Redness/IrritationAcne Spot Treatment
Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% — Reddit Reviews
by The Ordinary
Updated September 22, 2026
Studies found acne benefit; Reddit loves it for redness, but texture divides people.
What the community says
A 10% azelaic acid suspension that Redditors keep reaching for on acne, redness, and PIH. Studies found it helps acne, and users echo that, but the silicone-heavy texture pills, stings, and can feel drying.
What this means for you
What people love
- Acne and redness in one tube
- OTC azelaic acid starter
- Helps PIH and post-acne marks
Watch out for
Product details
Use caution
Skin Type
Product Traits
Key Ingredients
Where to buy
What the science says vs. what Reddit says
What the science says
Azelaic Acid
Strong evidence for acne- It usually cleared acne better than a placebo
- 30 studies back this, including several large reviews
- It often worked about as well as tretinoin, and results versus benzoyl peroxide were mixed
- It could work better when used together with other acne ingredients
- The most common side effects were dryness, scaling, and other moderate skin irritation
Studied at 5–20%this product: 10%
See 32 studiesWhat Reddit says
The why
10% azelaic acid suspension reduces cystic flare-ups when applied nightly after showering, despite potential mild irritation.
“Every night apply The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%”
58 mentions for acne
Research context, not treatment advice. Studies are about the ingredient, not necessarily this exact product.
Real Reddit threads — 655 mentions across 27 threads
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% on Reddit, in one place — 27 threads from r/30PlusSkinCare, r/AsianBeauty and 5 more, summarized.
“Infrequent use of their Azelaic Acid”
Positive
“I also have some redness in my cheeks that Azelaic Acid seems to help with”
Positive
“I mainly focus on hydration and sun protection these days when it comes to topicals.”
Positive
“PM: The Ordinary Azelaic acid 3x/wk”
Positive
“Yeah the texture is a little odd.”
Positive
“the way that it mattifies and pills up if you move it too much”
Positive
“sampling the Ordinary's in-store and not liking the texture”
Cautionary
“I also definitely agree with the TO azelaic being very sensorially and cosmetically unpleasant”
Cautionary
“It has a hard time not just pulling with ITSELF”
Cautionary
“I use TO azelaic acid suspension with Stridex max for salicylic acid...”
Mentioned
“The azelaic acid suspension has a conflict with their 2% salicylic acid, so should I not combine azelaic and salicylic acid?”
Mentioned
“Wait wait wait, peptides conflict with azelaic acid??”
Mentioned
“The Ordinary Azelaic acid has done wonders to calm my skin and give me a more even tone. And it’s very gentle.”
Positive
“I was layering niacinamide from TO and then AZ but I realized it wasn’t getting down to my skin so I switched the order and it’s evening out much better.”
Positive
“Paula’s choice Azelaic Acid booster is great and the Ordinary’s Azelaic Acid works well too and is pretty inexpensive.”
Positive
“On non tret days I use the ordinary azelaic acid.”
Positive
“Been using Estée Lauder products, Origins and The ordinary.”
Positive
“I swear by The ordinary products. I use them on non tret days”
Positive
Dupes & Alternatives
Stridex
Daily Care Acne Pads With Salicylic Acid, Maximum Strength
Better for Acne
5 shared traits
128 mentions
