Musely Review: Is it Just Another Overhyped Skincare Brand?

Musely offers a digital platform for personalized, prescription-grade skincare and haircare treatments. The brand targets common concerns such as acne, melasma, hyperpigmentation, and hair thinning through tailored offerings.

The brand provides online consultations with board-certified dermatologists, which makes professional dermatological care accessible without in-person visits. The offerings from Musely are precisely formulated to match your skin type, medical history, and skincare goals.

In this brand review, we explore Musely’s product offerings, formulation transparency, and limitations of the brand. The review aims to provide you with a comprehensive overview to help you decide whether Musely may suit your skincare and haircare needs.

About Musely

Founded by Jack Jia, Musely helps support your skin and haircare needs with a range of prescription and over-the-counter products. These products might help target and tackle common concerns like acne, wrinkles, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, hair fall, etc.

The product lineup of Musely includes options like The Day Cream and The Cleanser, formulated with ingredients like zinc oxide and benzoic acid, which are typically safe for regular use. Each product from Musely is marketed to remain gentle for various skin types.

Other popular offerings from Musely include the Anti-Aging Cream, which may help fade wrinkles and fine lines by utilizing ingredients like niacinamide and tretinoin. Products like the Hair Pill contain minoxidil and dutasteride, which could help improve scalp circulation and minimize hair loss.

Musely OTC Offerings And Prescription Services

1. Musely Spot Cream

   Musely’s Spot Cream might help fade the appearance of dark spots, including melasma, acne scars, sun spots, and freckles. The cream is available in two main formulations, Erase and Nurture, which may offer different levels of effectiveness and concentration of ingredients.

   Erase contains hydroquinone 12%, niacinamide 2%, and hydrocortisone 1% (for the first 2 months). The brand claims that Erase provides an aggressive approach to fading dark spots, reducing inflammation, and improving skin healing. Nurture is a milder option and contains hydroquinone 6%, vitamin C 1%, and niacinamide 2%.

   Musely’s Spot Cream may work by suppressing excess melanin production, reducing inflammation, and improving skin structure. It is freshly compounded to ensure maximum potency and is available at a subscription price of $35/month with a two-month supply.

2. Musely Anti-Aging Cream

   Anti-Aging Cream by Musely offers a prescription-strength formula that may target concerns like wrinkles, fine lines, sun damage, and hyperpigmentation. The cream features tretinoin (0.025%–0.1%), a retinoid that promotes faster skin cell turnover, helping fade wrinkles, clear breakouts, and improve skin texture.

   The Anti-Aging Cream also includes niacinamide (4%) to calm redness and fade discoloration, along with hyaluronic acid (0.5%) to hydrate and plump your skin from within. Musely’s Anti-Aging Cream is available at a subscription of $34 per month, with benefits such as free shipping, discounted refills, and HSA/FSA eligibility.

3. Musely Private Cream

   The Private Cream by Musely could help target and reduce hyperpigmentation in sensitive areas such as underarms, groin, genitalia, inner thighs, and anus. It contains ingredients like hydroquinone, niacinamide, and tranexamic acid, which may help lighten skin and fade dark spots. Hydroquinone may help fade dark spots and even out skin tone. Niacinamide could reduce redness and irritation while improving skin texture.

   Musely’s Private Cream is formulated to gradually lighten discolored areas, supporting a more uniform skin tone, particularly in intimate areas affected by hyperpigmentation caused by factors like hormonal changes, pregnancy, or weight fluctuations.

4. Musely Body Cream

   The Body Cream by Musely may help target skin concerns like hyperpigmentation, sun damage, and premature signs of skin aging (wrinkles and fine lines). It features skin-nourishing ingredients like hydroquinone, glycolic acid, tretinoin, and vitamin C.

   Hydroquinone could suppress melanin production to lighten dark spots, while tretinoin (a derivative of vitamin A) may accelerate skin cell turnover and promote collagen production to reduce wrinkles and support a healthy skin texture. Vitamin C is included in the Body Cream to provide antioxidant support, which may help brighten the skin and support collagen synthesis.

   Musely offers a proprietary Micro Base to deliver these ingredients, enhancing their penetration and efficacy in your skin. The makers suggest applying the Body Cream on areas like the hands, arms, legs, and back.

5. Musely KP Cream

   Musely’s The KP Cream offers a targeted formulation to manage keratosis pilaris (KP), a skin condition that causes small, rough bumps to develop on bodily areas like your arms, thighs, buttocks, or face.

   With a prescription-strength formula, the KP Cream pairs ingredients with exfoliating, smoothing, and anti-inflammatory properties. For example, it includes urea that may help break down hardened skin while drawing moisture into the skin to improve softness and hydration.

   Salicylic acid in the KP Cream could penetrate the pores and exfoliate dead skin cells, helping to clear blockages and reduce the appearance of bumps. Triamcinolone serves as a mild corticosteroid that may calm inflammation and reduce irritation associated with KP.

6. Musely Spot Pill

   The Spot Pill by Musely provides an oral formulation that could minimize skin concerns like melasma, dark spots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It contains 225mg of tranexamic acid, which may help target and reduce pigmentation from within.

   As per the makers, the recommended dose is one Spot Pill daily in the evening, preferably with food and a full glass of water. They also suggest taking the Spot Pill consistently for 8 to 12 weeks and applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen, which is usually SPF 30 or higher daily, to ensure optimal effectiveness.

7. Musely Eye Serum

   Musely’s Eye Serum aims to fade the signs of aging around your eyes, including fine lines, crow’s feet, puffiness, and dark circles. With a mix of active ingredients, the Eye Serum may help refresh and rejuvenate the delicate skin around your eyes.

   The Eye Serum includes retinoids like tretinoin, which could help reduce fine lines and wrinkles while stimulating collagen production for firmer skin. The serum also contains caffeine, which might help minimize puffiness and dark circles by tightening the skin and reducing fluid retention.

   Hydroquinone in Musely Eye Serum may target hyperpigmentation by decreasing melanin production and brightening the under-eye area. Hyaluronic acid could provide deep hydration, plumping the under-eye skin area and minimizing fine lines, while niacinamide may strengthen the skin’s barrier and help even out skin tone.

8. The Day Cream

   The Day Cream by Musely could offer broad-spectrum SPF 40 protection against both UVB and UVA rays of the sun. It may create a physical skin barrier that could help avoid sunburn and premature skin aging without the irritation often associated with chemical sunscreens.

   Musely’s Day Cream utilizes zinc oxide, which acts as a mineral-based sunscreen agent that reflects harmful radiation rather than absorbing it. Other inactive ingredients include centella asiatica extract and lavender oil to calm the skin. Glycerin and caprylic/capric triglyceride may promote skin hydration to maintain a healthy moisture barrier.

   The Day Cream also provides a light, natural fragrance from plant-based oils like orange, lemon, bergamot, and raspberry seed oil. Raspberry seed oil may even contribute to mild UV-blocking properties, further enhancing your skin’s natural defense against sunlight.

   As per the makers, you should apply the Day Cream on exposed skin areas at least 15 minutes before sun exposure. The cream has a non-comedogenic, fast-absorbing formula that could layer easily on your skin.

9. The Cleanser

   The Cleanser by Musely could help cleanse your skin by supporting the removal of dirt, excess oil, and impurities from the skin’s pores. It contains natural extracts, including cucumber, kiwi, and green tea, which could offer soothing and antioxidant properties.

   Cucumber extract contains hydrating and cooling effects, while kiwi extract comprises vitamin C, which may support collagen synthesis and skin health. Green tea extract in the Cleanser contains antioxidants, which ight heelp protect your skin from environmental damage.

   According to its official site, The Cleanser by Musely is cruelty-free, non-GMO, and free from harsh chemicals, ensuring that it aligns safely with your skincare practices. The makers suggest applying a small, dime-sized amount of the cleanser to wet skin, gently massaging it in, and rinsing with warm water.

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Musely Advantages

1. Maintains A Personalized Approach

   Musely provides a personalized skincare experience tailored specifically to your skincare needs. You are required to complete a brief online consultation on the Musely website and submit photos of your concerns, such as hyperpigmentation, acne, or hair concerns.

   After filling in the details, a board-certified dermatologist from Musely will review your case and help design a customized treatment plan. For example, if you struggle with dark spots, your plan may include brightening agents; if you’re focused on anti-aging, your dermatologist may recommend products that support collagen production.

2. Provides Freshly Compounded Ingredients

   At Musely, the active ingredients in Musely products are mixed shortly before shipping, which helps keep them potent and effective. It is important because skincare ingredients may lose their effectiveness over time if they sit on a shelf too long.

   With Musely, you may benefit from potent formulas that include ingredients like hydroquinone to fade dark spots, tretinoin to manage acne and fine lines, and peptides to support skin firmness. As these ingredients are freshly prepared, they are more likely to deliver visible, lasting results than products that have degraded over time in storage.

3. Convenience

   Musely eliminates the need for in-person dermatology visits, making professional skincare more accessible from the comfort of your home. You can complete your consultation, receive a personalized treatment plan, and have your products shipped directly to your door, all through Musely’s online platform.

   With Musely, you also have the facility to follow up with your dermatologist, track progress, and adjust your treatment plan as needed. For instance, if your acne stops responding to a product, your dermatologist can update your formula with a higher concentration or an alternative product.

4. Offers A Money-Back Guarantee

   Musely offers a 60-day results guarantee on many of its condition management products. If you use Musely’s product as directed and complete the required check-ins through the eNurse app, you can expect to see visible improvements.

   If you’re not satisfied with your results after 60 days of proper use, Musely will refund the cost of your medication. Please note that the $20 doctor consultation fee is not included in the refund.

   However, the refund policy is applicable only to selective Musely products, including The Spot Cream, The Anti-Aging Cream, The Acne Cream, The Body Cream, The KP Cream, The Facial Hair Cream, The Aging Repair Cream, The Rescue & The Red Set, and The Estrogen Boost.

Musely Brand Limitations

1. Dependence On Online Consultation

   Musely relies heavily on online consultations to develop personalized skincare plans. Although convenient, the online-only model may not suit consumers who prefer in-person consultations or those with complex skincare needs that are difficult to assess remotely. Some users may feel that virtual consultations lack the thoroughness and personal touch of traditional dermatological visits. Moreover, technical issues, such as poor photo quality or miscommunication during consultations, may impact the effectiveness of online consultations.

2. Potential For Skin Sensitivity

   Some users might experience skin irritation or sensitivity after using Musely products, particularly those containing ingredients like tretinoin, hydroquinone, or retinoids. These ingredients can be harsh on sensitive skin, especially if not introduced gradually.

   Though Musely provides guidance on how to include these ingredients into your routine, users with more delicate skin may experience side effects like dryness, redness, inflammation, and skin peeling.

3. No Physical Store Access

   As Musely operates entirely online, customers miss the opportunity to test its products in person before purchasing them. The lack of availability of Musely products in physical stores could be a drawback for users who prefer to evaluate products firsthand.

   For customers unfamiliar with ingredients like retinoids or hydroquinone, not being able to experience the product’s texture or see it in action may create hesitation. It may create uncertainty about whether Musely’s offerings are suitable for particular skin types.

4. Potential Delays In Shipping

   While Musely offers the convenience of home delivery, some consumers may face delayed shipping times. The brand promises that once your prescription is written, your products are processed and shipped within 2-7 business days.

   However, as Musely compounds products fresh for each order, the shipping process may take longer wait times, sometimes up to 10-15 days. Such delays might be an issue for customers seeking prompt relief from skin concerns like acne or hyperpigmentation.

5. Higher Price Point For Custom Formulas

   On Musely’s official site, the pricing for custom skincare formulas typically ranges between $35 to $80 per month. The cost of personalized skincare products from Musely, especially those comprising potent ingredients like tretinoin, hydroquinone, or peptides, can add up over time.

   The ongoing cost of purchasing multiple products, especially if the consumers need to continue treatment for several months, could add up. This could deter potential consumers from trying the offerings from Musely.

How Did We Evaluate Musely?

1. Brand Reputation

   When evaluating Musely’s brand reputation, we considered its history, online presence, and user feedback. Musely is a relatively new brand in the skincare and telehealth space, offering products to tackle concerns like melasma, acne, and aging.

   Musely’s reviews on websites like Trustpilot and BBB may raise some concerns regarding its credibility. On Trustpilot, Musely has a 2.2 rating out of 5 from over 400 reviews. Common complaints include poor customer service, delayed shipping, refund issues, and inflexible policies.

   Adding to the concern, Musely has no profile on BBB or Reviews.io, limiting transparency and independent review access. As a brand, Musely’s reputation is currently weakened by service-related issues and a lack of presence on major review platforms.

2. Customer Feedback

   As part of our evaluation of Musely, we emphasized real user experiences of Musely products on Amazon to gauge how well the products perform in everyday use. Customer feedback for Musely’s products, especially the Musely Cleanser and Musely Day Cream SPF 40, indicates a generally positive reception.

   Many users who tried the Musely Cleanser found it to be gentle on their skin, providing a calming effect on the skin without causing dryness or irritation. These reviews may align with user expectations for a premium facial cleanser, especially for users with sensitive skin.

   Consumers also praised Musely’s Day Cream SPF 40’s lightweight, non-greasy formula that absorbed quickly and left no white cast. Several customers appreciated the smooth finish and subtle fragrance, noting that it made daily application feel more enjoyable and less like a chore.

   However, not all feedback was without caution. Some users with sensitive or dry skin experienced mild irritation after using the Day Cream, particularly in areas more prone to dryness.

Musely Alternatives

1. Agency Skincare

   Musely and Agency Skincare both offer personalized skincare treatments, but they differ in their approach and product offerings. The brand Musely delivers prescription-strength treatments mainly to target skin concerns like keratosis, pilaris, acne, and hyperpigmentation. It offers virtual consultations with dermatologists to create custom formulas based on your specific needs.

   On the other hand, Agency Skincare focuses more on anti-aging benefits and provides targeted support for concerns like dark spots, fine lines, and eye care. Agency Skincare uses a subscription model where licensed dermatology providers help make customized formulas like the Future Formula and Dark Spot Formula.

   The products of Musely use higher concentrations of prescription-strength ingredients, such as hydroquinone, tretinoin, and tranexamic. Agency Skincare also uses ingredients like tretinoin, niacinamide, and azelaic acid, but in lower concentrations. This could make their offerings more compatible for new users and people with sensitive skin.

   Musely offers a more robust mobile-first experience, including an app for tracking progress and direct chat with doctors. It also includes refill reminders and a 60-day money-back guarantee on some products. In contrast, Agency keeps things simpler with a clean website and fewer features. It may work well for people who want a straightforward, no-fuss skincare routine.

2. Ro

   Ro Dermatology is part of the broader Ro Health platform, which provides online telehealth services that target various health aspects, including skincare, haircare, sexual health, daily health, weight loss, fertility, etc.

   On the other hand, Musely is focused on supporting visible skincare transformation, particularly targeting consumers with persistent pigmentation and aging concerns. The brand maintains a condition-specific focus, such as for managing acne, dark spots, hair thinning, or hyperpigmentation.

   Musely offers a 60-day results guarantee for users who don’t see visible results and have followed treatment guidelines. This instills confidence, especially for new users hesitant to try prescription skincare online.

   In contrast, Ro does not issue refunds/returns on prescription products for reuse/resale. Unlike Musely, Ro does not offer a results-based guarantee, which might be a consideration for first-time users deciding between platforms.

   Musely provides a pharmacy-direct shipping model. Prescription products are compounded and shipped from a specialized pharmacy directly to the customer, often with temperature-controlled packaging depending on formulation needs.

   Similarly, Ro also ships directly to consumers, typically from a network of partner pharmacies. However, the packaging from Ro tends to be more standard and less focused on prescription compounding.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it Safe to Use Musely Prescription Offerings?
   Yes, Musely’s prescription skincare offerings are typically safe when used as directed under the supervision of a licensed dermatologist. However, personal experiences might vary among users, which may contribute to side effects like skin redness, peeling, or itching.
2. How Long Does Musely Take To Review?
   After you complete the online medical questionnaire and formalities at Musely, a registered doctor shall review your request and prescribe treatment within 24 hours. However, response times might vary depending on demand or the complexity of your needs.
3. Are Musely Products Suitable For All Skin Types?
   Musely claims that its products are formulated with gentle ingredients that are compatible with various skin types, including oily, dry, or combination skin. However, individual sensitivity or allergies may still occur, particularly if you have sensitive skin.

Final Word

Musely offers a personalized, prescription-based approach to skincare, targeting concerns like melasma, acne, wrinkles, and hair loss. The online platform of Musely provides convenience and expert-guided care without requiring in-person visits.

However, the subscription structure of Musely limits purchasing flexibility, and its online-only model may not suit consumers who prefer face-to-face consultations or testing products before purchase. Some users may also encounter delays in shipping and slow consumer response times.

Before signing up for Musely, you should consider factors like your comfort with an online-only platform, the need for consistent application and follow-up, and the return policy of the brand. Since treatments are prescription-based, results may take time and require consistency.

Taking these points into account can help you decide if Musely’s digital approach to skincare aligns with your personal preferences and skincare needs.