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The Ordinary · Serums

Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%

$8·30 ml·Leave-on
89
Low concern

Why this score

Concern52 / 55
  • No ingredients carry meaningful, evidence-backed concern.

How much genuine, cited concern the ingredients carry, weighted by how much of each is likely present and whether the product stays on or rinses off.

Transparency20 / 20
  • No hidden fragrance blend.

Whether the full ingredient list, and any fragrance, are actually disclosed.

Formulation restraint17 / 25
  • 1 known irritant or fragrance-allergen ingredient: Azelaic Acid.

Needless irritant or allergen load for the product type. A clean, purposeful formula scores well without any "free-from" theater.

Scored by PlainBody Editorial against the PlainScore method · Label checked July 2026

What’s inside

WaterGenerally safe

The base most products are built on. It carries the other ingredients and has no safety concern.

Full ingredient details →
DimethiconeCommonly feared, low concern

A silicone that gives a smooth, soft feel and helps hold water in the skin. Inert and well studied.

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Azelaic AcidWatch if sensitive

A naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid used to even tone and calm breakout-prone or redness-prone skin, also available at higher strengths by prescription. It is well tolerated overall, though mild tingling or dryness can occur when starting use.

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Vitamin EGenerally safe

An antioxidant that helps protect a formula and condition skin. Well tolerated.

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Below the 1% line

PhenoxyethanolCommonly feared, low concern

A widely used preservative, safe at the legal limit of 1% or less. Often the "paraben-free" replacement.

Full ingredient details →

Efficacy lens: we rate what is in it; for whether this formula is likely to work, see its SerumProof review at SerumTruth ↗, our sister site.

Lower-concern alternatives

Same category, higher PlainScore.

Compare Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% against anything we have scored →

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Cosmetic information for general education, not medical advice. Concern ratings are evidence-graded and cited on each ingredient page. See how we score.