tretinoin isn’t known to be hydrating—at all—but titular “Hydro” in this particular formula speaks to the addition of dexpanthenol, or provitamin B5. It fortifies the skin barrier, thus offsetting some of the drying effects of tretinoin, minimizing potential irritation, and keeping skin properly hydrated—making it more tolerable to those with dry or reactive skin.” 

Why we love it: This formula helps you get the benefits of tretinoin while supporting your moisture barrier! It’s dermatologist-designed with sensitive skin in mind.

If I want to try tretinoin, where should I start? 

Our medical providers can customize a tretinoin formula with 2 additional active ingredients, such as azelaic acid and dexpanthenol, to target a range of skin concerns. Many of our patients say that having a provider’s support through their tretinoin journey helps alleviate some of their fear around potential purging and irritation. One patient even said to their provider: 

“I feel so much more confident in myself with my skin’s improvement and I have just been so much happier in general thanks to your work and what you do.” - Madisen

If you choose to sign up for Curology, our dermatology providers can personalize a treatment plan for your unique skin goals.* 

If you’re an existing Curology patient, remember that you can message your provider anytime to chat about adjusting the tretinoin strength in your formula, or adding tretinoin to your formula, to meet your skin goals! 

*Subject to medical consultation. Restrictions apply.

Written by

Curology Team

Medically reviewed by

Elise Griffin, PA-C