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The Ordinary · Serums

Azelaic Suspension 10%

$12.2·30 ml·Leave-on
80
Low concern

Why this score

Concern47 / 55
  • Chlorphenesin: watch if sensitive

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 restraint13 / 25
  • 2 known irritant or fragrance-allergen ingredients: Azelaic Acid, Chlorphenesin.

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.

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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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Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate CopolymerGenerally safe

A rheology modifier that thickens gels and serums while maintaining a lightweight, non-sticky feel. Provides suspension and stability in water-based formulas. Widely used and well tolerated.

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Polysilicone-11Generally safe

A silicone polymer used in hair and skin care products for conditioning and shine. It is inert and well tolerated, with no identified safety concerns at cosmetic concentrations.

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IsohexadecaneGenerally safe

This branched hydrocarbon is one of the isoparaffins the CIR Expert Panel reviewed and found safe as used in cosmetics, including as an emollient in leave-on face creams. It is generally considered non-comedogenic and used mainly to give a lightweight, non-greasy skin feel.

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Vitamin EGenerally safe

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

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Polysorbate 60Generally safe

A synthetic surfactant widely used to emulsify oils and water in cosmetics. It is well tolerated and has been used safely in cosmetic formulations for decades.

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PhenoxyethanolCommonly feared, low concern

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

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ChlorphenesinWatch if sensitive

Chlorphenesin is a preservative subject to an EU maximum concentration limit and has been linked to contact dermatitis in a minority of users, particularly with repeated exposure. Most people tolerate it at the regulated use level without issue.

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Lower-concern alternatives

Same category, higher PlainScore.

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