Compare / Azelaic acid serums
The Ordinary vs Anua vs Naturium vs Paula's Choice azelaic acid: which one should you buy?
Four of these five list real 10% azelaic acid. The Ordinary is the cheapest at $12.20. Naturium's best-seller, "Azelaic Acid Derivative Complex 10%", uses a derivative instead; Naturium's Emulsion 10% ($19.88) is the one with real azelaic acid. Paula's Choice ($42.00) adds 0.5% salicylic acid.
- Cheapest real 10%: The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% azelaic acid, 30 mL, $0.41 per mL. Thick, silicone-based cream. Buy on Amazon $12.20
- Lightest, for redness: Anua Azelaic Acid 10 Serum 10% azelaic acid with centella and niacinamide in a water-based serum. Buy on Amazon $22.00
- For breakouts: Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster 10% azelaic acid plus 0.5% salicylic acid, in a cream-gel. Buy on Amazon $42.00
Prices checked on Amazon 2026-10-01. Some links earn us a commission. It does not change the comparison.
01 / Side by side
What each bottle actually contains
"Azelaic acid" means the ingredient list says Azelaic Acid. A derivative is a related molecule with a different name on the label. All are 30 mL.
| Product | What it uses | Texture | Also in it | Price | Per mL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The OrdinaryAzelaic Acid Suspension 10% | 10% azelaic acid | cream-like suspension with a silicone base | none | $12.20 on Amazon | $0.41 |
| AnuaAzelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum | 10% azelaic acid | water-based serum | niacinamide, centella asiatica, betaine salicylate, sodium hyaluronate | $22.00 on Amazon | $0.73 |
| NaturiumAzelaic Acid Emulsion 10% | 10% azelaic acid | creamy, lightweight emulsion | niacinamide, bio-retinol, brightening complex | $19.88 on Amazon | $0.66 |
| NaturiumAzelaic Acid Derivative Complex 10% | Derivative: potassium azeloyl diglycinate | liquid serum | niacinamide, ethyl ascorbic acid (vitamin C), coffee seed extract, sodium hyaluronate | $19.88 on Amazon | $0.66 |
| Paula's Choice10% Azelaic Acid Booster | 10% azelaic acid | cream-gel | 0.5% salicylic acid, licorice root extract, bisabolol, allantoin | $42.00 on Amazon | $1.40 |
02 / Which one for you
Pick by your skin
You want the most azelaic acid for the least money
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% ($12.20). It is real 10% azelaic acid. The texture is a thick, silicone-based cream.
Your skin is red or sensitive
Anua's 10% serum ($22.00) is light and adds centella and niacinamide. Start every other night.
You get breakouts and clogged pores
Paula's Choice ($42.00) pairs 10% azelaic acid with 0.5% salicylic acid. It costs about 3 times The Ordinary.
You were about to buy Naturium
Check the name. "Azelaic Acid Derivative Complex 10%" uses a derivative. "Azelaic Acid Emulsion 10%" ($19.88) uses real azelaic acid, plus niacinamide.
03 / Questions
Frequently asked
- Is The Ordinary azelaic acid as good as Paula's Choice?
- Both list real azelaic acid at 10%. The Ordinary costs $12.20; Paula's Choice costs $42.00 and adds 0.5% salicylic acid, licorice root extract and bisabolol. The Ordinary is a thicker, silicone-based suspension; Paula's Choice is a lighter cream-gel.
- Is Naturium azelaic acid real azelaic acid?
- It depends which one. Naturium's best-selling "Azelaic Acid Derivative Complex 10%" (formerly "Azelaic Topical Acid 10%") lists potassium azeloyl diglycinate, a derivative, and no azelaic acid. Naturium's "Azelaic Acid Emulsion 10%" is the one Naturium says uses pure azelaic acid. Both are $19.88 on Amazon.
- Is Anua azelaic acid 15 or 10?
- In the US, Anua sells the "Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum" (10%) on anua.com and Amazon ($22.00). The "Azelaic Acid 15" serum was not listed on Anua's US site when we checked on 2026-10-01; you may see it from other sellers.
- Which azelaic acid is best for redness and sensitive skin?
- Start with a real 10% azelaic acid a few nights a week. Anua's serum adds soothing centella and niacinamide in a light water-based serum. Prescription azelaic acid is 15% or 20%; ask a dermatologist if 10% is not enough.
04 / Sources
Where the facts come from
- Brand product pages read 2026-10-01: theordinary.com (Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%), anua.com (Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum; the 15 serum is not sold on anua.com US), naturium.com (Azelaic Acid Derivative Complex 10% and Azelaic Acid Emulsion 10%), paulaschoice.com (10% Azelaic Acid Booster).
- Ingredient lists: brand pages for The Ordinary, Anua and Naturium Derivative Complex; Dermstore for Paula's Choice.
- Amazon prices and stock: read from each amazon.com product page 2026-10-01 (daily check thereafter).