Best Dupes for Curology Cleanser & Moisturizer

For beginners in skincare, it’s much easier to opt for a personalized and tailor-made solution to deal with the specifics of your skin.

This is precisely the concept behind Curology, an innovative treatment that offers bespoke skincare solutions.

However, as good as it is for some, there are multiple concerns and drawbacks to this type of approach to skincare.

Below, I offer an introduction to Curology and share some of the best Curology cleanser and moisturizer dupes that I’ve discovered through testing and research.

What is Curology?

In a nutshell, Curology is a skincare company that offers tailor-made remote treatments for specific skin concerns.

Their products are personalized and customized to your specific skin care needs and are combined into a skincare plan.

Subscribed users get a monthly prescription with access to a range of products. The service is mostly designed for people with acne-prone skin, who need special treatment to regulate the production of sebum and restore their healthy and clean-looking skin.

Curology provides both personalized formulas and routine essentials.

Its custom formulas are divided into those created to treat acne and those that aim to help with anti-aging.

The routine essentials include a cleanser, moisturizer, emergency spot patch, sunscreen, acne body wash, micellar makeup remover, and lip balm.

The products themselves are designed by certified dermatologists, they’re oil-free, fragrance-free, and have skin-loving ingredients.

For example, depending on your skin’s needs, the moisturizer could contain hyaluronic acid, shea butter, aloe, and extra moisturizing agents.

Why do people use the Curology Cleanser & Moisturizer Duo?

One of the Curology go-to sets is the Cleanser & Moisturizer Duo.

It’s usually a starting point for a lot of users as the products are basic, so you can add them into pretty much any routine. And – they work.

The set saves you time that you would otherwise waste researching different brands and products and weighing one solution against another.

Overall, with Curology you can say goodbye to the hassle of choosing skincare by outsourcing this task to professionals.

With an outstanding level of customization and personalized products, it’s no wonder that users love the Curology concept.

However, there’s also the other side of the story.

Why look for an alternative to Curology Cleanser & Moisturizer Duo?

When I first came across Curology and started researching their service, I saw a lot of questions from people looking for a Curology cleanser dupe or a Curology face wash dupe.

This made me start asking questions. Why were people looking for alternatives if the Curology products are so good?

It’s more expensive than alternatives

In a nutshell, the price that you would pay for a Curology cleanser and moisturizer set is definitely on the higher end.

The products are expensive compared to other alternatives available on the market. Plus, buying them from another brand will also likely reward you with a larger quantity, not just a lower price.

Not to mention that the cleanser is a wash-off product. There’s simply no point in investing such a big lump of money when there are equally good replacements out there.

The formulas are nothing spectacular

Let’s be clear – Curology doesn’t provide unique and innovative formulas that aren’t available in other skin care products.

It simply saves you the time and effort of discovering such products and closes the doors to dilemmas about whether a product is suitable for your skin or not. It’s just like an online dermatologist, who can guide you through making the right choice for skin care products.

Subscription-based model

Another reason to search for Curology dupes is the subscription-based model.

Sure, you can cancel your subscription anytime, but it does require a level of effort and patience.

Furthermore, the subscription-based model means that you’ll develop a reliance on these ready-made solutions. Knowing that you have your skincare routine thought of by someone else means that you will be less motivated to do your own research for products and ingredients beneficial for you.

Ultimately, this could result in having no control over your skincare routine.

Not an exciting choice for skin care enthusiasts

Lastly, relying on Curology for your cleanser and moisturizing face cream can be pretty boring, especially if you know your skincare stuff or are developing an interest.

It’s much more exciting to make your own decisions, test different products, and find exciting new formulas.

Face wash alternatives to Curology Cleanser

Having in mind all of the mentioned above, I’m here to introduce you to a few dupes for the Curology cleanser.

When preparing my list of dupes, I mostly focused on two key ingredients that it’s always good to have in your face wash – hyaluronic acid and ceramides. Hyaluronic acid locks in moisture and prevents stripping the skin of valuable, natural oils. It also supports the production of collagen, making the skin healthy and hydrated. On the other side, ceramides work to restore the skin’s protective barrier and are essential building blocks of your skin.

I also made sure that the cleansers I recommend are free from alcohol and other extra ingredients. After all, a good dupe for Curology cleanser must be basic.

So let’s get into the list of dupes!

For everyone: Aveeno Ultra-Calming Hydrating Gel Cleanser

The Aveeno Ultra-Calming Hydrating Gel Cleaner is a face wash similar to Curology, which is suitable for all skin types.

It’s designed to rebalance the skin while hydrating and is ideal for everyday use. The product extracts all of the dirt, oil, pollutants, and makeup buildup without harming the skin’s natural barrier.

Some of the product’s key ingredients include:

• Oat kernel flour – soothes the skin, protects the barrier, and offers antioxidant properties. It’s also an anti-inflammatory thanks to beta-glucan and contains lipids that nourish and carbohydrates that moisturize.
• Feverfew juice – antioxidant properties that provide protection against free radicals and oxidative stress. Acts as an anti-aging agent.
• Glycerin – moisturizes the skin and supports the skin lipids locked in between the skin.

What we like:
What I love about this cleanser is that it’s unscented, which makes it a great choice for anyone.

Its formula is hypoallergenic and won’t cause any side effects. Plus, the product is non-comedogenic.

You can instantly feel its powerful soothing effect – your skin will be calm and feel smooth right after use. It’s also worth noting that there are no beads in this cleanser, making it gentle.

This cleanser is widely recommended by dermatologists as a good alternative to the Curology cleanser.

What to have in mind:
If you have sensitive skin, chances are that you’ll need to use a reliable moisturizer after cleansing. Especially if you leave the cleanser on for longer and don’t rinse it off immediately, it could feel a bit drying.

Oily, acne-prone skin: CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser

The CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser for oily and acne-prone skin offers impressive cleansing capabilities and leaves the skin hydrated and smooth.

It clears away excess oil, dirt, and makeup and can be used not only for the face but for the hands and body too.

When it comes to ingredients, here are the stars:

• Hyaluronic acid – locks in moisture and offers excellent skin hydration, reduces wrinkles and fine lines, and plumps the skin.
• Three essential ceramides – naturally found in the skin, ceramides protect the skin barrier and support lipid structures.
• Phytosphingosine – provides antimicrobial protection and cell-communicating properties, helping the skin remain protected and healthy.

What we like:
Another product that has been developed with the help of dermatologists and thoroughly tested, the CeraVe cleanser certainly resembles the Curology cleansers.

I love the fact that it’s fragrance-free, doesn’t contain any parabens, it’s non-comedogenic and non-irritating.

Although it’s mostly targeted at acne-prone skin, it’s also suitable for sensitive and normal skin.

After testing it, my skin felt fresh and hydrated, with no signs of the typical tight feeling that you get after washing your skin with aggressive ingredients.

My favorite part: the cleanser is available in several package sizes, and there are huge bottles that can last you up to 6-8 months of consistent use without repurchasing. It’s super convenient and I suggest you grab those after you test it out with a smaller bottle.

What to have in mind:
If you overuse this cleanser, you could experience dryness. It’s definitely not a good fit for people with already dry skin.

Dry skin: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Exfoliating Cleanser

I’m a huge fan and advocate of The Neutrogena Hydro Boost line. Their Exfoliant Cleanser is the next Curology dupe I want to draw your attention to.

It comes with natural smoothing agents and cleanses the skin from oil and dirt without stripping it. It dramatically boosts the skin’s hydration levels.

The product is packed with valuable ingredients such as:

• Hyaluronic acid;
• Glycolic acid – alpha hydroxy acid that gently exfoliates the skin while promoting hydration and collagen regeneration – it’s the best AHA for people with dry skin.
• Lactic acid – another AHA ingredient that aids skin renewal and smoothes out the skin. It’s also a powerful moisturizer and helps make the skin firm, thick, and young-looking.
• Glycerin.

What we like:
This product has gentle exfoliating capabilities that won’t strip the skin but will give a nice, deep clean.

It’s affordable and will give you the hydration that you can expect from a good cleanser.

It’s very light on the skin and the valuable ingredients are encapsulated in soft beads that gently dissolve as you spread it on your skin. The cleanser has a delicate, fresh scent that I found very pleasant.

What I love most about the product is that it’s a perfect fit for people with dry, yet acne-prone skin. Considering that it’s challenging to find products suitable for this specific skin type, I’d say this is a substantial benefit.

What to have in mind:
As you’ve probably noticed in the ingredients list, the product does contain AHAs, which are okay for most skin types. However, people with very sensitive skin may sometimes experience irritation after using AHAs. Luckily, it’s a washable product but I’m still obliged to note this fact.

Sensitive skin: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Facial Cleanser

The La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Facial Cleanser is specifically designed for sensitive skin.

It’s a daily face wash that will help the skin keep its moisture and elasticity. It cleans the skin and pores from excess oil and dirt but also removes makeup and other impurities. The product protects the skin’s natural barrier and balances the pH.

Some of its core ingredients include:

• Niacinamide – which has anti-aging properties by reducing wrinkles and fine lines and promotes the synthesis of ceramides leading to a stronger skin barrier. It can be used in the treatment of acne, rosacea, and atopic dermatitis.
• Tocopherol – a fat-soluble antioxidant that protects against UVB rays and contains Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Offers emollient properties and shields the skin from free-radical damage.
• Glycerine;
• Panthenol – a powerful moisturizer that helps the skin attract and retain water. Panthenol also has anti-inflammatory and skin-protecting properties.

What we like:
This cleanser truly makes your skin feel clean and well-hydrated, thanks to its rich formula, which is appropriate even for sensitive skin.

It’s a safe choice because it’s free of fragrances that irritate sensitive skin.

The product is easy to apply, it’s a non-foaming cream and it’s suitable for daily and nightly use.

Many people have reported that this cleanser has helped them reduce breakouts and pimples.

What to have in mind:
If you’re using a lot of makeup, sunscreen, and other occlusives, this face wash will not be enough for a deep clean. It’s best to use a first-step cleanser before this one, to handle the excess residue on your skin, as this one’s best as a second-step cleanser.

Moisturizer alternatives to Curology Moisturizer

Next up, let’s talk about dupes for the Curology moisturizer.

Just like with cleansers, there are plenty of suitable products that offer similar results but come at a more affordable price.

When it comes to searching for a moisturizer similar to what Curology can offer, it’s essential to consider the ingredients. Some of the good ingredients that make a perfect choice for moisturizers are hyaluronic acid, dimethicone, ceramides, shea butter, squalane, glycerin, lanolin, and petrolatum.

At the same time, your moisturizer shouldn’t include ingredients like the ones mentioned earlier in the cleansers section – alcohol, Benzoyl Peroxide, and SLS.

Here are the Curology moisturizer dupes that I’d recommend.

For everyone: Benton Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel

The Benton Aloe Propolis Soothing is my all-time favorite moisturizer.

It has a nutrient-rich formula that calms irritated skin and offers an excellent level of nourishment and hydration.

It’s designed to relieve oxidative stress and protect against different types of skin damage.

With a light, water-based formula, it prevents water evaporation and helps to heal blemishes, fade aging spots, and eliminate redness.

Its ingredient list contains:

• 80% aloe barbadensis leaf juice – a hydroglycolic extract with outstanding hydration and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Propolis extract – slows down aging and helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles, reduces blemishes, and retains skin moisture.
• Camellia extract – a natural ingredient with antioxidant properties, UV protection, anti-inflammatory capabilities, and antimicrobial powers.
• Glycerin;
• Arginine – an amino acid that is among the fundamental building blocks of keratin and skin collagen. Moisturizes the skin and helps dissipate AHA-associated irritation, if you’re using such ingredients.
• Cucumber extract – soothes the skin and it’s also helpful for the skin’s acid mantle.
• Allantoin – a popular soothing ingredient derived from comfrey plant roots and leaves. It softens and protects the skin.

What we like:
One of the things that I fell in love with when using this gel is the speed at which it’s absorbed.

Forget about greasiness or heavy sensations, as this is a light moisturizer that provides a satisfactory level of hydration for the skin, especially for normal and oily skin.

It’s vegan and suitable for people with a preference for such products. This moisturizer can be used by people with all skin types, it’s alcohol-free, and doesn’t contain any artificial fragrances, colorings, parabens, or essential oils.

What to have in mind:
If you have extremely dry skin, it may not be enough to give you the hydration you’re looking for.

Acne-prone skin: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel with Hyaluronic Acid

This Curology moisturizer dupe is another favorite of mine.

The water-based gel hydrates the skin by locking in moisture, gives a plumping effect, and smoothes the texture.

It’s a daily moisturizer, an alternative to Curology, that can safely be used in your skincare regimen if you have acne-prone skin – it’s non-comedogenic, oil-free, and dye-free.

The star ingredients featured in its formula are hyaluronic acid and glycerin.

What we like:
This moisturizer pampers your senses – not only with its texture but with its gentle aroma.

Since it comes with an incredibly simple and minimalistic ingredient list, it makes it safe for acne-prone skin as there are minimum chances of irritation and side effects.

The gel cream plays well under makeup and ensures long-lasting hydration. Plus, it absorbs instantly, making it ideal for those of you with limited time or patience.

What to have in mind:
This moisturizer is more appropriate for those of you with oily skin, as it’s water-based. If you’re more on the dry side, check out the other version of this – The Hydroboost Gel-Cream.

Dry skin: Clinique Turnaround Overnight Revitalizing Moisturizer

The Clinique Turnaround Overnight Revitalizing Moisturizer is the perfect Curology moisturizer alternative for dry skin, but can also be used for normal, oily, and combo skin types.

It plumps, smoothes, and gives a nice glow to the skin. It’s the perfect night cream as it works its magic while the body is at rest, boosting the natural cell turnover. As a result, the skin looks bright, young, and healthy in the morning.

When it comes to important ingredients, this one contains squalane, arginine, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and cucumber extract. In addition, the formula is enriched with:

• Salicylic acid – a BHA with powerful anti-acne abilities that help prevent blackheads.
• Acetyl Glucosamine – provides natural hydration and works against fine lines and wrinkles.
• Yeast extract – protects the skin and moisturizers, at the same time.

What we like:
The product certainly provides intense hydration for the skin.

Its texture is nice and creamy, feels smooth on the skin, and moisturizes effectively, for the entire day.

It doesn’t contain any parabens, sulfates, or phthalates. In addition, it doesn’t leave any residue.

What to have in mind:
Since it has salicylic acid, it could come off as a bit too strong for certain skin types. It could make the skin feel itchy, but it won’t cause any serious side effects.

It’s also among the more expensive moisturizers on this list.

Sensitive skin: Aveeno Ultra-Calming Nourishing Night Cream

The last Curology moisturizer dupe on the list is another night cream – the Aveeno Ultra-Calming Nourishing solution.

With a formula for sensitive skin, it calms, soothes, hydrates, and nourishes the skin.

It boasts effective ingredients that are ideal for sensitive skin: oat kernel flour, feverfew juice, glycerin, ceramides, and panthenol.

What we like:
This moisturizer is a suitable choice for people with allergies as it aims to soothe the skin and prevent irritation. It does a great job of hydrating the skin and it’s not greasy at all.

What to have in mind:
A drawback that I must mention is that it does contain some fragrance, which could be a bit aggressive for the extra-sensitive folks out there. Some people share that the smell of the product is the only reason why they would reconsider using it.

Other ways to enrich a skin-care routine alternative to what Curology offers

Apart from choosing dupes for Curology products, there are additional steps you can take to enhance your skincare routine and get the same results as you would with the personalized treatment offered by the brand.

Start using active treatments

Up your active ingredient game.

I’d recommend implementing serums, essential oils, tonics, and other skincare products infused with proven active ingredients, which could help you tackle specific problems.

Some examples of must-try active ingredients include:

• Niacinamide – apart from the benefits I’ve outlined above, niacinamide also helps reduce pore size, controls sebum production, and reduces redness. It can also be used for the treatment of acne, eczema, and other skin conditions.
• Vitamin C – strengthens the protection provided by SPF products, encourages collagen production, and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. It’s also beneficial for people with hyperpigmentation.
• AHAs & BHAs – exfoliating acids, which improve cell turnover and help eliminate dead cells from the skin. They penetrate the deeper pore layers to provide outstanding cleansing of your skin and uncover a younger-looking complexion.

Implement a retinoid

Retinoids are the gold standard in the battle against aging (or in aging gracefully 🙂

They help your skin to produce more collagen and reduce wrinkles and fine lines. In addition, they’re responsible for the increased production of new blood vessels in the skin, resulting in the improvement in skin color. They help fade age spots and perfect rough patches on the skin.

However, I must add a few things about retinoids.

First, always start slow and gradually increase the use of retinoids as part of your skincare routine. Also, opt for products with low concentrations of the ingredients to avoid irritation. In addition, I advise using it in combination with SPF products (sunblock) in the morning, which protect against UVB rays.

Sun damage is the number one culprit behind aging, so start taking care of your skin with sunscreen and retinoids.

Overall, the Curology treatment does provide good results.

However, it’s often considered a bit too pricey and does come along with a few other drawbacks, which I’ve shared with you in this article.

This naturally brings up questions about alternative methods of achieving the positive results provided by its moisturizers and cleansers.

I hope that you’ll find the suggestions for Curology dupes in this article useful and you’ll find the perfect product that matches your skin type and expectations.

Have you tried the Curology treatment or any of the dupes that I’ve recommended? If you have, I’d love to hear your thoughts.