Paula's choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster
Works for
Evens skin toneAzelaic acid, Salicylic acid + 1 moreWorks well
“This unique formula uses potent azelaic acid, plus other powerhouse ingredients to clarify uneven tone, target stubborn spots and soothe skin resulting in smoother, more radiant, younger-looking skin.”
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: azelaic acid, salicylic acid
The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually can help even out the skin tone: glycyrrhiza glabra root extract.
Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.
Anti-blemishAzelaic acid, Salicylic acid + 1 moreWorks well
“Powerful azelaic acid, salicylic acid (BHA) and soothing botanicals smooth & even skin. Ongoing use can visibly diminish bumps and blemishes.”
This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: azelaic acid, salicylic acid. These ingredients is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.
ExfoliationAzelaic acid, Salicylic acid + 1 moreWorks well
“This gentle yet effective serum is enriched with exfoliating salicylic acid to help to shed dead cells from the skin's surface while also working to minimise blackheads.”
This product can help exfoliate the skin. In other words, it helps break down the bonds between dead cells on the surface of the skin and speed up the skin turnover. Skin often appears softer and brighter after exfoliation, but overdoing it can result in disrupted skin barrier. The following ingredient is doing the exfoliating job in this product: salicylic acid.
Anti-agingAdenosineWorks well
“This unique formula uses potent azelaic acid, plus other powerhouse ingredients to clarify uneven tone, target stubborn spots and soothe skin resulting in smoother, more radiant, younger-looking skin.”
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains adenosine.
Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.
Anti-oxidationSide benefit · Azelaic acid, Adenosine + 3 moreWorks well
This product contains antioxidants (azelaic acid) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).
MoisturizingSide benefit the brand mentions · C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Caprylic/capric triglyceride + 8 moreWorks
“Specially formulated with azelaic and salicylic acid , this lightweight treatment aims to reduce the appearance of blemishes and post-breakout marks, while plant-based extracts work to nourish the skin and calm irritation.”
This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.
The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water.
When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from
within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job:
glycerin, butylene glycol.
This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: caprylic/capric triglyceride, dimethicone.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy5 flagged ingredientsLow risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
User reviews
9 of 9 community members would buy it again.
Been using this everyday for a while now. Definitely helps even my skin tone and my dark circles. Repeat purchase for sure.
Update many months later:
So it does even out skin tone, but it breaks me out in very small little acne bumps that take a while to go away and it also pills LIKE CRAZY under makeup. I've switched to a different azelaic acid product due to that little hidden feature.
I use this every few nights! I keep rebuying because I think it’s the best azelaic acid out.
This is a must have in my routine - a great multi targeting treatment product. Azelaic acid has worked so well to reduce redness in my skin and calm down irritation and inflammation. The added salicylic acid in this product is always helpful for blemishes but is included in so many of my other products that I don't find it necessary in a more extensive routine but in a more minimal routine its great that this product has both. It never caused any irritation for me. It may cause a little bit of pilling if applying too much or over certain products (but no way near the pilling caused by the azalaic acid from the ordinary). The best way to use it I found was to mix a small pea-sized amount into my moisturizer and pat into the skin. The product has a light lotion consistency that is easy to spread out and I find it to last a long time since I only need to apply a small amount.
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~40–60%
Azelaic acid10%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is produced by a yeast that lives on normal human skin. It is used in medicine as a topical treatment for mild to moderate acne. It has a mild exfoliating effect. It can also help reduce hyperpigmentation, helps calm down inflammation and can help neutralize free radicals
More about Azelaic acidC12-15 alkyl benzoate~5.7–8.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Enhances the product texture and makes it more spreadable. Helps reduce water loss from the outer layer of skin. Extands the shelf life by preventing bacteria growth
More about C12-15 alkyl benzoateCaprylic/capric triglyceride~4.1–6.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin
More about Caprylic/capric triglycerideMethyl glucose sesquistearate~2.5–3.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil mix together
More about Methyl glucose sesquistearateGlycerin~2.2–3.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
More about GlycerinCetearyl alcohol~1.8–2.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture
More about Cetearyl alcoholGlyceryl stearate~1.5–2.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together
More about Glyceryl stearateDimethicone~1.3–2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish
More about DimethiconeSalicylic acid~0.8–1.25%
- Irritation risk
- High
Used for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)
More about Salicylic acidAdenosine~0.85–1.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Might help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)
More about AdenosineGlycyrrhiza glabra root extract~0.4–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals
More about Glycyrrhiza glabra root extractBoerhavia diffusa root extract~0.45–1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that might help reduce inflammation and neutralize free radicals
More about Boerhavia diffusa root extractAllantoin~0.15–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated
More about AllantoinBisabolol~0.2–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An active component of chamomile plant that historically has been used to calm down irritated skin. A recent study shows that bisabolol indeed can have some anti-inflammatory effect on skin, even though conclusive data is lacking. Bisabolol has a sweet floral scent and can be added to products for its aromatic properties
More about BisabololCyclopentasiloxane~0.3–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin
More about CyclopentasiloxaneXanthan gum~0.15–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumSclerotium gum~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create gel-like formulas and stabilize emulsions
More about Sclerotium gumPropanediol~0.1–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolButylene glycol~0.05–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Butylene glycolPhenoxyethanol~0.05–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolIngredient list view
Water, Azelaic acid, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Methyl glucose sesquistearate, Glycerin, Cetearyl alcohol, Glyceryl stearate, Dimethicone, Salicylic acid, Adenosine, Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract, Boerhavia diffusa root extract, Allantoin, Bisabolol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Xanthan gum, Sclerotium gum, Propanediol, Butylene glycol, Phenoxyethanol
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Worth comparing, line by line.
Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.
| Paula's choice10% Azelaic Acid BoosterYOUR PRODUCT | TulaAcne Clearing + Tone Correcting Gel | Honest BeautyIn The Clear Acne Serum | skinmadeAzelaic Acid + Salicylic Acid serum | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 73% | 72% | 70% |
| Price | $42.00 | — | — | — |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 5 of 9 | 3 of 9 | 5 of 9 |
| Key difference | — | Niacinamide | Niacinamide | Niacinamide |
| Irritancy | Low | Low | Low | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: SKINCITY skincare Enlightening Second ConcentrateDermalogica liquid peel
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 12 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
- 4Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 5Beta Hydroxy Acidsfda.gov
- 6A review of toxicity from topical salicylic acid preparationssciencedirect.com
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