Azelaic acid is one of the most exciting ingredients for blemish-prone, red and reactive skin. Two 10% serums get compared especially often: the Korean Anua Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum and The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%. Here you'll learn what azelaic acid can do, how the two differ – and, honestly, which one is worth it for whom.
The short answer: Anua or The Ordinary – which is better?
Both contain 10% azelaic acid and target blemishes, redness and post-acne marks. The Ordinary is the budget choice (approx. €11–13): a cream-gel with silicones and almost no extras. Anua (€23.99) is a lightweight, silicone-free serum with niacinamide, centella and panthenol – better for sensitive, red skin and under make-up, because it does not pill. If you just want to save money, choose The Ordinary; if you want gentler, more complete care, choose Anua.
What is azelaic acid – and how does it work?
Azelaic acid occurs naturally in grains such as wheat and barley. In skincare it's valued because it addresses several concerns at once:
- Blemishes: It supports a clearer-looking complexion and helps prevent clogged pores.
- Redness: It has a balancing effect on red, reactive skin.
- Post-blemish marks and uneven tone: Over time, skin tone looks more even.
Cosmetic serums usually contain 10%. At higher concentrations (15–20%), azelaic acid is available as a pharmacy medicine – for severe acne or rosacea, a dermatologist is the right person to see.
The comparison at a glance
| Anua Azelaic Acid 10 Serum | The Ordinary Azelaic Acid 10% | |
|---|---|---|
| Azelaic acid | 10% | 10% |
| Texture | Light, fluid serum | Thicker cream-gel |
| Silicones | No | Yes (dimethicone and others) |
| Extras | Niacinamide, centella, panthenol, allantoin, hyaluronic acid, zinc PCA, gentle BHA | Vitamin E – otherwise hardly any additions |
| Fragrance | No | No |
| Ideal for | Sensitive, red skin; layering under makeup | Anyone on a budget who likes a cream texture |
| Price (30 ml) | €23.99 in our shop | approx. €11–13 in stores |
The Ordinary: the affordable basic
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension is the value-for-money classic: 10% azelaic acid in a cream-gel for around €11–13. If you simply want to try azelaic acid, you can't go wrong with it.
The catch is the texture: the formula contains several silicones. That makes it smooth, but it can cause pilling when you layer other products or makeup on top. There are hardly any soothing additives.
Anua Azelaic Acid 10: the gentle serum
The Anua serum is noticeably lighter and is silicone-free. Alongside 10% azelaic acid, it contains a whole range of caring extras: niacinamide for a more even complexion, Centella Asiatica, panthenol and allantoin to soothe, hyaluronic acid for hydration, plus zinc PCA and a gentle BHA (betaine salicylate) for clearer-looking pores.
That makes it the more comfortable choice for sensitive skin and for anyone who layers several products or wears makeup on top. It costs more – but you get more complete care in return.
For sensitive skin
Anua Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum
10% azelaic acid with niacinamide, centella and hyaluronic acid – lightweight, free from silicones and fragrance.
Discover from €23.99Which one suits you?
- You want to try azelaic acid on a budget: The Ordinary.
- Sensitive skin or redness: Anua – the soothing extras make the difference.
- You wear makeup or layer several products: Anua, because it's silicone-free and doesn't pill.
- Blemish-prone skin with large pores: both work well – Anua also brings niacinamide and BHA.
- Dry skin: The Ordinary tends to be better thanks to its richer texture – or Anua with a good cream on top.
How to use azelaic acid correctly
- Cleanse your face and let it dry briefly.
- Apply a small amount to the whole face or target areas of redness and blemishes.
- Finish with moisturizer – and always sunscreen in the morning.
Start with 2–3 applications per week and slowly build up to twice a day. A slight tingling at first is normal. If you experience strong burning or redness, take a break.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: Anua Azelaic Acid or The Ordinary?
It depends on your skin. The Ordinary is much cheaper and a good basic way to try azelaic acid. Anua costs more but is lighter, silicone-free and contains soothing extras such as niacinamide, centella and panthenol – the better choice for sensitive, red skin and under make-up.
How long does azelaic acid take to work?
Expect around 4–8 weeks of regular use before you see a clear difference in blemishes and redness.
Can I combine azelaic acid with niacinamide or retinol?
With niacinamide, yes – the Anua serum already contains it. Retinol is best used at a different time of day, e.g. azelaic acid in the morning, retinol in the evening.
Is azelaic acid suitable for sensitive skin?
Yes, it's considered relatively mild. It may tingle at first – so start slowly. A formula with soothing extras like Anua's is more comfortable in that case.
Do I need to use sunscreen afterwards?
Yes, as with any active skincare for blemishes and pigmentation: always wear sunscreen in the morning.
Read more: The best Korean skincare for redness, Niacinamide: benefits & how to use it and How to combine active ingredients.
All products are 100% authentic, shipped from Germany within 2–5 business days. Shipping €1.99, free from €29. Not sure what suits your skin? Ask our free AI Skin Advisor at juveamiel.com.
