Achieving flawless-looking skin involves incorporating the right products into your skincare ritual, and this is particularly important when it comes to dealing with issues such as acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation. That's where the best azelaic acid serums come into the picture. The skincare experts at Select have spent long hours researching, trying, and testing a multitude of options to bring you some of the best azelaic acid products that will work wonders for your skin issues.  From pure azelaic acid formulations to OTC azelaic acid alternatives, this article will ensure that you find the best serum to address your skin concerns. 

During the research process, our team found that azelaic acid minimizes acne and the appearance of rosacea while also effectively treating the signs of hyperpigmentation (1). So by using skincare products infused with this miracle ingredient, one can safely reap the benefits it has to offer. Come join us as we go over the following products that are bound to make your skincare journey one that's easy, producing desirable results.

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  Best Overall

  Cos De BAHA AZ Azelaic Acid 10 Serum

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Restore your skin to its natural self with Cose De BAHA's AZ Azelaic Acid 10 Serum. It is a game-changer when it comes to speedily treating rosacea, acne, and redness. The formula is lightweight, making it ideal for normal skin types. The power of axelaic acid in combination with niacinamide acts to fade marks and blemishes while also making your skin glow. Get flawless skin without shelling out a ton of money using this affordable Korean skincare product.

Key Ingredients: Azelaic acid, niacinamide, panthenol, and hyaluronic acid.

Skin Type: Normal

Size: 30ml

2

Best Oil-free Formula

PAULA’S CHOICE 10% Azelaic Acid Booster

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Bid adieu to blemishes and prepare to get radiant skin with PAULA'S CHOICE 10% Azelaic Acid Booster. The formula is lightweight, oil-free, and targets hormonal acne, brown spots, and irritation on the face with the power of azelaic acid which's paired with the gentle exfoliating properties of salicylic acid. Easy to add to your existing routine, this serum works wonders by itself or can also be blended with your favorite moisturizer to achieve a clear complexion.

Key Ingredients: Azelaic acid, salicylic acid, and licorice root.

Skin Type: Oily, combination, dry, and normal

Size: 1 oz

3

Best Cruelty-free Formula

NATRIUM Azelaic Topical Acid 10%

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NATRIUM's Azelaic Topic Acid 10% is the most effortless way to get clear, glowing skin! This serum offers mild and gentle exfoliating properties, getting rid of discoloration and balancing any excess oil while also leaving the skin lusciously hydrated at the same time. Moreover, it contains a concentrated blend of azelaic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin C that makes it a prized addition to any skincare routine, giving the user a flawless, sought-after radiance.

Key Ingredients: Azelaic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin C.

Skin Type: All skin types

Size: 1 oz

4

Best Fragrance-free Formula

Q+A Azelaic Acid Balancing Serum

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If you have skin that's very oily and prone to breakouts, the Q+A Azelaic Acid Balancing Serum will work wonders for you! It makes your skin appear fresher and smoother, while the azelaic acid present gets rid of any active acne. Additionally, the Zince PCA tightens your pores while the antioxidants battle daily stress. The best part is that it's vegan, not tested on animals, and features a 97.3% natural formula, making it great for both you and the planet.

Key Ingredients: Azelaic acid and zinc PCA

Skin Type: Oily skin

Size: 30ml

5

Best Vegan Formula

cocokind Vitamin C Glow Serum With Azelaic Acid

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Treat your parched skin to a dose of hydration with cocokind's Vitamin C Glow Serum with azelaic acid – this product will soon become your go-to for an even-toned, hydrated complexion. Loaded with sea grape caviar, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C, the formula of this serum is lightweight and fragrance-free. It provides the skin with a brightening effect while balling against daily stressors, which makes it ideal for those with sensitive skin.

Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, azelaic acid, and sea grape caviar

Skin Type: Sensitive skin

Size: 1 oz

6

Most Lightweight

KISOcare No.053 Azelaic Topical Acid Serum

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Experience the goodness that KISOcare's  No.053 Azelaic Topical Acid Serum has to offer – it is a wonder worker for all skin types. The formula is infused with an aloe scent and is a combination of azelaic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin C, delivering a moisturized, radiant, and smooth complexion. Just a small amount of the product goes a long way, covering the entire face, Additionally, the luxurious formula is also infused with 8 natural plant-based conditioners.

Key Ingredients: Azelaic acid, chamomile, licorice, niacinamide, retinol, rosemary, vitamin A, vitamin B3, and vitamin C.

Skin Type: Oily, combination, dry, and normal

Size: 30ml

7

Best for All Skin Types

MARIO BADESCU Clarifying Serum With Azelaic Acid

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If you're on the lookout for one skin serum that works for all skin types, then MARIO BADESCU's Clarifying Serum with Azelaic Acid is just what you require! This product promises to give you radiant skin that's free from blemishes. Loaded with prebiotics and postbiotics, it is also free from fragrances and is ideal for addressing the appearance of blemishes to give you healthier skin. Just use 3-4 drops after you're done cleansing your face and rest assured that a natural glow is on its way.

Key Ingredients: Azelaic acid, prebiotics, and postbiotics.

Skin Type: All skin types

Size: 29ml

Now that you’re aware of the best azelaic acid serums, let’s find out how you can choose one that’s ideal for you.

The following are a few points to keep in mind while choosing an azelaic acid serum for yourself:

• Concentration

If you're using azelaic acid for the first time, opt for a lower concentration such as 5% until your skin gets used to it. Though there are brands that offer much higher concentrations, it might not be suitable for everyone's skin.

• Ingredients

Azelaic acid serums are usually blended with other active ingredients to add to the benefits that it has to offer. Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid are the most common ones but you can choose according to your skin's needs.

• Skin Type

This is very important as there as some serums that are formulated for specific skin types. If you have oily skin, ensure that you're choosing a non-comedogenic formula. The same goes for hydration benefits if you have skin that's on the dryer side.

•  Formula

Opt for formulas that are lighter and non-greasy as they get absorbed more easily and don't leave behind any residue. Avoid ones with fragrances and alcohol as they may not agree with all types of skin.

• pH Balance

Azelaic acid works best at a certain pH level, around 3.5 to 4.0. So ensure that your serum is in this range to get optimal results.

• Brand

You should stick to brands that have a good reputation as you can be sure that you're getting a good quality azelaic acid serum. Going through reviews can also give you a better idea of this area.

Take a look at the steps below to know how you can best use an azelaic acid serum:

1. Start by cleansing your face with a mild cleanser or face wash.

2. Take a small amount of azelaic acid serum and apply it to your face. Massage it onto your skin while paying attention to the areas that have acne or hyperpigmentation.

3. Allow the serum to get absorbed into the skin and then apply your regular moisturizer on top of it.

4. If you're using the serum during the day, then topping it off with sunscreen is a must since azelaic serum may make your skin more sun-sensitive. Ensure that the sunscreen contains at least SPF 30.

5. Check for skin compatibility by noticing if you face any signs of redness or irritation. If you notice any of these signs, stop using the product immediately and consult with a dermatologist.

Keep in mind that everyone's skin is different, and something that works well for others might not give you the same results.