Medical disclaimer: This page is informational only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a board-certified dermatologist before starting any active ingredient.
Prescription note: Prescription actives (tretinoin, azelaic acid at Rx concentrations) are only available through licensed healthcare providers. This review covers a telehealth platform that connects patients with licensed providers — it does not prescribe medications directly.
Reviewer status: Pending board-certified dermatologist review. Content reviewed for factual accuracy by editorial staff only.
Telehealth Review
Curology Review 2026
Curology is a telehealth platform that connects patients with licensed dermatology providers who prescribe custom tretinoin-based formulas. The formula is compounded and shipped monthly. For people who want prescription-strength retinoids without an in-person dermatologist appointment, it is one of the most streamlined options available.
Quick Verdict
Best for Custom Tretinoin via Telehealth: Curology
Curology gives you prescription-strength tretinoin in a custom formula reviewed by a licensed provider, so the concentration and supporting actives are matched to your specific skin type and concerns, so you avoid the trial-and-error of OTC retinoids while accessing the strongest evidence-backed retinoid available.
Licensed NP/PA/MD providers. Compounded pharmacy. Custom tretinoin formula. Starting ~$29.95/mo.
Tretinoin is contraindicated during pregnancy. Do not start Curology if pregnant or planning pregnancy. Consult your OB-GYN first.
How the Consultation Works
Skin concerns, history of allergies, medications, sensitivities. 5-10 minutes.
Front face, side profile, and close-ups of areas of concern. Provider uses these to assess skin type and severity.
A licensed NP, PA, or MD reviews your case and prescribes a custom formula. Typical turnaround: 24-72 hours.
A licensed compound pharmacy prepares your formula to the prescribed concentrations and ships it directly to you.
Message your provider as your skin adjusts. Formula can be adjusted based on tolerance and response.
What Curology Formulas Typically Contain
Curology formulas are custom-compounded, so no two are identical. Common base formulas include combinations of:
Tretinoin 0.025-0.1%
Core retinoid; concentration set by provider
Niacinamide 4-8%
Anti-inflammatory, barrier support, hyperpigmentation
Zinc pyrithione or zinc PCA
Sebum control, anti-inflammatory
Azelaic acid 5-15%
Rosacea, PIH, antimicrobial
Clindamycin 1%
Antibiotic for inflammatory acne (by Rx only)
Tranexamic acid
Hyperpigmentation, added in some formulas
Your actual formula will be determined by your licensed provider. The above are examples of ingredients that commonly appear in compounded telehealth formulas.
Who Curology Is Right For
Curology is right for you if: you have mild to moderate acne, hyperpigmentation, or early photoaging and want a prescription-strength retinoid; you do not have easy access to a dermatologist or prefer not to visit in person; and you are committed to a consistent daily routine (tretinoin requires daily use for at least 12 weeks to show results).
Curology is not right for you if: you have severe acne (nodular or cystic) that may require oral medications; you are pregnant or breastfeeding (tretinoin is contraindicated); or you have active rosacea, eczema, or other dermatological conditions that need in-person evaluation.
Talk to your dermatologist or primary care physician if you are unsure whether telehealth skincare is appropriate for your skin condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Curology work?
Curology is a telehealth skincare platform. You complete a questionnaire about your skin concerns, upload photos, and a licensed provider (NP, PA, or MD) reviews your case and prescribes a custom formula. The formula is compounded by a licensed pharmacy and shipped directly to you. Typical formulas contain tretinoin (0.025-0.1%) combined with supporting actives like niacinamide, zinc, azelaic acid, or clindamycin depending on your skin profile.
Does Curology use real tretinoin?
Yes. Curology uses prescription-strength tretinoin, the same active as Retin-A and other FDA-approved tretinoin formulations. The concentration is set by the licensed provider based on your skin type and concerns. Formulas are compounded by a licensed pharmacy, which means the active concentrations are customizable — often different from the fixed-dose Retin-A options available at a pharmacy.
What does Curology cost per month?
Curology's base subscription starts at approximately $29.95-$39.95 per month including the custom formula and provider consultation access. The price varies based on your selected plan and any add-on products. This is often comparable to or lower than an out-of-pocket dermatologist visit plus a pharmacy prescription, especially for patients without dermatology insurance coverage.
What skin concerns does Curology treat?
Curology treats acne (mild to moderate), hyperpigmentation, and anti-aging (photoaging, fine lines). The platform does not treat severe inflammatory acne, nodular acne, or conditions requiring systemic medications. For severe acne, an in-person dermatologist is the appropriate provider.
Is Curology available in all states?
Curology is available in most US states. Some states have restrictions on telehealth prescribing. Check the Curology website for current state availability during the sign-up process.