The Ordinary lists the product as oil free, but that does not mean silicone free. Oil free and silicone free are different claims, because 'free' is not a blanket exemption from chemistry.1

What should you check on your tube?

If you want to avoid silicones, this formula is not the right choice. Check the ingredient list on your own box, particularly if you bought the product outside Spain. The Ordinary updates its formulas, and ingredients can differ by purchase date and region. Formulas can change with time and region, so an old ingredient list is not a lifetime contract.1

What does silicone do in skincare?

Silicones are synthetic polymers, meaning materials made from long chains of repeating chemical units. They come in different forms, including oils, rubbers and hard resins. Silicone is a family of materials, not one ingredient with one texture.2

Dimethicone is a silicone ingredient used in moisturizers that can help dry skin and make skin feel soft. In barrier creams, silicone and dimethicone act as occlusive ingredients, helping limit moisture loss. Silicone barrier creams are less greasy than petroleum based versions. These are general skincare uses; The Ordinary's suspension is a creamlike treatment aimed at uneven tone and texture, not a substitute for a barrier cream.134

How do you use the suspension?

  1. 1Patch test before applying the product to your face.
  2. 2Apply your water based products first.
  3. 3Apply a small amount of Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% to intact facial skin, avoiding the eye area, eyes and mouth. The Ordinary allows morning and evening use.
  4. 4Apply heavier treatments afterwards, and use sunscreen during the day.
5

The Ordinary tells you to avoid combining this suspension with strong acids, retinoids or peptides. Its product compatibility list also excludes direct vitamin C and niacinamide powder.5

What if your skin is sensitive?

The Ordinary recommends patch testing, including for sensitive skin. Apply a small amount to a clean area of the upper forearm, keep the area dry and rinse after 24 hours. Do not use the product if the test causes redness, burning, itching, blistering or irritation.5

If irritation develops during normal use, rinse the product off, stop using it and consult a doctor.5

Where this answer comes from

  1. 1Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% para la Exfoliación y Tono Uniforme de la Pieltheordinary.com
  2. 2Silicone dressingsdermnetnz.org
  3. 3Popular Skin Care Ingredients Explainedhealth.clevelandclinic.org
  4. 4Barrier creamdermnetnz.org
  5. 5Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% para la Exfoliación y Tono Uniforme de la Pieltheordinary.com