Product Reviews Rated 4.36 out of 5 stars
606 Reviews
Most Helpful Positive Review Very happy! I've used this for about a week after my dermatologist recommended it. I'm very happy with it so far! I had seen some light texture changes on my cheeks, and knowing my mom had rosacea, I wanted to address them sooner rather than later! I've used it in the morning and evening most days— trying to see if it irritates me at all, but I really don't think it has. I'll probably cut back to once a day with my nightcream now that the most immediate effects have happened— my cheeks feel and look smoother. I took pictures, but it's more a tactile change than a visual change at this point. My face feels smooth and exfoliated without feeling tight or irritated. Again, I'm trying to address these issues early!
Some reviews mentioned pilling, but I love the texture of the product— it feels like it has a bit of silicone in it, like you'd find in a primer. I can wear it without looking shiny or greasy, and I've paired it with another prescription cream (for redness), a mineral sunblock (Hawaiian Tropic mineral milk), and a couple different Cereve day and night moisturizer. I think I've put a tinted moisturizer over it with no problem, but honestly I've been loving how my skin looks without any makeup, so maybe not?
Unless something drastically changes, this is going to be a go to product for a long time!
Most Helpful Critical Review This Ruined My Skin I bought this product because I watched a video from a dermatologist that recommended this for acne/brightening, etc. The first time I used it (which I only used it a total of 4 times, each in the morning) I could feel an actual burning sensation. After all these years of being interested and passionate about skincare, I stupidly thought this meant it was "working." Every time I scrunched my face, I could feel how tight and raw feeling my skin felt. I blamed it on it being winter weather, but it never got better. But I continued for 4 days and after the 4th day, I couldn't take it anymore and I threw the whole thing away. No amount of moisturizer or healing ointment could prevent the flakiness, sunburn like skin that was peeling off. It was peeling in small amounts but all over my face. It's been weeks since I've stopped using it and my skin is STILL flakey around my nose and temples and forehead. I had good expectations of using The Ordinary, but unfortunately, this ruined my skin. I have always had sensitive skin and I should have patch tested it like everyone says to do. BEWARE if you have any sort of level of sensitive skin, hopefully it doesn't mess up your skin like it did mine. Because of this, I don't see myself using any other The Ordinary products.
Reviewed by 606 customers I will buy this item again 5
Bugs from Baton Rouge, La
Received info from a dermatologist that this product found in a prescription med also
Highly recommend - solves lots of problems! 5
JALu from Indpls. IN
If you have horrible acne scars and red, sensitive skin- this is the best I have ever tried. I went from having horrible skin to getting compliments and admiration for my even, peaches and cream skin tone. Me- the girl with pimples since like age 12! So awesome! Get some and commit to using it every day- it'll do wonders.
Dimethicone likely caused breakouts 1
Sad Face from USA
Been using this product for 2 weeks now. Have used it on an every-other-night basis.
Had hopes that this would be the deal-breaker in addressing significant acne scars. Did research regarding the product, and found the reviews favourable. Unfortunately, this product has consistently broken my face out. Alongside the burning sensation upon application, the day after produces comedonal acne (though without inflammation surprisingly).
I plan to follow up with The Ordinary, and submit a product review there as well.
Miracle for my skin 5
Kristi from Greenwood in
I've been using this maybe 5 days and my skin has never looked better. I had horrible cystic acne and acne scars that have almost completely cleared and I've noticed such a difference in the color. My skin is brighter and no longer red and irritated. I will never be without this product. I use a salicylic cleanser and the ordinarys niacinamide & zinc serum then apply this. They work well together and I'm so happy with my results already
Great for dark spots and PIH 5
AR from NM
I find this product to be amazing for fading uneven skin tone and reducing the appearance of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. I've been using the product for almost two years (bad about picking my skin) and have been consistently pleased with the results.
Dried my skin horribly & doesn't clear up dermatitis 1
JKinME from Maine
I read that this product could clear up dermatitis, so I used it on my skin. But it did nothing for the dermatitis, and it dried my skin out horribly. Stay away from it at all costs!
👍🏼 4
Anj from Wakanda
Azelaic acid does what I wanted niacinamide to do for me. Whenever I apply this, my face looks and feels smoother, hyperpigmentation isn't as bad, and it also mattifies a little. It plays well with my other skincare, though I've experienced some pilling; not as bad as I do with niacinamide though. I use a little at a time and patiently spread it all over my face, section by section. This azelaic acid by The Ordinary was deceivingly small when I received it. It's so affordable though that I don't mind repurchasing. I'm already on my second.
Great for my rosacea 5
Jess from Southern Ca
It took me a few tries to figure out how to use this product. It made my face itch the first few times I used it but I think I was using too much. I kept trying because I saw improvement in my redness and inflammation. Now I learned that it works best for me to use about a pea size amount and mix it with my moisturizer in my hands then pay it onto my face. Ive used it for about 10 days and my rosacea flair up is finally calmed down and I've noticed my hyperpigmentation on my cheek is fading. My skins texture is starting to look amazing and smooth. I'm so happy I decided to take a chance with this product.
It's clearing my skin 5
Samantha from Conroe, TX
The first time I used this product it did pill like other reviewers said and I was pretty disappointed. However, I wanted to give it another chance since my dermatologist recommended it because I can't be on retinoids right now. The next day I tried it again, but I let each layer of products I used dry before applying another and it didn't pull up. I've been using it for about a week and a half now and my mild acne has started to clear and my skin feels smooth.
My simple skincare routine:
- Wash face with Good Molecules Pineapple Exfoliating Powder or Good Molecules Rosewater Cleansing Gel
- Apply The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% +Zinc 1% - Let dry for at least 1-2 minutes
- Apply The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%- Let dry for at least 1-2 minutes
- Apply moisturizer. I use ArtNaturals scent free moisturizer mixed with a little Thayers cucumber facial toner to help it spread easier.
-Apply eye cream or gel. I've been using Good molecules Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel
And that's it. My face hasn't been this clear in a very long time. So, I would recommend the Azelaic Acid and just remember to let your products dry a bit before applying others to avoid pilling.
I don't post reviews unless I absolutely love the product 5
Taylor from Cincinnati, OH
I have a lot of redness from picking at my skin. After only a week and a half of using this I have noticed a huge difference. The redness has been reduced greatly and my skin feels more even! I figured it would take at least a month to notice any difference but I am already starting to see results.
I wanted to love it 2
kayla from illinois
I was so excited to try this product but it made my skin break out on places i usually don't. It helped my cheek acne but i broke out on my forehead, chin, and nose where i don't normally break out. I wanted to love this product but its not for me.
Skincare Underdog 5
skin care underdog from United States
I don't usually write reviews but this product is something different. I used it for about a month by itself and didn't really notice a difference so I kicked it but after seeing Azelaic acid getting more attention I decided to try it again. I use it in the morning with a niacinamide serum and at night with salicylic acid and my results are overwhelmingly positive. I've struggled with PIE scars on and off for the last few years but this combination of products not only fades existing scars, but any new breakouts I have are gone without a trace in two weeks opposed to the usual few months it would take. I've seen reviews talk about piling and stinging- my advice for that would be to use a pea size amount, pat don't rub it in, and then wait about five minutes before applying your moisturizer. If you're on the fence about this product I hope you consider it because it's worked miracles (in conjunction with other products)!
It's a miracle product 5
Happy in Arizona from Mesa, Arizona
I'm 74 have had problems with acne rosacea for quite some time. I have been to several dermatologists and tried many skin prescriptions, with little results. In a matter of 2 weeks after using the Ordinary azelic acid suspension, my skin is almost completely cleared. I am so thankful I tried your product. I will be trying many more.❤️
Really works! 5
AB from CO
This was recommended to me by my dermatologist and it really worked so well, within a week of using it morning and night my acne on my chin cleared up. I also love that it's so affordable. It is a little heavy so that takes some getting used to.
Pills a LOT 3
C from LA
I'm surprised this is so heavily praised. I have repurchased PC's azelaic acid and decided to try TO because it's $20 cheaper, but it pills under all my sunscreens/moisturizers/oils! Even if I apply nothing underneath, wait for it to settle, etc. Pretty bummed.
Steady Results! 5
40s with teenage skin from Los Angeles, CA
This is my second bottle and I always seem to come back to this to lighten my acne scars and prevent major breakouts. I've tried other acids but they were either too drying or results were minimal. The azelic acid steadily shows results but don't expect miracles right away. It took a couple of weeks before I saw it working. I use it twice a day but if i start peeling, I drop down to once a day, until I feel ready to use it twice a day again.
My Holy Grail! Amazing Product 5
Ginger P. from Riverton Utah
I can't say enough about what this has done for my skin and I had the peeling issue the first few times I used it but if I follow with the Ordinarys Moisturizer then it works perfectly. I've used prescription Retinols and never got the results this product gave me ina matter of days. My pores are gone as well as my fine lines my skin looks like porcelain and I'm 43! Thank you! Thank you! I am a customer for life!
Excellent Brand 5
cld from Iowa
Excellent skin texture product. The price point is terrific. Mind the application instructions so one doesn't negate positive benefits by countering with another product.
Holy Grail 5
Tracey from Michigan
I've had issues with acne, oil in my t-zone, and hyperpigmentation for years. Once I started using this product, my skin has cleared up, my oil is controlled, and my dark spots have noticeably faded. I'd recommend using this at night with Vitamin C. and Alpha Arbutin to even out and brighten skin. I'd like to see a larger tube offered, but overall, I'm very happy with this product line.
Very happy! 5
Steph the Teacher from Hattiesburg, MS
I've used this for about a week after my dermatologist recommended it. I'm very happy with it so far! I had seen some light texture changes on my cheeks, and knowing my mom had rosacea, I wanted to address them sooner rather than later! I've used it in the morning and evening most days— trying to see if it irritates me at all, but I really don't think it has. I'll probably cut back to once a day with my nightcream now that the most immediate effects have happened— my cheeks feel and look smoother. I took pictures, but it's more a tactile change than a visual change at this point. My face feels smooth and exfoliated without feeling tight or irritated. Again, I'm trying to address these issues early!
Some reviews mentioned pilling, but I love the texture of the product— it feels like it has a bit of silicone in it, like you'd find in a primer. I can wear it without looking shiny or greasy, and I've paired it with another prescription cream (for redness), a mineral sunblock (Hawaiian Tropic mineral milk), and a couple different Cereve day and night moisturizer. I think I've put a tinted moisturizer over it with no problem, but honestly I've been loving how my skin looks without any makeup, so maybe not?
Unless something drastically changes, this is going to be a go to product for a long time!
Works good 5
Ema from League city texas
It works the best on hydrated skin
Alright replacement for benzoyl peroxide 4
Sophia from Arizona
In my teen years, I used proactive which is just layered benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. By the time I was 17, my skin rejected both ingredients either with acne or very dry skin.
However, I still needed an active ingredient to combat my now sensitive acne prone mild rosacea skin. After some research, I decided azelaic acid was my best bet, and this product really did the job. It hasn't cleared my acne but it hasn't broken me out either, which is a god send for my skin type.
However, because of the nature of the ingredient, the product is finicky. I only use this in the morning, after I've washed my face and my face is completely dry. I use a nickel sized amount for my face and am sure to be quick to apply all over. I avoid the creases of my nose, my eye area, and my neck area (these areas become itchy if I do apply). After that has completely dried and then some (5-10 minutes), I apply moisturizer.
If it itches, you've applied too much and/or too thick. If it's piling, it's too much or you didn't wait long enough between each product. Make sure to apply sunscreen, as this product makes the skin sensitive to sunlight.
Immediately made me breakout into rash 1
Amanda from Cleveland, OH
I wanted to try this because I read good reviews for getting rid of those stubborn a forehead bumps, but this completely ruined my skin. Made me breakout into more tiny bumps all over my forehead and it has taken weeks to get them to go away again. Never again will I use this stuff. I love the lactic acid though!! Does wonders for my sensitive skin!
I will absolutely be buying this again! 5
Laura from Oregon
I'll start out this review by saying that I have only been using this product for a week. I have very rough textured skin with large pores and dark acne scars; my skin is also quite used to active ingredients and is not sensitive at all. I am impressed with this product because it is already making a huge difference in my skin's appearance. I am noticing a lot of brightening and smoothing that I was not getting from my other slew of products (that I have put a pause on to make sure I'm not overwhelming my skin). I also do not have any new blemishes. The only con I have noticed so far is that the bottle is quite small, but for the price, I'm not too concerned.
Amazing! 5
Gran from Oregon
I have rosacea; so many creams and lotions aggravate it. This does not! Just leaves my skin much smoother looking in the morning! Pores appear smaller too. This is even from the first use!