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Custom Compound Creams
compoundedVarious (tretinoin, niacinamide, azelaic acid, tranexamic acid, etc.) — Not FDA-approved. Compounded by licensed pharmacies based on a provider's prescription. Individual ingredients may be FDA-approved in their standalone forms.
$20 - $60/mo
/month
Dosing
Applied once daily, typically in the evening. Specific instructions vary by formula. Providers generally recommend starting slowly and increasing frequency as tolerated.
Type
Compounded
Key Fact
Custom compounds allow providers to combine multiple active ingredients in one formula — something that is not typically available in standard FDA-approved products.
Price
$20 - $60/mo
Custom compound creams are prescription formulas prepared by licensed pharmacies based on a provider's specific instructions. These formulas can combine multiple active ingredients — such as tretinoin, niacinamide, azelaic acid, hydroquinone, or tranexamic acid — in concentrations tailored to a patient's individual skin needs. This approach allows providers to address multiple concerns (fine lines, dark spots, acne, texture) in a single product, which can simplify a skincare routine.
Where to Get Custom Compound Creams
Compare providers offering custom compound creams — ranked by our editorial team
Curology
Custom 'Superbottle' formula. Ingredients may include tretinoin, azelaic acid, niacinamide, clindamycin, and more.
$20 - $30/mo
/month
Agency
Anti-aging focused custom formulas. May include tretinoin, niacinamide, tranexamic acid, and azelaic acid.
$25 - $50/mo
/month
Hers
Custom anti-aging cream with tretinoin and niacinamide. Concentrations tailored by provider.
$35 - $45/mo
/month
Hims
Anti-aging cream with tretinoin, azelaic acid, and niacinamide. Custom dosing.
$30 - $45/mo
/month
How Custom Compound Creams Works
The mechanism depends on the specific ingredients included in the formula. Tretinoin accelerates cell turnover and promotes collagen production. Niacinamide may support the skin barrier and help reduce redness. Azelaic acid may address both pigmentation and mild acne. Hydroquinone inhibits melanin production to lighten dark spots. Tranexamic acid may help with melasma by reducing melanin transfer. By combining these ingredients at customized concentrations, a single compound cream can potentially target multiple pathways simultaneously. Your provider selects the ingredient mix and strengths based on your skin assessment.
Side Effects
Common
- • Dryness and peeling (especially if tretinoin is included)
- • Mild redness or irritation during the adjustment period
- • Increased sun sensitivity
- • Mild stinging on application
Serious (Rare)
- • Allergic reaction to any ingredient — discontinue and contact your provider
- • Excessive irritation, blistering, or skin damage — seek medical attention
- • If hydroquinone is included: ochronosis (darkening) with prolonged use is rare but possible
- • Tretinoin-containing formulas should not be used during pregnancy
Who Is Eligible
Custom compound creams are generally prescribed to adults with various skin concerns including aging, hyperpigmentation, acne, or uneven texture. Your provider will assess whether compounding is appropriate based on your health history and skin needs. These formulas may not be suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals (depending on the ingredients), or for people with very sensitive or compromised skin.