Curology vs Agency: What’s the difference? Keep reading to find out which one is best for you.
When it comes to skincare, there are many harmful methods and mixes to try to get results. However, now customizable skincare products are pushing their way to the forefront of skincare.
We put 2 of the leading customizable skincare products against each other to see which is the ideal product. Continue reading to see our thoughts on which customized skincare wins the battle in Curology vs Agency.
Curology vs Agency Overview
Starting in 2013 with one client, Curology makes customized skincare for those wanting to combat hormonal acne. Realizing that more skincare needs were not being met, Dr. David Lortscher launched Agency as a partner to Curology.
Even though both brands were started by the same Doctor, they both have specific focal points for their skincare. Below are the main points to keep in mind:
| Curology | Agency |
| -Focuses on acne clearing and strengthening skincare -High-quality ingredients -Offers subscription service from $40 to $99 per shipment -Licensed dermatologists and medical professionals to answer questions -Formula and subscription are updated as needed -6 products offered; 2 customized products -Free shipping on all orders. Products are shipped depending on need. -Free returns are only eligible for first subscription box –Unlock Free Offer | -Focuses on anti-aging skincare -High-quality ingredients -Offers subscription service from $30 to $74 per month -Licensed dermatologists and medical professionals for questions -Formula is updated depending on need, can add products to subscription box -Only 4 products; 2 are customized -Products are shipped every 2-3 months -Free returns are only eligible for first subscription box |
Curology vs Agency
Now that the main points for each company have been laid out, let’s dig into a little more detail:
What They Offer
Both brands offer high-quality skincare, however, they each have a specific skin condition they focus on.
Curology
Curology focuses on those struggling with acne and other damaging skin conditions. They offer about 6 products, one of which will be your customized formula.
Depending on your everyday routine, the products in your box can vary widely. They offer an acne body wash, cleanser/moisturizer set, and more so you can get every step of your skincare routine in one place.
Agency
Agency skincare focuses on anti-aging needs such as wrinkles and dark spots. They offer 4 different products that give customers long-term results.
The Future Formula and Dark Spot Formula are customized to meet your skincare needs. These product formulas are updated as your skin continues to change.
Pricing
Curology
The first subscription box is only $4.95, covering shipping and handling. Afterward, depending on the products within your subscription, it can range from $40 to $99.
For just the customized formula, it is only $40 per shipment with free shipping always included. Read more about their varied pricing here.
Agency
Just like Curology, your first subscription box is only $4.95. After your subscription kicks in, it varies from about $30 to $74 per month depending on the products you purchase.
Ingredients
Curology
These cruelty-free and vegan products are crafted with highly acclaimed ingredients to keep your skin healthy and safe.
Your custom bottle is crafted with ingredients such as clindamycin, ivermectin, and metronidazole to keep your acne at bay. Their complete list of ingredients is published here.
Agency
Agency’s skincare products are also all cruelty-free and vegan. Depending on what your customized product is, your dermatologist decides how much of each active ingredient to use.
Some of their ingredients include Azelaic Acid, tretinoin, niacinamide, hydroquinone, green tea extract, and more. For the complete list for each product, see their full ingredient list.
Medical Professionals
Curology
All of Curology’s professional team are licensed and practice within the US. Depending on the state you reside in, you are given a dermatologist licensed within that state to answer your questions and concerns about your products.
They also have physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners to help with any other concerns you have.
Agency
Just like Curology, all of the Agency’s dermatologists reside and practice within the U.S. and are assigned based on the state you reside in.
They also check in with you one week before your next subscription box is sent to see if you need changes to your product or had issues with the previous formula.
Subscriptions
Curology
Curology’s subscription is shipped depending on your personal needs. With their subscription, you can easily postpone or change the products within your subscription to ensure it matches your budgetary needs.
If you do not have any personal setbacks postponing your shipments, then they will primarily be sent every 2 to 3 months.
If you decide you want to try Agency instead of Curology, they will delete your previous account and let you start anew with the other company.
Agency
After your initial purchase, each box is shipped within 2 to 3 months. You can skip a month or change the shipment dates as well if you still have some product left to finish.
However, if you talked to your dermatologist and they needed to change a formula, they suggest you start it right when delivered.
RELATED: Curology vs Proactiv: Which Brand Works Better?
Customers’ Thoughts:
Don’t just take our word for it, we’ve searched the internet to find these main points of feedback from customer reviews:
- Agency and Curology are crafted with high-quality ingredients
- Customers saw results within the first 2-3 weeks of using both products
- Both companies’ personal dermatologists are knowledgable and helpful
- Neither company accepts returns after initial box
- Agency has slow customer service
- Both have caused some skin irritation for specific individuals
- Agency’s pricing is fair for a custom formula
Final Thoughts
It is hard to choose a winner between the two brands because Curology and Agency are created by the same dermatologists but target different skincare problems.
However, Curology is best for those who need to combat acne and cleanse the skin whereas Agency is best for those fighting aging signs and dark spots. If you want to know more about each product, check out our in-depth Curology review or Agency review.
Each one is a customized formula, which assures you will get the best products possibly. Also, if one doesn’t work for you, you can easily transfer to the other with your first purchase, which will cost the same amount of $4.95!
