Cream
Acne Cream
Triple-action topical for acne: antibiotic (clindamycin + erythromycin) and antifungal (ketoconazole). Covers bacterial and fungal acne.
Starting at $101/mo
RetinoidStabilizedEncapsulated
EOS Cream
RxPrescription onlyApplied to the skin · Once a day · Retinoid · Stabilized · Encapsulated
Starting at $116/mo
EOS: encapsulated retinol (stabilized vitamin A form) that penetrates gradually. Gentler than tretinoin; no prescription needed but effects are similar over time.
Choose your plan
Real prices from our pharmacy. Longer plans cost less per month and are billed up front. Pause or cancel anytime.
- Stabilized retinol in encapsulated form for controlled release
- Gentler irritation profile than tretinoin
- Over-the-counter strength; results take longer but worth the wait
Every plan includes
- Personalized, physician-guided plan
- Monthly, 3-month and 6-month plans
- 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
- Physician-guided care
- Ongoing, expert support
- 100% online
- Free, discreet shipping
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.
- How it is taken
- Applied to the skin
- How often
- Once a day
- Form
- Retinoid · Stabilized · Encapsulated
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.
How it works,
week by week.
Week 1–2
Start with the lowest concentration or gentlest form (EOS or Refine PM). Apply nightly to clean, completely dry skin.
Week 2–4
Retinization phase: redness, peeling, dryness are normal. Use a good moisturizer and SPF 30+ daily. Do not panic; continue use.
Week 4–8
Irritation subsides. Skin texture begins to improve. Pores may look smaller. Keep up daily sunscreen.
Month 2–6+
Fine lines fade, skin tone evens, acne improves. Results continue to deepen. Your physician may increase strength or frequency.
What you may notice,
and when.
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
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.
Safety first:
what to know before you start.
Important 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.
The research behind
skin brighteners.
These creams mix several actives. Azelaic acid, niacinamide, tranexamic acid, vitamin C and hydroquinone have the most human data for dark spots; the rest have little or none.
- Azelaic acidMASI -1.23 vs hydroquinone
Meta-analysis of six randomized trials with 673 people with melasma: azelaic acid lowered the melasma severity score more than hydroquinone (mean difference -1.23, 95% CI -2.05 to -0.40). The trials used 20% azelaic acid; the creams here contain 10%.
Albzea et al., Cureus 2023;15(7):e41796 - Niacinamidereduced spots vs vehicle
A moisturizer with 5% niacinamide was tested in 18 women with hyperpigmentation in a paired design. After 4 weeks, hyperpigmentation fell and skin lightness rose compared with vehicle. The 35–68% figure is from a laboratory model, not a skin result.
Hakozaki et al., Br J Dermatol 2002;147(1):20-31 - Tranexamic acid22 studies, 1,280 patients
A 2024 meta-analysis found tranexamic acid significantly reduced melasma severity, with oral use showing the largest drop; studies were highly heterogeneous. A 2019 systematic review rated it a strong recommendation.
Calacattawi et al., J Dermatolog Treat 2024; Austin et al., J Drugs Dermatol 2019
What the studies found
- Azelaic acid lowered the melasma severity score more than hydroquinone in pooled trials (mean difference -1.23 MASI; Albzea et al., Cureus 2023).
- In a paired study of 18 women, 5% niacinamide lightened hyperpigmentation vs vehicle after 4 weeks (Hakozaki et al., Br J Dermatol 2002).
- Tranexamic acid significantly reduced melasma severity across 22 studies with 1,280 patients (Calacattawi et al., J Dermatolog Treat 2024).
- A six-month trial of 5% vitamin C cream showed clinically apparent improvement in photoaged skin vs vehicle (Humbert et al., Exp Dermatol 2003).
Each cream's actives are at the strength on its label. Trial results are for the single active at the strength studied, not for the mixture. The hydroquinone creams (brightening cream and ClearTone) are prescription drugs; compounded versions were not studied.
What this does not say
- Vitamin C has a six-month double-blind trial of 5% vitamin C cream against vehicle in photoaged neck and arm skin, which reported clinically apparent improvement and a smoother skin relief (Humbert et al., Exp Dermatol 2003). It is not a melasma trial.
- We found no melasma outcome trial for hyaluronic acid, caffeine, dexpanthenol, vitamin E or resveratrol in these creams; they hydrate or support.
- Clindamycin, erythromycin and ketoconazole in the acne creams have evidence in acne, not in brightening.
- Hydroquinone carries a theoretical risk of ochronosis with long use.
The research
behind it.
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.
Getting started
takes a few minutes.
- 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.
Frequently asked questions
Contact supportHow 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.
EOS cream educational content reviewed by our physician
Scott Nass, MD Doctor 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.
More options
in this area.
Cream
Acne Cream with Tretinoin
Acne treatment combining antibiotics (clindamycin/erythromycin/ketoconazole) with tretinoin for faster clearance and post-acne healing.
Starting at $101/mo
Cream
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.
Starting at $109/mo
Cream
Clarity Cream
Acne and post-acne formula combining azelaic acid, niacinamide, clindamycin, and tretinoin. Anti-inflammatory and cell-renewing.
Starting at $109/mo
References
- 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
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.