The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% Review: Is It Worth It?

Author:

Linda has been a guest writer since 2012. She gives non-biased and helpful feedback on products she has tried.

Everyone wants even-toned clear skin, but not everyone has it. Attaining that Photoshop model-like skin seems impossible without a couple thousand bucks in your wallet and of course, professional photo editing skills. But what if I tell you that ideal skin doesn’t always require a stash of gold and assistance from Adobe?

If you’re an avid YouTube watcher, you’ve probably heard of The Ordinary. This skincare brand has a generous range of products with formulations that would otherwise cause hundreds of dollars. The affordable price and hype of this brand piqued my curiosity, and I decided to try out some of their products.

The product I will be reviewing hands-on is one of their hottest ones yet—the Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%. It is a thick and creamy formula which the skin absorbs quickly. I’m always skeptical of any new company that suddenly gains popularity through social media. With all the fake reviews these days, it’s impossible to know which brands you can actually rely on.

Company Background

The Ordinary has produced products comparable to medical qualities using similar technologies and high standards while remaining humble with their prices. They have two product lines NIOD (non-invasive options in dermal science) and Hylamide-daily treatments. The Ordinary Labs do not test on animals, nor do they pay anyone else to do so. They were awarded by beauty magazines (Cosmopolitan, Glamour, and Bazaar) in 2017. Moreover, the products contain quality ingredients that are free from parabens, sulfates, formaldehyde, or any other harmful chemicals.

My Story

The story is simple: My sister was the first one who used the Azelaic Acid Suspension. In only a few weeks, I began to notice a significant change in her skin. It was brighter, and the texture became smoother than it had ever been before. That’s when I ordered this cream-gel myself.

As someone who suffers from melasma, my skincare regime is usually focused on getting rid of my persistent hyperpigmentation. The company, on their page, claims that their Azelaic Acid formula ‘brightens the skin tone while visibly improving the evenness of the skin texture’. Did it work though? Read on for my full experience with this product by The Ordinary.

The Good Part

The great thing about this formula is that it’s seriously affordable. It won’t break your bank (only $16.40), and it actually works! The prescription formulas have a higher concentration and therefore carry a heavier price tag. The Ordinary is the way to go if you want to see how your skin responds to Azelaic acid in a sensible concentration and price.

I noticed an improvement in my skin texture, and my summertime suntan began to fade in a matter of days. I also quite like the smell of the gel, although I’m sure some people will disagree!

Fast forward to three months of use: my skin became much more even-toned, and while my melasma didn’t exactly disappear, it definitely lightened to the extent that I didn’t need a concealer to hide it anymore. Before using this product, I absolutely could not leave my house without applying a generous coat of concealer on my pigmented skin; now, my concealer bottle only opens when I’m dressing fancy for a party.

Applying Creme Properly

Squeeze a small amount of creme on finger tips first, do not apply directly on face.

The Not so Good Part

Let’s get it out of the way—it stung. The moment I apply this gel on my face, it stings and burns. Every single time (and no my skin didn’t get used to it!). For people with sensitive skin, I would recommend using this product every other day instead of every day and night as the instructions say. I would also advise you to apply only a small amount in the under-eye area.

Would I Purchase It Again?

Yes! I still have some of it left, but I am planning to purchase it again. The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% did actually make a visible improvement as promised. If you’re debating on whether to buy it or not, I’d say give it a shot. Skincare doesn’t work like a miracle, but this product definitely came close!

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.