Is The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% good for rosacea?

What does the rosacea seal mean?

An independent dermatologist panel evaluates accepted products for ingredients generally unsuitable for sensitive rosacea skin. The seal is a suitability check, which gives it a job beyond looking official. You can still react to an accepted product, and acceptance does not mean it will improve your rosacea. If you already use prescribed treatment, check with your healthcare provider before adding the suspension so it does not interfere with your plan.1

What can it help with?

The suspension targets uneven tone, texture and the look of redness, which is a crowded job description for something called a suspension. The Ordinary sells it as skincare, not rosacea medication. Azelaic acid offers mild exfoliation and antioxidant properties; it is neither an alpha hydroxy acid nor a beta hydroxy acid.34

For papulopustular rosacea, meaning rosacea with bumps and pus filled spots, prescription options include azelaic acid 15% gel and 20% cream. Prescription azelaic acid foam or gel can treat rosacea breakouts and may reduce persistent facial color. Persistent redness and visible blood vessels also have separate treatments, so choose treatment around the symptom rather than the ingredient alone.56

How do you use the suspension?

1. 1Patch test first. Apply a small amount to clean skin on your upper forearm, keep it dry and rinse after 24 hours. Do not use it if redness, burning, itching, blistering or irritation develops.
2. 2Use a gentle cleanser. General rosacea care includes a gentle cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen.
3. 3Apply a small amount after water based products and before heavier treatments. The Ordinary directs morning and evening use on unbroken skin, avoiding the eye contour, eyes and mouth.
4. 4Use sun protection during the day.

For this suspension, The Ordinary advises against combining it with direct acids, direct vitamin C, retinoids, peptides, copper peptides, EUK, niacinamide powder, Saccharomyces Ferment 30% Milky Toner, GF 15% Solution or Multi Active Delivery Essence. Do not stop prescribed medication to accommodate a cosmetic routine; ask how the suspension fits instead.13

How long should results take?

For topical rosacea medication generally, slight improvement can appear in 3 or 4 weeks, with a noticeable difference usually taking 2 to 3 months. That is a medication timeline, not a promised result for The Ordinary's 10% suspension. If bumps, persistent redness or discomfort need treatment, a dermatologist can assess your skin and choose a plan suited to those symptoms.6

When should you stop or get medical advice?

If the suspension irritates your skin, rinse it off, stop using it and consult a physician. General topical azelaic acid precautions include itching, burning, stinging and dryness; tell a doctor if symptoms are severe or persist. Seek emergency care for difficulty breathing or swallowing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat.23

Before using topical azelaic acid, discuss pregnancy, planned pregnancy or breastfeeding with your clinician. Also mention allergies, asthma, recurring cold sores and any medicines you use. Report changes in skin color, especially with a dark complexion. If rosacea affects your eyes, seek medical assessment rather than applying the suspension around them; eye rosacea needs its own treatment.26