Products

The Ordinary

Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%

face serum

The Ordinary

Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%

face serum

Added June 7, 2026 Last edited June 7, 2026

Fit by skin type

General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.

Dry

66%

Combination (dry)

66%

Balanced

96%

Combination (oily)

74%

Oily

74%

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Ingredients

Benefits

Actives

Find Dupes

A multifunctional cream that visibly brightens skin

Key Insights

Benefits

Anti-Acne

Anti-Aging

Dark Spot Fading

Evens Skin Tone

Hydration

Smooths Bumpy Skin

Soothing

Risks

Silicone

Synthetic polymer

Full Ingredients

17 total

WATER ISODECYL NEOPENTANOATE DIMETHICONE AZELAIC ACID DIMETHICONE/BIS-ISOBUTYL PPG-20 CROSSPOLYMER DIMETHYL ISOSORBIDE HYDROXYETHYL ACRYLATE/SODIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE COPOLYMER POLYSILICONE-11 ISOHEXADECANE TOCOPHEROL TRISODIUM ETHYLENEDIAMINE DISUCCINATE ISOCETETH-20 POLYSORBATE 60 TRIETHANOLAMINE ETHOXYDIGLYCOL PHENOXYETHANOL CHLORPHENESIN

About Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%

Overview

Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% is a cushioning serum from The Ordinary, a brand based in Canada. The formula is built mainly around hydration. The ingredient list runs to 17 ingredients, each broken down in full below.

Texture and finish

By its ingredient list the formula reads as moderately cushioned — emollient enough to feel like a cream, without the heaviest occlusives near the top. Silicones in the formula tend to give a smooth, blurred finish and help it grip under makeup. Hydration is handled by Water, Isodecyl Neopentanoate and Dimethicone, humectants that pull water into the upper layers of skin rather than sealing it there.

What the formula does

Hydration: High. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Water, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Dimethicone and Dimethicone/bis-isobutyl Ppg-20 Crosspolymer.

Soothing: Moderate. Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity, and here that comes from Isodecyl Neopentanoate and Tocopherol.

Brightening: Moderate. Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks, and here that comes from Azelaic Acid and Tocopherol.

Cell renewal: Moderate. Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover, and here that comes from Azelaic Acid.

Who it suits

On richness alone it suits Balanced skin best, and is the least natural fit for Dry, Combination (dry), Combination (oily) and Oily skin. Nothing in the list is flagged as a common irritant, which is a reasonable starting point for reactive skin — though a patch test is still the only way to know.

What it does not target

The formula contributes little or nothing on barrier support, antioxidant protection, oil control and firmness signalling. That is not a fault — most products are not meant to do everything — but if one of those is your priority, this is not the product that will address it.

What is not in it

Reading the full list, the formula is fragrance-free, essential-oil-free, no drying alcohol, paraben-free, microplastic-free and sulfate-free. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging.

Where it fits in a routine

It can be used morning and evening. In a routine it goes after toner, before moisturiser. Apply to clean, dry skin and give it a minute to absorb before the next layer. Introduce one new treatment at a time so you can identify what is working.

This summary is generated from the product's ingredient list. It is not a review, it is not the brand's own marketing claims, and it does not replace advice from a dermatologist.

Pros and cons

Drawn purely from the ingredient list

Pros

No fragrance or declared allergens
No essential oils
No drying alcohol
No microplastics
Strong humectant content for hydration
No common irritants flagged in the list

Things to know

One ingredient could feed malassezia (fungal acne)

Which skin types it suits

Scored on how rich or light the formula reads from its INCI order.

Suitable for

Balanced skin

Less suitable for

Dry skin
Combination (dry) skin
Combination (oily) skin
Oily skin

Sensitive skin

No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.

Skin concerns

Based on the curated benefits documented for this product's ingredients.

Helps with

Hydration 4 ingredients

Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy
Anti-Acne 1 ingredient

Targets breakouts by reducing bacteria and unclogging pores
Anti-Aging 1 ingredient

Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Dark Spot Fading 1 ingredient

Fades hyperpigmentation and evens out dark spots over time
Evens Skin Tone 1 ingredient

Brightens and balances complexion for a more uniform appearance
Smooths Bumpy Skin 1 ingredient

Refines texture by gently exfoliating rough, uneven patches
Soothing 1 ingredient

Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin

Does not target

Blackhead Reducing Oil Control Pore Minimizer

None of the ingredients in this formula are associated with these benefits. This is not unusual, as most products are designed to target a limited number of concerns.

Key ingredients

The actives, UV filters and benefit-carrying ingredients in this formula, in the order they are listed.

Water

1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.

Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water

Hydration

Isodecyl Neopentanoate

2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

Propanoic acid, 2,2-dimethyl-, isodecyl ester

Hydration

Dimethicone

3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

Dimethicone

Hydration

Azelaic Acid

4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Nonanedioic acid

Anti-Acne Dark Spot Fading Smooths Bumpy Skin

Dimethicone/bis-isobutyl Ppg-20 Crosspolymer

5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Dimethicone/Bis-Isobutyl PPG-20 Crosspolymer is a crosslinked polymer of Hydrogen Dimethicone crosslinked with bis-methallyl PPG-20

Hydration

Tocopherol

10th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

3,4-Dihydro-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-2H-benzopyran-6-ol; .alpha.-tocopherol; Vitamin E

Anti-Aging Evens Skin Tone Soothing

Formula analysis

Each axis is scored from the ingredients present and how high up the list they sit.

Hydration High

Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin

Barrier support None

Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity

Antioxidant support None

Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution

Oil control None

Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine

Brightening Moderate

Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks

Soothing Moderate

Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity

Cell renewal Moderate

Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover

Firmness signalling None

Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support

What is and is not in it

Read from the full ingredient list. A brand's own claim may differ.

Free from

Fragrance-free
Essential-oil-free
No drying alcohol
Paraben-free
Microplastic-free
Sulfate-free
Dye-free
Oil-free
No animal-derived ingredients

Contains

Silicones

Dimethicone, Dimethicone/bis-isobutyl Ppg-20 Crosspolymer, Polysilicone-11

What to layer it with

Judged by the same curated rules our routine checker uses. It reads the ingredients, not the label.

Compatible with

Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)
Retinoids (retinol, retinal)
AHAs (glycolic, lactic)
BHA (salicylic acid)
PHAs (gluconolactone)
Benzoyl peroxide
Azelaic acid
Copper peptides
Bakuchiol
Niacinamide
Hyaluronic acid
Ceramides
Signal peptides
Panthenol
Sunscreen

Nothing in this formula belongs to a group our rules can put in conflict, so it layers freely. Order still matters — thinnest texture first.

Where it fits in a routine

Cleanse
Toning
Treat
Moisturise
Protect

This product is the "Treat" step.

Apply to clean, dry skin and give it a minute to absorb before the next layer.
Introduce one new treatment at a time so you can identify what is working.

Safety and suitability

Flags to check, not verdicts. None of this is medical advice — if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or treating a skin condition, ask a doctor.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Nothing in this formula is on the standard pregnancy-caution list. That is not clearance — ask your doctor about anything you use daily.
Fungal acne (malassezia): 1 ingredient could feed malassezia: Polysorbate 60. That is about the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that you will break out.
Sensitive and reactive skin: No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
Recorded ingredient risks: Silicone, Synthetic polymer

Ingredients by function

Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 17 ingredients on the label.

Emollient

Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells

Solvent

Dissolves and carries everything else

Surfactant

Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together

Texture agent

Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula

Occlusive

Forms a film that slows water loss

pH adjuster

Sets the acidity the formula needs to work

Preservative

Keeps the product free of microbial growth

Antioxidant

Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution

Humectant

Draws water into the upper layers of skin

Chelator

Binds trace metals that would otherwise spoil the formula

Ingredient breakdown

Every ingredient on the label, in order, with what it does and roughly how much of it is likely to be there.

1 Water Solvent

Estimated level: 30–80%
Confidence: Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles: Solvent

1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.

Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water

Hydration

3 scientific references

Skin Research and Technology, May 2015, pages 131-136
Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, November-December 1999, pages 344-351
Journal of Cosmetic Science, September-October 1993, pages 249-262

2 Isodecyl Neopentanoate Emollient

Estimated level: 5–20%
Confidence: Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles: Emollient

2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

Propanoic acid, 2,2-dimethyl-, isodecyl ester

Hydration

3 Dimethicone Emollient

Estimated level: 5–20%
Confidence: Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles: Emollient, Occlusive

3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

Dimethicone

Hydration Silicone

7 scientific references

FDA Code of Federal Regulations, April 2020, ePublication
International Journal of Toxicology, May 2014, pages 65S-115S
The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, May 2014, pages 36-44
Dermatologic Therapy, May 2012, pages 229-233
Clinics in Dermatology, May-June 2012, pages 345-348
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, January 2008, pages 19-33
Skin Research and Technology, May 2000, pages 77-80

4 Azelaic Acid pH adjuster

Estimated level: 2–10%
Confidence: Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles: pH adjuster

4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Nonanedioic acid

Anti-Acne Dark Spot Fading Smooths Bumpy Skin

8 scientific references

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, March 2017, pages 35-42
The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, March 2017, pages 37-40
Advanced Biomedical Research, February 2017, ePublication
Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, October 2016, pages 771-775
Skin Therapy Letter, January 2016, pages 1-7
Cutis, January 2016, pages E9-E11
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, September 2015, pages 964-968
International Journal of Toxicology, August 2012, pages 1-72

5 Dimethicone/bis-isobutyl Ppg-20 Crosspolymer Emollient

Estimated level: 2–10%
Confidence: Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles: Emollient, Texture agent

5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Dimethicone/Bis-Isobutyl PPG-20 Crosspolymer is a crosslinked polymer of Hydrogen Dimethicone crosslinked with bis-methallyl PPG-20

Hydration Silicone

6 Dimethyl Isosorbide Texture agent

Estimated level: 2–10%
Confidence: Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles: Texture agent, Solvent

6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

1,4:3,6-Dianhydro-2,5-di-O-methyl-D-glucitol

7 Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer Texture agent

Estimated level: 1–5%
Confidence: Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles: Texture agent

7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer is a copolymer of sodium hydroxyethyl acrylate and acryloyldimethyl taurate monomers

Synthetic polymer

8 Polysilicone-11 Occlusive

Estimated level: 1–5%
Confidence: Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles: Occlusive

8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Cyclosiloxanes, dimethyl, polymers with dimethyl, methyl hydrogen siloxanes and vinyl-group terminated dimethylsiloxanes

9 Isohexadecane Emollient

Estimated level: 1–5%
Confidence: Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles: Emollient, Solvent

9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Isohexadecane is a branched chain aliphatic hydrocarbon with 16 carbons.

10 Tocopherol Antioxidant

Estimated level: under 1%
Confidence: Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles: Antioxidant

10th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

3,4-Dihydro-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-2H-benzopyran-6-ol; .alpha.-tocopherol; Vitamin E

Anti-Aging Evens Skin Tone Soothing

4 scientific references

Journal or Agricultural and Food Chemistry, June 2010, pages 7013-7020
Journal of Investigative Dermatology, November 2001, pages 1212-1217
Canadian Family Physician, July 2006, pages 855-856
Dermatologic Surgery, April 1999, pages 311-315

11 Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate Chelator

Estimated level: under 1%
Confidence: Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles: Chelator

11th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

L-Aspartic acid, N,N'-1,2-ethanediylbis-, trisodium salt

12 Isoceteth-20 Surfactant

Estimated level: under 1%
Confidence: Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles: Surfactant

12th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Alcohols, C16-branched, ethoxylated (20 mol EO average molar ratio)

13 Polysorbate 60 Surfactant

Estimated level: under 1%
Confidence: Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles: Surfactant

13th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Sorbitan, monooctadecanoate, poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) derivs.

14 Triethanolamine Surfactant

Estimated level: under 1%
Confidence: Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles: Surfactant, pH adjuster

14th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

2,2',2''-Nitrilotriethanol

15 Ethoxydiglycol Humectant

Estimated level: under 1%
Confidence: Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles: Humectant, Solvent

15th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

2-(2-Ethoxyethoxy)ethanol; Carbitol; Diethylene glycol monoethyl ether; DEGEE

16 Phenoxyethanol Preservative

Estimated level: under 1%
Confidence: Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles: Preservative

16th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

2-Phenoxyethanol

17 Chlorphenesin Preservative

Estimated level: under 1%
Confidence: Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles: Preservative

17th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

1,2-Propanediol, 3-(4-chlorophenoxy)-