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 visibly healthier 10, 20, or even 30 years down the line. Plus, if you struggle with skin conditions like acne or eczema or are seeking anti-aging treatment, working with a dermatologist could have a major impact on your self-confidence.
The rise of telemedicine has made it far easier to find the best skincare routine for your needs. Instead of sifting through the thousands of products on the market today, you can opt for a telederm platform with customized, dermatologist-approved skincare products mailed directly to you to treat your unique skin and needs.
Crunched for time? Don’t worry – we’ll give you the lowdown on these teledermatology services right out of the gate.
Brand + Product
Pros
- Your provider will work with you to adjust your formula’s strength over time for better results.
- Customized skincare for both anti-aging and discoloration.
- Option to complete your skincare regimen with a gentle oil cleanser and lightweight moisturizer.
Cons
- Targets both anti-aging and acne.
- Provides a broader range of products, including sunscreen, lip balm, and acne patches.
- More pricing variables depending on your custom routine & product selection.
Here’s the bottom line: Agency was created by the Curology team, so you’ll get the same quality of care (and access to the same network of providers) with both brands. However, Agency is focused on anti-aging skincare, while Curology offers a broader range of products with options for both signs of aging and acne.
Agency vs Curology overview: Best personalized skincare brand
Best personalized teledermatology platforms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Main skincare focus | Custom formuals for signs of aging | Custom formuas for acne |
| Prescription product pricing | Future Formula: $40/mo Dark Spot Formula: $35/mo Combination: $65/mo | Custom Formula for acne: $30/mo Future-Proof for anti-aging: $30/mo |
| Non-prescription skincare products | Cream Oil Cleanser Weightless Whipped Moisturizer | Cleanser + Moisturizer Emergency Spot Patch Sunscreen Acne Body Wash Micellar Makeup Remover Lip Balm |
| Free trial? | ✅ (30 days) | ✅ (30 days) |
| Skin conditions treated | Skin texture Wrinkles Fine lines Dark spots | Acne Blackheads and whiteheads Clogged pores Hyperpigmentation Skin texture Fine lines Rosacea |
| Access to dermatologist? | ✅ instant messaging with dermatologist included with subscription | ✅ instant messaging with dermatologist included with subscription |
| Adjusts your formula over time? | ✅ | ✅ |
| Guarantee? | ✅ (90 days) | ✅ (90 days) |
| Free delivery? | ✅ | ✅ |
| Consultation overview | Online skin quiz, upload photos | Online skin quiz, upload photos |
| Website |
Benefits of personalized teledermatology and prescription skincare: Agency vs. Curology
Teledermatology refers to dermatology services that occur over the phone or via video rather than in person. This method of diagnosing and treating skin conditions offers key benefits over traditional in-person dermatology appointments, including:
Customization
We’ve all heard of the three main skin types: dry, oily, and combination. But the truth is much more complicated – each person’s skin is entirely unique. So, a miracle product for your friend or family member could be completely ineffective for your skin. That’s why so many of us have a graveyard of failed skincare products piling up under the bathroom sink.
This is one key reason why personalized teledermatology is so attractive to us: you’ll undergo an evaluation with dermatologists who hand-pick the ingredients best suited to your skin and cosmetic goals, and they’ll work with you over time until they get the custom combo that works best for you and your skin.
Care continuity
The path to stunning skin is rarely a straight line. Telehealth dermatology can help patients easily manage their ongoing skincare needs using remote communication with a dermatologist. Rather than booking an in-person appointment (and possibly waiting several weeks due to high demand), patients can message or schedule a video appointment, all from the comfort of home.
Agency and Curology both offer very similar systems with a flat fee for their baseline Rx custom products, which are shipped every two months. You’ll be paired with a personal dermatology provider to help personalize your treatment plan, who you can message to ask questions or adjust your routine at any time.
Agency’s providers will work with you to adjust tretinoin strength over time, leading to superior results. Curology has a very similar system, with more ingredients to personalize in either of their Custom Rx Formlas – for anti-aging or acne.
Speed and convenience
We’ve already hinted at these benefits, but they deserve the spotlight, too. Teledermatology platforms make it quicker and easier to talk to a dermatologist. Dermatologists are often booked several weeks out for in-person appointments, and it may be difficult to find a qualified dermatologist that’s a short commute from your home.
With Agency and Curology, you don’t have to leave home or wait in line to get customized skincare; it’s all available at your fingertips and at your convenience.
Affordability
If you don’t have insurance or you have a copay for specialist appointments, telederm services could reduce your skincare costs. Neither Curology nor Agency accepts insurance, so they provide reasonable out-of-pocket costs for personalized skincare products and ongoing support from qualified dermatologists.
What are the benefits of prescription skincare?
Over-the-counter (OTC) skincare works for many people, but if you want to go a step further or treat more specific skin concerns, consider prescription skincare. Prescription products have an edge because they’re more powerful and vetted by the FDA.
Potent formulations: Prescription skincare contains higher percentages of active ingredients. This makes them more potent, leading to more dramatic and visible results over time. Just make sure to use them as advised by your dermatologist to avoid skin irritation.
Reach the skin’s deeper layers: Prescription skincare is formulated to penetrate the skin’s deeper layers (the dermis) rather than only the outermost layer (the epidermis). This allows the products to increase skin cell turnover and collagen and elastin production more effectively than OTC products.
FDA approval: Unlike OTC or “medical-grade” skincare, prescription skincare products must be tested and approved by the FDA. So, you can trust that they’ve undergone scrupulous clinical testing for safety and effectiveness.
Avoid trial and error: Remember that pile of failed skincare products we mentioned earlier? Prescription skincare can help you avoid that. Since these products are more thoroughly tested than OTC skincare and prescribed by a dermatologist specifically for your needs, they’re more likely to provide the results that you’re after. They’ll also work with you to continuously tweak the active ingredients until you know they’re working.
Agency skincare review: Who is it for?
Agency is a personalized skincare brand that focuses on anti-aging. It was developed by the Curology team but offers unique products specifically for fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration.
Signing up for Agency is a quick online process that requires some basic information to start. Next, Agency will ask about your skincare goals – you can select as many as you want from the following list:
- Fade dark spots
- Boost firmness
- Improve skin texture
- Fight wrinkles
- Treat clogged pores
- Fight breakouts
Then, you’ll provide info about your skin type, sensitivity level, breakouts, current routine, and health history. Agency will also ask about your past experience with certain active ingredients and prescription skincare.
With all of this information, Agency will provide a recommended routine. You can review the products and pricing, then jump on board if you’re ready! Keep in mind that you’ll need to upload clear, makeup-free photos to your Agency account before your dermatologist can provide your prescription.
Agency’s skincare products
Agency offers an edited product line that works well as a streamlined skincare routine, namely for fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration. The two custom prescription skincare products with ingredients specifically chosen for the patient’s needs are:
- Future Formula ($40+/mo): Custom prescription formula targeting fine lines, firmness, skin texture & more
- Dark Spot Formula ($35+/mo): Custom prescription dark spot corrector that can target hyperpigmentation
- Combination ($65+/mo): Custom combo of Agency’s core prescription products for multitasking power
Agency’s only non-prescription offering is the Cloud Care Duo (additional $28/mo), which can’t be customized, but can be used to round out your regimen or add to your daily routine. The duo includes:
- Cream Oil Cleanser: Ultra-gentle formula to break down makeup and cleanse away debris while conditioning, nourishing, and replenishing your skin’s glow.
- Whipped Weightless Moisturizer: Designed to be deeply hydrating to restore the skin barrier and help visibly plump and soften your skin.
All of Agency’s products are vegan, cruelty-free, fragrance-free, paraben-free, and never tested on animals.
By purchasing your dermatologist-recommended products, you’ll be an Agency member, which includes the initial skin assessment and one consultation credit per shipment received. These credits don’t expire and can be used to initiate a one-on-one medical conversation with your provider via instant message. Additional consultation credits cost $10 each.
Agency customer reviews
There were many happy patients experiencing better skin (like reduced dark spots and overall complexion) after using Agency’s prescription formulas, and many were extremely happy with the service – seamless, fast, and easy to navigate. There were some, though, that experienced skin issues they hadn’t before, especially dry and irritated skin.
Work with your Agency dermatologist to outline your skin to ensure you get the best products for your skin type. Feel free to continue communications if you notice any reactions to get your custom formula modified – the biggest benefit of an online dermatology service by far!
Curology review: Does it work?
Curology was founded in 2014 and has become a well-known brand among skincare aficionados. This brand’s dermatology providers have 107 years of combined experience and provide solutions for acne, signs of aging, discoloration, and other common skin concerns.
Signing up for Curology involves an easy online quiz that asks for your personal info, basic health history, skin goals, and your current skincare basics. With this info, Curology will provide a recommended routine and prompts you to make an account. Like Agency, Curology requires makeup-free photos for your dermatologist to review to determine the best prescription for your needs.
Curology’s skincare products
Curology offers a broader range of products than Agency, making it a one-stop-shop for all things skincare. This platform’s prescription products include:
- Custom Formula for acne ($30/mo): Made with up to 3 active ingredients based on your dermatologist’s recommendation to target breakouts, clogged pores, whiteheads, redness, and blackheads.
- Future-Proof for anti-aging ($30/mo): Made with up to 3 active ingredients based on your dermatologist’s recommendation to prevent early signs of aging and promote healthy, glowing skin.
Dubbed the “routine essentials,” Curology also offers a variety of non-prescription products, all of which are also available a-la-carte for a bit higher price. These include:
- Emergency Spot Patch (+$2.50/mo): 20 conspicuous hydrocolloid patches that absorb pus & oil from blemishes without irritating your skin.
- The Lip Balm (+$2.50/mo): Available in 3 different flavors or with SPF 30, it’s designed to be simple and lock in long-lasting moisture.
- The Micellar Makeup Remover (+$4/mo): Removes even waterproof makeup, dirt, and other debris as step 1 of your skincare routine for your Rx products to work even more effectively.
- The Cleanser (+$5/mo): Lightly foaming gel face wash made for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
- The Moisturizer (+$5/mo): Lightweight, everyday moisturizer that can be layered and built into any skin routine.
- The Rich Moisturizer (+$5/mo): Provides a rich boost of hydration to restore your skin barrier without clogging your pores.
- Acne Body Wash (+$6/mo): Formulated with salicylic acid to work on acne and wash your pores of regular dirt & grime for daily use.
- Acne Cleanser (+$6/mo): Contains 2.5% benzoyl peroxide to treat and prevent acne while still being gentle enough for daily face wash use.
- The Sunscreen (+7/mo): A no-clog, no-grease formula with SPF 30 that won’t irritate skin or cause acne.
All Curology products are vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, and never tested on animals.
By subscribing to a bimonthly box from Curology, you’ll get an initial skin assessment and one consultation credit per shipment. Just like Agency, these credits can be used to initiate an instant-message conversation with your dermatologist, and you can purchase extra credits at $10 a pop.
Curology customer reviews
Similar to Agency, Curology customers love the support they get from the platform. Some grievances came from customers not understanding that you’re automatically moved to a subscription after the trial period unless you cancel. Be sure to read the fine print and cancel on time if you’re not planning on continuing services.
Many users saw immense improvement in their acne and overall skincare routine with the help of dermatologists and the right ingredients for their skin and concerns.
Best prescription skin care products: Agency vs Curology
Agency and Curology offer customized prescription formulas for varying skin concerns. Let’s take a closer look at how these products stack up.
Best for anti-aging: Agency Future Formula vs Curology Future-Proof Formula
Agency Future Formula (Rx): Designed to target premature aging, improve skin texture, fade fine lines, or improve your skincare routine.
- Customizable active ingredients: Azelaic acid, Tretinoin, Niacinamide, Tranexamic acid, Dexpanthenol
- Price: $40/mo
Curology Future-Proof Formula (Rx): Designed to prevent early signs of aging while promoting healthy, glowing skin.
- Customizable active ingredients: Tretinoin, Azelaic Acid, Niacinamide, Tranexamic Acid
- Price: $30/mo
Winner: Agency’s Future Formula. Although higher in price, it can be increased in strength to keep up with the aging process and contains more customizable ingredients. The ingredients in the formula provide moisture, exfoliation, anti-inflammatory properties, skin regeneration, skin strengthening, and reduced discoloration to fight off signs of aging.
The verdict: Which is the best telederm service?
Agency or Curology is ideal for [guys/women/shoppers] who want to…
So, with all of that information in mind, is Agency or Curology the best customized skincare brand? In truth, the answer isn’t black and white – while each brand offers pros and cons, they’re targeted at different demographics and different skincare needs.
The biggest thing to address is that Agency and Curology are sister companies, sharing the same network of providers and skincare facilities but with separate brands for different skincare focuses. If you switch from one to the other, your dedicated dermatology provider comes with you. Whether you’re using Curology or Agency, your provider will be equipped with extensive research and training to best care for your skin.
Agency offers sleek branding, formula adjustments over time, and a focus on anti-aging skincare. So, if you want to hone in on wrinkles and discoloration, whether preventatively or actively, Agency is a smart choice.
Their two main products, the Future Formula and Dark Spot Formula, can be combined with their new Cloud Care Duo for an easy daily skincare routine with essential, dermatologist-designed, and customized products to work towards your skin goals.
Your licensed dermatology provider with partner with you to adjust your formula over time and answer any questions that come up throughout your treatment.
Curology provides a broader range of products and more of a focus on acne treatment. The tried and true platform has helped millions pair with their Licensed Dermatology Providers to create personalized treatment plans based on your unique goals and needs.
Whether you’re struggling with acne, dark spots, rosacea, or aging, Curology will prescribe a personalized prescription formula (Custom Formula for acne or Future-Proof for anti-aging), each with 3 targeted ingredients to give you the most effective results.
Curology’s 30-day free trial can start you on your skincare journey to determine if you want the full monthly subscription, so you really don’t have much to lose by giving custom skincare a shot.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much is Agency Skincare?
Agency prescription skincare is $35-40/mo for single products or $65/mo for a combination (recommended). Their non-prescription skincare products are an additional $14/mo.
How much does Curology cost?
Curology prescription skincare is $30/mo for both their Custom Formula for acne and Future Proof for anti-aging. Their non-prescription skincare products range from an additional $2.50-7/mo.
How long does it take hydroquinone to work?
Hydroquinone, a depigmenting agent, can be included in Agency’s Dark Spot Formula and can help improve the appearance of certain types of hyperpigmentation like sunspots or dark spots. It can take 8-12 weeks to see results.
How to cancel a Curology subscription?
To cancel your Curology subscription, log into your account, go to the payment page from the dropdown menu, and click “I want to cancel.”
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Methodology
We conduct extensive research to evaluate the pricing, effectiveness, accessibility, overall quality, and user experience of every telehealth service we review. This also includes examining and comparing each provider to comparable telemedicine alternatives. We also evaluate usability, treatments, prescription delivery time, and more to determine the best value for those seeking fast and reliable telehealth services.
| Review Process | Key Metrics | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Sign up online | – ease to complete intake form – affordability – upfront commitment or subscription required? – money back guarantee or refund policy? | 0.5 |
| Vitual consult with provider / determine eligibility | – ease to get appointment to determine eligibility – need to leave house for labs or other in-person care? | 1 |
| Shipping + unboxing | – shipping cost – time from order to treatment delivery – discreet packaging to maintain privacy | 0.5 |
| Test + journal for 1-3 months | – ease of application – transition into habitual use – taste / smell / feel / pain | 1.5 |
| Results after 3 months of use | – efficacy / results – lack of side effects – ease of refill / reordering – quality of ongoing clinical support – responsive customer support – willingness to recommend to a friend | 1.5 |
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