A dual-action treatment serum that tackles acne and hyperpigmentation at the same time. Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring acid, found in grains like wheat and barley, that calms breakouts and slows the excess melanin production behind dark spots. At 10%, it’s one of the few dermatology-endorsed actives that treats both concerns at once, and 5% niacinamide strengthens the skin barrier and visibly refines your complexion. Licorice root and bearberry extracts add extra brightening support.

Azelaic Acid Benefits: What This Serum Does

• Visibly fades dark spots and post-acne marks, giving skin a progressively clearer, more even tone
• Targets active breakouts and congestion at the source, reducing their frequency and severity over time
• Calms visible redness and inflammation without stripping or destabilizing the skin barrier
• Minimizes the appearance of enlarged pores and improves overall skin texture
• Reinforces barrier function through niacinamide, so skin becomes more resilient and less reactive with consistent use

For a full routine built around dark marks, explore our hyperpigmentation range.

1. Cleanse thoroughly with a gentle cleanser such as our Hyaluronic Cream Hydrating Face Cleanser, then mist on Beauty Water (Toner) and let it dry.
2. Apply a thin layer of azelaic acid serum across your face on dry skin, preferably as your evening treatment step.
3. Moisturise with a face moisturizer, such as our face moisturizer for oily skin if you’re breakout-prone.
4. Protect: in the morning, always finish with broad-spectrum sunscreen such as Hydra Glow Sun Protection Gel. Sun exposure darkens the marks azelaic acid is working to fade.

When to use: start every other evening for the first week while your skin adjusts, then use it nightly.

Actives

• 10% Azelaic Acid: Clinically validated to reduce acne-causing bacteria, inhibit excess melanin production for hyperpigmentation control, and gently normalise skin cell turnover.
• 5% Niacinamide: strengthens the skin barrier, reduces visible redness, and improves overall texture and tone.
• Licorice Root Extract: a botanical brightener that reduces discolouration and supports a more even complexion.
• Purslane Extract: an antioxidant-rich botanical that protects stressed skin from environmental damage.

Ingredients

Water, Azelaic Acid (Skin-Brightening / Acne Control), Glycerin (Skin-Replenishing), Niacinamide (Anti-Aging, Pore Minimizer), Butylene Glycol (Humectant), Bearberry (Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi) Leaf Extract (Skin-Brightening / Tone-Improving), 1,2-Pentanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (Emollient), Dimethicone (Emollient), Chrysanthellum Indicum Extract (Soothing, Anti-Ageing), Portulaca Oleracea Extract (Hydration, Antioxidant), 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Extract (Skin-Soothing), Bisabolol, Cetearyl Alcohol (Texture Enhancer), Glyceryl Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Xanthan Gum, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizinate, Allantoin (Skin-Soothing), Hyaluronic Acid Sodium, and Disodium EDTA.

Note: Every ingredient list is specific to this product. All formulas are subject to change. Please refer to the outer packaging for the most current ingredient list.

Is azelaic acid good for acne?

Yes. Azelaic acid reduces acne-causing bacteria, calms inflammation and helps keep pores clear by normalising skin cell turnover. Unlike many acne treatments, it also fades the dark marks breakouts leave behind. For more treatment options, explore our acne range.

Does azelaic acid help with hyperpigmentation?

Yes. It slows the excess melanin production behind dark spots, post-acne marks and uneven tone, which is why it’s a go-to for melanin-rich skin. Daily sunscreen protects the results.

How is this different from other acne treatments?

Most acne treatments target only one issue: bacteria or post-acne marks. This serum addresses both in one formula. At 10%, azelaic acid reduces acne-causing bacteria, calms active inflammation and slows the melanin overproduction that causes dark spots after a breakout clears, while 5% niacinamide strengthens the barrier and refines pores.

Is this suitable for oily and acne-prone skin?

Yes. The lightweight formula manages congestion without adding heaviness, and azelaic acid works directly on the bacteria and pore blockages behind oily-skin breakouts.

Can azelaic acid cause irritation?

Azelaic acid is one of the best-tolerated actives in dermatology, and gentler than retinoids and strong AHAs. Some people feel mild tingling in the first week, which usually fades. Patch test before your first full application.

Should I choose an azelaic acid serum, cream or gel?

All three deliver azelaic acid; the difference is texture. A serum like this one is light, layers easily under moisturizer and suits most skin types. Creams are richer, and gels are often prescription-strength.

Is 10% azelaic acid strong enough, or do I need 20%?

10% is an effective strength for acne and dark spots, and gentler on the skin. Higher strengths, around 15 to 20%, are usually prescription products. If you’re considering one, speak to a dermatologist.

Can I use azelaic acid with retinol or tretinoin?

Yes, but introduce them slowly. Many people use azelaic acid in the morning and retinol at night, or alternate evenings, to limit dryness. If you use prescription tretinoin, check with your prescriber first.

Can I use azelaic acid with benzoyl peroxide?

Yes. They’re often paired for stubborn breakouts. Use them at different times of day, for example our Benzoyl Peroxide Gel on spots in the morning and azelaic acid at night, to avoid over-drying.

Can I use azelaic acid with niacinamide or vitamin C?

Yes. This serum already contains 5% niacinamide, and you can layer our Niacinamide + N-Acetyl Glucosamine Serum for extra support. For vitamin C, apply the Vitamin C Concentrated Serum in the morning and azelaic acid at night.

Can I use azelaic acid with glycolic, salicylic or mandelic acid?

Yes, with care. Using several exfoliating acids at once can irritate skin, so use them on different evenings or at different times of day. A rinse-off product, such as a mandelic acid face wash, is the easiest pairing.

Is azelaic acid an active ingredient?

Yes. Treat it like any other active: introduce it gradually, avoid stacking too many actives at once, and wear sunscreen every morning.

Which size should I choose?

The 15ml gives you 4 to 6 weeks of consistent daily use, enough to see measurable changes in your skin before committing. The 30ml is the better value once it’s part of your routine.