A serum from The Ordinary built around 10% azelaic acid in a suspension texture, designed to help with uneven skin tone, redness and breakout-prone skin.
Fading the red marks breakouts leave behind is the thing these gurus keep coming back to, along with keeping new spots at bay. Its fragrance-free formula and low price earn praise too, and it is described as calming for sensitive skin. The one thing to keep in mind: a few reviewers found it balls up under makeup and feels thick, so those who wear makeup may want to use it at night.
Synthesized from 23 expert reviews · most recent take October 2026
"The next product I like is from The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%. Again, it's around £8. This one is special. Azelaic acid treats both the acne and the dark marks in a single product. It's also safe to use in pregnancy."
All 2 takes from Dr. Vanita Rattan
Acne Scars
"The Ordinary does a really good azelaic acid. What you would do is you do your face wash, your exfoliator, your azelaic acid in the evening and then go in with your moisturizer. That will basically just help with any red marks left behind but also keep all the acne at bay. [...] I haven't had a new pimple or any brand new spot on my face. [...] It's literally kept it under control."
How To Treat Acne & Dark Marks
"The next product I like is from The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%. Again, it's around £8. This one is special. Azelaic acid treats both the acne and the dark marks in a single product. It's also safe to use in pregnancy."
"The Ordinary 10% [azelaic] acid suspension is not the most elegant application; it can feel a little grainy and gritty, which is just what traditional [azelaic] acid does. But it will definitely deliver you the results. It's got 10% of that traditional form of [azelaic] acid, and it will really pack a punch."
All 21 takes from Mad About Skin
$40 ANTI AGING MIRACLE TRIO - 4x Firmer Skin (The Ordinary Anti Aging)
"Now 17% is pretty decent. Some people refer to it as Botox in a bottle because it works in a similar way, though it isn't Botox and it isn't going to give you the exact same results, but a 17% reduction in fine lines and wrinkles obviously very, very welcome. And whilst this is temporary, it works when you put it on, but again, you have to use it every single day to get those results. It's definitely something that can in an inexpensive way boost your skin confidence."
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"When it comes to AIC acid I always always recommend the theid acid serum this is divine it's the right concentration because you want to be using AIC acid in a 15 or a 20% strength to get these amazing results and this this hits that Mark"
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"For azelaic acid, the one that I'm using at the moment is The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%. It works really well. Nice mid strength, so it's not too potent, but it's also going to deliver results. Just a really great option."
Must Have DRUGSTORE SKINCARE - Full Evening Skincare Routine 2025
"I've been using this for years, it's a great line minimizing instant results kind of peptide. You put this on, you'll see a minimizing of fine lines and wrinkles. For those of us that want a quick win, this is where it's at. [...] I put it where I have dynamic fine lines and wrinkles, so that for me is where between the eyebrows, where we've got crow's feet, and of course the laughter lines. [...] People call this Botox in the bottle, which is a fun little name for it."
"I have used this on and off for the past maybe seven years and I always come back to it, it just works. When it comes to all over face and dealing with any dynamic fine lines and wrinkles, boosting hydration, smoothing everything out, the Azelaic Acid line is king. It's so affordable, it's so easy to use. You use it twice a day, slap it into your skincare routine and you will see some great results."
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"Still going strong. 5 years in. Still going strong in my routine. If you watch like my first anti-aging routine video on the channel 5 years ago, this was in it. Still in. I think it's the only product that is still in this routine. Still going strong. Absolutely love it. And what I do with this is I put a couple of drops of this on my palm and I'll just dab it where I need it. This is where I have dynamic fine lines and wrinkles, which is the laughter lines."
SKINCARE AWARDS - Worlds Best Serums 2025
"I think The Ordinary azelaic acid is literally like rubbing sand into the skin."
Perfect THE ORDINARY SKINCARE ROUTINE - Anti Aging On A Budget
"This is The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension, which is a beautiful beautiful product. I put two drops of this in the palm of my hand and then I target this where I have the dynamic fine lines and wrinkles, so for me that's around the eye, the crow feet, the 11s here and the laughter lines too. I also put a little here because this can actually help slim down the jawline. I heard it's marginal but it helps it, like [...] every little bit that I can do to help I'll take advantage of."
"If you've ever used The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension, for example, it feels like you're rubbing sand on the skin. Not nice. And also, because that azelaic acid isn't evenly distributed through the product, it can create sensitivity issues on certain areas."
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"The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% is already inexpensive but with that sale takes it down a notch further and this could be like the best gateway into effective anti-aging. I [...] think if you're looking for affordable anti-aging, The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% is the original and what a lot of people would say the best in that market."
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"This is The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%. This has been with me for years, one of my absolute favorite skincare ingredients, and studies show that if you use azelaic acid and matrixyl together, it'll just double down on the anti-aging benefits that you're going to see. This is amazing because this is 10 pounds, so you can boost the efficacy of your slightly more expensive serum without having to spend a whole lot more."
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"Let me tell you this now works like a dream. I don't know what they've done but it's worked miracles. It's not a new launch but it's a product that you might have tried in the past, not particularly liked, and let me tell you is worth a second chance. When you put an amount on, it is so gorgeous on the application. It [...] just glides on and it disappears without a trace. Before it used to leave a film, a mask, it was really weird."
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"For targeted hyperpigmentation where you might have fading blemish marks or you've got an area of melasma or something, I would probably use The Ordinary Azelaic Acid. The good thing about it is you can use it together with other serums [...] and you get really great results."
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"The Azelaic Acid on its own works really really well and whilst some people call it Botox in a bottle which I think might be a bit of an exaggeration it is clinically proven to reduce the depth of any fine lines and wrinkles you have so it's a great option."
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"You could also reach for the aid Serum by um theride this is a wonderful wonderful product"
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"The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% is one of the OG products I've used it extensively for the past 5 years it's never let me down. I love it, it's in the top three for good reason."
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"One of my favorite options is this this is the Nesse 10% azelaic acid serum this is a great option for people that have acne and are using azelaic acid to really reduce those breakouts"
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"For the budget conscious this is The Ordinary 10% azelaic acid suspension. Really nice product. Simple in that it is just an azelaic acid serum, but it does what it says on the label and really will deliver."
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"I tried this expecting to be disappointed. I actually tried it on a patch of discoloration on the body so I could see how it would work. It worked really well. I then started to use it on some areas where I had breakouts and I found that they hyperpigmented a lot less after using this than they did before and they faded a lot quicker. Don't let the fact that it seems super simple really fool you into believing you won't get great results you will, you just have to have a bit of patience."
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"The Ordinary 10% Azelaic Acid Suspension is using an old style formula where the azelaic acid is suspended rather than emulsified, so anybody who's used it has probably noticed it comes with quite a grainy texture. That uneven distribution makes it difficult to apply: you get the unpleasant grainy texture, and you can end up with more azelaic acid in some areas than others, creating hot spots of sensitivity."
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"The Ordinary 10% [azelaic] acid suspension is not the most elegant application; it can feel a little grainy and gritty, which is just what traditional [azelaic] acid does. But it will definitely deliver you the results. It's got 10% of that traditional form of [azelaic] acid, and it will really pack a punch."
"But it feels like gritty little speckles when you apply it, which has been my biggest complaint about this form over the years. If you're using this free form, I'd recommend applying it on damp skin first and letting it sit for a minute or two before going in with your retinoid."
Top Pick: azelaic acid for melasma
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"The Ordinary has their azelaic acid suspension at 10%. Use it at night, not during the day. It's going to pill underneath your makeup and you're going to be annoyed 20 minutes after applying it."
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"The Ordinary, this one's great at night when you have nowhere to go and you don't care who you're seeing. It is a 10% azelaic acid suspension. You do kind of sometimes have to shake it, I feel, but it appears nice and elegant. But it does pill after a while, so do not be fooled by the first impression with this. It's 11 bucks though, so you're not really going to go wrong."
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"But it feels like gritty little speckles when you apply it, which has been my biggest complaint about this form over the years. If you're using this free form, I'd recommend applying it on damp skin first and letting it sit for a minute or two before going in with your retinoid."
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"The Ordinary's Azelaic Acid Suspension is 10 percent, much cheaper than Paula's Choice. It definitely pills, but [...] it retails for eleven dollars, so you might as well try this."
Let’s Get Intimate: Azelaic Acid | Dr. Shereene Idriss
"This one retails for seven dollars and ninety cents. [...] It is thicker, it also has a stink to it that the prescription does not have. [...] This one does pill so after a minute or two you get pilling. It's to be expected like I said once it evaporates that product is just gonna sit on the surface of your skin. This definitely mattifies."
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"Azelaic acid is just not sexy. It is an emulsion and once the liquid evaporates it can leave a residue on your face that can be a little bit, it can cause peeling and make you look dull so I literally only save it for the night time. [...] You do not get more than 10 percent over the counter, the best one is 15 percent prescription not 20 percent, but the ones over the counter are either this one or there's also ones by Paula's Choice."
"I have The Ordinary Azelaic Acid 10 percent and I put this at night on my face just to calm any sort of inflammation."
Tips + Tricks for Dark Spots, Discoloration, Hyperpigmentation, & Melasma | Dr. Shereene Idriss
"The Ordinary has a great azelaic acid booster, but it is cosmetically not so elegant because it does pill, so I use it at night when I don't give a rat's ass if my face is flaking off next to my husband."
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"The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 15 percent, also known as Ganesha, is amazing. I usually reserve azelaic acid, especially for melasma at 15 percent which is prescription, and it tends not to feel the way they formulated that prescription because it's a single ingredient one. It's amazing."
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"Azelaic acid is [...] beautiful to help minimize inflammation. The Ordinary has a ten percent azelaic acid booster. [...] They may not be the most cosmetically elegant formulas so they pill. I would use these definitely at night without a doubt."
"I'm a fan of azelaic acid 10%. You can find this with The Ordinary, which makes an affordable solid version. Azelaic acid is an anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial ingredient that supports your skin microbiome without being harsh."
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"I'm a huge fan of their azelaic acid. I prescribe that or I recommend that to patients for so many years, the 10% if they weren't able to get the prescription form or if their insurance didn't cover the 15% prescription form."
Having Redness from Rosacea?
"When it comes to over-the-counter anti-rosacea ingredients, things I like are azelaic acid and there's some good ones out there by The Ordinary."
How to Fade Your Acne Scars
"Certain brands that make over-the-counter AHA acid are The Ordinary 10% AHA acid, Niatem has one the 10% AHA acid and Paula's Choice also has a 10% AHA acid. Then of course you want to apply sunscreen, super important when it comes to healing your acne marks and scars. Then when you're going to bed, same thing you want to first start by gently washing your face and then using some kind of anti-acne treatment like AHA acid."
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"I'm a fan of azelaic acid 10%. You can find this with The Ordinary, which makes an affordable solid version. Azelaic acid is an anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial ingredient that supports your skin microbiome without being harsh."
"The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% is a very budget friendly alternative that will help reduce that redness and even skin tone. It helps target rosacea bumps while also keeping the skin smooth. The key ingredients are azelaic acid and dimethicone."
All 8 takes from Dr. Aleksandra Brown
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"The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% [...] works because azelaic acid inhibits tyrosinase, which is the key enzyme that produces melanin, helping to reduce that existing pigmentation and prevent new spots. Azelaic acid also promotes healthy cell turnover and it will help calm inflammation that's often worse with pigmentation. So it's not only working on your browns, it's helping with some of the redness as well."
How a Dermatologist Manages Her Rosacea | Dr. Aleksandra Brown's Skincare & Treatment Plan
"The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% is a budget friendly alternative to reduce the redness and even up the skin tone. It targets those rosacea bumps while keeping the skin smooth. It is super lightweight, silicone-free formula. The key ingredient here is the azelaic acid which will brighten the skin tone, improve the evenness of skin texture and reduce the look of blemishes and offers some antioxidant support."
How to Treat Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation | Dermatologist Explains Best Tips & Products
"The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% is a very budget friendly option. It helps brighten pigmentation and improve skin texture."
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"The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% is a great option to layer on top of your retinoid or use it on the nights that you're not using a retinoid. It helps clear pore blockages, will give you smooth texture, and will also reduce some of the inflammation you may have with the associated bumps. It helps brighten post-inflammatory erythema and hyperpigmentation from acne marks. It's this really creamy silicone-based texture that works really well for spot treating or all over."
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"My top product recommendation in the azelaic acid category is probably the 10% azelaic acid from The Ordinary. It is very budget friendly, the formula helps lighten pigmentation and improves skin texture without any irritation."
Dermatologist Skincare Swaps for Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
"The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% is a very budget friendly alternative that will help reduce that redness and even skin tone. It helps target rosacea bumps while also keeping the skin smooth. The key ingredients are azelaic acid and dimethicone."
Azelaic Acid: The Underrated Ingredient Every Skin Type Can Benefit From
"The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% is a budget friendly option to help reduce the redness and even out the skin tone. It targets rosacea bumps, also keeps the skin smooth. It's a super lightweight formula. It contains azelaic acid 10% and also has some dimethicone."
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"Azelaic acid is anti-inflammatory and also antimicrobial. The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% is a product recommendation to consider for targeted treatment of perioral dermatitis."
"The Ordinary has a great azelaic acid emulsion that layers very beautifully with other products and is incredibly affordable. Azelaic acid is really nice because it inhibits excess pigment production. It's an antioxidant. It helps smooth the skin. And for people who have easily irritated skin, for people who are pregnant, azelaic acid is an incredible option."
All 2 takes from Dr. Sam Ellis
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"The Ordinary has a great azelaic acid emulsion that layers very beautifully with other products and is incredibly affordable. Azelaic acid is really nice because it inhibits excess pigment production. It's an antioxidant. It helps smooth the skin. And for people who have easily irritated skin, for people who are pregnant, azelaic acid is an incredible option."
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"However, azelaic acid is a little tricky to formulate with; it tends to get quite gritty when you put it in with other things. But this serum is very smooth and it's why I enjoy it so much. It's lightweight and creamy but you can see how it's a little thicker than the other things I've already applied, which is why I'm layering it third in the routine."
"I actually started late spring and I've been using it ever since in both my morning and nighttime skincare routines because this has really helped to keep my skin clear. Do I still break out with azelaic acid? Yes, I do. Not as much though. This really cuts down on the breakouts, but it just keeps my skin so soft and it gives a brighter complexion. There is a mild exfoliation with azelaic acid, but it's not meant for exfoliation. [...] It's very calming."
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"The Ordinary has an Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%, [...] and honestly those 10% concentrations are just as good as higher percentages. Azelaic acid can be very soothing and calming for those that have sensitive skin, it can also be great for those that have rosacea and acne prone skin."
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"The Ordinary has a great one. If you're someone that struggles with that uneven skin tone and you're acne prone, I would most definitely start incorporating azelaic acid with your retinol or tretinoin."
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"The Ordinary has the Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% and it has a cream base. I like a lot of different types of azelaic acids and you can find a lot of options over the counter. Azelaic acid really is great for all of those skin concerns. Since being consistent with azelaic acid, I have seen the biggest difference with my skin."
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"If you have facial redness or perhaps rosacea, a lot of dermatologists will prescribe azelaic acid for rosacea-prone skin as it really does help to decrease the rosiness, and this is wonderful. It can also brighten up your skin as well."
AZELAIC ACID IS UNDERRATED! THIS SKINCARE INGREDIENT HAS REALLY IMPROVED MY REDNESS & ACNE!
"This one really does help to prevent breakouts as well as reduce redness and fade discoloration. [...] This is great to use every day twice a day. I've never had irritation with this one either. I would put about a pea-sized amount, maybe a little bit more, to the entire face. [...] Because this is more of a cream texture, you really don't need to put a moisturizer on top of this if you don't want to."
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"The more consistent you are with azelaic acid, especially if you're acne prone, this along with your tretinoin will really help to prevent breakouts. Before using tretinoin I was always breaking out, and just tretinoin alone has improved my skin, but especially more so now that I've incorporated azelaic acid. The redness that I had to my skin naturally has really subsided as well. If you are dealing with acne, rosacea, and redness, this with your tretinoin or with a retinoid is game-changing."
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"I like this one from The Ordinary because it's in a creamy base, so it's very moisturizing and very gentle as well, suited for all skin types, and you can use this on an everyday basis. I like using azelaic acid with my prescription tretinoin at nighttime, and ever since I started using azelaic acid with tretinoin, I have seen a huge difference in the way my skin looks. I don't break out as much anymore."
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"I actually started late spring and I've been using it ever since in both my morning and nighttime skincare routines because this has really helped to keep my skin clear. Do I still break out with azelaic acid? Yes, I do. Not as much though. This really cuts down on the breakouts, but it just keeps my skin so soft and it gives a brighter complexion. There is a mild exfoliation with azelaic acid, but it's not meant for exfoliation. [...] It's very calming."
"This is a mild exfoliating serum but that kind of exfoliation is not like lactic glycolic [mandelic]. You can use it in the morning very comfortably. You can use it seven days a week. It is mild, mild, mild."
Translated from the guru's original language.
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"Azelaic Acid is a game changer"
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"Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension is beautiful"
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"I really like the azelaic acid suspension by the ordinary drunk elephant has a great suspension formula."
Translated from the guru's original language.
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"Azelaic acid from The Ordinary helps with acne, acne marks. If you have two-toned skin, it's really good for two-toned skin. It is a retinoid which is like pregnancy safe, so it has tons and tons of benefits."
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"This is azelaic acid 10 percent. If you're in the United States, if you're in the UK and you can't get this, you can always opt for The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension. You will take a pea size amount and then you will just massage it onto your skin. This is a bit grainy when you apply it, but then that is why it's a suspension form. You will apply it directly, or sunscreen. If your skin is dry, apply a moisturizer then apply your sunscreen."
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"You can use the Haven Solution by the ordinary the minimalist peeling solution the doctor shape peeling solution"
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"If you're using The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension, niacinamide comes first, suspension comes later. A little bit of a change in layering will depend on the type of product you're opting for."
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"If you use the pharmacy one then there is a slight grainy texture which is key to azelaic acid when used in pure form"
Translated from the guru's original language.
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"This is a mild exfoliating serum but that kind of exfoliation is not like lactic glycolic [mandelic]. You can use it in the morning very comfortably. You can use it seven days a week. It is mild, mild, mild."
Translated from the guru's original language.
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"Azelaic acid comes in different brand names. In The Ordinary it comes as a single ingredient suspension you can get from the pharmacy."
"Another option you can get over the counter that I really like is by The Ordinary. It's their 10% azelaic acid suspension. It's under $30. [...] This is another crowd favorite from you guys and me as well."
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"Another option you can get over the counter that I really like is by The Ordinary. It's their 10% azelaic acid suspension. It's under $30. [...] This is another crowd favorite from you guys and me as well."
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"The Ordinary makes a good azelaic acid treatment product for rosacea skin."
"The Ordinary Azelaic Acid 10% really offers more calming and soothing benefits. If you're looking for anti-pigmentation and helping with hyperpigmentation, it's really prescription strength of 15 to 20% that's shown to have the best evidence. But 10% offers probably more calming and soothing benefits."
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"The Ordinary makes a 10% azelaic acid suspension that is a little bit more creamy. It contains 10% azelaic acid along with zinc and glycerin. [...] Both are great because they have 10% azelaic acid that may help with uneven skin tone, skin barrier repair, and doesn't really have a lot of other added ingredients that may potentially add irritation."
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"The Ordinary Azelaic Acid 10% really offers more calming and soothing benefits. If you're looking for anti-pigmentation and helping with hyperpigmentation, it's really prescription strength of 15 to 20% that's shown to have the best evidence. But 10% offers probably more calming and soothing benefits."
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"There are a lot of great options, including The Ordinary azelaic acid, which can be a really good one. The 10% in the green bottle can be a very nice one for calming and soothing benefits. But if you want to help with hyperpigmentation and the acne component, you'll want prescription strength or at least 15 to 20%, since drugstore and Korean brand products are often 10% or less and mostly provide calming and soothing benefits."
"I love the Ordinary's azelaic acid suspension, great for redness, dark spots. The azelaic acid is also good not only for redness but for hyperpigmentation, a bit of acne control, and rosacea."
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"Azelaic acid is a really good ingredient for closed comedones. [...] You can buy it over the counter or you can get it with a prescription. The prescription stuff is stronger. The research backing up azelaic acid as a comedone buster uses the prescription stuff, but you can get good results using the over-the-counter stuff. I really like The Ordinary's azelaic acid suspension."
"Azelaic acid is a great ingredient with many potential benefits for the skin: hyperpigmentation, redness. It is good for people who have rosacea, it's also good for imparting some acne control. It's great too if you're someone whose acne heals with either redness or hyperpigmentation because not only does it offer a little bit of acne control potentially, it also helps address those things. So it's a really useful ingredient, generally well tolerated."
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"For example the [Paula's Choice] AIC acid booster it's a great option"
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"The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension is good but it is kind of thick and viscous. Some people don't like the consistency of it. If you want something more lightweight, I would suggest a different option."
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"I love the Ordinary's azelaic acid suspension, great for redness, dark spots. The azelaic acid is also good not only for redness but for hyperpigmentation, a bit of acne control, and rosacea."
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"It's a great option for hyperpigmentation and redness and acne control. [...] You can use it actually like three times a day if you were motivated, one to two times a day is probably a lot more reasonable. [...] This is honestly one of the first over-the-counter azelaic acid products I ever came across and started using and trying, so it's quite good and it's pretty affordable too."
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"The Ordinary 10% Azelaic Acid Suspension, I think it's about eleven dollars for a 30 ml tube, and that's a great option."
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"I really like their azelaic acid suspension as a way to use azelaic acid over the counter if you've got rosacea, perioral dermatitis, or acne. It's also good for hyperpigmentation and melasma. Some people don't like the consistency of this though."
"Azelaic acid kills them and helps get rid of them and that's why it helps with rosacea. Azelaic acid kind of sinks down into your skin into your pores and things like that which also is why it makes it so effective for acne. Some of these are much more affordable which is nice."
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"The azelaic acid wasn't as much, it's a little bit better but it just didn't fit well in my routine. It was kind of thick and I found other acid products I found a little bit better."
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"Azelaic acid kills them and helps get rid of them and that's why it helps with rosacea. Azelaic acid kind of sinks down into your skin into your pores and things like that which also is why it makes it so effective for acne. Some of these are much more affordable which is nice."
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"I love the two for one. [...] This is the full size, thirty mil, it retails for thirty nine bucks, so it's a little pricey, I think it's the same price as Paula's Choice's version or right pretty close to it, so it's a little bit pricey, keep that in mind. [...] In terms of the it factor, it's a super nice, super wonderful product, something I'd definitely consider repurchasing."
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"It's a 20% Asic acid formula um it's wonderful I had a friend from Australia sent me several tubes I want I love it it's amazing it's strong but it's got a nice lotion texture to it"
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"The one from The Ordinary is thick and pilled. I fell in love with azelaic acid because it's such an amazing ingredient for so many different things, different types of skin that you would never think would benefit from the same ingredient all kind of come together with this ingredient."
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"The Azelaic Acid, which I didn't buy but my friend from Australia sent me several tubes, and I love this stuff. 20% azelaic acid. I love azelaic acid. It was finally when I added it into my routine it became a game changer for me, how much it helped with redness and hyperpigmentation and prevents breakouts and things like that. So it's amazing."
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"The Ordinary 10% Azelaic Acid Suspension, which is $12 for 1 ounce and contains 10% azelaic acid."
"Azelaic acid has anti-inflammatory benefits and it's an ingredient that's used to help with rosacea prone skin, but it also has a brightening effect for hyperpigmentation too, so it's really hitting a lot of the things we're talking about in one ingredient."
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"This product is one of the more affordable ones and I think it's one of the more accessible brands depending on where you live. [...] If you want to try azelaic acid but you don't want to break the bank and spend $40 on [Paula's Choice], or you're not ready to commit to a dermatologist or an online service, [...] this is a great formula. It's especially great for those who do have skin sensitivities because there's no fragrance, essential oils, or drying forms of alcohol."
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"Azelaic acid has anti-inflammatory benefits and it's an ingredient that's used to help with rosacea prone skin, but it also has a brightening effect for hyperpigmentation too, so it's really hitting a lot of the things we're talking about in one ingredient."
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"For a budget pick I do actually enjoy The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%. The texture is not quite as elegant, but it is a workable product especially for the affordable price."
"Azelaic acid makes it into most of my routines mainly because it helps with redness, pigmentation, it helps with open and closed comedones, it's great for the functioning of the skin and this you want to put on the skin immediately after cleansing and drying and that's really going to help that redness that you get within the skin."
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"Azelaic acid makes it into most of my routines mainly because it helps with redness, pigmentation, it helps with open and closed comedones, it's great for the functioning of the skin and this you want to put on the skin immediately after cleansing and drying and that's really going to help that redness that you get within the skin."
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"The Ordinary does an azelaic acid in 10%. You don't want to be using that at the same time that you're using salicylic acid mask, but you'd use it at the end of your routine after the natural moisturizing factors in the PM. So you can have use one day salicylic acid, one day azelaic acid, and you can mix it up like that, so you can skin cycle with The Ordinary range using that."
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"Azelaic acid makes it into most of my routines mainly because it helps with redness, pigmentation, it helps with open and closed comedones, it's great for the functioning of the skin. You want to put on the skin immediately after cleansing and drying and that's really going to help that redness that you get within the skin."
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"They do an azelaic acid in 10%. You don't want to be using that at the same time that you're using salicylic acid mask, but you'd use it at the end of your routine after the natural moisturizing factors in the PM. One day salicylic acid, one day azelaic acid, and you can mix it up like that so you can skin cycle with The Ordinary range."
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"The Ordinary does an azelaic acid 10% suspension which is fantastic because it improves redness and if you look at pigmentation it's got slight reddish tones within there as well, so it reduces redness, it'll reduce sensitivity, but it'll also help with pigmentation. It has an effect on that enzyme tyrosinase and it's fantastic for reducing things like breakouts or skin sensitivities."
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"The Ordinary 10 percent, I had a look at the formulation and it's quite nice for azelaic acid. Simple preparation and you can put on the skin, not too thick of a formula either, and actually very very useful to put into your regime. I would use it first thing on the skin and then moisturize afterwards because of this decreasing the keratin nature it can dry out the skin a little bit, so you've got to be a bit careful about maybe not damaging your skin barrier."
"I decided to repurchase the Ordinary azelaic acid serum, and I immediately remembered why I stopped buying it. The Ordinary has such a tendency to cause pilling, whereas I don't feel like I have that problem with the other one."
"The Ordinary makes one, The Inky List makes azelaic acid. I'm fine with those. I haven't seen my patients get irritation with those azelaic acid formulations."
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"You can apply say a serum or an emulsion of azelaic acid first and then your retinol over it, that's totally fine. If you do have sensitive skin be very careful with that because the more actives you put on your skin you can get an irritant contact dermatitis."
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"The Ordinary makes one, The Inky List makes azelaic acid. I'm fine with those. I haven't seen my patients get irritation with those azelaic acid formulations."
"Those on a budget might want to layer more affordable serums to get the combination of salicylic acid and azelaic acid. The Ordinary's 10% azelaic acid serum is a good one to try."
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"You could try something like the 10% azelaic acid suspension from The Ordinary, which is a simple and uncomplicated over the counter way of getting hold of this useful ingredient."
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"Those on a budget might want to layer more affordable serums to get the combination of salicylic acid and azelaic acid. The Ordinary's 10% azelaic acid serum is a good one to try."
"When I was breaking out after I did my laser treatment I got some acne and I was also very red so I was really impressed with this AIC acid. [...] If I have some redness I just layer it in my treatment step sleep in it overnight and I usually wake up with less irritated less red skin. It's a very gentle exfoliator, it's an antioxidant, it helps brighten the skin, it can also inhibit tyrosinase which is an enzyme that causes hyperpigmentation so it has a lot of functions."
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"When I was breaking out after I did my laser treatment I got some acne and I was also very red so I was really impressed with this AIC acid. [...] If I have some redness I just layer it in my treatment step sleep in it overnight and I usually wake up with less irritated less red skin. It's a very gentle exfoliator, it's an antioxidant, it helps brighten the skin, it can also inhibit tyrosinase which is an enzyme that causes hyperpigmentation so it has a lot of functions."
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"I have The Ordinary's azelaic acid, which I haven't talked about yet. Azelaic acid can also be good for skin brightening and lightening. This one [...] is a 10% suspension and it's a little bit gritty and a little bit irritating, so use this with that in mind. Just try it a couple days a week, it'll be a little bit irritating."
"The Ordinary Azelaic Acid 10% Suspension is like $12 at most stores, and that's usually my OTC pick for azelaic acid. Azelaic acid is my pick if you deal with redness, sensitivity, or post-acne dark marks. It can help calm inflammation and fades discoloration over time."
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"Over the counter you can purchase azelaic acid, and The Ordinary has a 10% azelaic acid serum that's very good. Azelaic acid has anti-inflammatory properties and helps calm down the [...] inflammation that leads to the development of extra blood vessels in rosacea."
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"The Ordinary Azelaic Acid 10% Suspension is like $12 at most stores, and that's usually my OTC pick for azelaic acid. Azelaic acid is my pick if you deal with redness, sensitivity, or post-acne dark marks. It can help calm inflammation and fades discoloration over time."
"When it comes to suspension, a really affordable option is the one from The Ordinary. To me, it can be a bit gritty, it's a bit heavy on the skin and it can peel, but some people really like that formulation."
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"The Ordinary's got their Azelaic Acid, which is currently not discounted, but that one I said is pretty gritty. I would say no rush to buy this one in general. $80 for Azelaic Acid is quite expensive."
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"If you have rosacea and you're kind of limited over the counter, azelaic acid would be my go to option. [...] There's The Ordinary at 10%, there's Paul's Choice at 10%."
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"The first one that I discovered was the one from The Ordinary. Now, this one is affordable. It's widely available. It is a gritty bad experience in my mind, but it was the only thing that was available when we first started creating videos. And so I think we've made a lot of leaps and bounds since then, but still very affordable, still a good option, will still work for you."
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"Azelaic acid helps for acne, it helps for hyperpigmentation. I think it's a supporting ingredient. [...] I love azelaic acid, I think it's great. Do I think you should use only azelaic acid absolutely not unless you for some reason can only use that one ingredient. I think it's a supporting ingredient it shines best when combined with something like tretinoin."
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"10% azelaic acid products that are out there are phenomenal. There's a few of them, The Ordinary, and this is a really good option."
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"10% azelaic acid products that are out there are phenomenal. There's a few of them, The Ordinary, and this is a really good option."
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"You can get the Ordinary's azelaic acid at 10%, and it treats both acne and hyperpigmentation, so you're treating the cause and the pigment at the same time."
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"Azelaic acid products are a really good option [...] for rosacea. The Ordinary has an azelaic acid product, though it does have a little bit of salicylic acid in it, so it might not be the best choice for people with rosacea. [...] But this is the direction that I would go if you have rosacea."
"When it comes to suspension, a really affordable option is the one from The Ordinary. To me, it can be a bit gritty, it's a bit heavy on the skin and it can peel, but some people really like that formulation."
"The Ordinary 10% has a texture like thick PVA glue and this is because azelaic acid is hard to formulate with. It isn't very soluble, so it's usually in a suspension. And I mean, you need a pretty high amount. Things that are lightweight are usually dissolved, so think sugar and water versus flour and water. So I kept giving up on using azelaic acid. And eventually, I just put it to the side."
"This azelaic acid suspension is so good for the price it's under $10 and for anyone who has rosacea that is diagnosed by a doctor or a Derm, anyone who has redness in the skin, anyone who wants a pregnancy safe acne option, this is so good. It kind of feels like a moisturizer on the skin, so this is one that's not a serum but you can layer this with other serums or you could put this on first as a serum step and then use a really thick moisturizer over the top."
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"This azelaic acid suspension is so good for the price it's under $10 and for anyone who has rosacea that is diagnosed by a doctor or a Derm, anyone who has redness in the skin, anyone who wants a pregnancy safe acne option, this is so good. It kind of feels like a moisturizer on the skin, so this is one that's not a serum but you can layer this with other serums or you could put this on first as a serum step and then use a really thick moisturizer over the top."
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"Inexpensive affordable and effective is a dine gel so good uh it's in a retinoid family"
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"Azelaic acid is fantastic because it actually helps prevent tyrosinase in your face from making your skin darker."
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"The Ordinary has a great azelaic acid."
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"Although that's fantastic and although this azelaic acid formula actually works, like it really works for rosacea, really works for acne-prone skin, and it's great if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, at the same time this does feel a little bit chalky on the skin. This is one of those products that kind of has that grit on the skin. It's a dimethicone-based formula so it feels a lot like a makeup primer, and [...] if you do wear this under makeup it can ball up and peel a little bit."
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"The azelaic acid suspension at ten percent is phenomenal. [...] If you have rosacea, even if you have other skin concerns such as acne, this can work so well, even with tinea versicolor or other pigmentation issues. Azelaic acid can help. This is under 10 bucks and it's pretty phenomenal. You know, azelaic acid is purchased in prescription form, and this is less expensive than many of the prescriptions out there."
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"The Ordinary has an azelaic acid."
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"The Ordinary's azelaic acid suspension is great if you're looking for azelaic acid and you're a little bit more price conscious. [...] This one can come off a little bit grainy, but for like seven to eight bucks the price is right, and that is the active ingredient that really helps with the redness and some of those little pustules that are associated with rosacea."
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"Some of my favorite serums contain azelaic acid, that dicarboxylic acid, this is phenomenal. [...] I love the Ordinary's azelaic acid serum. I feel like it is inexpensive, it is affordable, it works really well, and people with rosacea have said that they've had great luck with this. [...] I've heard a couple people complain about graininess with the Ordinary one, if that bothers you then of course avoid it, but I personally don't see it to be a deal breaker for me."
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"It's a 10 suspension and it is amazing for anyone who has rosacea or acne, and even if you're pregnant this is pregnancy safe. [...] Some people don't like that it's grainy, and I will say that there are other products that are less grainy that contain azelaic acid, but overall this formula is so great. You can use it day or night, it's inexpensive, it's effective, and if you've never tried azelaic acid before but you want to, the price of this is perfect."
What the evidence says.
Independent of what the gurus think, this is what
the published research supports about the main active ingredients here.
Frequently asked.
What is The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%?
A serum from The Ordinary built around 10% azelaic acid in a suspension texture, designed to help with uneven skin tone, redness and breakout-prone skin.
Is The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% worth it?
Mostly yes. 18 of the 23 gurus who reviewed it give it their stamp of approval, for a Guru Score of 75%.
What is The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%'s Guru Score?
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% holds a Guru Score of 75%. That is our read on how warmly the experts talk about it, based on the verdicts of 23 expert reviewers we have collected. At least one expert has named it a Top Pick in its category.
Who is The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% best for?
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% is generally suited to acne-prone skin.
Cheaper alternatives the gurus rate.
Lower-priced products in the same category that the experts still rate highly.
