Azelaic Acid 12% Serum — Reddit Reviews
by TIRTIR
Updated November 10, 2026
12% azelaic acid targets acne and texture; Reddit agrees, studies back acne results.
What the community says
This 12% azelaic acid serum is an OTC acne step with panthenol and Zinc PCA. Redditors report clearer pimples, and studies back acne improvement; irritation, dryness, barrier flares, and breakouts make it a poor bet for reactive skin.
What this means for you
What people love
- 12% OTC azelaic acid; prescription-free workaround
- Acne improvement has Reddit and study support
- Panthenol and Zinc PCA; no niacinamide
Watch out for
Product details
Product Traits
Key Ingredients
Where to buy
What the science says
Azelaic acid has strong evidence for acne, with most studies finding it cleared breakouts better than a placebo and often performing about as well as tretinoin 1. For rosacea, it also has strong evidence, as it often reduced spots and redness, though it did not seem to help visible blood vessels 2. For dark patches, azelaic acid has some evidence, mainly for melasma, where it often lightened spots better than a placebo 3.
- Azelaic Acid for acne Strong evidence · 31 studies
- Azelaic Acid for rosacea Strong evidence · 17 studies
- Azelaic Acid for hyperpigmentation Some evidence · 12 studies
Research context, not treatment advice. Studies are about the ingredient, not necessarily this exact product.
How we grade researchFull ingredient list · 28
TIRTIR Azelaic Acid 12% Serum ingredients
Water, Azelaic Acid, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Pentylene Glycol, Panthenol, Sorbitol, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Glucose, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Fructooligosaccharides, Fructose, Ethylhexylglycerin, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Tromethamine, Xanthan Gum, Tocopherol, Betaine, Zinc PCA, Dipropylene Glycol, Hyaluronic Acid/Polyisopropylacrylamide Copolymer, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ceramide NP
Listed in label order, highest concentration first. Linked ingredients have their own page.
Real Reddit threads — 40 mentions across 30 threads
TIRTIR Azelaic Acid 12% Serum on Reddit, in one place — 30 threads from r/tretinoin, r/Rosacea and 4 more, summarized.
“TIRTIR actually has an azelaic acid serum that I’m thinking of trying next.”
Mentioned
“I’m thinking of trying next”
Mentioned
“TIRTIR actually has an azelaic acid serum”
Mentioned
“I started using Tirtir’s 12% azelaic acid and my skin agreed with it so much more.”
Positive
“It contains panthenol and zinc”
Positive
“which I think helps me tolerate it as well as not aggrevate my barrier!”
Positive
“I have been using the tir tir one and havent noticed any irritation at all and it is 12%!”
Positive
“oh this was a way better purchase for me since i have perioral dermatitis and was treating an outbreak.”
Positive
“I love the tirtir azelaic acid serum. It has improved the texture and redness on my cheeks.”
Positive
“TirTir Azaelic Acid Serum 12% - 8/10 saw a difference in a week.”
Positive
“Made my skin so soft and smooth.”
Positive
“I've been eyeing tirtir azelaic acid serum for a while now. Does it do a good job with dark spots?”
Positive
“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 have noticed that it helps shrink my pimples and once gone, the pimples don’t leave any scar pigmentation.”
Positive
“Currently using the Dr.Althea Vit C Boosting Serum 63% and the TirTir Azelaic Acid 12% Serum”
Positive
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