Curology vs. Apostrophe vs. Nurx vs. Musely: Which Brand is Best for Prescription Skincare?

• The Comparison

| Curology

Curology is a personalized skincare brand founded by Dr. David Lortscher in 2014 and has made personalized skincare accessible in all 50 states. Curology believes that everyone deserves expert care and effective ingredients, which is why they make it easy to access clinically proven ingredients and science-backed treatments without any in-office visits or costly co-pays.

Curology offers traditional all-over topical treatments, cleansers, body washes, and even medicated pimple patches for spot treatment. Fill out an online questionnaire to outline your skin care goals and concerns like excessive oil, redness, or lack of firmness. You'll also be able to list any current medications and conditions that could interact with ingredients to ensure that your Curology product is the safest for you. 

Average Cost: A monthly treatment plan with Curology will roughly run you between $25-$60 per month, depending on your needs. Your initial month is also free, so you'll only have to pay the $4.95 shipping cost the first time around.

Pros:

Simple ordering from home

Low cost for prescription and nonprescription products

Free 30-day trial to test products

Easier access to prescription-only acne treatments

Cons:

Subscription required for prescription orders

The initial examination of the skin takes place only through photos and an online assessment

Shipping is only free for orders over $30

WHERE TO BUY: 

Curology (up to $10 cashback from Extrabux)

Bestsellers:

Curology Custom FormulaRX for acne

Help clear your skin with a personalized, Rx acne cream—prescribed for you by a dermatology provider. Your Curology Custom Formula is made with acne-busting ingredients picked for you, which can include tretinoin, azelaic acid, clindamycin, and more.

Curology Future-ProofRx for anti-aging

Prevent early signs of aging while also helping promote healthy, glowing skin with a prescription-strength formula customized for you, which can include anti-aging ingredients like tretinoin, niacinamide, and more.

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| Apostrophe 

Apostrophe is a revolutionary skincare prescription brand helping people around the world connect with dermatologists and get the right treatments easier than ever before. While its products also address concerns such as fine lines and wrinkles, melasma, and rosacea, its core offering is its anti-acne custom treatments with prescription-strength ingredients to treat even the most stubborn breakouts.

While Apostrophe does not have a mobile app, their site is quite mobile-friendly. It's attractive and intuitive interface took no time at all to navigate. You take and upload photos of your skin to your profile and this easy to do. A board-certified dermatologist, licensed in your state, will then review your photos and reach out to you via your site profile, prescribing your treatment plan. 

Custom products from Apostrophe include a wide range of some of the most effective acne-fighting ingredients on the market today, including oral medications. You can check in again with your assigned provider at semi-regular intervals, so if your skin changes, your formula/treatment option can change, too. If your primary concern isn't acne-related, Apostrophe might not check all the boxes for you.

Pros:

Clearly lists all ingredients on all custom products

Formulas adjust for skin and seasonal changes

Free shipping on all orders

Cons:

No serum formulas

Can be hard to pause deliveries

WHERE TO BUY: 

Apostrophe

Bestsellers:

Apostrophe Tretinoin Cream

This Tretinoin Formula does it all– fights stubborn breakouts, smooths fine lines, and clears hyperpigmentation. This gold standard treatment is combined with 4% niacinamide to help with inflammation and pore appearance.

Apostrophe Screen SPF 43

Active Ingredients:

Zinc Oxide (7.50%): provides the best protection against hyperpigmentation from UVA rays

Octinoxate (7.50%) & Octisalate (2.50%): protects the skin against damage from UVB rays

This hybrid sunscreen is formulated with sodium hyaluronate (a form of hyaluronic acid), panthenol, and allantoin to keep your skin hydrated and protected. Screen was specifically designed to be the perfect complement to acne treatments.

| Nurx

Nurx is a telemedicine company that offers birth control, emergency contraception, skin care, and other sexual health treatments and tests. It markets itself as a female-focused company. It began business in 2015 and aims to offer affordable and convenient access to common medications and at-home health tests.

Unlike traditional doctor visits, you don't even need to leave home to receive your prescription. You complete your appointment virtually via a survey, and then your medications arrive at your doorstep with free shipping. 

Average Cost: Nurx offers a huge variety of treatments, so the cost is varied. The most expensive topical costs "as low as $35" per month out-of-pocket (it's cheaper if you have insurance), while the most expensive oral option runs as low as $40 per month.

Pros:

Makes healthcare more easily accessible

Cuts down on wait times for appointments and medication

Offers generic medication, including birth control pills

Offers skin care medications, including those for acne and rosacea

Provides personalized medication plans

Accepts copay and insurance

Cons:

Does not provide Accutane prescriptions for acne

Can take up to 72 hours to deliver prescriptions

Can be costly without insurance

WHERE TO BUY: 

Nurx

Bestsellers:

Nurx Tretinoin Cream 0.025%

Tretinoin Cream 0.025% contains the lowest concentration of tretinoin, the active ingredient most prescribed by dermatologists to treat acne. Tretinoin is a retinoid that increases collagen production, stops the production of excess pigment, and treats acne at its source by unblocking pores that cause whiteheads or blackheads.

Dermatica Balancing Glycerin Gel Cleanser

Metronidazole is an antibiotic cream or gel used to treat rosacea. Though the exact manner in which it combats rosacea has yet to be established, its impacts are clear, particularly when it comes to the treatment of acne rosacea: one study found that patients who regularly used metronidazole saw their number of rosacea-related pustules and papules by between 48 and 65%. Topical metronidazole is FDA-approved for rosacea and works best for the papulopustular subtype.

Get clear, smooth skin with Metronidazole Cream, an antibiotic medication used to treat rosacea. It helps to decrease bumps, pimples, and inflammation caused by rosacea.

| Musely 

Launched in 2019 in Silicon Valley by four-time serial entrepreneur Jack Jia, Musely is the fastest-growing DTC telemedicine company specializing in treating skin conditions such as Melasma, hyperpigmentation, aging, and more, all with board certified dermatologists and proven prescription medications. 

Musely's branding centers on the fact that their products are "prescription skincare," which suggests that they contain more potent ingredients than OTC formulations. The brand claims that it "makes the science of youth accessible, affordable, and convenient," and brands their prescription skincare as "FaceRx."

Price: starts at $84 for three months.

Pros:

Users get a personalized treatment that targets their actual skin problem

You will have access to Musely eNurse which will help you know the progress of your treatment

There is a dermatologist available for any queries you may have during your treatment journey

No visiting the doctor or lining up at the pharmacist

Cons:

The products are available upon the doctor's approval

There is a doctor's visit fee

You might find the treatment pricy

WHERE TO BUY: 

Musely

Bestsellers:

Musely The Spot Cream

A no-nonsense prescription dark spot correcting cream packed with hydroquinone and powerful skin brightening ingredients that fade dark spots and brighten the complexion on the face.

Musely The Private Cream

A prescription dark spot correcting cream specifically formulated with powerful brightening ingredients such as hydroquinone, tranexamic acid, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide to fight the dark spots and pigmentation in your most intimate areas.

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