Curology vs Agency vs Dermatica: 3-Way Telehealth Tretinoin
Three of the biggest telehealth tretinoin services compared head-to-head. Pricing, custom formulas, ramp speed.
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Curology ($26/mo): custom-compounded blend, free 30-day trial, best for beginners. Agency ($49/mo): premium pricing, dermatologist-led, stronger ramp. Dermatica ($28/mo): UK-based, ships globally, solid middle ground. For most US users: start with Curology.
Three popular telehealth tretinoin services. Here’s how they actually compare.
At a glance
| Product | Cost | What's different | Rating | Where |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Curology | $26/mo | Custom blend (tret + niacinamide/azelaic) | Beginner-friendly | Buy → |
| Agency | $49/mo | Dermatologist-led, premium formulation | Faster ramp | Buy → |
| Dermatica | $28/mo | UK-based, ships globally | Middle ground | Buy → |
Curology — $26/month
Curology is the largest US telehealth tretinoin service. Ships monthly custom-compounded formulas combining tretinoin with 1-2 additional actives. Free 30-day trial, no consult fee. Best for retinoid beginners who want a slow, medically-managed ramp.
Curology strengths:
- Free 30-day trial
- Custom active combinations
- Provider check-ins
- Conservative starting strengths
Weaknesses:
- Slow strength progression
- Can’t request specific strengths
- No pure tretinoin option
Agency — $49/month
Agency is the premium-priced telehealth service with dermatologist oversight and fewer subscribers per provider. Faster strength ramp, more aggressive formulations, better for experienced retinoid users who want to progress quickly.
Agency strengths:
- Dermatologist-led (not just NP/PA)
- Faster strength escalation
- More customizable
- Higher-concentration formulas available
Weaknesses:
- Nearly 2x the price
- No free trial
- Slower shipping than Curology
Dermatica — $28/month
Dermatica is the UK-based telehealth service that ships to US and globally. Similar price to Curology, slightly more flexibility on strength, different formulation approach. Good option for US users outside Curology’s markets or who had issues.
Dermatica strengths:
- Ships globally (not just US)
- Slightly faster ramp than Curology
- Good international shipping
- Competitive pricing
Weaknesses:
- Less brand recognition
- Longer shipping times to US
Which to pick
First-time retinoid user: Curology (free trial removes risk). Experienced user wanting stronger ramp: Agency. International/outside US: Dermatica. The functional differences between them are smaller than the price differences.
Decision matrix:
- Beginner + US: Curology
- Experienced + budget flexible: Agency
- Outside US: Dermatica
- Already tried Curology, want more: Agency or switch to Apostrophe (different service, $25/mo, pure tret)
Frequently asked
Are these all legal? +
Yes — all three are legitimate telehealth services with licensed prescribers. Not gray-market.
Can I switch between them? +
Yes — all are month-to-month. Many users start with Curology (free trial), then switch to Agency or Apostrophe for stronger formulations.
Do any accept insurance? +
No — all three are direct-pay subscriptions. For insurance coverage, use a traditional dermatologist.
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