Acne Cream
Triple-action topical for acne: antibiotic (clindamycin + erythromycin) and antifungal (ketoconazole). Covers bacterial and fungal acne.
Cream
from $139/mo
Applied to the skin · Once a day
RetinoidStabilizedEncapsulated
EOS Cream
EOS: encapsulated retinol (stabilized vitamin A form) that penetrates gradually. Gentler than tretinoin; no prescription needed but effects are similar over time.
- Stabilized retinol in encapsulated form for controlled release
- Gentler irritation profile than tretinoin
- Over-the-counter strength; results take longer but worth the wait
- Monthly$159/mo
- Free, discreet shipping
- Licensed U.S. pharmacy
- Board-certified physicians
Disclaimer: Prescription products require an online evaluation with a licensed medical professional who will determine if a prescription is appropriate. Products are compounded by a licensed pharmacy. The FDA has not reviewed or approved compounded products for any use for safety, efficacy, or quality. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved brand-name products.
- How
- Applied to the skin
- How often
- Once a day
- Each shipment
- 1 tube
- Strength
- 10 / 5 / 0.25 / 0.05%
What is EOS?
(encapsulated stabilized retinol)
EOS is retinol (vitamin A alcohol) in microencapsulation technology, releasing slowly into the skin. This gentler form of vitamin A avoids the immediate irritation of tretinoin while still stimulating collagen and cell turnover. EOS is over-the-counter, making it accessible; results take 3-6 months but are reliable.
What's in it
- Azelaic Acid10%Unclogs pores, evens tone
- Niacinamide5%Evens tone, calms redness
- Hyaluronic Acid0.25%Holds water in the skin
- Tretinoin0.05%Speeds skin renewal
OTC
retinoid strength without prescription; milder irritation
Encapsulation technology allows consistent, slow delivery. Studies show results comparable to tretinoin, but timescale is 2-3 times longer.
Is it right for you?
Who it's for
Adults who want smoother texture and tone without antibiotics.
What sets it apart
Azelaic acid and tretinoin with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to soften the irritation.
Worth knowing before you start
A pea-sized amount covers the whole face. More is not better.
What to expect
Initial irritation expected
retinization phase resolves in 4-6 weeks
Sun protection essential
retinoids increase photosensitivity dramatically
Visible improvement
texture, fine lines, and tone improve over months
Collagen remodeling
cumulative benefit peaks at 6-12 months
How retinoids work
Week 1–2
Start with the lowest concentration or gentlest form (EOS or Refine PM). Apply nightly to clean, completely dry skin.
1Week 2–4
Retinization phase: redness, peeling, dryness are normal. Use a good moisturizer and SPF 30+ daily. Do not panic; continue use.
2Week 4–8
Irritation subsides. Skin texture begins to improve. Pores may look smaller. Keep up daily sunscreen.
3Month 2–6+
Fine lines fade, skin tone evens, acne improves. Results continue to deepen. Your physician may increase strength or frequency.
4
Individual results vary. Benefits reflect what Zepym Health members commonly report to their physician at check-ins; they are not the results of a clinical trial.
How you use it
This is the starting dose the pharmacy prints on the label. Your physician sets yours and adjusts it with you.
- How
- Applied to the skin
- Where
- affected area
- Dose
- 1 to 2 pumps
- How often
- Once a day
- When
- At bedtime
- Each shipment
- 1 tube
- Pharmacy label
- Apply 1 to 2 pumps to the affected area at bedtime once daily, starting 3 to 5 nights per week, for 30 days.
A sample week
- M
- T
- W
- T
- F
- S
- S
Once a day
The science of retinoids
Encapsulated retinol delivers controlled release, reducing irritation while maintaining efficacy for fine lines and texture. Users report less redness and scaling than with tretinoin.
Over-the-counter status and milder irritation make EOS ideal for people wary of prescription retinoids or with easily irritated skin. Patience is key; results compound over 6-12 months.
Learn moreImportant safety information and common side effects
Retinoids accelerate cell turnover and sun sensitivity. All retinoid users must use daily SPF 30+ sunscreen and avoid direct sun, especially when starting. Retinization (redness, peeling, dryness) is normal for weeks 2-4 and resolves with patience. Tretinoin is absolutely contraindicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding; other retinoids require caution. Do not use retinoids with vitamin C serums, benzoyl peroxide, or other active acids without spacing them 12+ hours apart. Tell your physician about any accutane history or severe acne. Avoid if you have eczema or severe barrier damage without medical clearance. Stop and seek care for severe redness, blistering, persistent peeling after month 2, or signs of allergic reaction.
Every plan includes
- Personalized, physician-guided plan
- Monthly plan
- Dispensed by a US-licensed compounding pharmacy
- Unlimited protocol adjustments and messaging
- Ongoing support and check-ins
- Pause or cancel anytime
- Reviewed by our in-house physicians
How it works
1.Connect with a physician
Answer a few questions online and a US-licensed physician reviews your health, history and goals to make sure treatment is right for you. 100% online. No in-person visit required.
2.Get your discreet shipment
If approved, your treatment is compounded by a US-licensed, LegitScript-certified pharmacy, inspected for quality, and shipped discreetly to your door.
3.Receive continuous support
Start with one goal, then keep building over time. Unlimited physician messaging, easy refills and dose adjustments, all from the Zepym Health app.
EOS cream educational content reviewed by our physician
Scott Nass, MDDoctor of Medicine, board-certified in Family Medicine
Charles R. Drew University and David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Family Medicine residency at Ventura County Medical Center.
Frequently asked questions
How do I use EOS Cream?
Applied to the skin, once a day, at bedtime. The starting prescription is 1 to 2 pumps each time. Your physician sets your own dose and it is printed on your label.
What exactly is in it?
Azelaic Acid 10%, Niacinamide 5%, Hyaluronic Acid 0.25%, Tretinoin 0.05%.
How much arrives in each shipment?
1 tube at the starting strength, shipped to your door from a licensed US pharmacy.
Why use EOS instead of tretinoin?
If you want retinoid benefits without prescription, irritation, or frequent physician check-ins, EOS is a solid choice. Results are slower but consistent. If you can tolerate tretinoin and want faster results, prescription options are stronger.
Can I use retinoids if I'm pregnant?
Tretinoin: absolutely not. Other retinoids: discuss with your physician. Many prefer to avoid all retinoids during pregnancy and breastfeeding out of caution. Your OB-GYN and dermatologist must coordinate.
Do I have to use retinoids forever?
No. Once your skin improves, you may reduce frequency or switch to gentler OTC retinoids for maintenance. Some people use tretinoin 1-2× weekly indefinitely. Your physician helps you find a sustainable routine.
Can I combine tretinoin with other actives?
Spacing is key. If you use vitamin C, niacinamide, or other actives, use them at different times of day (e.g., tretinoin at night, vitamin C in morning) at least 12 hours apart. Benzoyl peroxide should be avoided with tretinoin.
What if my skin never adapts to retinoids?
Some people remain sensitive. Your physician may recommend gentler forms (EOS or Refine PM), lower frequency, or alternative anti-aging actives like niacinamide or peptides. You are not obligated to tolerate significant irritation.
Collagen rebuilding starts with retinoids.
Acne Cream with Tretinoin
Acne treatment combining antibiotics (clindamycin/erythromycin/ketoconazole) with tretinoin for faster clearance and post-acne healing.
Cream
from $139/mo
Brightening Cream
Stronger prescription cream for stubborn melasma and dark spots: hydroquinone 6% with tretinoin, hydrocortisone, kojic acid and vitamins C and E. A short course, usually up to 8 weeks.
Cream
from $149/mo
Clarity Cream
Acne and post-acne formula combining azelaic acid, niacinamide, clindamycin, and tretinoin. Anti-inflammatory and cell-renewing.
Cream
from $149/mo
The above statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Prescription products require an online evaluation with a licensed medical professional who will determine if a prescription is appropriate. Individual results vary.
Sources
- 1
Tretinoin for photoaging and acne: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.
J Drugs Dermatol, 2018 - 2
Retinization in dermatology: understanding the timeline and managing irritation.
Dermatol Ther, 2020
EOS Creamfrom $159/mo