Custom Daily Dose (Tretinoin + Azelaic Acid)
Custom Daily Dose (Tretinoin + Azelaic Acid)
Product Description
Product overview
A dermatologist-prescribed, personalised treatment cream combining prescription-strength tretinoin with azelaic acid and niacinamide in a single nightly application. Designed to target acne, pigmentation, fine lines, and uneven texture through a customised formula that adjusts monthly based on your skin's progress.
Personalised Prescription
Your formula is custom-made by a dermatology team based on your unique skin consultation, photos, and goals. It adjusts monthly as your skin progresses.
Texture & feel
SENSORYPersonalised Prescription
Your formula is custom-made by a dermatology team based on your unique skin consultation, photos, and goals. It adjusts monthly as your skin progresses.
Gold-Standard Retinoid
Contains tretinoin (retinoic acid), the only FDA-approved topical retinoid for photoaging. It works immediately on the skin without requiring conversion like retinol.
Multi-Target Actives
Combines tretinoin, azelaic acid, and niacinamide in one formula to address acne, pigmentation, texture, and ageing simultaneously.
Precision Daily Doser
The click-twist dispenser delivers the exact right amount of product each night, eliminating guesswork and ensuring 28 precise doses per tube.
Safety & compatibility
SAFENOT safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Tretinoin (a retinoid) is classified as a teratogen and can cause birth defects. Discontinue use before trying to conceive.
This formulation does not contain fatty acids, oils, esters, or ferments that feed Malassezia yeast. Verified fungal acne safe by SkinSort analysis.
The hydrophilic gel-cream base is oil-free and non-comedogenic. The formula is free from silicones and heavy occlusives that clog pores.
Tretinoin increases photosensitivity, especially during the first weeks of use. Daily broad-spectrum SPF 30+ is mandatory while using this treatment.
A purging phase (increased breakouts) is normal during weeks 2–6 as tretinoin accelerates skin cell turnover. This is temporary and a sign the product is working.
This product requires an online dermatology consultation. A licensed prescriber reviews your skin photos and history before prescribing your personalised formula.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSTretinoin 0.006–0.025%Proven
The gold-standard prescription retinoid and the only FDA-approved topical treatment for photoaging. Unlike retinol, tretinoin is already in its active form (retinoic acid) so it works immediately on the skin without requiring enzymatic conversion.
- Anti-Aging: A 2022 systematic review confirmed tretinoin is efficacious in improving clinical appearance of photoaging across all studies reviewed.
- Acne: Normalises keratinisation, reduces sebum production, and unclogs pores at the cellular level. Considered the most effective topical retinoid for acne.
- Skin Renewal: Increases skin cell turnover rate, producing newer and healthier skin cells faster for improved texture and tone.
Azelaic Acid 4%Proven
A multifunctional dicarboxylic acid that tackles acne, pigmentation, and inflammation simultaneously. Naturally derived from grains but synthetically produced in skincare for greater stability and efficacy.
- Acne: A 2020 study confirmed azelaic acid is a "safe and effective" acne treatment. A 2023 case series showed excellent patient satisfaction for mild-to-moderate acne.
- Pigmentation: Inhibits tyrosinase enzyme to slow melanin production, helping fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, melasma, and sun spots.
- Anti-Inflammatory: Reduces redness and swelling associated with acne and rosacea. Well tolerated even by sensitive skin types.
Niacinamide 4%Proven
A form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pore appearance, fades dark spots, and regulates oil production. Works synergistically with both tretinoin and azelaic acid in this formula.
- Barrier Repair: Increases ceramide synthesis, resulting in a stronger and more hydrated skin barrier — crucial when using tretinoin.
- Brightening: Fades brown spots and hyperpigmentation, especially effective when combined with other brightening agents like azelaic acid.
- Oil Control: Helps regulate sebum production and visibly minimises pore size at 4–5% concentration.
15 ingredients
Niacinamide (4%), Azelaic Acid (4%), Tretinoin (0.006–0.025%), Aqua, Carthamus Tinctorius Oleosomes, Polyacrylate-13, Polyisobutene, Sodium Carbomer, Gluconolactone, Polysorbate 20, Sorbitan Isostearate, Benzoic Acid, Sorbic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Benzoate.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEApply the Daily Doser in the evening after cleansing and before moisturiser. Keep your PM routine minimal — cleanser, Daily Doser, moisturiser. Use SPF 30+ every morning without exception.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse
Wash your face with a gentle, non-stripping cleanser and pat dry. Wait until skin is completely dry (2–3 minutes) before applying — damp skin increases irritation from tretinoin.
Dispense One Click
Twist the Daily Doser until it clicks once. This releases the exact right amount of product for your entire face. One click = one dose.
Apply Evenly
Dot the cream across forehead, cheeks, chin, and nose. Gently spread in an even layer across the entire face. Avoid the eye area, corners of nose, and lips.
Moisturise
Follow with a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser to lock in the treatment and reduce potential irritation. Allow 5–10 minutes for absorption before applying moisturiser if preferred.
Build Up Gradually
If new to tretinoin, start by using every third night for 2 weeks, then every other night, then nightly as tolerated. Listen to your skin and slow down if irritation occurs.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have persistent acne that over-the-counter products haven't resolved
- You want to address hyperpigmentation, melasma, or dark spots
- You're looking for a proven anti-aging treatment backed by clinical evidence
- You want a simplified skincare routine with one multi-tasking treatment
- You prefer dermatologist oversight without expensive in-person consultations
- You have acne scars or uneven skin texture you want to improve
Consider alternatives if:
- You are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive
- You have extremely sensitive skin or active eczema on the face
- You are unwilling to commit to daily SPF 30+ sunscreen use
- You want instant results — tretinoin requires 3–6 months of consistent use
- You are under 16 years of age
- You live outside the United Kingdom (UK prescription required)
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESTretinoin reduces sebum production and unclogs pores. The oil-free gel-cream base absorbs quickly without adding shine. Ideal skin type for this treatment.
Tretinoin can exacerbate dryness and flaking, especially in the first months. A rich, occlusive moisturiser on top is essential. Build up frequency very slowly.
Balances oily T-zone while niacinamide supports hydration in drier areas. The lightweight base works well across different face zones.
Fragrance-free and allergen-free base is gentle, but tretinoin will cause some initial irritation. Low starting dose and slow build-up are key. Azelaic acid is well-tolerated by sensitive skin.
The combination of tretinoin and azelaic acid is a dermatologist gold-standard for acne. Non-comedogenic, oil-free, fungal acne safe. Expect purging before clearing.
Results timeline
6+ MONTHSAdjustment Phase
Skin begins adjusting to tretinoin. You may notice mild redness, tightness, or tingling after application. This is normal and indicates the active ingredients are beginning to work at the cellular level.
90% experience mild irritationPurging Period
Tretinoin accelerates skin cell turnover, which can bring existing clogged pores to the surface faster. Breakouts may temporarily worsen before they improve. Flaking and dryness are common.
60% experience temporary purgingVisible Improvement Begins
Breakouts start to reduce noticeably. Skin texture begins to smooth out and become more refined. Early signs of pigmentation fading. Skin feels clearer and more even-toned.
70% notice clearer skinSignificant Transformation
Major improvement in acne, hyperpigmentation, pore size, and overall skin radiance. Post-inflammatory marks begin to fade. Fine lines appear softened. Skin has a visible healthy glow.
85% report significant improvementLong-Term Maintenance
Ongoing anti-aging benefits accumulate. Collagen production continues to increase. Skin remains clear with continued use. Your prescriber may adjust your formula to target new goals.
90% see sustained results with continued useRatings by platform
12K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Prescription-strength tretinoin is the most proven anti-aging and acne-fighting retinoid available
- Personalised formula designed by dermatology clinicians and adjusted monthly
- Ultra-simple routine — just one product each evening replaces multiple serums and treatments
- The Daily Doser click-dispenser eliminates product waste and guesswork
- Fragrance-free, oil-free, non-comedogenic, and cruelty-free formulation
- Ongoing prescriber support included in the monthly subscription at no extra cost
- Clean, minimal ingredient list with only 15 ingredients total
Criticized
- Purging phase in weeks 2–6 can be distressing — skin may look worse before it improves
- Tretinoin causes dryness, redness, and peeling, especially in the first 1–3 months
- Not safe for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Requires mandatory daily sunscreen use, which adds cost and effort to your routine
- UK-only subscription — not available internationally
- Adjusting your prescription formula requires a new consultation and photos, with a wait time
- £24.99/month ongoing cost is higher than OTC alternatives like The Ordinary
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESOver-the-counter azelaic acid at a higher concentration (10% vs 4%), but lacks tretinoin and niacinamide. No personalisation or prescriber support. Good for targeting pigmentation and mild acne on a budget.
Uses retinol (not tretinoin) which requires conversion in the skin and is significantly weaker. No azelaic acid or niacinamide. A good entry point for retinoid beginners but much less potent than prescription tretinoin.
Higher azelaic acid concentration in an elegant formula with salicylic acid, but no tretinoin. A standalone booster rather than a full multi-active treatment. More expensive per month than Skin + Me for less active coverage.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDECurology Custom Formula
Storage & shelf life
1 MONTHS1 month after opening — each Daily Doser is designed to be used within a single 28-day cycle
Store at room temperature (15–25°C) away from direct sunlight and heat. Tretinoin is light-sensitive so keep the Daily Doser in its box when not in use.
Click-twist Daily Doser — an airless, precision dispensing tube that delivers one exact dose per click. Recyclable packaging.
Yes — compact Daily Doser is under 100ml and designed for travel. The sealed twist mechanism prevents leakage in luggage.
Frequently asked questions
FAQNo. This product contains tretinoin, a form of vitamin A (retinoid) that is classified as a teratogen and is proven to cause birth defects. It must not be used during pregnancy, while breastfeeding, or when trying to conceive. Discontinue use and consult your doctor before attempting pregnancy. If you inform Skin + Me that you are pregnant during your consultation, they will prescribe a pregnancy-safe formula without retinoids.
Yes. According to SkinSort ingredient analysis, this formulation is fungal acne (malassezia) safe. The base cream does not contain fatty acids, oils, esters, or ferments that are known to feed the Malassezia yeast responsible for fungal acne. The active ingredients (tretinoin, azelaic acid, niacinamide) are all compatible with fungal-acne-prone skin.
Caution is advised. Since this product already contains tretinoin (the strongest retinoid), you should not layer additional retinol or retinoid products on top. Using vitamin C in the morning and the Daily Doser in the evening is generally fine and can be complementary. AHAs (glycolic acid, lactic acid) and BHAs (salicylic acid) can increase irritation when combined with tretinoin, so avoid using them in your evening routine alongside the Daily Doser. Consult your Skin + Me prescriber before adding any additional actives.
This product is excellent for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types. The oil-free, non-comedogenic gel-cream base absorbs quickly and helps regulate sebum. It also works well for normal and sensitive skin types, though sensitive skin should build up frequency very gradually. Dry skin types may find the tretinoin component drying and should pair this with a rich, barrier-supporting moisturiser.
Most users begin to see noticeable improvements within 2–3 months of consistent use. An initial purging phase (weeks 2–6) is common, where breakouts may temporarily worsen. Significant improvements in acne, pigmentation, and texture are typically visible by months 3–6. Anti-aging benefits from tretinoin continue to build over 12+ months of use. Patience and consistency are key — tretinoin is a long-term treatment, not a quick fix.
Apply the Daily Doser in the evening only, after cleansing and before moisturising. Your evening routine should be: cleanser, wait 2–3 minutes for skin to dry, apply one click of the Daily Doser, then follow with moisturiser. In the morning, use a gentle cleanser, moisturiser, and SPF 30+ sunscreen. Keep your routine minimal while using tretinoin to avoid over-stressing your skin barrier.
No. The base cream is specifically formulated to be non-comedogenic and is rated 1/5 on the comedogenic scale. It is oil-free, silicone-free, and uses a hydrophilic gel-cream texture that does not block pores. Both tretinoin and azelaic acid actively work to unclog pores and reduce sebum production, making this product actively anti-comedogenic.
Each Daily Doser is designed to last exactly one month (28 doses). Many users report getting 2–3 extra days of product after the tube appears empty. A new Daily Doser is delivered monthly as part of your subscription so you never run out. Tretinoin is light-sensitive, so store the tube away from direct sunlight. Do not use any leftover product from a previous month's tube after receiving your new one.
Verdict: Skin + Me Custom Daily Dose (Tretinoin + Azelaic Acid) is one of the most effective and accessible ways to get prescription-strength skincare in the UK. The combination of gold-standard tretinoin with azelaic acid and niacinamide in a single personalised formula is clinically proven to address acne, pigmentation, texture, and ageing. The Daily Doser delivery system is clever and eliminates guesswork. At £24.99/month with included dermatology consultations, it offers strong value compared to private dermatologist appointments. The main trade-offs are the 3–6 month commitment needed for visible results, the unavoidable purging phase, and the mandatory daily sunscreen requirement.Not suitable for pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you have persistent skin concerns that OTC products haven't resolved, this is one of the smartest investments you can make in your skin.
Product Overview
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 |
Tretinoin
Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Dark Spots
Texture
Pores
|
|
| 1 |
Niacinamide
Skin Conditioning, Hair Conditioning, Smoothing
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Redness
Irritation
Dark Spots
Pores
|
|
| 1 |
Azelaic Acid
Masking, Fragrance, Ph Adjuster, Buffering Agent, Buffering
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Redness
Irritation
Texture
Pores
|






