Azelaic Acid Serum (AZ15) — Reddit Reviews
by Cos De BAHA
Updated November 10, 2026
Studies found 15% azelaic acid clears acne; Redditors report redness gains, mixed breakouts.
What the community says
A 15% azelaic acid serum for redness, breakouts, and lingering marks, with panthenol, allantoin, ceramide NP, and hyaluronic acids supporting the formula. Redditors report elegant daily use, while studies support acne improvement; the thick finish and occasional breakouts divide users.
What this means for you
What people love
- Reddit HG status for 15% azelaic acid
- Redditors report reduced redness, PIE, and forehead breakouts
- No niacinamide; some sensitive skin loves it
Watch out for
- Redditors report a visible white cast and drying powder
- Thick, sticky finish can complicate layering
- Some users report breakouts or worsened facial rosacea
Product details
Where to buy
What the science says
Azelaic acid has strong evidence for helping acne clear, often working better than a placebo and about as well as tretinoin 1. Rosacea has strong evidence too: studies often found fewer spots and less redness, though visible blood vessels did not seem to improve 2. Its effect on dark spots has some evidence behind it, mainly for melasma, where it often lightened patches more than a placebo, while results for other pigment concerns were mixed 3. Stinging, burning and irritation were the most common side effects in those pigment studies 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 · 24
Cos De BAHA Azelaic Acid Serum (AZ15) ingredients
Water/Aqua, Propylene Glycol, Azelaic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polysorbate 20, Dimethyl Sulfone, Propanediol, Betaine, Panthenol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Allantoin, Ceramide NP, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Centella Asiatica Extract, Madecassoside, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Polyacrylate, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Sambucus Nigra Flower Extract, Momordica Charantia Fruit Extract, Leontopodium Alpinum Extract
Listed in label order, highest concentration first. Linked ingredients have their own page.
Real Reddit threads — 33 mentions across 29 threads
Cos De BAHA Azelaic Acid Serum (AZ15) on Reddit, in one place — 29 threads from r/koreanskincare, r/AsianBeauty and 5 more, summarized.
“My most used ones are Anua and Cos De Baha 10% (daily use)”
Positive
“Cos De Baha 15% (if I don’t catch an inflammation early enough wth tirtir 12%)”
Positive
“I’m always looking for azelaic acid deals, so I will be adding this one on my list to buy whenever there’s a good deal.”
Positive
“Cos de Baha AZ15”
Positive
“15% azelaic acid in an extremely elegant serum.”
Positive
“the AZ15 comes in handy when I’m in a rush in the mornings”
Positive
“Right now I'm using Cos de Baha 15%.”
Positive
“The Ordinary and Cos de Baja for me!”
Positive
“Used to be naturium but their prices seem to have increased. So im doing cos de baha 15% now.”
Positive
“Going back to my HG cos de baha AA now!!”
Mentioned
“my skin generally likes AA”
Mentioned
“I heard such good things about this brand”
Mentioned
“Cos de Baha AZ15 doesn't get suggested often but it has worked wonders on my daughter's acne prone & sensitive skin (specifically during breakouts.)”
Positive
“I didn't like the finish on the CdB, it is the aloe that felt slimey.”
Positive
“Cos de BAHA’s Acid Azelaic 15% leaves a white cast on my face”
Cautionary
“I apply this serum by massaging it into my face and then gently patting my cheeks.”
Cautionary
“azelaic acid is just kinda thick and pasty, white cast is pretty normal with it.”
Cautionary
Dupes & Alternatives
Anua
Azelaic Acid Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum
Better for Redness / Irritation
11 shared traits
781 mentions
Skin1004
Madagascar Centella Asiatica Ampoule
Better for Redness / Irritation
9 shared traits
590 mentions