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The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% tube and box
The Ordinary

Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%

Brightening Serum 30 ml
8.8OUT OF 10
Great formula

Formula has a high safety profile. Suitable for most skin types.

16
Safe
1
Caution
0
Higher risk

Score breakdown

Safety10/10
Barrier support9.2/10
Acne-safe9.5/10
Active treatment1.3/10

Our verdict

This is the most accessible way to try azelaic acid, one of the genuinely rare multitaskers in skincare — it treats acne, calms rosacea redness and fades post-inflammatory pigmentation through separate mechanisms, and it is considered safe in pregnancy. At 10% it sits just below prescription strength (15–20%) and matches most over-the-counter options, in a silicone-rich suspension that gives it a distinctive silky-then-slightly-gritty feel. The texture is the thing people either tolerate or hate: azelaic acid does not fully dissolve, so it is suspended, and the dimethicone base can pill under makeup or other products if you apply too much or layer too fast. Some people also get a brief tingle at first. What it will not do is act quickly — azelaic acid is a slow, steady performer, and 8–12 weeks of consistent use is the realistic timeline for visible change in tone or breakouts. Severe acne needs more than this. For blemishes with leftover marks, persistent redness, or anyone who needs a pregnancy-safe active, it is excellent value and a sensible place to start.

At a glance

What it does
hydrationsoothingbarrier supportbrightening
Best for
sensitive skinacne-prone skindry and dehydrated skinmost skin types
Not enough for
active anti-aging treatment

Key ingredients

Azelaic Acidevens skin tone and reduces breakoutsTocopherolprovides antioxidant protection

Full ingredient list (17)

Aqua/waterIsodecyl NeopentanoateDimethiconeAzelaic AcidCrosspolymerDimethyl IsosorbideHydroxyethyl Acrylate/sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate CopolymerPolysilicone-11IsohexadecaneTocopherolTrisodium Ethylenediamine DisuccinateCeteth-20Polysorbate 60TriethanolamineEthoxydiglycolPhenoxyethanolChlorphenesin

Colour indicates our safety assessment for each ingredient — green is well-tolerated, amber warrants caution, red is higher-risk. Tap any ingredient to read its full profile.

Frequently asked

Why does it feel gritty or pill under makeup?
Azelaic acid does not fully dissolve, so this product is a suspension — the slight grittiness is the active itself. The silicone base can also pill if you apply too much or layer quickly. Use a thin layer on dry skin and let it set fully before applying anything on top.
Is 10% strong enough to work?
Yes, for mild to moderate concerns. Prescription azelaic acid is 15–20%, but 10% is the standard over-the-counter strength and delivers real results on breakouts, redness and post-acne marks over 8–12 weeks of consistent use. Severe acne or stubborn melasma may need the prescription version.
Can I use it during pregnancy?
Azelaic acid is widely regarded as one of the safer actives during pregnancy and breastfeeding, which is why it is often recommended when retinoids are off the table. Confirm with your own doctor, but it is a common pregnancy-safe choice for acne and pigmentation.
What is the score based on?
The score comes from the same Pure Moonlight ingredient analyzer used across the whole site. It weighs safety, barrier support, acne and comedogenic risk, and active-ingredient strength, so this product's score is directly comparable to any ingredient page here.

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