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10% Azelaic Acid Treatment

Redness/IrritationAcne Spot Treatment

10% Azelaic Acid Treatment — Reddit Reviews

by Good Molecules

85nextscore95 verdicts

Updated October 3, 2026

10% azelaic acid for acne and redness; gritty, can sting.

What the community says

Backed by 64 studies

A 10% azelaic acid cream that Redditors use for acne, redness, and leftover marks. Studies back the acne benefit, and people with rosacea or sensitive skin often like it. The catch is the gritty, heavy feel and occasional stinging.

From Reddit

Backed by 28 threads from r/SkincareAddiction, r/30PlusSkinCare and 5 more.

Read the threads ↓

What people love

  • 10% azelaic acid for redness and breakouts
  • Layers under moisturizer and makeup
  • Vegan, cruelty-free, fragrance-free

Watch out for

  • Gritty cream texture makes application annoying
  • Can sting, burn, or dry out sensitive skin
  • Heavy and shiny on oily or combo skin

Product details

Where to buy

What the science says vs. what Reddit says

  • Acne

    Strong evidence

    Azelaic Acid: 22 studies tested it on its own. See all 31 studies

    On Reddit: AM-or-PM use depends on skin tolerance, with one routine applying it before moisturizer. 11 mentions

    What the studies found
    • Most studies found it helped clear acne
    • It cleared acne better than a placebo in several studies
    • It often worked about as well as tretinoin and some other common acne treatments
    • Some studies found it worked less well than benzoyl peroxide or benzoyl peroxide with clindamycin
    • Side effects were usually local and moderate, with fewer local side effects than tretinoin in one study

    Studied at 5–20%this product: 10%

  • Rosacea

    Strong evidence

    Azelaic Acid: 17 studies tested it on its own. See all 20 studies

    On Reddit: Bumpy cheeks are the target for one user who says 10% OTC treatment is enough. 9 mentions

    What the studies found
    • Most studies found it helped rosacea more than a placebo
    • It often reduced red bumps and redness
    • It worked about as well as metronidazole, and some studies found it worked better
    • Some studies found better overall skin ratings and quality of life

    Studied at 15–20%this product: 10%

  • Hyperpigmentation

    Strong evidence

    Azelaic Acid: 12 studies tested it on its own. See all 16 studies

    On Reddit: Post-breakout marks are a standout use, with one user saying 10% azelaic acid works morning and night. 11 mentions

    What the studies found
    • In melasma, it often made patches lighter and less widespread
    • It worked about as well as hydroquinone in some studies, and better than weaker hydroquinone in others
    • It also helped fade dark marks left after acne in one study
    • The most common side effects were burning and stinging, and severe side effects were not reported

    Studied at 15–20%this product: 10%

Research context, not treatment advice. Studies are about the ingredient, not necessarily this exact product.

Real Reddit threads — 159 mentions across 28 threads

Good Molecules 10% Azelaic Acid Treatment on Reddit, in one place — 28 threads from r/SkincareAddiction, r/30PlusSkinCare and 5 more, summarized.

“Good Molecules has a pretty good azelaic acid.”

Positive

“It's like $10.”

Positive

“I highly recommend this brand, they're vegan and cruelty free.”

Positive

“I’m starting out with good molecules.”

Mentioned

“It’s a cream & they also have a cleanser.”

Mentioned

“Not even a week in and I’ve noticed a big difference already.”

Mentioned
r/tretinoinTret Glow
459

“I bought Good Molecules 10% first”

Mentioned

“then, after reading this sub and people's experiences, they stated that 15-20 is where you see the real change”

Mentioned

“I use both intermittently and now sometimes mix them together.”

Mentioned

“Good molecules azealic acid”

Positive

“the azealic acid in there is a smart move for fading leftover marks.”

Positive

“PM: cleansing oil again for sunscreen and makeup”

Positive

“Good molecules soothing Azealic acid cleanser”

Positive

“Current skincare routine:”

Positive

“I recently cut those out about a month ago and my skin is thriving.”

Positive

“PM: ... Good molecules azealic acid”

Positive

“PM: ... Tret”

Positive

“Smile lines and overall clarity.”

Positive

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