Azelaic Acid by Paula’s Choice

The Azelaic Acid Collection by Paula’s Choice: Targeted Skincare That Works Harder

There’s skincare that promises and then there’s skincare that performs. The Azelaic Acid Collection by Paula’s Choice is firmly in the latter category — precise, potent, and engineered to deliver visible results. If your skin’s been dealing with redness, blemishes or uneven tone, this is your upgrade.

Azelaic acid isn’t new, but it’s having a moment and for good reason. Dermatologist-approved, backed by science and surprisingly gentle for its efficacy, it tackles skin imperfections without creating new ones. Paula’s Choice takes this multitasking active and builds high-performance formulas that respect the skin barrier. The patented formulas help with clarity, smoothness and balance.

Let’s break it down — what azelaic acid does, who it’s for and why this range deserves a spot in your daily routine.

What Does Azelaic Acid Do?

Azelaic acid is a dicarboxylic acid derived from grains. So what it does on your skin is where things get interesting.

• Fights blemishes by targeting acne-causing bacteria
• Reduces inflammation, making it a go-to for redness-prone skin
• Fades post-acne marks and hyperpigmentation
• Improves texture with a mild, non-irritating exfoliating effect

It’s one of the few actives that can do all this without over-drying or overwhelming your skin. This makes it ideal for anyone walking the line between breakouts and sensitivity.

Why Paula’s Choice Nails It?

Not all azelaic acid products are created equal. Paula’s Choice has its patented formula that works like magic. Every formula is:

• Clinically backed
• Fragrance-free and non-irritating
• Cruelty-free and transparently sourced
• Designed to work across skin types, tones, and concerns

And importantly, these aren’t one-note solutions. Each product in the range layers azelaic acid with complementary actives. These are mainly salicylic acid, licorice extract or hydrating emollients used to deliver more than just one result. This is skincare with edge, intent, and purpose.

The Line-Up: Azelaic Acid, Formulated Your Way

10% Azelaic Acid Booster

This is the product that put azelaic acid on the map for skincare insiders. A 10% azelaic acid cream that works like a brightening, clarifying, redness-reducing powerhouse minus the irritation.

Key Actives:

• 10% Azelaic Acid
• 0.5% Salicylic Acid
• Licorice Root Extract

Texture: Lightweight cream-gel

Use: As a spot treatment or mixed with your daily moisturizer

This formula clears up congestion and discolouration while being kind to sensitive skin. Well, this is a fuss-free way to even tone and reduce inflammation.

Clinical Azelaic Acid + BHA Exfoliant

This one’s for skin that won’t behave. A more intensive formula combining azelaic acid with salicylic acid (BHA) to unclog pores, smooth rough patches and brighten stubborn spots.

Best For:

• Blemish-prone skin
• Redness
• Post-acne pigmentation
• Uneven skin tone

Texture: Gel-cream hybrid, absorbs fast and leaves zero residue

It’s a two-in-one treatment that clears while calming. If your skin’s fed up with flare-ups or post-breakout damage, this clinical blend resets the tone — literally.

Azelaic Acid Cream, Serum or Gel — What’s Right for You?

The texture matters and Paula’s Choice gets that. Whether you prefer a serum-like booster, a cream-gel hybrid or a lightweight exfoliating gel, this collection is designed to fit effortlessly into your existing routine.

• Cream-based booster: Ideal for dry to combination skin
• Gel-cream exfoliant: Perfect for oily, acne-prone or reactive skin
• Mix-in format: Allows layering without overloading

Choose based on skin texture, tolerance and how you like your actives delivered. Fix your skin issues without a lengthy skincare treatment.

Who It’s Made For?

This range doesn’t target just one concern — it is ideal for many. The sweet spot? Skin that’s reactive but needs results. If you’ve found other actives too harsh or too specific, azelaic acid serum and cream meets you in the middle.

Best for:

• Skin with redness, sensitivity, or rosacea tendencies
• Breakouts that leave behind hyperpigmentation
• Textural roughness that needs gentle smoothing
• Tired skin that needs clarity and calm

This is skincare for skin that’s been through a lot — and wants to recover, not react.

What You Will Actually Notice?

The results are just visible. With regular use, here’s what most users experience:

• Fewer breakouts
• Calmer, less reactive skin
• Faded spots and smoother tone
• Overall boost in skin clarity and evenness

So if you are wondering about what does azelaic acid do, well, ot’s not about the sudden overnight changes. It’s about a skin shift you can feel and others notice.

Best Azelaic Acid Cream for Upgrading Your Skincare

The Azelaic Acid Collection by Paula’s Choice doesn’t try to do everything. It just does what works — with precision. It’s made for skin that’s ready to move past the guesswork and into results. With formulas that are clean, clinical and uncompromising, this is targeted skincare done right.

If you’re looking for clarity — in results, ingredients or direction — start here. Explore the entire collection now!

FAQ's

1. What is azelaic acid and how does it help the skin?

Azelaic acid is a gentle, multi-tasking active derived from grains. It helps reduce acne, fade hyperpigmentation, calm redness, and improve skin texture. The Paula’s Choice azelaic acid range uses this ingredient to target blemishes and uneven tone without irritating sensitive skin.

2. Is azelaic acid suitable for sensitive or acne-prone skin?

Yes, azelaic acid is one of the few active ingredients that works well for both sensitive and acne-prone skin. The Paula’s Choice azelaic acid serum and cream formulas are fragrance-free and clinically tested to calm redness, treat breakouts, and even out skin tone without causing dryness or flare-ups.

3. What is the difference between the 10% Azelaic Acid Booster and the Clinical Azelaic Acid + BHA Exfoliant?

The 10% Azelaic Acid Booster is ideal for daily brightening and calming, with added licorice and salicylic acid in a lightweight cream-gel texture. The Clinical Azelaic Acid + BHA Exfoliant is more intensive, combining exfoliation and redness relief — best for stubborn breakouts and post-acne marks. Choose based on your skin’s tolerance and needs.

4. Can I use azelaic acid with other active ingredients like niacinamide or retinol?

Yes, azelaic acid is generally safe to layer with other ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and even retinol, as long as your skin tolerates it well. Paula’s Choice formulas are designed to work within your routine without causing irritation or overload.

5. How long does it take to see results from Paula’s Choice azelaic acid products?

With consistent use, most users begin to notice improvements — such as fewer breakouts, reduced redness, and smoother tone — within 4 to 6 weeks. Paula’s Choice azelaic acid cream and serum focus on visible but gradual improvements that are gentle yet effective over time.

6. Can you use azelaic acid and niacinamide together?

Yes, azelaic acid and niacinamide can be used together, and they can even complement each other's benefits. Both are generally considered gentle and compatible with most skin types, and their combined use can be beneficial for addressing various skin concerns like redness, hyperpigmentation, and acne.