The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% Review: Texture, Evidence and Who It Suits

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% is the cheapest way to try real azelaic acid: a cream-like, silicone-rich formula for blemish-prone skin, uneven tone, dullness and the look of redness, for $12.20. It suits oily, combination and acne-prone skin and people with post-acne marks who want a gentler step than a strong exfoliating acid. Skip it if you dislike a heavy, silicone-rich texture that can pill under makeup, or if you need treatment for rosacea or moderate acne, where prescription 15% and 20% azelaic acid have the stronger evidence.

Before you buy, you can scan the tube's barcode or label with the ingredient scanner in Pori to check its ingredients against your skin type.

Below we go through every ingredient, what the evidence says about azelaic acid at 10% versus prescription strengths, who should buy it and who should skip it, sizes and price per ounce, how to use it, and four alternatives. We compared published ingredient lists, brand claims and listed prices; we did not test these products on skin.

What is The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%?

It's a leave-on treatment from The Ordinary. The brand describes it as a cream-like brightening formulation for blemish-prone skin that targets uneven tone and texture, dullness and the look of redness, and says it's gentle enough for daily use. As the name says, it's a suspension: the azelaic acid is dispersed through a silicone-based cream. The brand lists it as non-comedogenic, alcohol-free, oil-free and vegan, at a pH of 4.00 to 5.00.

For the active ingredient itself, our azelaic acid benefits guide covers acne, redness and dark marks in depth. This review stays on The Ordinary's formula.

What's in it? The full ingredient list explained

The Ordinary lists the ingredients as water, isodecyl neopentanoate, dimethicone, azelaic acid, dimethicone/bis-isobutyl PPG-20 crosspolymer, dimethyl isosorbide, hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, polysilicone-11, isohexadecane, tocopherol, trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate, isoceteth-20, polysorbate 60, triethanolamine, ethoxydiglycol, phenoxyethanol and chlorphenesin. It notes that formulas vary by time and region.

• Azelaic acid (10%): the active, fourth on the list.
• Isodecyl neopentanoate and isohexadecane: light emollients that help the cream spread and feel less dry.
• Dimethicone, dimethicone/bis-isobutyl PPG-20 crosspolymer and polysilicone-11: silicones that hold the suspension together and give a smooth, matte film. They're also the likely reason some people find it pills under other products.
• Dimethyl isosorbide and ethoxydiglycol: solvents that help carry the azelaic acid in the formula.
• Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer: a thickener and stabilizer.
• Isoceteth-20 and polysorbate 60: emulsifiers that keep water and silicones mixed.
• Triethanolamine: adjusts the pH to 4 to 5.
• Tocopherol: vitamin E, an antioxidant.
• Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate: a chelator.
• Phenoxyethanol and chlorphenesin: preservatives.

There's no fragrance, no essential oil and no other exfoliating acid. That keeps it simple, and it means the texture comes almost entirely from the silicones and esters.

Does 10% azelaic acid work?

Azelaic acid has good evidence, though most of it comes from prescription strengths. DermNet explains that it reduces acne bacteria, normalizes skin cell growth in the pores, calms inflammation and helps reduce pigmentation. Prescription products use 15% gel or foam for rosacea and 20% cream for acne.

• Acne: a review of the clinical data found 20% azelaic acid cream comparable to topical tretinoin, benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin, and to oral tetracycline in controlled studies.
• Dark marks and melasma: the same review found azelaic acid at least as effective as topical hydroquinone for melasma. DermNet calls it particularly useful for darker skin with post-acne brown marks or melasma.
• Rosacea: 15% azelaic acid gel is FDA-approved for the inflammatory papules and pustules of mild to moderate rosacea. A 10% cosmetic doesn't carry that claim, and The Ordinary doesn't mention rosacea; it targets "the look of redness."

So what can you expect from 10%? A lower dose of the same ingredient, aimed at tone, texture and mild blemishes. Results are slow. DermNet says acne typically shows some improvement after about one month, with maximum benefit after about six months, and rosacea may take up to 12 weeks. Give a 10% product at least two to three months before judging it.

Side effects to expect

Mild tingling is common with azelaic acid. In trials of the prescription 15% gel, 29% of people reported burning, stinging or tingling and 11% reported itching. MedlinePlus lists itching, burning, stinging, tingling, tenderness and dryness as the common effects. Start slowly whatever the strength. DermNet also notes that lightening of the skin can occur and is more noticeable in darker skin tones.

Who is it for, and who should skip it?

It suits you if you:

• Have oily, combination or blemish-prone skin and want a multi-tasker for bumps and uneven tone.
• Have brown or red marks after breakouts. See our guides to dark marks after acne and red acne marks.
• Find glycolic or salicylic acid too harsh and want a gentler option for tone and texture.
• Are pregnant and looking for an acne option: the AAD says azelaic acid is thought to be safe to use during pregnancy. Check with your obstetrician first; our pregnancy-safe skincare routine has more.

Look elsewhere if you:

• Have diagnosed rosacea or moderate to severe acne: a dermatologist can prescribe 15% or 20% azelaic acid, which has the trial data. Our rosacea vs acne guide helps you tell the two apart, and our dermatologist directory can help you find care.
• Wear makeup over it and hate pilling: the silicone-heavy base can roll. The Paula's Choice booster is a lighter cream-gel.
• Have very dry or eczema-prone skin: stinging and dryness are more likely; add a rich moisturizer or start every other day.
• Use a retinoid or strong acid in the same routine: The Ordinary advises against mixing them. Use them at different times of day.

How much does it cost?

As of November 2026, The Ordinary's US site lists the suspension at $12.20, the price shown with the 30 ml tube. A 100 ml size is also listed; check the site for its current price.

For comparison, the Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster costs $42 for 1 oz, and Naturium's azelaic product is $19.99 for 1 fl oz at Target.

How do you use it?

1. Patch test first, as The Ordinary advises, especially if your skin is sensitive. The AAD explains how to test a new product.
2. Apply a small amount to clean, unbroken skin, morning and evening, after any water-based serums and before heavier creams.
3. Keep it away from the eyes and mouth.
4. If it stings, start once a day or every other day and build up.
5. Follow with moisturizer, and wear sunscreen in the morning. The Ordinary says azelaic acid doesn't significantly raise sun sensitivity, but daily SPF protects the marks you're trying to fade.
6. To reduce pilling, use a thin layer and let it set for a minute before the next product.

What are the best alternatives?

• Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster: the same 10% strength in a lighter cream-gel with salicylic acid, at about three times the price. See our Paula's Choice Azelaic Acid Booster review.
• Naturium Azelaic Topical Acid 10%: uses potassium azeloyl diglycinate, an azelaic acid derivative, rather than azelaic acid itself, per its Target listing. A milder option if pure azelaic acid stings.
• Prescription 15% or 20% azelaic acid: the evidence-backed route for rosacea and acne, from a dermatologist.
• The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%: a different ingredient for oil, blemishes and uneven tone at a similar price. Read our Niacinamide 10% + Zinc review.

Our best azelaic acid products roundup compares the over-the-counter and prescription options side by side, and you can browse more serums by skin type.

Is The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% worth it?

Yes, if you want to try azelaic acid for marks, uneven tone and mild blemishes on a small budget and can live with its texture. It's fragrance-free, simple and pH-balanced, and it puts a well-studied ingredient in reach for about $12. Keep expectations matched to the strength: 10% is a cosmetic dose, results take months, and rosacea or persistent acne deserve a dermatologist and a prescription-strength product.