Medically reviewed by: 
Ro is a popular direct-to-consumer (DTC) healthcare technology company that bills itself as “digital healthcare designed to help you feel your best”. Ro now offers Ro Derm – personalized, prescription skincare with a centralized, gender-neutral destination for telehealth-appropriate diagnoses, treatments, and other offerings including follow-ups, education, and community.
In this article, we’ll focus the microscope on Ro’s new skincare products, taking a look at how their skincare treatments work, what skin conditions they help, and how Ro Derm stacks up to other skincare competitors.
Is Ro Derm the same as Roman or Rory?
You may have heard of Rory (a digital health clinic for women) or Roman (the digital health clinic for men), two brands that have historically incorporated skincare into their respective offerings. Ro Derm is combining the brands to form this single gender-agnostic brand, offering the best of all worlds.
While Ro Derm is initially launched, skincare offerings through Roman and Rory will still be available, but eventually, all skincare offerings will only be available through Ro Derm. Treatments for other dermatological conditions that are currently available through Roman and Rory (eyelash growth, eczema, dandruff, and hyperhidrosis) will gradually be migrated over to Ro Derm.
If you’re currently using either of the brands’ skincare products, not to worry – the skincare formulations are staying the same at this time – only the branding, product names, and packaging are being updated. The name updates are as follows:
- Rory skincare or Roman skincare → Ro Derm
- Nightly Defense → Custom Rx Treatment
- Antioxidant Face Cleanser → Hydrating Cleanser
- Weightless Face Moisturizer → Protecting SPF Lotion
Roman, as mentioned before, offers a wide range of additional men’s health services — many of which we’ve previously reviewed in-depth, including Roman’s treatments for:
What skincare products does Ro Derm offer for men?
Source: Ro Derm
Ro Derm has earned a unique spot in the marketplace as a gender agnostic brand, meaning the products are more targeted to the issue and less to the users’ gender. That being said, Ro Derm has numerous products that men can use within their skincare routines, whether you already have a regimen or are eager to start one.
The brand’s treatments are designed for specific skin conditions with customized solutions, including acne, eczema, dandruff, excessive sweating, and anti-aging. Below, we’ll go over each and explain what Ro Derm has to offer.
Ro Derm for eczema: Is their treatment legit?
Ro Derm’s treatment for eczema originally came from Roman’s eczema line and is a triamcinolone cream 0.1% solution, which is the generic form of the name brand prescription Kenalog. It’s a topical steroid cream to be applied for eczema flare-ups that can both prevent and treat flare-ups.
You might wonder in a comparison of Gladskin vs Ro Derm psoriasis: which is the better eczema cream? Each treats eczema but they do so in different ways. Ro Derm uses a topical steroid cream, which the brand says is a treatment method that’s recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology. Gladskin takes a different approach with a non-steroidal option. Gladskin’s website says that microbiologists have found a bacterial imbalance in most people with eczema, and Gladskin’s product targets this with its Micreobalance™, which is a smart protein that targets bacteria that contribute to flare-ups while encouraging good bacteria. The brand says its product is accepted by the National Eczema Association.
Ro Derm for acne, anti-aging and dark spots: what do they offer?
Ro Derm targets the trio of acne, anti-aging and dark spots in one with its Custom Rx Treatment offering, so, as a customized product, it really comes down to what your needs are. This means you could focus on one, two or all three of these concerns, and customization can be further broken down within the anti-aging category. Some of the anti-aging issues that can be targeted include fine lines, wrinkles, dullness, texture and age spots.
Depending on your customized package, your treatment could include a combination of seven different prescription options. These could include:
- tretinoin for fine lines, wrinkles and age spots
- niacinamide for texture, dark spots and acne
- azelaic acid for dark spots, redness, inflammation and acne
- ceramides for dullness, redness and dryness
- tranexamic acid for lines, dark spots and inflammation
- vitamin E (acetate) for fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots
- magnesium ascorbyl phosphate (MAP) for dullness, texture and dark spots
With Ro Derm, you first have a consultation, and then will receive a customized blend of night cream with the ingredients that fit your needs and goals. This includes unlimited follow-up with a doctor to handle undesired reactions to the treatment, such as itching.
Ro Derm for dandruff
Ro Derm also treats dandruff, which affects the skin on the scalp, with prescription-strength shampoo. Their product includes natural tea tree oil and moisturizing calcium pantothenate (B5), and works by exfoliating, conditioning and fighting fungus. It’s designed to target flaking, itching and scaling, also providing clean, soft hair.
Ro Derm for Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
For excessive sweating—yes, it is considered a skin problem—Ro Derm offers a prescription treatment of Drysol. It includes 20% aluminum chloride hexahydrate, which is a prescription antiperspirant that blocks sweat glands. If you’re curious how Ro Derm’s Drysol stacks up against other creams (prescription or otherwise), review our comparison of alternative treatments for excessive sweating.
Ro Derm’s Hydrating Cleanser
Source: Ro Derm
Originally known as Rory’s Antioxidant Face Cleanser, Ro Derm’s Hydrating Cleanser is the basic step in any skincare routine. This invigorating and non-lathering solution is a combination of Green tea, Vitamin C, and CoQ10. Important to use in both the AM and PM routine, the cleanser washes dirt, oil, and environmental pollutants away, leaving your skin feeling nourished.
Ro Derm’s Protecting SPF Lotion
Source: Ro Derm
SPF is so important to anyone using a skincare routine that incorporates prescription, as the damage that can be caused through not using SPF can slow (or even counter!) any progress made. This basically means a waste of your valuable time and money.
Made to be applied every day – rain or shine – Ro Derm’s broad spectrum SPF 28 sunscreen offers daily protection for your skin. The solution is a combination of Green tea, Vitamin C, and Cica, with active ingredients Octinoxate 7% and Zinc Oxide 6% included.
Latisse from Ro Derm
Source: Ro Derm
Another product that the incorporation of both Rory and Roman brought into Ro Derm was Latisse, a serum used to grow/extend eyelashes. Available in 5 mL and 3 mL, Latisse is a prescription product that is ‘painted’ on the eyelid that gradually increases eyelash length and volume over time.
How does ordering skincare from Ro Derm work?s
If you want to try one of Ro Derm’s skincare options, start by going to the website. You’ll have a virtual visit with a U.S.-licensed physician, where you go over your medical history and skincare symptoms.
If one of their doctors recommends any of Ro Derm’s treatments, you set up your order, which comes by mail in discreet packaging. Then, you get free follow-up care with your doctor through messaging, which gives you the opportunity to ask follow up questions, discuss side effects, and change your treatment if needed.
Ro Derm vs other skincare brands for men competitors
Competitors to Ro Derm provide some of the products that Ro Derm offers, but their products and conditions treated aren’t as broad. The following chart helps you see Ro Derm’s treatments, competitor offerings and price comparisons.
| Skin Condition | Ro Derm’s treatments | Competitor treatments | Ro Derm’s cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acne | Custom Rx Treatment [can include a combination of tretinoin, niacinamide, azelaic acid, ceramides, tranexamic acid, vitamin E (acetate) and/or magnesium ascorbyl phosphate] | Hims offers an acne cream with clindamycin, niacinamide and tretinoin at $34 | $29/month |
| Anti-aging (fine lines and wrinkles, dullness, skin texture) | Custom Rx Treatment [can include a combination of tretinoin, niacinamide, azelaic acid, ceramides, tranexamic acid, vitamin E (acetate) and/or magnesium ascorbyl phosphate] | Hims offers a prescription tretinoin anti-aging cream for fine lines and firmer skin at $34, a caffeine and hyaluronic acid night cream for wrinkles at $24, or a set with both for $49 | $29/month |
| Dark spots | Custom Rx Treatment [can include a combination of tretinoin, niacinamide, azelaic acid, ceramides, tranexamic acid, vitamin E (acetate) and/or magnesium ascorbyl phosphate] | Hims offers a vitamin C morning serum for discoloration and even complexion at $33 | $29/month |
| Eczema | Generic Kenalog (0.1% solution triamcinolone cream) | Gladskin treats eczema with a non-steroidal formula that focuses on balancing skin bacteria, for $35; | $15/month |
| Dandruff | Prescription-strength dandruff shampoo | Keeps offers a 2% ketoconazole (generic Nizoral) prescription shampoo for $10/month | $13/month |
| Excessive sweating | Drysol (20% aluminum chloride hexahydrate) | – Prescription options through a medical professional at varying costs, such as QZBREXZA. – Over-the-counter options such as extra strength, non-prescription Drysol 20% through Amazon at $53.50 for 2 boxes | $13/month |
Ro Derm Reviews: What are customers saying?
One of the best ways to tell how products like this work is to look at reviews from customers who’ve used them. Here are testimonials shared on the skincare page of their own site:
 |
 |
 |
Source: Ro Derm
Overall, Ro Derm for men offers proven treatments for a range of skin conditions, all in one place, with competitive pricing. You don’t have to go through a pharmacy for any of its prescription products, and instead get them conveniently and discreetly delivered to your door. Without a ton of public reviews of their skincare products (yet!), it’s hard to fully gauge customer sentiment, but overall Ro Derm isn’t selling anything new. They are mostly repackaging tried and true formulas and increasing access to quality treatments by reducing the time and money required to try them. Recall that the cost to see a dermatologist in-person to get prescription skincare meds is pretty astronomical with most Americans’ insurance plans.
The Verdict: Are Ro Derm’s treatments legit?
Ro Derm offers legit skincare products for treating a range of skincare issues that are common to men. They have treatments that can help with anti-aging, acne, dark spots, eczema and excessive sweating, all from the same simple site. It offers telemedicine with access to licensed physicians who can prescribe rx treatments if they determine your condition would benefit. That means they are prepared to help with everything from simple blemished to more advanced skin symptoms.
You can see from the chart that you have options from competitors offering treatments for the same skincare conditions as Ro Derm. However, there’s more friction required to research them all and select multiple brands to take care of all of the skin issues that Ro Derm treats. Thus if you have multiple skincare issues, you might find Ro Derm’s range of products extremely convenient. The closest competitor for men’s skincare is Hims, which offers solutions for acne, anti-aging and dark spots, as well as primary care visits with providers that can prescribe eczema treatment through a pharmacy.
Ro Derm’s Custom Rx Treatment for acne, anti-aging and/or dark spots is customized to each patient. You have an evaluation and may be prescribed treatments with “dermatologist-selected ingredients.” The prescription options may target numerous skin concerns and signs of aging, including acne, fine lines and wrinkles, skin texture, dullness and dark spots — just depends on your needs. It comes in a single cream that does it all, so you might find this option more convenient than buying a separate ointments for each concern. We love this convenience and personalization aspects of Ro Derm’s skincare line.
While skincare is incredibly important, Ro Derm also recognizes the need for support in other areas of life. This includes mental health support and treatment, which we cover in our review of Roman’s Ro Mind.
Give them a shot, and let us know how they work for you in the comments below!
Unsure where to start?
We’ve tested most popular Rx skincare treatments first hand. Sign up to see which work best, as well as which our medical advisory team recommends most!
Discover more skincare reviews
Pique Radiant Skin Duo Review – Can a Drink Really Make Your Skin Glow? We Asked a Dermatologist.
Pique Radiant Skin Duo Overview Price: $126 for one-time purchase of 28 servings Possible benefits: Radiant skin, immune and digestion support, as well as calm energy Flavors: Yuzu
Agency vs Curology – Which is the Best for Telederm?
We all know that taking care of your skin is a worthwhile investment. While aging is inevitable, the right skincare routine could keep your skin
Geologie Co-Wash Review: Should You Try It? We Found Out
Most people use shampoo for their entire lives without ever questioning if it’s good for their hair or scalp. I know I’ve spent most of
Musely vs Curology vs Apostrophe: Which Is Best For Prescription Skincare Online?
With so many prescription skincare platforms to choose from these days, and it can be difficult to decide which is best for you. In
Geologie Eye Cream Review – Does it Work on Puffy Dark Eye Circles?
Do you have dark circles and bags under your eyes and generally feel like you’re aging faster than you should? If so, you need to
How to Get Spironolactone Online for Acne & Hair Loss
Spironolactone – sometimes called “spiro” for short – has been a miracle drug for many suffering from acne, PCOS, and hair loss. Typically taken orally
Our content is here to help you navigate the health and wellness space with confidence.
Written and edited by health experts and journalists
Fact checked with up-to-date research using trusted sources
Medically reviewed by certified and licensed health experts
Updated as new research or scientific breakthroughs emerge
Frequently updated to ensure it's inclusive, accessible, and empathetic
