If you struggle with redness, acne, or sensitive skin, there’s a good chance you’ve come across the Azelaic Acid 10% Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum by Anua as I have. This powerhouse ingredient combination is often overlooked, but it just might be your new favorite step in your skincare routine.
Let’s dive into why azelaic acid deserves more love, how this specific formula stands out, and how to use it correctly for the best results.
🧪 What Is Azelaic Acid?
Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid found in grains like barley and wheat — but in skincare, it’s typically synthetically derived to ensure purity and stability.
💡 What It Does:
- Reduces redness and inflammation
- Fights acne-causing bacteria (like Cutibacterium acnes)
- Gently exfoliates and brightens post-acne marks and dark spots
- Helps calm conditions like rosacea
- Has antioxidant properties
Unlike strong acids like AHAs and BHAs, azelaic acid is non-exfoliating in the traditional sense, making it ideal for sensitive skin types.
🌿 What Makes This Serum Different?
Not all azelaic acid serums are created equal. This formula pairs 10% azelaic acid with:
- Hyaluronic acid for hydration support
- Panthenol (Vitamin B5) or similar barrier-supportive ingredients
- A lightweight, non-comedogenic base that doesn’t clog pores
- Soothing plant extracts to counteract dryness or irritation
Many azelaic acid products (like The Ordinary or prescription Finacea) can feel gritty or drying. This serum, however, is silky, calming, and easier to layer, making it more approachable for daily use — especially if you’re new to the ingredient.
This serum felt extremely hydrating and soothing while also not feel overwhelming on the skin to the point that I could layer other skincare products with it very easily.
👩⚕️ Who Is This Serum Good For?
This serum is a standout for:
- Redness-prone or rosacea-prone skin
- Acne-prone skin (especially hormonal breakouts)
- Hyperpigmentation or uneven skin tone
- Sensitive or sensitized skin
- Those who can’t tolerate retinoids or stronger exfoliants
It’s also fungal acne safe, depending on the full INCI list, and works well in both minimalist and complex routines. Since I am currently using Differin gel (adapalene) I found using this product helps calm the aftereffects of acne purging out from Differin.
🧴 How to Use It (Step-by-Step)
✅ When to Use:
- Once or twice daily, depending on your skin’s tolerance
- Works great in both morning and night routines
🧼 Where It Goes in Your Routine:
- Cleanser (e.g., CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser or low pH gel cleanser)
- Toner or Essence (optional)
- Retinol (optional)
- Azelaic Acid 10% Serum
- Barrier Repair Serum (optional)
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen (AM only)
🕐 Start with once daily or every other day (preferably PM) and build up. You may experience mild tingling or dryness at first — this is normal but should subside.
🔁 How Often to Use It
- Beginner-friendly: 3x/week and gradually increase
- Intermediate: Daily
- Advanced users: Twice daily use (AM + PM), if no sensitivity
Azelaic acid is one of the few actives that’s safe to combine with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and even some retinoids — but always introduce slowly if combining.
📝Experience using Azelaic Acid from Anua for 2 months
Due to the amount of purging I was getting from using Differin Gel to reduce/control my acne, I wanted to start using Azelaic Acid to help with the redness and post acne marks. It was important to me to find an ingredient that could work alongside Adapalene without causing irritation or excessive dryness.
Right now seems like one pimple goes away and another pops up in its place 😂.
I will say using this everyday in the morning and evening my skin has gotten in a better place dispute the purging.
I feel like I can bounce back from an pimple or acne scar faster using this product.
🧠 Interesting Facts & Tips
- It’s pregnancy-safe, unlike retinol or salicylic acid
- Azelaic acid can visibly reduce post-acne marks in as little as 4 weeks
- Helps reduce sebaceous filaments and skin texture
- Doesn’t make skin photosensitive, but SPF is still a must
⭐ Final Thoughts
The Anua Azelaic Acid 10% Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum is a skincare workhorse that deserves a place in more routines. It tackles acne, redness, texture, and pigmentation — all while staying gentle enough for sensitive skin. Its a great ingridient to also use in conjunction with Retinol or Adapalene since it is gentle enough to add without harsh effects.
If you’re tired of harsh treatments and just want clearer, calmer, more balanced skin, this may be your new holy grail serum.
