Azelaic Acid Face Cream — Reddit Reviews
by Kisocare
Updated October 10, 2026
Studies support 15% azelaic acid for acne; Redditors praise it for pigmentation.
What the community says
A 15% azelaic acid cream with squalane, backed by studies for acne and repeatedly praised by Redditors for pigmentation and spot treatment. It fits acne-prone skin needing a richer base, though thick spreading and barrier irritation can derail use.
What this means for you
What people love
- 15% pure azelaic acid; prescription-free acne treatment
- Creamy squalane base works under makeup
- Redditors report noticeable hyperpigmentation improvement
Watch out for
- Thick cream can be difficult to spread
- Azelaic acid can aggravate a compromised barrier
- Some users report fermented smell, separation, or suspected contamination
Product details
Concerns
Skin Type
Product Traits
Key Ingredients
Where to buy
What the science says vs. what Reddit says
Acne
Strong evidence
Azelaic Acid: 22 studies tested it directly. See all 31 studies
On Reddit: Pus-filled zits are when people bust out this cream as a spot treatment. 6 mentions
What the studies found
- Most studies found azelaic acid helped clear acne
- It often cleared acne better than a placebo
- It usually worked about as well as tretinoin
- It sometimes worked less well than benzoyl peroxide-based treatment
- Side effects were usually local and moderate, with fewer local side effects than tretinoin in one trial
Studied at 5–20%this product: 15%
Rosacea
Strong evidence
Azelaic Acid: 15 studies tested it directly. See all 17 studies
What the studies found
- Most studies found azelaic acid helped rosacea more than a placebo or some other treatments
- It often reduced rosacea spots and redness
- It worked about as well as metronidazole in some studies, and better in others
- It did not seem to help visible blood vessels
- Side effects were mainly mild to moderate, and stinging and skin barrier damage were not major problems
Studied at 15–20%this product: 15%
Hyperpigmentation
Some evidence
Azelaic Acid: 9 studies tested it directly. See all 12 studies
What the studies found
- Most studies found it helped fade dark spots or patches, especially melasma
- It often lightened melasma better than a placebo
- It worked about as well as hydroquinone in some studies, and better in others
- Results were mixed for other pigment concerns, with no benefit seen for some sun spots
- The most common side effects were irritation, burning and stinging
Studied at 15–20%this product: 15%
Research context, not treatment advice. Studies are about the ingredient, not necessarily this exact product.
Real Reddit threads — 26 mentions across 20 threads
Kisocare Azelaic Acid Face Cream on Reddit, in one place — 20 threads from r/AsianBeauty, r/koreanskincare and 3 more, summarized.
“Try the Kisocare AA cream- you can get it in 15% and 20%.”
Mentioned
“It’s a really nice formulation of AA.”
Mentioned
“Ooh adding that to the list!!”
Mentioned
“Kisocare 20% (this I only use as a spot treatment)”
Positive
“I’ve been rotating 4-5 different AA’s depending on the needs of my skin.”
Positive
“Cos De Baha 15% (if I don’t catch an inflammation early enough wth tirtir 12%)”
Positive
“Kisocare makes a 15% and a 20% cream that are super affordable, no niacinamide, and they work great.”
Positive
“I've used both and love them.”
Positive
“Kisocare 20% no rupture sur yeastyle”
Positive
“Kisocare 15% Azelaic Acid Cream”
Positive
“I use it with my Tret/Tazarotene in place of regular prescription azelaic acid gels”
Positive
“It's a creamy texture and also contains squalene.”
Positive
“Kisocare Azeliac acid 15% cream.”
Positive
“I've been using it for a month and really loving it for hyperpigmentation.”
Positive
“It's texture is a bit thick and hard to spread”
Positive
“kiso care azelaic acid - amazon”
Mentioned
“where I found the less common items:”
Mentioned
“I can give the names/prices/locations for the other ones if anyone's interested”
Mentioned
