Agency is a skincare brand that brings a personalized, prescription-strength approach to managing various skincare concerns. It leverages dermatological expertise and offers tailored offerings, which may help tackle concerns like fine lines, acne, hyperpigmentation, etc.
The brand makes it easy to access professional skincare from the comfort of your home, delivering customized formulations directly to your doorstep. It also matches you with a licensed dermatologist who can provide guidance, help customize formulations, and assist with follow-up.
In this detailed review, we explore the vital elements of the Agency brand, including its product lineup, advantages, and potential limitations of the brand.
Agency Skincare is a personalized service that focuses on offering anti-aging formulations that may cater to multiple skincare needs. It was founded by the creators of Curology, a platform known for offering customized skincare products.
The services at Agency provide prescription-strength formulations, which may help manage various skincare concerns, such as wrinkles, dark spots, fine lines, uneven skin texture, sunspots, etc.
You may start by completing an online assessment that includes uploading photos and sharing your skincare goals. Based on this, a licensed dermatology provider crafts a custom skincare plan, which may include products like a Future Formula (for wrinkles and texture), Dark Spot Formula (for sun spots and melasma), and Eye Formula (for dark circles and eye wrinkles).
The Future Formula is a prescription-strength anti-aging cream that may help target and delay signs of premature skin aging, which may include wrinkles, fine lines, and uneven skin texture. Priced at $40 per month for a 60-day supply, the Future Formula is crafted by a licensed dermatology provider to address your specific skincare needs.
The Future Formula cream contains active ingredients like tretinoin, which could smooth skin texture and brighten your complexion. Azelaic acid provides gentle exfoliation and may help reduce excess pigmentation. Niacinamide in Future Formula may help combat free radicals, fade dark spots, and strengthen your skin's natural moisture barrier.
As per its official site, the Future Formula is dermatologically tested, free from parabens and dyes, and cruelty-free. The makers suggest using Future Formula as part of a complete skincare routine that includes the Cream Oil Cleanser for gentle cleansing, the Future Formula for targeted treatment, and the Weightless Whipped Moisturizer for hydration support.
The Dark Spot Formula from Agency Skincare may help minimize signs of hyperpigmentation, including sun spots, melasma, and uneven skin tone. The cream is available at a monthly subscription cost of $35 per month, providing an 18g supply.
Agency Skincare's Dark Spot Formula includes active ingredients like hydroquinone, a compound that may block excess melanin production by inhibiting tyrosinase activity. Other ingredients include kojic acid, which may reduce visible pigmentation and help promote a uniform skin tone.
Resveratrol in Dark Spot Formula may contribute to antioxidant protection and help minimize pigmentation, while green tea extract (EGCG) may support skin balance and help guard the skin against external stressors. Azelaic acid provides gentle exfoliation while targeting discoloration.
The Eye Formula is a prescription-grade cream that may help tackle common skin-related concerns around your under-eye area, such as crow's feet, fine lines, and dark circles. The product is available at a monthly subscription cost of $38 (for a 12g supply).
Agency Skincare's Eye Formula may contain tretinoin, a retinoid that encourages skin cell turnover and visibly reduces fine lines. Caffeine may support this action by helping reduce eye puffiness and signs of fatigue through improved microcirculation.
To keep your skin soft and hydrated, the Eye Formula includes dexpanthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) and glycerin, which work to maintain moisture and support a smooth, refreshed appearance under your eyes.
The Cloud Care Duo is a lightweight skincare duo that may hydrate and nurture your skin, leaving it with a glowing appearance. The duo includes a Cream Oil Cleanser and a Weightless Whipped Moisturizer, both formulated to provide hydration and skin nourishment.
Cream Oil Cleanser may help restore glow and remove excess impurities while leaving your skin soft and smooth. It features squalane to nourish the skin while effectively cleansing and glycerin to lock moisture into the skin's outer layer.
The Weightless Whipped Moisturizer is a moisture-rich cream that supports all-day skin hydration. It contains shea butter, which may help lock in moisture, hyaluronic acid which might help hydrate and plump the skin, and ceramides to help strengthen your skin's moisture barrier. As per its official site, The Cloud Care Duo is non-comedogenic, paraben-free, vegan, and dye-free.
SilkScreen® is a weightless sunscreen serum hybrid that merges high-performance sun protection with skincare benefits. Formulated with broad-spectrum SPF 50, SilkScreen® may defend your skin against both UVA and UVB rays using a sheer, non-nano mineral base.
The SilkScreen® is available in two adaptable tints, Shade 1 (light to medium) and Shade 2 (medium to deep), which may suit various skin tones. Beyond sun protection, SilkScreen® delivers targeted skincare benefits. It could help even out skin tone, boost natural luminosity, and minimize the appearance of pores and fine lines.
SilkScreen® features ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, two mineral filters that may physically block harmful UV rays without irritating sensitive skin. Other skin-nourishing ingredients in SilkScreen® include hyaluronic acid, licorice root extract, and niacinamide. As per the makers, SilkScreen® is dermatologist-tested, vegan, non-comedogenic, and reef-safe.
The HydroSerum Eye Stick is an eye care balm that could rejuvenate the delicate under-eye area by providing hydration and a visible brightening effect. The balm could help target and minimize common concerns like dark circles, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation under the eye area.
HydroSerum Eye Stick includes ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which helps draw moisture into the skin, plumping and smoothing the under-eye area. Argan oil further nourishes and softens the skin, ensuring lasting hydration and keeping the under-eye area supple.
The HydroSerum Eye Stick also targets dark circles with niacinamide (vitamin B3), which could help fade the appearance of dark spots and strengthen the skin's barrier. Other ingredients like adenosine may promote collagen production, potentially helping in the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles over time.
HydroSerum Eye Stick's smooth, balm-like texture makes it easy to apply. Also, the product is dermatologist-tested, cruelty-free, and vegan, ensuring it remains compatible with various skin types.
The Rich Restoration Balm by Agency Skincare aims to replenish and protect your skin's natural moisture barrier. It offers a nourishing formula that blends ceramides, fatty acids, and emollients to restore the skin's resilience, ensuring it stays hydrated and protected from environmental stressors.
Ceramides in the Rich Restoration Balm could help retain skin hydration and suppleness throughout the day. Jojoba seed oil may offer skin nourishment, while beta-carotene provides antioxidant protection, which may help shield the skin against environmental pollutants.
The Rich Restoration Balm is non-greasy and absorbs into your skin without leaving any greasy residue. The makers suggest gently massaging the Rich Restoration Balm onto your face and neck once per day or as needed.
The Milky Hydration Concentrate is a lightweight serum that could help improve your skin texture by stimulating collagen production. The product features five types of hyaluronic acid, including sodium hyaluronate and hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate. They could help attract and retain moisture, plumping the skin and promoting suppleness.
Milky Hydration Concentrate also includes added peptides like copper tripeptide-1 and palmitoyl tripeptide-1. These peptides could help encourage collagen production, which may promote skin firmness and elasticity, reduce fine lines, and support a radiant complexion.
Urea is included in the Milky Hydration Concentrate to enhance the product's moisture-locking ability by increasing water content in the skin's outer layers. Polyglutamic acid is also included, which is known for its ability to hold four times more water than hyaluronic acid.
Designed for quick absorption, the Milky Hydration Concentrate integrates smoothly into any skincare routine without causing pilling. The product may leave behind a smooth, non-greasy finish post-application.
Agency Skincare offers personalized skincare that's made just for you. When you sign up, you take a simple online quiz and upload photos of your skin. The quiz asks about your skin type, your main concerns (like dark spots, wrinkles, or acne), and your goals. Then, a licensed dermatology provider from Agency Skincare looks at your answers and photos to create a custom formula that fits your needs. The dermatologists at Agency Skincare may also adjust your formula over time to align with your changing skincare needs.
The brand Agency Skincare claims to use potent, science-backed ingredients in each custom formula. These ingredients may include tretinoin, azelaic acid, niacinamide, and tranexamic acid. They might help target and minimize common skin concerns like fine lines, uneven skin tone, and dark spots. A licensed dermatologist at Agency Skincare can adjust the concentration and combination of active ingredients as per your unique skin profile and needs. This could help the customized formulas work more effectively while keeping your skin safe from irritation.
With Agency Skincare, you don't just get a one-time skincare formula, you get ongoing dermatology support. After your first shipment, your dermatology provider keeps in touch to observe the efficacy of the prescribed customized formulations. If the customized formulas fail to show effects or trigger adverse reactions, your assigned dermatologist can adjust or replace the formula to match your needs better. You can message your Agency Skincare provider anytime with questions or updates. This kind of support may help you get better results over time and feel more confident in your skincare routine.
Agency Skincare offers a refund option for first-time subscribers who are not satisfied with their initial trial shipment. If you're unhappy with your first delivery, you may claim for a refund within 28 days of receiving the shipment. Such a refund policy may provide flexibility, especially for first-time users who are hesitant to try Agency Skincare products. For one-time purchases made outside of a subscription, non-prescription products may be eligible for a return or refund within 14 days of delivery.
Agency Skincare only lets you purchase their products through a subscription. You can't just order one product to try it out. Instead, you are required to sign up for regular shipments. If you prefer one-time purchases or want to test a product before fully committing, the subscription-only model of Agency Skincare can be a drawback. Subscription purchases may force you into a recurring plan. There's no easy way to shop casually or mix and match products, making it harder to stay in control of your skincare routine.
While popular for their personalized approach to skincare, Agency Skincare products come with some potential risks. For example, many formulations from Agency Skincare contain hydroquinone, which may trigger side effects like irritation, redness, and even skin discoloration.
Formulations with niacinamide may cause a burning sensation or redness, especially if you are dealing with sensitive skin. Agency Skincare products like Milky Hydration Concentrate contain peptides, which may occasionally trigger an allergic reaction, leading to itching or rashes.
Agency Skincare has been criticized for its poor customer service, specifically when it comes to handling cancellations and refunds. Many customers have claimed to have experienced situations where they were still charged for a subscription despite following the company's cancellation policy. Agency Skincare's cancellation policy states that new subscribers can request for a full refund within 28 days of receiving their first shipment. However, many customers found it difficult to receive the refund amount, which left them stuck with unwanted shipments and charges.
The pricing of Agency Skincare's products might be off-putting for many consumers. Their offerings are priced significantly higher than typical over-the-counter skincare options, which may be hard to justify. For example, Agency Skincare's Future Formula costs $60 as part of a two-month subscription plan, which many customers may consider a steep price for just a couple of months of use.
Musely and Agency Skincare both offer customized, prescription-strength skincare. However, their approaches and areas of focus differ notably. Musely centers its service around freshly compounded treatments to tackle complex skin concerns like melasma, sun damage, hyperpigmentation, and premature signs of skin aging.
In contrast, Agency Skincare focuses particularly on anti-aging skincare. The brand offers a subscription-only purchase model with tailored formulas to target wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots, and skin texture. Agency Skincare also provides access to dermatologist-designed daily essentials like cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreen for a complete skincare routine.
Agency Skincare's model emphasizes simplicity and continuity, with automatic refills every two months and regular check-ins with a matched dermatology provider, which may include NPs, PAs, MDs, or DOs.
On the other hand, Musely is an online telehealth skincare brand led by board-certified dermatologists, including Dr. Marie Jhin. The brand offers online consultations and direct-to-door delivery of customized formulations at a lower cost than in-office dermatologist visits.
Both Agency Skincare and Musely offer similar products aimed at anti-aging, priced close to each other. Agency Skincare's Future Formula costs $40 per month for a 60-day supply, making it $20 per month when calculated for the monthly rate. In contrast, Musely's Anti-Aging Cream is priced at $34 per month, also for a 60-day supply, translating to $17 per month.
Curology and Agency Skincare are sister brands founded by board-certified dermatologist Dr. David Lortscher. While both brands offer personalized skincare services through telemedicine, they cater to distinct skin concerns and demographics.
Curology focuses primarily on targeting acne removal and prevention, although it also offers formulations that target other skin and haircare needs like dark spots, rosacea, hair thinning, etc. It also offers a complete skincare routine with optional add-ons like cleansers, moisturizers, sunscreen, lip balm, and barrier balm.
On the other hand, Agency Skincare is more tailored towards providing anti-aging formulations. The brand's products are categorized into personalized formulas (prescription-based) and elevated essentials, which may help tackle common skin concerns like fine lines, wrinkles, skin sagging, and uneven skin texture.
When it comes to user experience, both the Agency Skincare and Curology platforms are accessible and easy to navigate. Curology's interface is especially beginner-friendly and integrates educational content to guide users new to prescription skincare.
In contrast, Agency Skincare's platform is more clinical in tone and better suited to users who already have some familiarity with advanced skincare ingredients and routines.
As part of our evaluation, we looked at Agency Skincare's reputation, which is notably strong for a relatively new brand. As a sub-brand of Curology, Agency Skincare benefits from a robust foundation in personalized, dermatology-based skincare.
The brand Agency Skincare targets premature signs of skin aging, such as dark, uneven skin tone and fine lines, using prescription-strength ingredients tailored through an online dermatology service.
On Trustpilot, Agency Skincare holds a 4.6 out of 5 rating based on 150+ reviews, with many reviewers highlighting noticeable skincare improvements, convenience, and a personalized approach.
However, Reviews.io presents a more mixed picture, with Agency Skincare receiving a 3.0 out of 5 rating from over 330 users. While some customers experienced favorable results with the Agency Skincare's products, others experienced delays in service or inconsistent experiences.
Notably, Agency Skincare does not have a listing on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), which may limit the brand's transparency in terms of complaint resolution and business accreditation.
When evaluating Agency Skincare, we closely analyzed customer reviews of its products across Amazon. This helped us gain a clear understanding of user satisfaction, product performance, and brand perception of Agency Skincare.
Many consumers who tried Agency Skincare, especially their Cloud Care Duo, appreciated the moisturizer's lightweight, non-greasy texture that left their skin soft, smooth, and radiant. However, some reviewers on Amazon pointed out packaging issues, mainly a faulty or inconsistent pump, which made dispensing the product frustrating.
Customers praised SilkScreen (Agency Skincare's tinted sunscreen) for pairing skincare benefits with sun protection. Many users appreciated its serum-like consistency, moisturizing feel, and fragrance-free formula. However, the limited shade range (only Light Medium and Medium Deep) excluded some users, particularly those with pale skin or a lighter complexion.
HydroSerum Eye Stick received moderately positive feedback. Users highlighted its hydrating properties, convenient lipstick-style applicator, and skin-soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. However, a few customers felt that its texture was a bit heavy, while others questioned its effectiveness in reducing dark circles or fine lines.
Overall, customer feedback reveals that Agency Skincare enjoys strong loyalty and satisfaction, particularly among people with sensitive or treatment-focused skincare needs. Although a few issues around packaging and product specificity exist, the positive experiences may outweigh the negatives.
Agency Skincare offers a personalized approach to skincare, focusing on common skin-related concerns like hyperpigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. The offerings from Agency Skincare feature tretinoin, azelaic acid, and niacinamide, which may help improve skin texture, promote cell turnover, and reduce inflammation.
The brand offers a subscription-based purchase model that typically maintains a 2-month refill schedule. Moreover, Agency Skincare follows an adaptable approach to skincare, as a licensed dermatologist is assigned to help monitor and adjust your formulations based on your skin's evolving needs.
However, Agency Skincare's anti-aging approach fails to address more complex skin conditions like rosacea, psoriasis, dermatitis, etc. The brand's lack of in-person consultations or advanced diagnostic tools may also limit the customization available. Moreover, the customer reviews of Agency Skincare are mixed. While many have reported improvements in skin texture and firmness, others have expressed frustration with subscription cancellations and receiving unwanted shipments. Some users have also experienced adverse reactions to the products, including breakouts, itching, and redness.
Ultimately, the effectiveness of Agency Skincare formulations will depend on factors like frequency of use, your skin type, sensitivity to ingredients, and the presence of any pre-existing skin conditions. Also, it may be beneficial to take an in-person dermatologist consultation in cases of severe skin health conditions or before subscribing to Agency Skincare.
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