
10% Azelaic Acid Serum — Reddit Reviews
Updated October 10, 2026
10% azelaic acid for acne and redness; can sting sensitive skin.
What the community says
A 10% azelaic acid serum with allantoin and glycerin that Redditors use for acne, redness, and rosacea. Studies back the acne angle, but community reports are split on irritation, dryness, and how slow it can feel.
What this means for you
Backed by 23 threads from r/SkincareAddiction, r/30PlusSkinCare and 6 more.
Read the threads ↓What people love
- OTC azelaic acid for pimples and redness
- Lightweight emulsion; layers without pilling
- Allantoin plus glycerin add some buffer
Watch out for
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 on its own. See all 31 studies
On Reddit: Azelaic acid serum from a cult-favorite brand serves as a daily gentle step for sensitive, congested skin. 4 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
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
- Side effects were mostly mild to moderate skin reactions, such as stinging or burning, with no serious treatment-related side effects reported
Studied at 15–20%this product: 10%
Hyperpigmentation
Strong evidence
Azelaic Acid: 12 studies tested it on its own. See all 16 studies
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 — 40 mentions across 23 threads
The Inkey List 10% Azelaic Acid Serum on Reddit, in one place — 23 threads from r/SkincareAddiction, r/30PlusSkinCare and 6 more, summarized.
“Also great for getting rid of pimples when they do pop up.”
Positive
“Love using it, I have the Inkey list and it’s my holy grail now.”
Positive
“it’s my holy grail now”
Positive
“I’ve been using the Inkey List 10% azelaic acid serum for about three weeks now and I see zero difference :(”
Cautionary
“I see zero difference”
Cautionary
“about three weeks now”
Cautionary
“alternating between azelaic acid serum+HA moisturiser”
Positive
“—Azelaic acid serum from inkey list”
Positive
“This has been working for me for a few months”
Positive
“The Inkey List’s Azelaic acid serum”
Positive
“have been trying to be consistent with De La Cruz 10% sulfur treatment as well as the gentle foam Soon Jung whip cleanser, The Inkey List’s Azelaic acid serum”
Positive
“I can’t wait to get in and see what a dermatologist can prescribe to help further.”
Positive
“i used inkey list az serum and my skin unable to tolerate inkey list az.”
Cautionary
“I had a bad reaction with azelaic acid serum and this helps calm the skin.”
Cautionary
“my skin unable to tolerate inkey list az.”
Cautionary
“On the nights I don’t use Tret, I alternate between The Inky List Azelaic Acid 10% serum”
Positive
“Day 2 PM: Cleanse, AA”
Positive
“Day 6 PM: Cleanse, AA”
Positive





