Table of Contents
- What Is Azelaic Acid?
- 1. Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster – Best Overall.
- 2. The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% – Best Budget.
- 3. Revox Just Azelaic Acid Brightening Solution 10% – Best Texture.
- 4. Cos De Baha Azelaic Acid – Best With Niacinamide.
- 5. Naturium Azelaic Acid Topical Acid 10% – Best Azelaic Acid Derivative.
- 6. FaceTheory Lumizela Azelaic Acid Serum A15 – Best With 15% Azelaic Acid.
- In Conclusion.
- Possible Questions & Answers.
Azelaic acid isn’t called a “star ingredient” for nothing. In fact, it’s a skincare ingredient that can address the major skin issues we suffer, ranging from hyperpigmentation, acne, redness, rosacea, textured skin and uneven skin tone. And yet, it is gentle on the skin when used at the right concentration.
This star ingredient has proved its skincare potentials in countless research studies, which has backed it up with concrete-facts about its skincare-benefits to the skin.
Therefore, if you’re seeking for the best azelaic acid products on the market to address multiple skin concerns like aforementioned, then you’ve hit the right page, sit back, grab a cup of popcorn and go through the list to make your favourite choice.
But before we go right into that, let me briefly sensitize you on what azelaic acid really is, for those new to it.
What Is Azelaic Acid?
Azelaic acid is a potent skincare ingredient, it’s a naturally occurring acid found in grains such as barley, wheat, and rye. It’s mostly used to treat acne and rosacea as it’s rich in anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties.
This potent skincare ingredient averts future occurrence of acne breakouts and clean bacteria from the pores that cause acne.
It further mildly exfoliates the skin (getting rid of dead skin cells), minimizes redness, reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation and improves overall skin texture and radiance.
Below are the best azelaic acid products on the market to brighten dull skin complexion, fade hyperpigmentation (dark spots), tackle acne, soothe redness, smoothen rough skin and improve overall skin texture and complexion.
1. Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster – Best Overall.
Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster made the “Best Overall” list because of its ingredients list composition and texture.
This azelaic acid-infused formula pairs 10% azelaic acid with salicylic acid to add a boost to eradicate stubborn acne breakouts, smoothen skin texture and brighten dull complexion.
Salicylic acid is a BHA (beta hydroxy acid) which is oil-soluble, which means, it dissolves through oil (sebum) in the skin to decongest the skin of dead skin cells and loosen gunk and grime lingering in-between the skin pores, thereby relieving the pores which in turn promotes a smoother, firm, acne-free and healthy looking skin.
This formula also contains licorice extract to calm redness and soothe irritation, alongside with other skin soothing ingredients such as caprylic/capric triglyceride and allantoin & bisabobol.
The combination of both 10% azelaic acid and salicylic acid (although the concentration wasn’t stated) made this product one of the best azelaic acid products worth giving a try.
In a comparison review, my experience with this product was fantastic as it cleared my acne and smoothened my skin in 4-5 days of application. You can read my full review here.
Pros
- Absorbs quickly.
- Hypoallergenic.
- Non-comedogenic.
- Potent & effective.
- Feels soothing on the skin.
- Combines azelaic acid with salicylic acid.
- Well packaged & tightly sealed.
- Contains no nasty ingredients.
Cons
- Expensive. (May not be suitable for everyone’s budget).
2. The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% – Best Budget.
From the almighty The Ordinary brand. This azelaic acid formula contains 10% azelaic acid in a silicon formulation.
While azelaic acid does its job, silicone being an occlusive will help form a breathable barrier at the top layer of the skin to avoid moisture-loss therefore influencing skin adequate hydration, fill in lines and pores and protect the skin from chemical exposure and other environmental damages.
Although the product’s texture may not be suitable for everyone as it has a thick or silicon-ey texture, which dries down to a matt-finish, thus leaving a slight drying-feeling behind because of the silicon content in the product, which may feel unpleasant to some individuals. This feeling can be counteracted by applying a moisturizer.
Silicones have no pore-clogging attributes — so, you absolutely have nothing to be concerned about it clogging your pores.
If you’re seeking for a budget-friendly azelaic acid product, and you don’t mind a silicon-ey texture, then this product is your best bet. You can read my comparison review between The Ordinary and Paula’s Choice Azelaic Acid.
Pros
- Budget-friendly.
- Hypoallergenic.
- Absorbs quickly.
- Non-comedogenic.
- Potent & effective.
- Well packaged & tightly sealed.
- Contains no harmful substances.
Cons
- Leaves skin feeling a bit dry after application (applying a moisturizer will counteract the effect).
- Due to silicone content, some may find texture too heavy for them.
3. Revox Just Azelaic Acid Brightening Solution 10% – Best Texture.
Although this skincare brand may not be familiar to everyone, but believe me when I say, their azelaic acid formula has one of the best textures on the market. I’m speaking from experience.
The azelaic acid brightening solution contains just 10% azelaic acid, a simple formulation, (similar to that of The Ordinary’s) but without silicone which makes the product’s texture creamy and super lightweight which glides effortlessly on the skin and absorbs quickly without leaving any greasy residue behind.
When I used this product, I fell massively in love with it. Not only did it improve my overall skin texture and complexion, but the product’s texture was to die for. Read my full review about this product.
Pros
- Wallet-friendly.
- Fragrance-free.
- Creamy and lightweight texture (absorbs quickly).
- It is non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores).
- Skin-safe (contains no skin toxic chemicals or substance).
Cons
- None.
4. Cos De Baha Azelaic Acid – Best With Niacinamide.
From a Korean skincare brand. Cos De Baha azelaic acid comes in a serum format, which is super lightweight and absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving any residue behind.
It combines azelaic acid, with his baby brother niacinamide – another multifunctional skincare ingredient that tackles multiple skin concerns such as; aiding the healing process of acne, helps interrupt the forming process of hyperpigmentation, reducing excess oil (sebum) production, soothe redness, and minimize enlarged skin pores.
With the combination of 10% azelaic acid and niacinamide and skin hydrators such as; hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 keeps this product on the list of one of the best azelaic acid products worthy to try out.
Pros
- Pocket-friendly.
- Fragrance-free.
- Pairs azelaic acid with niacinamide and skin hydrators such as (hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5)
- Lightweight texture (absorbs quickly).
- Doesn’t contain comedogenic ingredients (won’t clog pores).
- Doesn’t contain any skin toxic chemicals or substances.
Cons
- None.
5. Naturium Azelaic Acid Topical Acid 10% – Best Azelaic Acid Derivative.
This formula doesn’t contain azelaic acid, however, it contains its derivative – glycinated azelaic acid at 10%, which is a combination of azelaic acid and glycerin that is water soluble.
Glycinated azelaic acid also possesses the same skin benefits as azelaic acid without the downside such as; itching and irritation which is associated with azelaic acid when used in a higher concentration.
The Naturium brand’s azelaic acid product is formulated with a high concentration of glycinated azelaic acid, along with niacinamide, vitamin C (ethyl ascorbic acid) and coffee seed extract, which help minimize visual skin imperfections such as congestion, dullness and discoloration.
Therefore, if you have sensitive skin and your skin is new to azelaic acid, it’s best recommended to start with azelaic acid derivative-based products and the Naturium Azelaic Acid Topical Acid 10% is your best bet.
Pros
- Texture is lightweight.
- Combines azelaic acid derivative (glycinated azelaic acid), along with niacinamide, vitamin C and coffee seed extract.
- It is non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores).
- Doesn’t contain any skin toxic chemicals or substances.
Cons
- Expensive. (May not be suitable for everyone’s budget).
6. FaceTheory Lumizela Azelaic Acid Serum A15 – Best With 15% Azelaic Acid.
Normally, you would only get a 15% based azelaic acid product as a prescription from a dermatologist, however, the FaceTheory brand has made it available to purchase a 15% azelaic acid product over the counter. All thanks to them.
FaceTheory Lumizela Azelaic Acid Serum A15 contains azelaic acid at a 15% concentration alongside with skin soothing ingredients such as; colloidal oat and green tea to address hyperpigmentation, brighten skin complexion, improve skin texture and at the same time soothe the skin.
If you aren’t new to azelaic acid or would love to increase your azelaic acid concentration, without visiting a dermatologist for prescription, then FaceTheory Lumizela Azelaic Acid Serum A15 is your sure plug.
Pros
- Pocket-friendly.
- Contains 15% azelaic acid concentration (a prescription strength).
- Has a lightweight creamy texture.
- Doesn’t contain pore-clogging ingredients.
- Skin-safe (contains no skin toxic chemicals or substance).
Cons
- Slightly pricey. (May not be suitable for everyone’s budget).
In Conclusion.
Azelaic acid is a powerful and a multi-purpose skincare ingredient that can easily replace other products in your skincare routine due to its vast potential in tackling multiple skin issues. Therefore, if you’re seeking for the best azelaic acid products on the market to tackle your skin concerns, then the aforementioned products are all worthy to give a try.
Don’t forget to perform a patch test prior to commencing full product application and also always wear your sunscreen before exploring your outdoor activities. Read how to correctly apply sunscreen.
Possible Questions & Answers.
Q: Can I use azelaic acid both morning and night?
A: Yes, azelaic acid can be used both morning (AM) and night (PM) as it also serves antioxidant potentials to the skin (just like vitamin C) by fending off free radicals that attack the skin during the day. However, endeavour to always apply your sunscreen during the day to protect your skin from UV rays exposure of the sun. Remember, the sun is the devil.
UP NEXT: Seeking For The Best Niacinamide Serums? Here You Have Them.
Like what you just read? Then you'll love to like our Facebook page. Don't forget to follow us on Instagram. You can as well be a Beautysparker by joining our Facebook group, for discussions on skincare.
