Custom FormulaRX (Zinc pyrithione 0.25%, Clindamycin 1%, Niacinamide 4%)
Custom FormulaRX (Zinc pyrithione 0.25%, Clindamycin 1%, Niacinamide 4%)
Product Description
A dermatologist-prescribed, custom-compounded night treatment from Curology that combines three targeted actives in one bottle: Zinc Pyrithione 0.25% to calm fungal (malassezia) acne, Clindamycin Phosphate 1% to fight inflammatory breakouts, and Niacinamide 4% to control oil, fade post-acne marks and strengthen the skin barrier. Personalized via online consultation with a licensed dermatology provider and made in the USA.
β¨ Texture & Feel
Targets Fungal Acne
Zinc pyrithione disrupts malassezia yeast, helping clear the small, itchy, uniform bumps that standard acne products often miss.
Fights Inflammatory Breakouts
Clindamycin phosphate 1%, a prescription antibiotic, lowers acne-causing bacteria and calms red, painful papules and pustules.
Balances & Brightens
Niacinamide 4% regulates oil, refines the look of pores, fades post-acne marks and reinforces a healthy skin barrier.
Personalized by a Provider
Your formula is chosen by a licensed dermatology provider from your skin quiz and photos, and can be adjusted over time.
π‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility
Curology is a medical practice and asks members to pause their formula and consult their provider and OB-GYN. Topical clindamycin (former category B) and niacinamide are generally low-risk, but zinc pyrithione has limited pregnancy data.
Actively treats fungal acne β zinc pyrithione is an antifungal, and the formula contains no oils, esters or fatty acids that feed malassezia yeast.
Clindamycin is a topical antibiotic; long-term solo use can encourage bacterial resistance. Providers typically pair or rotate it β follow your provider's guidance.
Some users see a short purging or dryness phase in the first 2β6 weeks. Start a few nights per week, buffer with moisturizer, and build up. Fragrance-free and free from common allergens.
π¬ Ingredient Breakdown
π Zinc Pyrithione 0.25% Proven
An antifungal and antibacterial active that targets malassezia (the yeast behind fungal acne) and also helps ordinary acne. It is the classic active found in anti-dandruff and seborrheic-dermatitis treatments.
- Mechanism: Derived from zinc; inhibits the multiplying of fungal and bacterial cells.
- Use: Curology notes it is used to treat fungal acne as well as ordinary acne.
- Regulatory: Restricted in EU leave-on cosmetics since 2022 β used here within a compounded US prescription, not as an OTC cosmetic.
π¦ Clindamycin Phosphate 1% Proven
A prescription topical antibiotic that reduces acne-causing bacteria and inflammation. It is a long-standing dermatology staple for inflammatory acne (red papules and pustules).
- Efficacy: Effective at reducing inflammatory acne lesions; a first-line topical antibiotic for acne.
- Absorption: Roughly 4β5% is absorbed through skin; serum levels are not of concern over a 12-week course.
- Pregnancy: Assigned to the former FDA pregnancy category B (presumed safe based on animal data).
πΏ Niacinamide 4% Proven
A multitasking form of vitamin B3 that regulates oil, minimizes the look of pores, fades dark spots, calms redness and strengthens the moisture barrier β all while being well tolerated by most skin.
- Benefits: Strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pores and dark spots, regulates oil and softens signs of aging.
- Pregnancy: Generally considered safe to continue in pregnancy; only a small amount is absorbed when applied topically.
- Tolerance: Does not cause the "niacin flush" associated with oral niacin.
3 active ingredients in a compounded cream base
Active ingredients: Zinc Pyrithione 0.25%, Clindamycin Phosphate 1%, Niacinamide 4%.
Inactive ingredients: compounded into a fragrance-free cream vehicle. Because each Custom FormulaRx is personalized, the exact inactive (base) ingredients are determined per prescription and are not publicly listed for custom formulas β refer to the leaflet that ships with your bottle.
π Where It Fits in Your Routine
Curology is a PM treatment: cleanse, apply a thin layer to your whole face (and neck if advised), then seal with moisturizer. Always wear SPF the next morning β antibiotics and active treatments can increase sun sensitivity.
π How to Use
Cleanse
Wash with a gentle, non-stripping cleanser and pat skin dry.
Apply a thin layer
At night, dot a pea-sized amount across your face and spread a thin, even layer, avoiding the eyes and lips. Include the neck only if your provider advises.
Moisturize
Follow with a non-comedogenic moisturizer to buffer dryness, especially during the first few weeks.
Protect by day
Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every morning to support results and limit sensitivity.
Be consistent
Use nightly (or as prescribed) and message your provider with any concerns. Results build over 6β12 weeks.
π€ Who Is It For?
β Perfect for you if:
- You have persistent fungal acne (malassezia) alongside regular breakouts
- Your acne is inflammatory (red papules/pustules) and oily-skin related
- You want a dermatologist-personalized formula without an in-person visit
- You prefer a simple, fragrance-free, single-step night treatment
- You're dealing with post-acne marks and enlarged-looking pores
β Consider alternatives if:
- You're pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive (pause and consult your provider/OB)
- You want a one-off purchase rather than a subscription
- You have very dry or highly reactive skin without a buffering moisturizer
- You prefer OTC-only products and avoid prescription antibiotics
- You need an EU-compliant cosmetic (zinc pyrithione is restricted there)
π― Skin Type Compatibility
Niacinamide and the lightweight base help control shine, while zinc targets the yeast that thrives in oil.
Treats breakouts in oily zones without leaving heavy residue across the rest of the face.
Three actives target bacterial acne, fungal acne and marks at once; non-comedogenic.
Fragrance-free and gentle, but clindamycin and zinc can dry β introduce slowly and patch test first.
Effective but can be drying; layer a richer moisturizer on top and reduce frequency if needed.
π Results Timeline
Adjustment period
Skin adapts to the actives. Some users notice mild dryness, flaking or a short purge as oiliness begins to ease.
~40% notice early changesEarly clearing
Fewer new breakouts appear. Curology reports many users see acne improvement around this point.
90.5% improved by week 3*Visible results
Inflammation calms, fungal bumps subside and overall tone starts to look more even.
Most see clearer skinFull effect
With consistent nightly use, expect fewer breakouts, smaller-looking pores and faded post-acne marks.
6β12 weeks to full resultsβ Ratings by Platform
βοΈ Pros & Cons
β Praised
- Three clinically backed actives in one personalized prescription
- Targets fungal acne, bacterial acne and oil/marks together
- Fragrance-free, vegan, cruelty-free and reef-safe
- Dermatology-provider support and formula adjustments included
- Free trial and money-back guarantee lower the risk of trying
β Criticized
- Subscription model; auto-enrollment and refunds frustrate some users
- Prescription-only β requires a consultation, not a quick OTC grab
- Possible purging, dryness or irritation in the first few weeks
- Topical antibiotic isn't ideal for long-term solo use (resistance)
- Not advised in pregnancy/breastfeeding without provider sign-off
π° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Covers the oil-control and niacinamide angle for a fraction of the price, but has no prescription antibiotic and uses zinc PCA rather than the antifungal zinc pyrithione.
An OTC antibacterial that tackles acne-causing bacteria like clindamycin does, but it's a rinse-off wash with no niacinamide and no antifungal benefit.
Delivers leave-on zinc pyrithione for fungal acne, similar to the ZP component, but lacks the prescription antibiotic and the niacinamide of the custom formula.
π Comparison with Competitors
Curology Custom FormulaRx (Featured)
$29.95/moApostrophe
$20 consult + RxNurx
from ~$30/moMusely
$35β65/moπ¦ Storage & Shelf Life
Approximately 6 months β as a compounded prescription, use within your prescription cycle and follow the date guidance from your provider.
Store at room temperature in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; keep the cap closed between uses.
Pump bottle (14 ml 30-day or 27 ml 60-day) with a personalized prescription label.
Yes β well under 100 ml. Carry the prescription label when flying, as it is a compounded medication.
β Frequently Asked Questions
Use caution. Curology is a medical practice and asks members to pause their formula and check with their dermatology provider and OB-GYN. Topical clindamycin (former category B) and niacinamide are generally considered low-risk, but zinc pyrithione has limited pregnancy data, so this formula is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding without medical sign-off.
Yes. It actively treats fungal acne rather than just avoiding triggers: zinc pyrithione is an antifungal, and the formula contains none of the oils, esters or fatty acids that feed malassezia yeast.
Use caution. Layering several strong actives can over-irritate skin. Many users keep vitamin C for the morning and avoid stacking AHAs, BHAs or extra retinoids at night unless their provider approves. Message your Curology provider before combining products, since your formula may already include enough actives.
Oily, combination and acne-prone skin benefit most, especially when fungal acne is part of the picture. Sensitive and dry skin can use it with a good moisturizer and a slower introduction.
Curology says many people notice a difference within 6β12 weeks, and the brand reports acne improvement for many users by around week 3. Skin varies, so consistency over the full timeline matters most.
At night, after cleansing and before moisturizer. Apply a thin layer to your face (and neck if advised), then seal with a non-comedogenic moisturizer. Always wear broad-spectrum SPF the next morning.
No. It rates low (about 1/5) and is considered non-comedogenic. The actives help unclog and clear pores rather than block them, and the base is lightweight and oil-free.
As a compounded prescription, use it within your prescription cycle β roughly 6 months. Store it cool and dry, keep the cap closed, and follow any date guidance provided with your bottle.
Verdict: Curology's Custom FormulaRx (Zinc Pyrithione 0.25%, Clindamycin Phosphate 1%, Niacinamide 4%) is a smart, dermatologist-personalized option for anyone juggling fungal acne, inflammatory breakouts and oily, marked skin β three problems most single over-the-counter products can't address at once. The actives are well supported, the formula is fragrance-free and fungal-acne safe, and provider support is built in. The trade-offs are real: it's a subscription that some find hard to cancel, it can cause early purging or dryness, the topical antibiotic isn't meant for long-term solo use, and it shouldn't be used during pregnancy without medical approval. For oily, acne-prone skin that hasn't responded to drugstore products, it's a strong, convenient value at around $29.95/month.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
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.
Pro Tip Alert!
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
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skinβs own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
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 Β«promisesΒ» 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.
Pro Tip Alert!
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
Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 1 ingredient(s):
Ache-fighting from 2 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
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.
Pro Tip Alert!
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
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
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.
Pro Tip Alert!
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 |
Zinc Pyrithione
Antiseborrhoeic, Preservative
|
|
|
| 0 |
Clindamycin Phosphate
|
Ache-fighting
|
|
| 1 |
Niacinamide
Skin Conditioning, Hair Conditioning, Smoothing
|
Brightening
Ache-fighting
Anti-Aging
Promotes Wound Healing
Redness
Irritation
Dark Spots
Pores
|