This is my kind of green juice! This serum has been part of my daily morning routine for about two years now, which, in skincare terms, is basically a long-term relationship.
As mentioned in the name this serum is designed to reduce redness and soothe skin which I completely agree with as someone with rosacea and sensitive-acne prone skin.
Key Ingredients
The star ingredient is Azelaic Acid which soothes redness and inflammation, helps treat acne, improves skin texture and brightens and evens skin tone. Most research supports concentrations around 10–15% for visible results with lower irritation risk which is exactly where this serum sits. You could go higher but there is a higher risk of irritation.
The other great ingredients in this serum include:
- Hyaluronic Acid: Moisturising
- Niacinamide: Minimising the look of pores and brightening effect
- Centella Asiatica: Soothing irritation and redness
- Ceramides and Aloe: Strengthening skin barrier and calming the skin
Complete ingredient list: Water (Neutral), Azelaic Acid (Good), Propylene Glycol (Neutral), Sodium Hydroxide (Bad), Dipropylene Glycol (Neutral), 1,2-Hexanediol (Neutral), Panthenol (Good), Hydroxyethylcellulose (Neutral), Betaine Salicylate (Good), Glycerin (Good), Biosaccharide Gum-1 (Good), Ethylhexylglycerin (Neutral), Allantoin (Good), Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate (Good), Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract (Good), Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water (Good), Sodium Hyaluronate (Good), Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract (Good), Niacinamide (Good), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (Good), Beta-Glucan (Good), Centella Asiatica Extract (Good), Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract (Good), Centella Asiatica Root Extract (Good), Madecassoside (Good), Asiaticoside (Good), Asiatic Acid (Good), Madecassic Acid (Good), Squalane (Good), Zinc (Neutral), Pca (Good), Butylene Glycol (Good), Pentylene Glycol (Good), Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside (Neutral), Hydrogenated Lecithin (Good), Ceramide NP (Good).
Fragrence free and non-comedogenic.
Application
How does it compare to the 10% Paula’s Choice Azelaic Acid Booster?
The serum has a watery texture that is perfect for layering with other skincare products. This also means you won’t experience pilling which was a problem I had with the 10% Paula’s Choice Azelaic Acid Booster.
When I first started incorporating Azelaic Acid into my skincare routine I purchased the 10% Paula’s Choice Azelaic Acid Booster because of its incredible ingredient list and its higher price tag – because in my mind that had to mean it would perform well. That was not the case, it was a cream that was hard to apply, drying and caused pilling. I took a break from Azelaic Acid for a couple months before trying again with Anua’s Azelaic Acid.
The packaging of Anua’s Azelaic Acid is a simple dropper and I have no issues with it.
Results
You definitely need to use this serum for at least 2 months before noticing any results. For the first few weeks, I noticed… nothing so I decided to just continue using it and not repurchase another bottle. I didn’t experience any irritation so it was easy for me to continue to use it on a daily basis, especially since it was very lightweight. By the time I finished the bottle which was over 2 to 3 months (great value for money!) I found that I did want to re-purchase it!
I saw a reduction in redness although there was still some redness and my skin texture improved. It got rid of those annoying microbumps on my forehead, which no cleanser or toner was able to before.
The best skincare improvements feel subtle and cumulative, not shocking.
How I use it
Azelaic acid is suitable for sensitive skin and can be used alongside other active ingredients such as Vitamin C and Niacinamide but because I found the 10% Paula’s Choice Azelaic Acid Booster to be irritating and in general because it is an active ingredient that could cause purging I was very careful when I first started incorporating it into my skincare routine.
Even though Azelaic Acid is generally suitable for sensitive skin it is recommended to patch test any new active and introduce it gradually to your routine to minimise the risk of irritation or purging.
I would apply this serum every morning after my hydrating and skin barrier strengthening serums, similar to the hydration sandwich you would use when applying retinols. Around 5 drops is the perfect amount for me. Pairing Azelaic Acid with hydration focused serums and ceramide based moisturisers can reduce the risk of dryness while boosting overall skin barrier health.
Since I’m based in Australia the easiest and cheapest place for me to purchase this serum is either at Yesstyle or Stylevana depending on the deals they have going on at the time of purchase.
Other Comments
Summary of the 1 star reviews from popular online retailers:
- delayed/ did not receive product
- caused them to break out
- skin irritation
- ineffective
This blog is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional dermatological advice. Individual skin responses may vary.