Curology vs. Hers Skincare 2026: Which Custom Formula Is Better?
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Curology is the better custom skincare platform for most patients in 2026. While both services prescribe effective ingredients like tretinoin, Curology offers more flexible custom formulas, has no upfront clinical fees, and maintains a better billing reputation than Hers, which charges a non-refundable $39 intake fee and has thousands of customer complaints.
This head-to-head comparison explores their features, formulas, costs, and customer experiences. If you want to check other reviews, see our Curology review, Hers Skincare review, or compare alternatives in our Hers vs. Nurx skincare comparison and Agency vs. Curology comparison.
Which is better: Curology or Hers?
Curology is generally the better telehealth skincare service for most patients. While both platforms provide licensed medical consultations and ship customized prescription creams, Curology features a superior customer billing reputation, more compound ingredient options, and does not charge the non-refundable $39 clinical fee that Hers requires upfront.
Curology focuses purely on dermatology, offering a customized “Superbottle” tailored to treat acne, anti-aging, or rosacea. Its asynchronous model allows users to upload photos, fill out a medical questionnaire, and receive a compounded formula from a licensed Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Physician Assistant (PA). This simple approach keeps the ongoing costs low and predictable.
Hers operates as a broad digital health provider for women, offering skincare alongside hair loss treatments, birth control, and mental health services. Skincare is just one arm of their brand, and their custom formulas are less customizable than Curology’s. Their billing practices have also attracted significant criticism, making Curology a better choice for dedicated skincare.
| Feature | Curology | Hers |
|---|---|---|
| Key Focus | Acne, anti-aging, rosacea | Acne, anti-aging, hair, wellness |
| Consultation Fee | $0 (Included in subscription) | $39 (Upfront, non-refundable) |
| Starting Trial Cost | $5.45 (Shipping only) | No standard trial |
| Ongoing Cost | $29.95 (Acne) or $34.95 (Anti-aging) | $25 to $39 (Prepaid multi-month) |
| Compounded Actives | Tretinoin, Azelaic Acid, Niacinamide, Clindamycin, Zinc Pyrithione, Metronidazole, Tranexamic Acid | Tretinoin, Azelaic Acid, Niacinamide, Clindamycin |
| BBB Complaints (3yrs) | Low | High (3,900+ complaints) |
How much does Curology vs Hers cost?
Curology is more affordable for short-term trials and ongoing use. Curology offers a free 30-day trial where you only pay $5.45 for shipping, followed by a $29.95 monthly rate. Hers requires a multi-month commitment starting at $25 to $39 monthly, plus a non-refundable $39 clinical consultation fee at signup.
When analyzing the true cost, Hers’ upfront fees change the equation. The $39 clinical evaluation fee is charged immediately, even if the medical provider determines you are not a candidate for prescription treatment. This makes the initial cost of Hers significantly higher than Curology’s low-risk trial.
Over the long term, Curology continues to offer competitive value. Its standard acne treatment is billed at $59.90 every two months ($29.95/month), with free shipping and one provider message credit included. Hers’ anti-aging cream is advertised at $25/month, but this requires prepaying for a three-month supply ($75) and factoring in the upfront $39 fee.
Do Curology and Hers use the same ingredients?
Yes, both platforms utilize standard topical active ingredients including tretinoin, azelaic acid, clindamycin, and niacinamide. However, Curology provides a wider selection of prescription compounds, allowing providers to include ingredients like zinc pyrithione for fungal acne or metronidazole and ivermectin for rosacea, which Hers does not offer.
Tretinoin remains the standard for treating acne and aging. According to a 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis of eight randomized controlled trials involving 1,361 patients (PMID 41236273), topical tretinoin significantly improves facial wrinkles compared to a vehicle control (mean difference of 0.412, P < 0.001) while maintaining a safe profile.
A 2022 clinical review in Dermatology Therapy (PMID 35253471) highlighted that online telehealth consultations demonstrate high diagnostic concordance with in-person visits for acne. This supports the safety and efficacy of the asynchronous compounding models used by both platforms. However, Curology’s ability to compound seven different active ingredients compared to Hers’ four allows for more precise tailoring.
Is Curology or Hers better for anti-aging?
Hers is slightly better for pure anti-aging due to its higher maximum tretinoin strength of 0.09%, compared to Curology’s typical formulations. However, Curology’s HydroTretRx ($34.95/month) provides superior base moisturizers like hyaluronic acid, making it easier for beginners to tolerate the initial skin irritation and peeling.
Tretinoin works by accelerating cellular turnover and promoting collagen synthesis. However, it is notorious for causing a “purge” or retinoid dermatitis — characterized by dryness, scaling, and temporary acne flare-ups. Curology addresses this by compounding tretinoin with nourishing bases and offering lower starting strengths to build tolerance.
Hers offers custom anti-aging creams containing up to 0.09% tretinoin alongside 5% azelaic acid and 4% niacinamide. While this high concentration is effective for experienced retinoid users, the lack of lower, introductory strengths can cause irritation. Hers also lacks ongoing free provider follow-ups, making managing side effects more difficult.
Can you cancel Hers or Curology subscription easily?
Curology is much easier to cancel and has a better customer service record. While both services allow cancellation through your online account settings, Hers has faced over 3,900 complaints with the Better Business Bureau over three years, with a high proportion of complaints citing unexpected charges and difficulty canceling subscriptions.
Subscription management is a major consideration for telehealth skincare. Curology allows users to pause, delay, or cancel their next shipment directly from their dashboard with a few clicks. The process is straightforward and rarely leads to billing disputes.
Hers has faced regulatory and consumer scrutiny over its subscription policies. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has investigated the brand’s cancellation practices, and the company received an FDA warning letter in late 2025 regarding promotional claims. Customers frequently report that canceling a Hers subscription does not automatically stop pending invoices, and the non-refundable $39 clinical fee remains a source of frustration.
Frequently asked questions
Does Curology require a prescription? Yes. All custom Curology formulas contain prescription-strength ingredients and are prescribed by a licensed NP, PA, or MD after reviewing your intake questionnaire and skin photos. You do not need a prior doctor visit or prescription to start their service.
How much does Hers skincare cost per month? Hers anti-aging cream costs $25–$29 per month, and their acne cream runs $29–$39 per month, requiring a multi-month commitment. This does not include the non-refundable $39 clinical consultation fee charged at signup, which is billed regardless of whether you receive a prescription.
Does Curology or Hers treat melasma? Neither platform is suitable for moderate to severe melasma because they do not prescribe hydroquinone, the standard depigmenting agent. For melasma as a primary concern, a telehealth platform like Musely — which offers compounded hydroquinone up to 12% — is a more effective clinical choice.
Is custom compounded skincare FDA approved? Compounded prescription creams from Curology and Hers are not FDA approved. While the individual active ingredients like tretinoin and azelaic acid are FDA approved, the final customized blend is compounded in a state-licensed pharmacy specifically for your order, which is standard telehealth practice.
How long does custom tretinoin take to work? Most patients see initial skin improvement within 6 to 8 weeks of daily use. Tretinoin often triggers a purging phase during weeks 2 through 4, causing temporary flaking and breakouts. Significant improvements in fine lines and acne require 3 to 6 months of consistent application.
Bottom line
For most women seeking online prescription skincare, Curology is the clear winner. Its combination of a low-cost trial, zero upfront consultation fees, flexible compounding options, and a cleaner billing reputation makes it a safer and more affordable entry point to prescription retinoids.
Hers is a viable option only if you are already using their telehealth platform for other medical needs, such as hair loss or birth control, and prefer to consolidate your subscriptions. Otherwise, the upfront $39 fee and subscription complaints make it less appealing.
Read our full Curology review → · Read our full Hers review → · Start your Curology trial →
Sources
- Tretinoin for Photodamaged Facial Skin: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Dermatology Practical & Conceptual. 2025. PMID: 41236273.
- Review of Telemedicine for Management of Acne Patients. Dermatology Therapy. 2022. PMID: 35253471.
- Thielitz A, et al. Efficacy and safety of 15% azelaic acid gel versus 0.1% adapalene gel in the treatment and maintenance of female adult acne. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. 2015. PMID: 26382049.
- Hims & Hers Health, Inc. Better Business Bureau profile and complaint history (2026).