If you've ever wished your dermatologist could create the perfect skincare formula just for you, custom compounding makes that possible. Instead of juggling multiple prescription creams and hoping they work well together, compounded medications combine several active ingredients into a single, personalized formula designed specifically for your skin.
The appeal is obvious: one product instead of five, ingredients tailored to your exact concerns, and concentrations adjusted to what your skin can handle. And with telemedicine expanding access to dermatology care, getting custom compounded skincare online has never been easier. A McKinsey report found that telehealth utilization has stabilized at levels 38 times higher than before the pandemic, with dermatology being one of the specialties most suited to virtual care.
But not all compounding platforms are created equal. The provider you choose affects everything from the quality of your formula to whether you're actually getting the right ingredients for your concerns. This guide will help you understand your options and find the best place to get custom compounding online.
Quick Answer: Best Places for Custom Compounding Online
Top Choice: Honeydew - Board-certified dermatologists create personalized compounded formulas
Key factors to consider:
- Board-certified dermatologists (not just algorithms or NPs)
- Wide range of prescription ingredients available
- Ability to adjust formulas based on your response
- Transparent pricing and clear ingredient lists
- Ongoing support and follow-up care
What Is Custom Compounding?
Custom compounding in skincare refers to the practice of combining multiple prescription-strength ingredients into a single, personalized formula. Unlike off-the-shelf products with fixed formulations, compounded medications are mixed by specialty pharmacies according to a dermatologist's specific prescription for you.
Common ingredients in compounded skincare formulas include:
- Tretinoin: The gold standard retinoid for acne, fine lines, and skin texture
- Azelaic acid: Reduces inflammation, fades hyperpigmentation, and fights acne bacteria
- Niacinamide: Strengthens skin barrier, reduces redness, and minimizes pores
- Clindamycin: Topical antibiotic that targets acne-causing bacteria
- Hydroquinone: Prescription-strength skin lightener for dark spots and melasma
- Kojic acid: Natural brightening agent often combined with other ingredients
- Metronidazole: Anti-inflammatory used for rosacea
- Tranexamic acid: Helps with stubborn hyperpigmentation
The benefit of compounding is that your dermatologist can combine these ingredients at concentrations appropriate for your skin, adjust the base vehicle for your skin type, and modify the formula as your skin improves or your needs change.
Best Places to Get Custom Compounding Online
Several telehealth platforms now offer custom compounded skincare, but they differ significantly in their approach, ingredient options, and the credentials of providers creating your formula. Here's how the top options compare.
1. Honeydew: Dermatologist-Designed Custom Formulas
Honeydew is an online dermatology platform that connects you with board-certified dermatologists for personalized skin care, including custom compounded medications. Unlike platforms that use algorithms or nurse practitioners to create formulas, Honeydew's dermatologists personally design your treatment plan based on a thorough evaluation of your skin.
What sets Honeydew apart:
- Board-certified dermatologists: Your formula is created by a licensed dermatologist with specialized training in skin conditions
- Comprehensive ingredient options: Access to tretinoin, azelaic acid, clindamycin, niacinamide, and more
- Personalized concentrations: Ingredients adjusted to your skin's tolerance and needs
- Ongoing adjustments: Your dermatologist can modify your formula as your skin improves
- Full dermatology care: Custom compounding is part of comprehensive acne, eczema, and psoriasis treatment
- Fast access: Same-day or next-day appointments available
Pricing: $299/year or $39/month (3-month minimum). Visit our pricing page for full details.
Honeydew's approach treats custom compounding as one tool in a complete dermatology toolkit. Your dermatologist might recommend a compounded formula, or they might determine that individual prescription products or a different treatment approach would work better for you. Learn more about our philosophy on our Why Us page.
2. Curology
Curology pioneered the direct-to-consumer custom formula model, offering personalized prescription creams through a subscription service. Their "Superbottle" contains a mix of prescription ingredients tailored to your skin concerns.
Best for: Those with mild to moderate acne or general anti-aging concerns looking for an affordable subscription option
Provider type: Licensed providers (mix of dermatologists, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants)
Ingredient options: Tretinoin, azelaic acid, clindamycin, niacinamide, tranexamic acid, metronidazole, and others
Limitations: Does not prescribe isotretinoin (Accutane), spironolactone, or hydroquinone
Pricing: $20-30/month for custom formula subscription
3. Clear Health
Clear Health offers prescription skincare treatments designed by dermatology providers. They provide asynchronous consultations where providers review your photos and health history to create personalized treatment plans.
Best for: Those seeking straightforward prescription skincare with provider oversight
Provider type: Licensed dermatology providers including dermatologists and nurse practitioners
Ingredient options: Tretinoin, azelaic acid, niacinamide, clindamycin, and other common prescription actives
Limitations: Does not prescribe isotretinoin (Accutane)
Pricing: Consultations around $75; custom formulas vary by prescription
4. Hims & Hers
Hims & Hers offers custom prescription creams as part of their broader telehealth platform. Their anti-aging and acne formulas combine prescription ingredients in a single product.
Best for: Those already using Hims/Hers for other health services who want to add skincare
Provider type: Licensed healthcare providers
Ingredient options: Tretinoin, niacinamide, azelaic acid, and other common actives
Limitations: Does not prescribe isotretinoin; less dermatology-focused than specialty platforms
Pricing: ~$39 consultation; custom formulas from $30/month
5. Nurx
Nurx provides custom acne treatments as part of their telehealth services, which also include birth control and other healthcare. Their custom formulas target acne and hyperpigmentation.
Best for: Those seeking acne treatment alongside other telehealth services like birth control
Provider type: Licensed healthcare providers
Ingredient options: Tretinoin, azelaic acid, clindamycin, and other acne-fighting ingredients
Limitations: Does not prescribe isotretinoin; may refer severe cases to in-person care
Pricing: $40 consultation; treatments vary by prescription
6. Agency
Agency (formerly Dear Brightly) focuses on anti-aging skincare with a strong emphasis on tretinoin-based formulas. They offer personalized retinoid treatments designed by dermatology providers.
Best for: Those primarily focused on anti-aging concerns and retinoid therapy
Provider type: Dermatology providers
Ingredient options: Strong focus on tretinoin with supporting ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid
Limitations: More limited scope focused on anti-aging; fewer acne-specific options
Pricing: $120-150 per quarter for subscription
Custom Compounding Provider Comparison Table
| Provider | Dermatologist? | Consultation | Monthly Cost | Accutane? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honeydew | Yes (board-certified) | Included | $39/month or $299/year | Yes |
| Curology | Mixed (NPs, PAs, MDs) | Included | $20-30 | No |
| Clear Health | Licensed providers | $75 | Varies | No |
| Hims/Hers | Licensed providers | ~$39 | From $30 | No |
| Nurx | Licensed providers | $40 | Varies | No |
| Agency | Derm providers | Included | $40-50 | No |
Key takeaway: If your acne is severe enough that you might need Accutane (isotretinoin), Honeydew is one of the few online platforms that offers both custom compounding and Accutane prescriptions. Most compounding-focused platforms cannot prescribe isotretinoin due to its monitoring requirements.
What to Look for in a Custom Compounding Provider
Not all custom compounding is equal. The quality of your personalized formula depends heavily on who creates it and what options they have available. Here's what matters most.
Provider Checklist
- Board-certified dermatologist creates your formula (not an algorithm)
- Wide range of prescription ingredients available
- Ability to adjust concentrations based on your skin's tolerance
- Option to modify formula over time as your skin changes
- Clear ingredient list so you know exactly what you're getting
- Access to oral medications if topicals aren't enough
- Responsive support team for questions and concerns
- Transparent pricing without hidden fees
Why Provider Credentials Matter
Some platforms use algorithms or questionnaires to generate "personalized" formulas, while others rely primarily on nurse practitioners or physician assistants. While these approaches can work for simple cases, a board-certified dermatologist brings:
- Deeper diagnostic training: They can identify underlying conditions that affect which ingredients will work
- Experience with complex cases: If you've tried multiple treatments without success, you need expert-level evaluation
- Broader treatment options: Dermatologists can prescribe the full range of medications, including oral treatments and Accutane if needed
- Better long-term planning: They understand how to phase treatments and adjust as your skin improves
Red flag: Be cautious of platforms that assign you a "personalized" formula based solely on a questionnaire without a real consultation. Effective custom compounding requires understanding your full skin history, current medications, and treatment goals.
Common Custom Compounding Formulas
While every compounded formula is unique, certain combinations are commonly prescribed for specific concerns. Here's what dermatologists often include.
For Acne
| Ingredient | What It Does | Typical Concentration |
|---|---|---|
| Tretinoin | Increases cell turnover, prevents clogged pores | 0.025% - 0.1% |
| Clindamycin | Kills acne-causing bacteria | 1% |
| Azelaic acid | Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, fades marks | 15% - 20% |
| Niacinamide | Reduces inflammation, controls oil | 4% - 5% |
For Hyperpigmentation and Dark Spots
| Ingredient | What It Does | Typical Concentration |
|---|---|---|
| Hydroquinone | Most effective skin lightener (Rx only) | 4% - 8% |
| Tretinoin | Enhances hydroquinone penetration, speeds cell turnover | 0.025% - 0.05% |
| Azelaic acid | Inhibits melanin production | 15% - 20% |
| Tranexamic acid | Reduces pigmentation, helps with melasma | 2% - 5% |
For Anti-Aging
| Ingredient | What It Does | Typical Concentration |
|---|---|---|
| Tretinoin | Stimulates collagen, reduces fine lines | 0.025% - 0.1% |
| Niacinamide | Improves skin barrier, reduces redness | 4% - 5% |
| Hyaluronic acid | Hydrates, plumps skin | 1% - 2% |
What to expect: Your dermatologist will typically start you at lower concentrations and increase strength over time as your skin adjusts. This approach minimizes irritation while building up to maximum effectiveness.
Custom Compounding vs. Individual Prescriptions
You might wonder whether a compounded formula is better than using separate prescription products. Both approaches have their place, and a good dermatologist will recommend whichever makes more sense for your situation.
| Factor | Custom Compounding | Individual Prescriptions |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience | One product, simpler routine | Multiple products to apply |
| Customization | Exact ingredients and concentrations for you | Limited to available product strengths |
| Cost | Often lower total cost | Can add up with multiple Rx |
| Flexibility | Can't separate ingredients if one irritates | Can stop one product without affecting others |
| Insurance | Usually not covered | May be partially covered |
| Availability | Made to order (may take longer) | Usually available at local pharmacy |
Many patients benefit from a hybrid approach: a compounded formula for their core treatment combined with individual products for specific needs. Your dermatologist can help you determine the best strategy.
The Custom Compounding Process with Honeydew
If you're considering custom compounding through Honeydew, here's what the process looks like:
- Questionnaire: Provide information about your skin history as well as photos of your condition
- Video consultation: Meet with a board-certified dermatologist to discuss your skin concerns, history, and goals
- Skin evaluation: Your dermatologist examines your skin and asks about previous treatments
- Personalized plan: Based on their assessment, they create a treatment plan that may include custom compounding
- Formula design: If compounding is recommended, your dermatologist selects the specific ingredients and concentrations for your formula
- Prescription and delivery: Your custom formula is prepared and shipped directly to you
- Follow-up care: Track your progress through the Honeydew platform with regular check-ins to adjust your formula as needed
The advantage of working with Honeydew is that custom compounding is just one option in our toolkit. If your dermatologist determines that individual prescriptions, oral medications, or even Accutane would work better for your situation, they can prescribe those instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is custom compounded skincare worth it?
For many people, yes. Custom compounding simplifies your routine, ensures ingredients work well together, and allows for precise concentrations tailored to your skin. It's particularly valuable if you need multiple prescription ingredients or have sensitive skin that requires careful formulation.
How much does custom compounded skincare cost?
Costs vary by platform and formula complexity. Expect to pay $20-50 per month for the formula itself, plus consultation fees which range from free (included in membership) to $75. Honeydew includes consultations in our $39/month or $299/year membership.
Is compounded skincare covered by insurance?
Compounded medications are typically not covered by insurance since they're custom-made rather than manufactured products. However, the overall cost is often comparable to or less than paying out-of-pocket for multiple individual prescriptions.
How long does it take to see results from custom compounding?
Most people start seeing improvement within 4-6 weeks, with significant results by 12 weeks. Tretinoin-based formulas may cause initial purging in the first few weeks before skin improves. Your dermatologist will set appropriate expectations based on your specific formula.
Can I use custom compounded products with other skincare?
Yes, but your dermatologist will advise you on what to use and avoid. Generally, you'll want to keep the rest of your routine simple, focusing on a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Avoid other actives (like OTC retinol or acids) unless your provider approves them.
What if my custom formula irritates my skin?
This is where having a real dermatologist matters. They can adjust your formula's concentrations, change the base vehicle, or modify ingredients to reduce irritation while maintaining effectiveness. Platforms with ongoing support allow for these adjustments.
Can I get Accutane through a custom compounding platform?
Most custom compounding platforms do not prescribe isotretinoin (Accutane) because it requires special monitoring. Honeydew is one of the few platforms that offers both custom compounding and Accutane, so if topicals don't work, you have options without switching providers.
Making the Right Choice
Custom compounded skincare can be a game-changer for your routine, combining multiple prescription ingredients into one personalized formula. But the quality of your experience depends heavily on the platform you choose.
Remember these key points:
- Prioritize expertise: Look for platforms where board-certified dermatologists create your formula
- Consider the full picture: Choose a provider who can prescribe oral medications or Accutane if topicals aren't enough
- Plan for adjustments: Your formula may need tweaking; make sure ongoing care is included
- Compare total costs: Factor in consultation fees, formula costs, and what's included in memberships
- Read the reviews: Check patient experiences to understand what to expect
If you're ready to simplify your skincare routine with a personalized prescription formula, working with a platform like Honeydew ensures you get expert care from board-certified dermatologists who can adjust your treatment as your skin improves.
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