The Best Azelaic Acid Serums, According to Experts and Shoppers

In the whizzing world of skin care today, it can be hard to keep track of what buzzy ingredients are worth the buy, especially when it comes to acids. Whether it’s salicylic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid or any of the other dozens of skin brightening, toning and hydrating acids on the market today, acid-infused serums and treatments are some of the best ways to jumpstart your complexion, especially when it comes to the do-it-all ingredient azelaic acid. Known as a more tolerable acid for fighting acne, reducing redness, battling hyperpigmentation and more without irritation, azelaic acid is a fan-favorite ingredient amongst beauty lovers and dermatologists alike. If you’re looking to get on the azelaic acid train, read on for the best azelaic acid serums according to shoppers and an expert dermatologist.

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The Ordinary Azelaic Acid 10% Suspension ($12)

“Working to brighten the skin while evening skin tone and reducing redness, this serum also helps to improve skin texture,” says New York dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD, “Making it a great option for all skin types and especially for those with sensitive skin or those who are pregnant and unable to use a retinol.”

• BUY ON SEPHORA – $12.20
• BUY ON ULTA – $12.20

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Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster ($39)

With more than 4,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, shoppers love the Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster for its multitasking properties that help reduce the appearance of blemishes, smoothes texture and evens tone all with a fragrance-free, non-irritating formula.

• BUY ON AMAZON – $39
• BUY ON SEPHORA – $39

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Naturium Azelaic Topical Acid 10% ($20)

“This formulation incorporates niacinamide and vitamin C in addition to azelaic acid to improve the overall texture and tone, reducing hyperpigmentation, blemishes and redness,” says Dr. Garshick. “I love that it can be used on the face, neck or chest. It can be used once or twice per day and it is recommended to follow with a moisturizer and it layers easily without being too harsh on the skin.” It’s also accrued 4.4 out of five stars in over 4,000 reviews on Amazon, so it’s a favorite among shoppers, too.

• BUY ON ULTA – $20
• BUY ON NATURIUM – $20

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The Inkey List SuperSolutions 10% Azelaic Serum Redness Relief Solution ($19.50)

“Improving the overall appearance of skin tone, this serum works to reduce redness, leaving the skin looking more even,” Dr. Garshick says. “It is especially good for those with rosacea and won’t leave the skin feeling irritated.”

• BUY ON SEPHORA – $19.50
• BUY ON ULTA – $19.50

5 / 7

BeautyPie Happy Face 10% Azelaic Acid Skin-Clearing Gel Cream ($49)

“Containing a blend of azelaic acid and niacinamide, this soothing cream helps to calm redness and reduces the appearance of blemishes associated with acne,” Dr. Garshick explains. “It is a great option for those with sensitive skin who cannot tolerate or use a retinoid.”

• BUY NOW – $49

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Glytone Enhance Brightening Complex ($82)

“This brightening cream incorporates glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid, to help exfoliate dead skin cells, as well as azelaic acid, which together help to improve skin tone and texture and can be especially helpful for discoloration,” Dr. Garshick explains. “This gentle lightweight cream is fragrance-free and paraben-free, and the combination of these ingredients makes it a great option even for those with sensitive skin.”

• BUY ON AMAZON – $82
• BUY ON GLYTONE – $82

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Fig1 Even Tone Serum ($36)

Featuring a blend of niacinamide, tranexamic acid, alpha-arbutin and azelaic acid to improve discoloration and radiance, Dr. Garshick loves this fragrance-free, safe-for-all skin types brightening serum.

• BUY ON NORDSTROM – $36
• BUY ON FIG.1 – $36