Skincare Stacy

Skincare Stacy
Naturium Azelaic Acid Review

Naturium Azelaic Acid Review

Naturium’s Azelaic Topical Acid 10 is a staple in my skincare routine, and I don’t see myself ever going without it.

It keeps my acne in check, unclogs my pores, soothes redness . . . the list could go on and on. I love this product and think it’s the best affordable azelaic acid serum on the market!

This article will explain everything you need to know about Naturium Azelaic Acid and how to use it.

Key Ingredients

Naturium Azelaic Topical Acid 10 is one of the best serum formulations on the market, and this is why:

KEY INGREDIENTS

  • 10% azelaic acid
  • Niacinamide
  • Vitamin C
  • Coffee seed extract

Potassium azeloyl diglycinate

Potassium azeloyl diglycinate is an azelaic acid derivative and the star ingredient here. It’s awesome for treating acne and brightening your skin.

Niacinamide

Niacinamide helps with normalizing sebum production and reducing uneven skin tone. Plus, it strengthens your skin barrier!

Ethyl ascorbic acid

Ethyl ascorbic acid is a stable derivative of vitamin C that works to:

  • Minimize skin imperfections

  • Neutralize free radicals

  • Prevent premature aging

It’s one of the best anti-aging ingredients we have in skincare, and it’s affordable!

Coffee Arabica: Coffee seed extract

Coffee seed extract is a great natural source of antioxidants which help fight premature aging.

Other Ingredients

Other standout ingredients in this serum include sodium hyaluronate (similar to hyaluronic acid) and glycerin. Both ingredients have hydrating properties and are great for keeping your skin plump and healthy.

This azelaic acid serum also include some preservatives and penetration enhancers to ensure optimal potency, such as:

  • Sodium benzoate
  • Potassium sorbate
  • Potassium chloride
  • Dicarboxylic acid
  • Caprylyl glycol

Naturium Azelaic Acid 10 Review

Naturium Azelaic Topical Acid 10 with Box and BowTiedFawn branding

Brand

Product

This is literally my favorite topical azelaic acid serum ever.

Since it’s water based, it absorbs into skin easily and layers well under moisturizer, sunscreen, and makeup. Plus, it has an effective concentration of glycinated azelaic acid along with niacinamide, vitamin c, and coffee seed extract. So it works on a bunch of different levels to help with acne and uneven skin tone.

I seriously couldn’t be happier with this product

Texture

This azelaic acid serum has a lovely watery texture that absorbs easily. It doesn’t feel heavy on your skin and layers super well under other skincare products.

Color

Azelaic Topical Acid 10 is clear and leaves no white cast.

Fragrance

Azelaic Topical Acid 10 is fragrance free, making it suitable for even sensitive skin.

Packaging

Azelaic Topical Acid 10 comes in an airless dropper bottle at 1.0 fluid ounces. It’s convenient to use, TSA friendly, and mess free.

What does the Naturium Azelaic Acid do?

Benefits of Naturium Azelaic Topical Acid 10 with BowTiedFawn branding

Azelaic acid works wonders for a number of skin conditions. This serum:

  • Gently exfoliates
  • Helps reduce the look of dark spots
  • Balances excess oil

Exfoliation

While a high concentration of alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid are often too harsh for sensitive skin, azelaic acid provides gentle exfoliation benefits to refine skin texture.

In particular, potassium azeloyl diglycinate is awesome to unclog pores and leave you with radiant skin. It’s an easy alternative to the popular, but harsh, kojic acid.

Uneven Skin Tone

Other skin brighteners, like vitamin C, are often harsh on the skin. Azelaic acid, on the other hand, has hydrating properties and works as a gentle skin brightener to fight hyperpigmentation.

Oil Control

Glycinated azelaic acid is known for its ability to reduce sebum production and fight excess oil. If you’re looking for a good skincare routine for your oily skin, you should definitely consider adding in azelaic acid.

How do you use Naturium Azelaic Topical Acid?

Naturium Azelaic Topical Acid 10 Box with BowTiedFawn branding

For maximum benefits, you should use Azelaic Topical Acid 10 consistently 4-6 days per week. To use it, follow these instructions:

  1. Wash your face with a cleanser

  2. Apply 4-5 drops of azelaic acid serum while your face is still damp

  3. Wait for your serum to absorb

  4. Apply moisturizer and SPF

That’s it! Simple, really.

Is it okay to use azelaic acid everyday?

Naturium logo with BowTiedFawn branding

Yes, it’s okay to use azelaic acid in your everyday skin care routine as long as it does not cause any irritation.

Signs of irritation can include:

  • Redness
  • Itchiness
  • Flakiness
  • Dry skin
  • Breakouts

If you experience any of these side effects while using Azelaic Topical Acid 10, stop using it or reduce frequency until your skin barrier comes back to normal. Then, you can slowly introduce it the serum back into your routine, being mindful not to induce irritation.

What actives I should avoid while using azelaic acid?

Differin Gel with BowTiedFawn branding

Since azelaic acid is already an exfoliating agent, there any many ingredients you likely would not want to layer on top of it.

While some people can tolerate it, it’s generally best to avoid combining these ingredients with azelaic in the same routine:

  • Glycolic acid

  • Lactic acid

  • Mandelic acid

  • Salicylic acid

  • Retinol

  • Adapalene

  • Vitamin C

Generally, drier skin types will have a harder time combining other active ingredients with azelaic acid.

Can too much azelaic acid cause acne?

The difference between healthy skin and dry skin on a woman with BowTiedFawn branding

Yes, overusing any active ingredient can compromise your skin barrier which will lead to breakouts.

To avoid this, be sure to only use Azelaic Topical Acid 10 at a frequency that your skin can tolerate and reduce frequency as necessary.

Can I put moisturizer over azelaic acid?

Stratia Liquid Gold with BowTiedFawn branding

Yes, you should definitely put moisturizer over azelaic acid, just as you would any other active ingredient.

Azelaic acid will gently exfoliate your skin, so following up with a lotion or cream that your skin likes will help fight dry skin and maintain your barrier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Skincare Questions with BowTiedFawn branding
What does the Naturium azelaic acid do?

Naturium Azelaic Acid gently exfoliates, helps reduce the look of dark spots, and balances excess oil production through a combination of glycinated azelaic acid, vitamin C, niacinamide, and coffee seed extract.

What products cannot be used with azelaic acid?

Avoid layering chemical exfoliants such as alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids with azelaic acid. You should also avoid using retinoids and vitamin at the same time to lower your chances of inducing irritation.

How do you use Naturium Azelaic Topical Acid?

First, wash your face. Then apply a few drops of azelaic acid serum and gentle rub it until absorbed. Finally, follow up with a moisturizer.

What is the difference between Naturium azelaic acid and tranexamic acid?

Tranexamic acid and azelaic acid are both good skincare ingredients to fight dark spots and reduce uneven skin tone. Tranexamic acid functions as a tyrosinase inhibitor while azelaic acid is a gentle exfoliant. While tranexamic acid is better for melasma, azelaic acid is better for treating acne.

Which is better for dark spots niacinamide or azelaic acid?

Both niacinamide and azelaic acid are effective for treating dark spots, and they can be used together. While niacinamide has better skin barrier supportive properties, azelaic acid is a good exfoliant and can also fight acne. It’s not a question of which is better but rather which do you prefer using, and can you use them together?

Which azelaic acid is best for hyperpigmentation?

Naturium Azelaic Acid Topical 10 is a great skincare product for hyperpigmentation. It’s formualted with glycinated azelaic acid along with niacinamide vitamin c and coffee seed extract.

How long does it take for dark spots to fade with azelaic acid?

If you use azelaic acid serum consistently, your dark spots should start to fade within 1-3 months. Your experience may vary as everyone’s skin type is different.

How long should I wait to apply moisturizer after azelaic acid?

You should wait 1-2 minutes for your azelaic acid serum to absorb into skin before following up with a moisturizer.

What to apply after azelaic acid?

Azelaic acid can be quite dry as it’s used for exfoliation. After applying azelaic acid, follow up with a hydrating serum or a moisturizer.

Does skin get worse before it gets better with azelaic acid?


Since azelaic acid is an exfoliant ingredient, it can cause some photosensitivity and potential purging. With purging, your skin gets worse before it gets better. However, this purge period shouldn’t last more than 1-3 months.

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