Azelaic Acid 12% Serum — Reddit Reviews
by TIRTIR
Updated September 8, 2026
12% azelaic acid serum clears acne and redness; can irritate sensitive skin.
What the community says
A 12% azelaic acid serum favored for acne and redness relief by some Reddit users, though it can irritate sensitive or dry skin. Studies found azelaic acid works about as well as tretinoin for acne. This one can be drying and barrier disrupting for certain skin types.
What this means for you
What people love
- Combines 12% azelaic acid with zinc and panthenol for soothing effects
- Fast-absorbing, watery, and non-pilling texture
- Reduces pimples without leaving scars or white cast
Watch out for
Product details
Product Traits
Key Ingredients
Where to buy
What the science says vs. what Reddit says
What the science says
Azelaic Acid
Strong evidence for acne- It usually cleared acne better than a placebo
- 30 studies back this, including several large reviews
- It often worked about as well as tretinoin, and results versus benzoyl peroxide were mixed
- It could work better when used together with other acne ingredients
- The most common side effects were dryness, scaling, and other moderate skin irritation
Studied at 5–20%this product: 12%
See 32 studiesWhat Reddit says
The why
Twelve percent azelaic acid offers noticeable pimple shrinking and limits scarring for users with sensitive skin.
“I have noticed that it helps shrink my pimples and once gone, the pimples don’t leave any scar pigmentation.”
4 mentions for acne
Research context, not treatment advice. Studies are about the ingredient, not necessarily this exact product.
Real Reddit threads — 24 mentions across 18 threads
TIRTIR Azelaic Acid 12% Serum on Reddit, in one place — 18 threads from r/AsianBeauty, r/tretinoin and 3 more, summarized.
“i saw faster results with the tirtir but had to stop using it because it was too stripping and broke my barrier.”
Positive
“it was drying me out and causing my skin to flare.”
Positive
“Repurchased the Tittir one. My skin is sensitive and dehydrated, prone to redness. I've seen some good results over the months and really helps with the redness.”
Positive
“Eta: i use the tirtir 12% azelaic acid serum.”
Positive
“I personally have been using AA and my original purpose was to help even out the pigmentation from sun and acne scars.”
Positive
“I have noticed that it helps shrink my pimples and once gone, the pimples don’t leave any scar pigmentation.”
Positive
“I’ve been trying the Tirtir for about 3-4 weeks now.”
Cautionary
“I felt pretty irritated everytime I consistently tried to use this.”
Cautionary
“I got noticed more redness using this rather than the opposite effect azelaic acid should have.”
Cautionary
“Azelaic acid (Tirtir - Azelaic Acid 12% Serum)”
Positive
“Since I’m on Taz for acne and I use the mentioned serums for dealing with spots, brightening and prevention”
Positive
“which is a huge improvement on the tirtir”
Positive
“I use the tirtir azelaic acid and it seems to be working for my acne, though I don't know about other skin problems people may use it for.”
Positive
“This product gave me perioral dermatitis sadly”
Positive
“i finally got to a point where my skin was so clear and adding this product broke me out/burned my skin so bad :((”
Positive
“Tirtir's Azelaic Acid does not have any niacinamide. It's 12% aa and has Zinc PCA as well as panthenol.”
Positive
“+1 vote for Tirtir's AA. I used it prior and enjoyed it but it didnt do much for long time existing PIE”
Positive
“I loved the formula ... However this just like Dr. Ceauracle/Cosbaha Azelaic is so dam tacky... the tackiness and heaviness never goes away so breaks ne out every single time”
Positive
Dupes & Alternatives
Skin1004
Madagascar Centella Asiatica Ampoule
Better for Redness / Irritation
8 shared traits
454 mentions
