This has been a life saver while pregnant. I haven't had much acne in my life but when I got pregnant it seemed to flare up worse than ever. A lot of the other products I would use for other skincare concerns or sporadic acne I was unable to use while pregnant. I first bought the smaller size which is only 10 dollars then the large size for 20. It does not get any better than that. The large tube has lasted me two months so far and still has a ton left in it. I definitely can't use this product alone because it can go on a little dry., I do have dryer skin though. The ordinary always delivers with the bests price and quality products that work. I love how the products are simple, no fragarance and takes most of the guessing out of the equation. Sometimes the brand ... MoreThis has been a life saver while pregnant. I haven't had much acne in my life but when I got pregnant it seemed to flare up worse than ever. A lot of the other products I would use for other skincare concerns or sporadic acne I was unable to use while pregnant. I first bought the smaller size which is only 10 dollars then the large size for 20. It does not get any better than that. The large tube has lasted me two months so far and still has a ton left in it. I definitely can't use this product alone because it can go on a little dry., I do have dryer skin though. The ordinary always delivers with the bests price and quality products that work. I love how the products are simple, no fragarance and takes most of the guessing out of the equation. Sometimes the brand can be confusing when knowing what products to buy or mix but this is a product that can mix with pretty much everything if not everything (I don't know of anything it does not layer well with. It definitely has helped my acne and gotten rid of dark spots faster. Definitely, definitely recommend. It is absolutely worth trying and I will continue to buy even after pregnancy.

Almost completely cleared up my chronic acne

I was not expecting to love this product as much as I do but I honestly can't recommend it enough if you have acne and/or hyperpigmentation. While it's marketed as a brightening cream, my acne tends to stay in the same areas so I usually have active breakouts anywhere my hyperpigmentation is, and I figured I'd just apply it on those areas anyway.When I say I have chronic acne, I mean there is ALWAYS acne on my face and that's been true for over half of my life. I don't "have breakouts," I am constantly in a state of breaking out lol. It suddenly got a lot worse a few years ago and nothing I did seemed to help.Literally 2 or 3 days into applying this product every night I started to see a difference. My acne looked way less red and inflamed and new pimples became ... MoreI was not expecting to love this product as much as I do but I honestly can't recommend it enough if you have acne and/or hyperpigmentation. While it's marketed as a brightening cream, my acne tends to stay in the same areas so I usually have active breakouts anywhere my hyperpigmentation is, and I figured I'd just apply it on those areas anyway.When I say I have chronic acne, I mean there is ALWAYS acne on my face and that's been true for over half of my life. I don't "have breakouts," I am constantly in a state of breaking out lol. It suddenly got a lot worse a few years ago and nothing I did seemed to help.Literally 2 or 3 days into applying this product every night I started to see a difference. My acne looked way less red and inflamed and new pimples became less frequent. I've been using this for a few weeks now and my skin literally hasn't looked this good in YEARS. It's honestly unbelievable. It's also definitely helped fade my hyperpigmentation, but what really shocked me was how much it did for my acne. I really wasn't expecting that but I'm so thrilled about it!!I looked it up and azelaic acid is considered a gentler acid that does have the potential to be a great acne solution. Products with salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide and other common anti-acne ingredients have never really worked for me and usually just irritate my skin, but this stuff isn't irritating at all for me. Products with salicylic acid always sting my skin no matter where I put it, but this product doesn't sting unless you apply it to skin you've been picking at (which you really shouldn't even do lol). It's gentle, dries down / sinks in really quickly, and plays nice with all the other products in my skincare routine.Overall I can't say enough good things about this. It is for sure a holy grail product for me and I don't use that term lightly. I highly recommend giving it a try, especially if you struggle with acne and hyperpigmentation like I do!

Cleared my acne in a day!

This is a great product that helped me clear my skin, remove persistent acne and helped me achieved a clearer, even tone that I've been trying so hard to get. This product should be used sparingly and not mixed with other exfoliants, like glycolic acid, as it can be drying. I found the trick to this product is using it lightly in key areas that need it the most. I find the product to be absorbed better if layered for an even application, adding more as you feel your skin needs. Given its silicon-esque feel, this product may sit on the skin if applied too much and I am not surprised people say it pills. Use a little at a time.I spent hours researching before I came across this particular acid and The Ordinary is cheap enough to experiment with.Azelaic Acid is ... MoreThis is a great product that helped me clear my skin, remove persistent acne and helped me achieved a clearer, even tone that I've been trying so hard to get. This product should be used sparingly and not mixed with other exfoliants, like glycolic acid, as it can be drying. I found the trick to this product is using it lightly in key areas that need it the most. I find the product to be absorbed better if layered for an even application, adding more as you feel your skin needs. Given its silicon-esque feel, this product may sit on the skin if applied too much and I am not surprised people say it pills. Use a little at a time.I spent hours researching before I came across this particular acid and The Ordinary is cheap enough to experiment with.Azelaic Acid is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-keratinizing; which makes it perfect for acne and acne-prone skin. It is also helpful for fungal acne, rosacea and hyperpigmentation. This product is 10%, so it can be very strong for some people (and others may need it even stronger). However, it helped me best with acne, particularly black heads that my face were littered with. It cleared my cheek acne in approx. 12 hours after application (yes, it was that fast for me personally). It made my skin soft and the remaining deeper black heads fall out in the remaining days, which stopping new black heads from forming.

Genuinely helpful

I've been plagued by sensitive/reactive/difficult skin for most of my adult life and received diagnoses that range from acne through peri-oral dermatitis to, most recently, rosacea. Even dermtologists don't seem to be sure what the problem is.Al I can definitely say is that azealic acid is great at calming things down. It's not miraculous: it has taken more than six months' of usage for me to see a marked improvement but, in my opinion, it works to reduce inflammation, smooth texture and even pigmentation.I apply it (generously) only at night because it is just one layer too many during the daytime, under sun protection cream and foundation. It may have a quicker effect for those who use for an entire 24 hours.For reference, I can't tolerate any form I've so ... MoreI've been plagued by sensitive/reactive/difficult skin for most of my adult life and received diagnoses that range from acne through peri-oral dermatitis to, most recently, rosacea. Even dermtologists don't seem to be sure what the problem is.Al I can definitely say is that azealic acid is great at calming things down. It's not miraculous: it has taken more than six months' of usage for me to see a marked improvement but, in my opinion, it works to reduce inflammation, smooth texture and even pigmentation.I apply it (generously) only at night because it is just one layer too many during the daytime, under sun protection cream and foundation. It may have a quicker effect for those who use for an entire 24 hours.For reference, I can't tolerate any form I've so far tried of retinolid but the azealic acid has never irritated my skin.. I use it in combination with niacinimide on spot-prone areas.A month agao I stopped taking the long term antibiotic I was prescribed for its anti-inflammatory rather than anti-microbial effect because it never worked very consistently or well on its own, and because I was worried about the side effects.The positive results from the azaelic acid have given me the confidence to bin the pills and - so far - my face is doing fine.

Great under makeup

I've been using it every morning after serums and Kiehls or FAB moisturizer, and before foundation, and it's the very best for a smooth facial canvas. Zero piling (or is it pilling?) whatever....My make-up goes on perfectly smooth. And I noticed a few days ago that a sunspot is significantly reduced in darkness. I have tried everything, and that spot has stayed exactly the same, except I believe my consistent usage of this cream has made a little difference. I don't use it at night, just AM. It's inexpensive, and I keep an extra in my bathroom at all times. I also am experimenting with Matrixl and Argilene, which arrived 2 days ago. I use script Retinal 2-3 times per week---super annoyingly drying---this cream helps maintain moisture. I like the serum feeling and ... MoreI've been using it every morning after serums and Kiehls or FAB moisturizer, and before foundation, and it's the very best for a smooth facial canvas. Zero piling (or is it pilling?) whatever....My make-up goes on perfectly smooth. And I noticed a few days ago that a sunspot is significantly reduced in darkness. I have tried everything, and that spot has stayed exactly the same, except I believe my consistent usage of this cream has made a little difference. I don't use it at night, just AM. It's inexpensive, and I keep an extra in my bathroom at all times. I also am experimenting with Matrixl and Argilene, which arrived 2 days ago. I use script Retinal 2-3 times per week---super annoyingly drying---this cream helps maintain moisture. I like the serum feeling and that it keeps moisture in and makeup really smooth. I'm 49, live in Colorado where it's super dry and winters are below 0° and summers hot with low humidity, but I don't get dry facial skin. Thick moisturizer at night is key, regardless of whether using stronger products or not---- and this Azelaic acid is bomb, imo, for arid areas. Love this stuff. Although I don't always believe it, folks say I look between 28 and 35. I'll take that compliment any day!

If you hate the consistency, then you're using too much

I have been using the Azelaic acid suspension daily as the final step in my skincare regimen for almost 2 years now, and it's definitely helped to keep my skin bright & even-toned. I cleanse then follow with the multipeptide eye serum and Niacinamide serum, let that dry doen a bit before applying PTR moisturizer with peptides, then finish with a very small amount of the Azelaic acid. I have read a lot of reviews that talk about thick this suspension is, how difficult it is to apply and/or how it pills. I have found that it applies evenly and smoothly given a couple of precautions. First of all, make sure your products are applied using the thinnest consistency serums first, followed by midweight creams/moisturizers, and thicker treatments, such as Azelaic acid ... MoreI have been using the Azelaic acid suspension daily as the final step in my skincare regimen for almost 2 years now, and it's definitely helped to keep my skin bright & even-toned. I cleanse then follow with the multipeptide eye serum and Niacinamide serum, let that dry doen a bit before applying PTR moisturizer with peptides, then finish with a very small amount of the Azelaic acid. I have read a lot of reviews that talk about thick this suspension is, how difficult it is to apply and/or how it pills. I have found that it applies evenly and smoothly given a couple of precautions. First of all, make sure your products are applied using the thinnest consistency serums first, followed by midweight creams/moisturizers, and thicker treatments, such as Azelaic acid suspension, last. Secondly, more is not better! I find that by putting a literal pea-sized dollop on my fingertips, rubbing them together briefly, then patting the product evenly over my face before gently smoothing it out provides excellent coverage, no visible residue and a silky consistency. I cannot speak to the pilling issue when used under foundation, as this product has helped to make my 51 year old skin so bright, even-toned and clear that I no longer wear foundation, even for special occasions. I only need a little concealer at the corners of my eyes, underneath my nostrils, and in the corners of my mouth to even out some darker spots in those areas. I have a naturally ruddy complexion, just shy of rosacea-like, and I can definitely tell a difference in my ruddiness on days when I skip the Azelaic acid. Even though I am 51 I still tend to get oily, and the combination of the Niacinamide and Azelaic acid helps to modify my skin all day. I will wear this products until I die.

Not my favorite

As a preface, I'm trying to cut out actives from my routine that are for proactive prevention, and am substituting those for actives that address problems I currently have with my skin as my skin is sensitive. I bought this and used it every day for a week when I started breaking out on my forehead, chin, and cheeks. Most of my acne is on my cheeks, but breaking out on my forehead and chin was new so I knew it was because of this product. I really want to love this since I know azelaic acid is good for both active acne and acne scars. I followed the instructions on the box and applied this after serums and before moisturizers. The only other active I use at the moment is niacinamide (and propolis, not sure if that counts as an active ingredient), see my routine ... MoreAs a preface, I'm trying to cut out actives from my routine that are for proactive prevention, and am substituting those for actives that address problems I currently have with my skin as my skin is sensitive. I bought this and used it every day for a week when I started breaking out on my forehead, chin, and cheeks. Most of my acne is on my cheeks, but breaking out on my forehead and chin was new so I knew it was because of this product. I really want to love this since I know azelaic acid is good for both active acne and acne scars. I followed the instructions on the box and applied this after serums and before moisturizers. The only other active I use at the moment is niacinamide (and propolis, not sure if that counts as an active ingredient), see my routine below for more details. Any tips or suggestions from fellow acne-prone/sensitive skin people would be greatly appreciated!My routine ATM-Gel-based face washHydrating tonerSerum with propolis and niacinamide(Would put this suspension here when I used it)Moisturizer.On occasion I also do sheet masks, the only actives would be ceramides or hyaluronic acid.

Really saved my skin during a dermatitis or eczema flare up

I had some sort of eczema/dermatitis flare up due to grad school stress. My skin was rough, bumpy, painful, and itchy around my nose, mouth, and cheeks - not the first time this has happened to me. It wasn't very visible looking in the mirror, but it was so physically uncomfortable. I did a bit of searching and saw that some people said The Ordinary's azelaic acid calmed down their dermatitis flare ups. I got this and began applying it AM and PM, along with a colloidal oatmeal eczema moisturizer for babies, which I applied throughout the day. I've been skipping foundation. I'm on Day 3 of this regimen and my skin has improved so much in such a short time - my flare up has greatly diminished and my skin no longer hurts or feels itchy and uncomfortable. My skin also ... MoreI had some sort of eczema/dermatitis flare up due to grad school stress. My skin was rough, bumpy, painful, and itchy around my nose, mouth, and cheeks - not the first time this has happened to me. It wasn't very visible looking in the mirror, but it was so physically uncomfortable. I did a bit of searching and saw that some people said The Ordinary's azelaic acid calmed down their dermatitis flare ups. I got this and began applying it AM and PM, along with a colloidal oatmeal eczema moisturizer for babies, which I applied throughout the day. I've been skipping foundation. I'm on Day 3 of this regimen and my skin has improved so much in such a short time - my flare up has greatly diminished and my skin no longer hurts or feels itchy and uncomfortable. My skin also looks really good and feels quite soft, and it's worth mentioning it looks better than it does after using The Ordinary's AHA + BHA mask, which I had used regularly - I'm now thinking the azelaic acid probably works even better for me. I haven't personally experienced any issues with pilling as other reviews mentioned. I'm so glad I decided to pick this up. Really saved me, and I'll continue using it.

Sensitive Sking godsend!

I bought this product a little over a month ago and it has worked wonders for my sensitive skin. I have extremely sensitive skin where it gets random bouts of hive rashes and any product that gets applied to my face either immediately stings my face turning it red or worst - my skin goes through painful days of dark red hives. I'm a little skincare nerd and I watched countless videos recommending products for closed comedones and whiteheads that sprout on my chin and forehead. I tried salicylic acid but I had a rare allergic reaction that confirmed that I was a sensitive skin girlie. Once while watching a video I saw that azelaic acid was compared to SA and was shown to be a better fit for sensitive skin. I wanted something cheap and from I brand that is trusted so ... MoreI bought this product a little over a month ago and it has worked wonders for my sensitive skin. I have extremely sensitive skin where it gets random bouts of hive rashes and any product that gets applied to my face either immediately stings my face turning it red or worst - my skin goes through painful days of dark red hives. I'm a little skincare nerd and I watched countless videos recommending products for closed comedones and whiteheads that sprout on my chin and forehead. I tried salicylic acid but I had a rare allergic reaction that confirmed that I was a sensitive skin girlie. Once while watching a video I saw that azelaic acid was compared to SA and was shown to be a better fit for sensitive skin. I wanted something cheap and from I brand that is trusted so I turned to the Ordinary. I went to Ulta and picked it up and I was in love. I really enjoy the experience of using it. A lot of people complain about pilling and the thick texture but I've had no problems with those. I use it to treat specific areas on my face (chin, forehead) it may be thick but it's spreadable and the product levels my skin smooth and matte. I also layer it with my moisturizer after and it never pilled or bothered my skin whatsoever. Compared to other acids targeted for congested, and or textual irregularities this one is by far the best for sensitive skin. Although other products may show results faster with almost any skincare product it takes time. Be prepared for purging which isn't anything bad it just confirms that the product is doing its job. Azelaic acid increases cell-turnover rate which exposes micro comedones that would've appeared anyways even without the product. This product slowly clears your skin and improves its texture and pigmentation. I usually get really red from hives or natural pigmentation but this product has tamed it. I've looked high and low for a fix for my skin turning to anti-dandruff shampoos, SA, and homemade remedies and this has trumped them all. I am thoroughly pleased :)

Very Difficult to Absorb

I honestly had such a hard time trying to get this to absorb into my skin. I tried mixing it with aloe, toner, even just straight up water to make it thinner so it wouldn’t pill all over my face. There was so much pilling. To the point of like having to rinse/wash my face with water and restart my skincare routine (more than once). It’s just so thick. I had to use like a smaller-than-pea-sized amount of product and mix it with water from a spray bottle to be able to apply any other products with it. Once I was able to get it to absorb into my skin (it did not work every time, and when i tried applying it earlier in my routine it just caused other products to pill on my skin. and yes i wait a minute, as in 60 second, between products), i honestly saw no difference in ... MoreI honestly had such a hard time trying to get this to absorb into my skin. I tried mixing it with aloe, toner, even just straight up water to make it thinner so it wouldn’t pill all over my face. There was so much pilling. To the point of like having to rinse/wash my face with water and restart my skincare routine (more than once). It’s just so thick. I had to use like a smaller-than-pea-sized amount of product and mix it with water from a spray bottle to be able to apply any other products with it. Once I was able to get it to absorb into my skin (it did not work every time, and when i tried applying it earlier in my routine it just caused other products to pill on my skin. and yes i wait a minute, as in 60 second, between products), i honestly saw no difference in texture whatsoever. I have acne and folliculitis as well as premature signs of aging due to extreme stress, so there are a couple ways in which it COULD have improved my skin’s texture, but it did not whatsoever. my skin is somewhat sensitive, but i have never had so many issues with trying to use a product.