This is a researched comparison of current US brand and retailer information, checked October 2026. We haven't worn or tested these products; texture descriptions are the brands', and the buying advice comes from comparing formulas, directions, sizes and prices.
One piece of context before the shortlist. In the US, azelaic acid at 15% and 20% is sold by prescription. A 10% serum is a cosmetic product in a separate category, not a cheaper copy of what a dermatologist would write for you.
Anua Azelaic Hyaluron Soothing Serum: the 10% starter
Anua states 10% azelaic acid on the product page and in its FAQ, and azelaic acid is the second ingredient, straight after water. The list then runs propylene glycol (a humectant that also helps dissolve the acid), sodium hydroxide (a pH adjuster that partly neutralizes the acid), dipropylene glycol (another humectant), 1,2-hexanediol, panthenol, hydroxyethylcellulose (a thickener) and betaine salicylate, a mild BHA-type exfoliant.
Further down are niacinamide, centella extracts with madecassoside, zinc PCA, squalane, ceramide NP and sodium hyaluronate. The ingredient list has no fragrance, and Anua says the green tint comes from the ingredients rather than added color. Anua describes a lightweight, fresh, non-greasy texture that can feel slightly tacky depending on how much you use.
The directions are the most cautious of the group. After cleansing and toner, apply 1–2 drops to dry or slightly damp skin (start on dry skin if you're sensitive or new to azelaic acid), let it absorb, then moisturize. Anua says to begin one or two times a week and build up as your skin tolerates it, to as many as 5 drops and as often as twice a day, with SPF 30 or higher in the daytime.
It's $15.99 for 30 ml at Sleepy Hello, checked October 2026, about 53 cents per ml. Our take: this is the easiest first azelaic acid serum to recommend, provided you remember the betaine salicylate and don't add a separate BHA on the same night.
Medicube Azelaic Acid 10 BB Soothing Serum: for pores and texture
Medicube also states 10% azelaic acid. Its ingredient list opens with water, butylene glycol, azelaic acid, propanediol, sodium hydroxide, propylene glycol, 1,2-hexanediol and niacinamide, so niacinamide sits much higher here than in Anua's serum. Medicube frames the formula around refining the look of pores and rough texture while supporting a more even-looking tone.
Supporting ingredients include centella extract, panthenol, allantoin, squalane, shea butter and ceramide NP. The list also includes lavender oil and linalool (a fragrance component) plus denatured alcohol. Medicube lists the serum for combination, oily and sensitive skin, but if fragrance components bother you, Anua's fragrance-free formula is the simpler pick.
Medicube describes a lightweight, quick-absorbing texture with a fresh, non-sticky finish. The directions say to apply 2–3 drops after toner to clean, dry skin on the face and neck, or a small amount to specific areas, pat or massage until absorbed, then moisturize and finish with sunscreen in the daytime. Medicube's standard schedule is morning and evening, and it suggests sensitive skin start every other day.
It's $22.99 for 30 ml at Sleepy Hello, checked October 2026, about 77 cents per ml. That faster starting schedule is the main difference to notice: if you're new to azelaic acid, we'd still begin at Anua's pace of a few evenings a week.
Centellian24 Madeca Azelaic Acid 10+ Calming Serum: azelaic acid plus a multi-acid blend
Centellian24 states 10% azelaic acid and pairs it with what it calls a multi-acid system. The ingredient list opens with water, propylene glycol, azelaic acid, sodium hydroxide, niacinamide, pentylene glycol, succinic acid, gluconolactone (a PHA, a large-molecule exfoliating acid), erythritol, xylitol and panthenol. Further down are salicylic acid (BHA), lactic acid (AHA) and phytic acid; the brand calls this "multi-acid texture care."
The rest of the formula leans on centella compounds (asiaticoside, madecassic acid and asiatic acid), zinc PCA, 4-terpineol and a long run of botanical extracts, including lavender, oregano, rosemary, thyme and mint. Centellian24 describes a lightweight, refreshing texture with a cooling feel.
The directions are short: after cleansing and toning, apply a few drops to clean, dry skin, focusing on areas of concern, and pat until absorbed. The product page doesn't publish a frequency. Because it layers several acids, we'd start at two or three evenings a week and skip any other exfoliant on those nights.
It's $28.99 for 30 ml at Sleepy Hello, checked October 2026, about 97 cents per ml, the most expensive serum here. It suits oily, breakout-prone skin that already tolerates acids and wants one bottle instead of an azelaic serum plus a BHA toner. Although Centellian24 designs it with sensitive skin in mind, we'd call it the wrong first step for easily irritated skin because of the stacked acids and botanical extracts.
Azelaic acid serum vs pad: which should you choose?
Choose a serum if azelaic acid is the reason you're shopping; choose the Anua pad if you want a hydrating, calming mask step for redness that comes from dryness. The two are built very differently, even though the pad's name includes "Azelaic 10."
The pad's liquid opens with water followed by eight humectants: butylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, propanediol, glycerin, betaine, diglycerin, methylpropanediol and hydroxyethyl urea. Azelaic acid appears after xanthan gum (a thickener) and disodium EDTA (a chelating agent), two ingredients normally used in small amounts, so the pad almost certainly holds far less azelaic acid than the serum. Neither our product page nor Anua's own pad page states a percentage or explains the "10." The formula also carries several forms of hyaluronic acid, a centella complex, panthenol and ceramide NP.
Anua's directions: after cleansing, place a pad on the area of concern for 10 to 20 minutes like a mask (you can stretch the fabric to cover more), remove it, then wipe it gently across your face. Anua says the pads can be used daily, morning or evening, and lists them for normal and sensitive skin.
It's $15.99 for 230 ml and 90 pads at Sleepy Hello, checked October 2026, about 18 cents a pad. Anua's own page suggests pairing the pad with the serum; if you do, use the pad in the toner step, let your skin dry, then apply the serum.
Mary&May Spicule Azelaic PDRN Spot Cream: 2% for single spots
Mary&May states 2% azelaic acid, 5% niacinamide and 1% panthenol, with 3,000 ppm of marine-derived micro spicules and 3,000 ppm of zinc PCA. The ingredient list opens with water, tea tree leaf water, propylene glycol, niacinamide, glycerin and azelaic acid. It also includes salicylic acid, madecassoside, centella extract and sodium DNA, which is the ingredient behind the "PDRN" in the name.
The spicules matter for how it feels. They are microscopic, needle-shaped particles from sponges, and the product page notes they create a noticeable, stimulating feel; expect a prickle by design. The list also includes tea tree leaf oil and fragrance components such as limonene and hexamethylindanopyran.
The only direction Mary&May publishes is to apply a moderate amount and gently massage it into the skin; no frequency is given. We'd keep it to individual blemishes, skip any broken or raw spots, and leave out other acids on the areas where you use it.
It's $10.99 for 15 g at Sleepy Hello, checked October 2026, about 73 cents per gram. Buy it for occasional spots when you don't want azelaic acid on your whole face. Skip it if fragrance or a prickly feel is a dealbreaker.
How to choose by strength and format
Start with the stated strength. The three serums all state 10% azelaic acid, the Mary&May spot cream states 2%, and Anua doesn't publish a figure for the pad. None of the brands publish a pH, so the percentage is only part of the picture; the base and the other acids in each formula change how strong a product feels.
Then check what else is exfoliating. Anua's serum contains betaine salicylate, Centellian24's adds salicylic acid, lactic acid and gluconolactone, and Mary&May adds salicylic acid and spicules. If you already use a BHA liquid, a peeling gel or an exfoliating pad, give it separate nights rather than stacking it with any of these.
Pick Anua's serum if you're new to azelaic acid, want fragrance-free, or want the lowest price per ml.
Pick Medicube's serum if pores and rough texture bother you more than redness and you don't mind lavender oil in the formula.
Pick Centellian24's serum if your skin already tolerates acids and you'd rather combine steps.
Pick Anua's pads if dryness and visible redness are the issue and you want a hydrating mask, not a strong active.
Pick Mary&May's spot cream if you only want azelaic acid on single blemishes.
If breakouts are painful, widespread or leaving lasting marks, a dermatologist can offer prescription options that a cosmetic serum doesn't replace.
Where to buy, prices at Sleepy Hello checked October 2026:
What percentage of azelaic acid is in Anua's azelaic acid serum?
Anua's Azelaic Hyaluron Soothing Serum contains 10% azelaic acid, stated on the product page and in its FAQ. The Azelaic 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Pads are a different product, and Anua doesn't publish their azelaic acid percentage.
Is 10% azelaic acid strong enough?
For a cosmetic serum, 10% is the highest stated strength in this group and plenty to start with. US prescription azelaic acid comes at 15% and 20% and is used under a clinician's guidance, so a 10% serum suits everyday tone, texture and blemish concerns rather than standing in for prescription care.
Can you use azelaic acid with niacinamide or retinol?
Niacinamide, yes: Medicube, Centellian24 and Mary&May already put it in the same formula, and Anua's serum includes some. Retinol is a step up; Anua's serum guide calls azelaic acid with retinol "not a beginner combination" and suggests alternate nights. If you use a prescription retinoid, ask your prescriber before adding azelaic acid.
Does azelaic acid sting or tingle at first?
It can. A brief tingle or itch is a known effect of azelaic acid when you first start. Anua says to begin once or twice a week, on dry skin if you're sensitive or new to azelaic acid, and Medicube suggests every other day for sensitive skin. Burning that lasts, a rash or swelling is a reason to rinse it off and stop, and to get medical advice if it doesn't settle.
Can you use azelaic acid every day?
Yes, once your skin is used to it. Anua allows the serum up to twice a day, Medicube's standard directions are morning and evening, and Anua says the pads can be used daily; Centellian24 and Mary&May don't publish a frequency. On daytime use, finish with sunscreen; Anua specifies SPF 30 or higher.
How to use azelaic acid: apply after toner on dry skin, start once or twice a week and finish with SPF. Compare Anua, Medicube and Centellian24 10% serums.
