The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% Review

Azelaic Acid is a dream ingredient you probably aren’t using but totally should be. It flies ridiculously under the radar and it’s hard to find products solely dedicated to Azelaic acid’s goodness. Azelaic acid comes from grains and is naturally produced by the yeast that lives on the skin. It works to refine the skin tone, fade post acne dark spots, reduce skin sensitivity, unclog pores and brighten the skin. It’s a dream product and it’s not like your average AHA or BHA.

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension is a unicorn product. There are only a few products on the market with 10% azelaic acid and The Ordinary’s formula is ⅕ of the price. It’s great at combating dark spots, little bumps on the skin, and an uneven skin tone. It pairs well in your morning or nighttime routine and when used in conjunction with AHAs, BHAs, and SPF…

it can lead to the best skin of your life.

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% Box

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% Review

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%

This formula brightens your skin tone while visibly improving the evenness of skin texture and reducing the look of blemishes.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Azelaic acid works as a leave on exfoliant to unclog pores, refine the skin’s surface and fade dark spots. If you have bumps or uneven skin tone it’s a dream. Azelaic acid works really well at fighting fungal acne better known as malassezia which is caused by yeast overgrowth on the skin. It manifests itself as little bumps all over your skin that feel like acne but don’t look like a typical white head. A few uses of azelaic acid on those little bumps can have them gone very quickly.

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid comes in a 10% formulation which is pretty tough to find as most Azelaic acid products are mixed with other actives. The Ordinary’s is super affordable and you get a good amount of product. Of the few other Azelaic acid serums on the market, The Ordinary’s is ⅕ of the price for the same amount of product. The formula is nut-free, gluten-free, vegan and cruelty-free. Along with alcohol and oil free.

The Ordinary advises not to mix the Azelaic Acid with BHAs and AHAs. While other competing brands say it’s okay to mix their Azelaic acid serum with other acids and that it works even better. I use a BHA toner (not by The Ordinary) with the Azelaic acid and my skin loves it. Azelaic acid is advised by dermatologists as being okay to use with AHAs, BHAs and virtually any other product without irritation. If you have irritation stop using your Azelaic acid and AHAs or BHA separately.

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% Bottle On Shelf

What exactly does Azelaic acid do?

  • Lightly exfoliates. If AHAs or BHAs are too harsh for your skin, this is a good and more gentle option.
  • Fights acne and clogged pores. Also helps with Malassezia.
  • Helps to even your skin tone. It can also help to calm rosacea which is a huge deal. It’s less irritating with exfoliating benefits. Even the most sensitive skin needs exfoliation from time to time.
  • Reduces inflammation again, why it’s good for rosacea.
  • Brightens the skin.
  • Works well with other ingredients like acids and niacinamide.
  • Fades dark spots.
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%

This formula brightens your skin tone while visibly improving the evenness of skin texture and reducing the look of blemishes.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% Pros

  • The price is so affordable and you get a good amount of product.
  • The formulation is 10% Azelaic acid and that’s really hard to find. Especially at this price point.
  • Azelaic acid can work for sensitive skin types.
  • Creamy, gel formula absorbs into the skin quickly and doesn’t feel heavy.
  • Works great for inflammation.
  • Can be used AM and PM. (Make sure to pair with SPF.)
  • Lightly exfoliates the skin and unclogs pores.
  • This product layers well with other skincare. It doesn’t pill.

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% Cons

  • The formula can feel a little grainy when you use it. This can be problematic for sensitive skin.
  • The packaging makes it hard to get product out when you’re near the end.
  • Not the most luxurious looking product.
  • Small chance your skin could react negatively.
  • The formula contains silicone.

How to use it

Use this cream-gel serum morning or night after water based products. I use mine with a BHA toner in the evening so I tone, then apply the Azelaic acid and then follow up with moisturizer. But, you can play around with the order and see what works and what doesn’t. A big must if you’re using this product, wear SPF in the AM as it can make your skin more sensitive. You can use this product in the AM or PM, though PM is a better option as you may have some irritation when pairing it with Vitamin C.

Some say not to use Azelaic acid with other acids due to potential irritation. But some dermatologists advise using the two together because it works really well for the skin. Try it out, if you experience irritation when pairing it with other acids, save them for alternate nights. You should have no issues pairing it with niacinamide.

Where to buy it

The nice thing about the Ordinary is you have a few places where you can find it:

Final Thoughts

I adore this product, I use it daily in my routine and I’ve probably gone through three or four of them. I can’t beat the price of this formula and it works. My skin is much less congested in terms of acne and blackheads. It’s smooth and when I use it with an AHA/BHA, my skin is glowing, dark spots are faded and my pores look small. It’s the perfect combo.

Azelaic acid does not get the love that AHAs or retinol gets but it is so worthy! Try adding it into your routine and sit back and watch all the benefits. If you have rosacea or sensitive skin, it will be game changing for your skin. If you’re looking to add it into your routine The Ordinary’s formula is superb and with that price? A match made in heaven.

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%

This formula brightens your skin tone while visibly improving the evenness of skin texture and reducing the look of blemishes.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.