Product Review
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%: an honest formula review
This is one of the cheapest ways to try true azelaic acid at the standard over-the-counter strength. The formula is simple and the active is well studied for acne marks, redness and uneven tone. The trade-offs are a silicone-heavy texture that can pill, some early tingling, and a strength that will not replace prescription treatment for rosacea or inflammatory acne.
How we reviewed this: this is a formula and evidence review based on the published ingredient list, the brand’s stated claims and independent research. We have not run a hands-on test, we were not paid, and this page has no affiliate links. See our product review methodology and affiliate disclosure.
- Product
- Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
- Brand
- The Ordinary
- Type
- Cream-gel suspension (leave-on treatment)
- Key actives
- Azelaic acid 10%
- Fragrance
- No fragrance listed; the brand does not state “fragrance-free”
- Best for
- Acne marks, mild redness, uneven tone, oily or combination skin
- Skip if
- You dislike silicone textures, have very reactive skin or need prescription-strength treatment
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% is a sensible, low-cost way to add azelaic acid to your routine. It contains 10% true azelaic acid, the usual OTC strength, in an oil-free, alcohol-free silicone base with a pH of 4 to 5. It suits oily or combination skin with post-acne marks, mild redness or uneven tone, as long as you can live with a texture that may pill under other layers. If you have rosacea bumps or inflammatory acne, a dermatologist may offer prescription 15% or 20% azelaic acid instead.
- The active is right: 10% true azelaic acid, not a derivative, in a short ingredient list.
- The silicone-rich texture is the main drawback; apply a thin layer and let it set before layering.
- Expect gradual change over one to three months, alongside daily sunscreen.
What is in it
What is in The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%?
The Ordinary lists this ingredient order: water, isodecyl neopentanoate, dimethicone, azelaic acid, a silicone crosspolymer, dimethyl isosorbide, a polymer thickener, polysilicone-11, isohexadecane, tocopherol (vitamin E), a chelator, two emulsifiers, triethanolamine, ethoxydiglycol and the preservatives phenoxyethanol and chlorphenesin. The brand describes it as oil-free and alcohol-free, with a pH of 4.00 to 5.00, and says formulas can vary by region and date.
| Ingredient | What it does | Evidence strength |
|---|---|---|
| Azelaic acid 10% | Reduces acne bacteria, helps normalize clogged pores, calms inflammation and slows melanin production | Strong for acne and rosacea at prescription strengths; good supporting evidence for pigment |
| Dimethicone and other silicones | Give slip, a smooth finish and help suspend the azelaic acid | Well established as texture agents; see dimethicone |
| Isodecyl neopentanoate, isohexadecane | Lightweight emollients that soften the feel | Texture role only |
| Tocopherol (vitamin E) | Antioxidant that helps protect the formula | Supporting role at this level |
| Dimethyl isosorbide, ethoxydiglycol | Solvents that help azelaic acid stay dispersed | Formulation role |
DermNet describes azelaic acid as antibacterial, comedolytic (it loosens clogged pores) and anti-inflammatory, and as a tyrosinase inhibitor that helps fade pigment. Most of the strongest trials used prescription 15% and 20% products, so a 10% OTC formula should be seen as a gentler, slower version.
Who it suits
Who is The Ordinary azelaic acid good for, and who should skip it?
Good fit if you have
- Lingering brown post-acne marks and occasional breakouts.
- Mild redness or an uneven, blotchy tone.
- Oily or combination skin that likes light, silky textures.
- A need for a pregnancy-friendlier active; azelaic acid is thought to be safe in pregnancy, but check with your clinician.
Consider skipping if you have
- Very dry or reactive skin that stings with most acids.
- Diagnosed rosacea with bumps or inflammatory acne that needs prescription care.
- A routine heavy in silicone primers and sunscreens, which raises pilling.
- Eczema-prone facial skin; DermNet notes irritation is more likely.
Unsure whether your redness is rosacea? Get it diagnosed before relying on an OTC product.
How to use it
How to use The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
- Patch test first
The brand advises a patch test. Apply a small amount behind the ear or on the jaw for a few days.
- Start once a day
The Ordinary says it can be used morning and evening, but DermNet suggests starting once daily and building to twice daily if tolerated.
- Apply a thin layer to dry skin
Use a pea-sized amount for the face after water-based serums, avoiding the eye area and mouth. Thin layers pill less.
- Let it set
Wait a minute or two before moisturizer or sunscreen to reduce pilling.
- Use sunscreen in the morning
The brand says it does not significantly increase sun sensitivity, but daily SPF is what lets marks fade.
- Separate strong actives
The brand advises not using it in the same routine as retinoids, direct acids or peptides; alternate nights or use it in the morning instead.
Our general guide to using azelaic acid covers layering in more detail.
Realistic results
How long does The Ordinary azelaic acid take to work?
| Timeframe | What is realistic |
|---|---|
| First 1 to 2 weeks | Mild tingling or itching is common and usually fades; pilling may show if you over-apply. |
| About 4 weeks | DermNet notes acne usually starts to improve after about a month of azelaic acid. |
| 8 to 12 weeks | Redness and fresh marks may look calmer; rosacea can take up to 12 weeks to respond. |
| 3 to 6 months | Fullest effect on acne and tone with continuous use, if paired with daily sunscreen. |
If nothing has changed after three months of steady use, the issue may need a different or stronger treatment. Westlake Dermatology notes that OTC 10% suits milder concerns, while prescription 15% and 20% fit inflammatory acne and rosacea. For a bigger plan, see how to fade dark spots.
Alternatives
What are the alternatives to The Ordinary azelaic acid?
A gel or serum azelaic acid
If the silicone base pills, a light serum such as The INKEY List SuperSolutions 10% Azelaic Serum may layer more easily.
Azelaic acid with salicylic acid
Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster adds 0.5% salicylic acid for blackheads and marks.
Niacinamide
For oil and tone with less tingling; compare in azelaic acid vs niacinamide or read our Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% review.
Our shortlist
See best azelaic acid products for six formulas compared side by side.
Verdict
Is The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% worth it?
On formula alone, yes for the right person. It delivers the standard OTC dose of a well-researched active in a short, sensible ingredient list, at a low price point. Its weaknesses are practical rather than scientific: the silicone-heavy texture can pill and some people feel tingling at first. It is a good first azelaic acid for oily or combination skin with marks and mild redness. It is not a substitute for a dermatologist if you have rosacea, painful acne or melasma that is not budging; see melasma for what usually helps there.
Safety and professional-help boundaries
When to stop and get advice.
- Stop and seek advice if you get severe redness, scaling, itching or burning; DermNet also notes reports of worsening asthma with azelaic acid.
- Facial redness with bumps, flushing or eye irritation may be rosacea and is best diagnosed by a dermatologist.
- Deep, painful or scarring acne needs prescription treatment rather than an OTC serum.
- DermNet notes lightening of the skin is more noticeable in darker skin; stop and seek advice if pale patches appear.
- Azelaic acid is thought to be safe in pregnancy, but check with your clinician first; see skincare during pregnancy.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers to common questions
Is The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% good?
For its price, it is a well-formulated product with 10% true azelaic acid, the usual OTC strength. It suits acne marks, mild redness and uneven tone, though the silicone texture can pill.
Why does The Ordinary azelaic acid pill?
The base is rich in silicones, and applying too much or layering quickly under other silicone products causes pilling. Use a thin layer on dry skin and let it set before the next step.
Does The Ordinary azelaic acid sting?
It can tingle or itch in the first week or two, which usually settles. If it burns persistently, use it less often or apply it after moisturizer.
Can I use The Ordinary azelaic acid every day?
Yes, the brand says it can be used morning and evening. Many people start once a day and build up to twice daily if their skin tolerates it.
Can I use The Ordinary azelaic acid with niacinamide?
Many people combine the two ingredients, but The Ordinary advises not mixing it with its niacinamide powder. Using a niacinamide serum at a different time of day is a simple workaround.
Can I use it with retinol?
The brand advises against using them in the same routine. Use azelaic acid in the morning and retinol at night, or alternate nights.
Is The Ordinary azelaic acid good for rosacea?
It may help mild redness, but prescription 15% azelaic acid is the version approved in the US for rosacea bumps. Get rosacea diagnosed and treated by a dermatologist.
Does it help with dark spots?
It can help fade post-acne marks and uneven tone over several months because azelaic acid slows melanin production. Daily sunscreen is essential for results.
Is it safe during pregnancy?
Azelaic acid is thought to be safe in pregnancy and is often suggested for acne or pigment then. Check with your clinician before starting any new product.
Editorial Record
- Editorial status
- awaiting expert review
Related pages
Continue from here
Sources reviewed
Evidence behind this review
- The Ordinary: Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% (official product page and ingredient list).
- DermNet: Azelaic acid.
- Westlake Dermatology: Prescription vs OTC azelaic acid, what strength do you need?
- DermNet: Melasma.
Sources support the general editorial guidance shown here. They do not replace personal medical advice from a qualified clinician.