The Ordinary Azelaic Acid is an affordable acne treatment, but it’s not my favorite.
While azelaic acid is effective for treating conditions like uneven skin texture and skin tone, The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10 didn’t do much for my skin. Plus, the thick paste texture doesn’t absorb well or layer well with other skincare.
In my opinion, there are better options on the market, such as Naturium Azelaic Topical Acid 10. That being said, many people love The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension and have found it be an effective gentle exfoliant and treatment for acne prone skin.
This article will explain everything you need to know about The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10 and how to use it in your skincare routine.
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid
At a Glance:
| Best for: | Dark spots, uneven skin texture, acne |
| Key Ingredients: | 10% azelaic acid |
| Alternatives: | Naturium Azelaic Topical Acid 10↗ |
Key Ingredient
Azelaic acid is the star ingredient in this product. A naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid found in grains like barley and wheat, azelaic acid is know for its ability to:
Turn over dead skin cells
Reduce inflammation
Improve skin texture
Even out skin tone
Azelaic acid is far more gentle that other direct acids such as glycolic acid and lactic acid. Therefore, it’s more suitable for sensitive skin types than alpha hydroxy acids or even beta hydroxy acids as it’s gentle and non-irritating.
Other Ingredients
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10 also contains dimethicone, which gives it a silky texture, and various emollients and humectants to help hydrate and nourish the skin.
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10 Review
The Ordinary
Azelaic Acid 10% Suspension
This product did not do much for my skin. Plus, because it doesn’t layer well, I didn’t find that it fit well into the same routine as other products like moisturizer and sunscreen.
Texture
The texture of The Ordinary Azelaic Acid is way too thick and pasty. It’s difficult to spread, and it doesn’t absorb well. In fact, the texture is so thick that it can even cause your other skincare products or makeup to pill.
Color
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10 is white, but it doesn’t leave any residue or greasy feeling on your skin. It dries down to a transparent shade and leaves your skin with a matte finish.
Fragrance
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid has no added fragrance, which is great for those with sensitive skin.
Packaging
This product comes in a squeeze bottle in two different sizes:
100ml
30ml squeeze bottle
It’s easy to use, mess-free, and travel friendly.
Benefits of The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10
Azelaic acid is an awesome ingredient for a ton of reasons:
Evens out skin tone
Decreases redness
Reduces textural irregularities
Brightens skin
I find azelaic acid to be particularly beneficial for people with oily skin and acne prone skin since it’s gentle but effective at treating acne.
Uneven Skin Tone
Azelaic acid helps clear up dark spots and hyperpigmentation which, in turn, helps with an uneven skin tone.
Look of Redness
Azelaic acid is effectiveat:
Soothing rosacea
Fighting redness
Reducing post inflammatory erythema
If you have sensitive skin or minor acne scars, you may see improvement by using an azelaic acid treatment.
Textural Irregularities
Similar to salicylic acid, azelaic acid can help even out skin texture by fighting rough and bumpy skin.
Dullness
By clearing up dark spots and evening out your skin tone, azelaic acid helps brighten skin and leave you with a more youthful, radiant appearance.
How to Use The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10
You can use azelaic acid every day.
To use it correctly, you should first wash your face with The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser, then apply a pea sized amount of azelaic acid in a thin layer.
Gently rub it in, then apply moisturizer on top.
Considerations with Using Azelaic Acid
Similar to other direct acids, azelaic acid can increase skin sensitivity to the sun.
Therefore, it’s important to wear sun protection during the day when using this product.
Further, while azelaic acid can be worn in the mornings or the evenings, I would not suggest applying it more than once per day.
Finally, be sure to try patch testing prior to applying azelaic acid to your entire face to ensure your skin tolerates it.
Can I use the ordinary azelaic acid everyday?
Yes, you can use The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension everyday. However, it is important to patch test first and monitor your skin’s reaction.
What should you not mix with azelaic acid?
You should not mix any direct acids or unstable active ingredients with azelaic acid, such as:
Copper peptides
Alpha hydroxy acid
Beta hydroxy acid
By layering products like these together, you might destabilize the azelaic acid or reduce its effectiveness. This is particularly important for people with rosacea and sensitive skin.
Should I moisturize after azelaic acid?
Yes, you should always moisturize after using azelaic acid to help lock in moisture and keep your skin hydrated.
What to layer on top of azelaic acid?
After applying Azelaic Acid, you can layer the following:
Hydrating serum
Natural moisturizing factors
Sunscreen
Once your sunscreen has dried, you can also apply makeup on top.
Does Ordinary Azelaic acid really work?
Yes, The Ordinary Azelaic Acid really works. It’s effective at:
Reducing redness
Improving skin texture
Evening out skin tone
That being said, I did not have the best experience with it, and individual results may vary.
What is The Ordinary Azelaic Acid best for?
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension is best for individuals of all skin types with concerns like:
Treating blemishes
Managing rosacea
Reducing uneven skin tone
To get the best results from this product, be sure to use it consistently once per day at least 4-6 days per week.
Also, remember to include a broad spectrum sunscreen as part of your daily skincare routine as azelaic acid can increase your sensitivity to the sun.
