The Story Behind The Ordinary
The Ordinary is a popular skin care brand under the global beauty brand, Deciem’s, umbrella. Created to offer effective, clinical solutions at an affordable price tag, The Ordinary features a cohesive collection of treatments to meet the most common skin care needs. Since its launch, The Ordinary has gained a loyal customer base of users who not only love The Ordinary skin care products, but also appreciate the brand’s commitment to transparency. In this review, we are going to focus on The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%. We’ll discuss what it is, the key ingredients, how to use it, reviews from real customers, and more.
What is The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%?
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% is a lightweight cream-gel that is said to brighten the skin tone while visibly improving the evenness of skin texture and reducing the look of blemishes. This formula offers a very high 10% concentration of high-purity azelaic acid, an multi-tasking ingredient that provides many benefits to the skin. The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% can be used by all skin types, but is best for those with acne-prone skin and/or dull skin.
What Are The Key Ingredients in The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%?
Did you know that azelaic acid is produced naturally by yeast that lives on normal skin? Specifically, it is produced by the yeast Malassezia furfur (also known as Pityrosporum ovale). It is also found naturally in wheat, rye, and barley. Azelaic acid is a unique ingredient because it has numerous pharmacological uses in dermatology. It is known to help with common skin conditions, such as acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation.
Let’s discuss how azelaic acid can help with acne. One primary cause of acne inflammation is the excess buildup of skin cells around the follicle. This is where azelaic acid steps in to help fight acne. Azelaic acid normalizes the shedding of these cells and opens the follicle, resulting in fewer comedones (pimples). Azelaic acid also has been shown to prevent the growth of acne bacteria. According to a publication in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Both in vitro and in vivo it has an antimicrobial effect on both aerobic and anaerobic (Propionibacterium acnes) microorganisms. This dual purpose makes azelaic acid one of the more effective acne ingredients.
Azelaic acid also functions as a potent antioxidant. Antioxidants help to protect the skin from free radicals, the unstable molecules that contribute to the formation of premature wrinkles and fine lines on the skin. Oxidative stress due to free radicals also contributes to inflammation that can lead to rosacea. According to a publication in The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, the potent antioxidant effects of azelaic acid provide a potential explanation for its efficacy in the treatment of rosacea.
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% may also help to fade hyperpigmentation and improve skin brightness since azelaic acid functions as a tyrosinase inhibitor. Tyrosinase is a key enzyme involved in the synthesis of melanin, the pigment that gives skin color and also contributes to the formation of undesirable dark spots. By inhibiting tyrosinase, azelaic acid may be able to reduce abnormal pigmentation associated with aging and exposure to UV light.
Azelaic acid is really the only key ingredient in The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%. The rest of the formulation consists of supporting ingredients, like emollients and silicones. Silicones improve a product’s spreadability while imparting a silky, smooth skin feel. In addition, silicones form a protective covering on the skin that provides both water-binding and water-resistant properties. The water-binding portion of the molecule is the highly flexible and mobile siloxane backbone, which binds to moisture in the air and holds it to the skin. This backbone also allows the water-repelling methyl groups to orient themselves toward the surface, creating a waterproof “umbrella” that prevents trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL).
How to Use The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
Apply The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% to face in the morning and/or evening. It is recommended to avoid contact with eyes and mouth, use sun protection during the day, and use only as directed on unbroken skin. If irritation occurs, cease use and consult a physician. Patch testing prior to use is advised.
Where is The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% Sold?
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% and other skin care products by The Ordinary are sold on the brand’s website, as well as third party sellers like Amazon, Ulta, and Sephora. The brand has a store locator and list of authorized retailers on their website.
What is The Ordinary Return Policy?
All Deciem brands, including The Ordinary, offer a 365-day full refund policy.
Is The Ordinary Cruelty Free?
The Ordinary is cruelty free. DECIEM and The Ordinary do not test on animals and do not ask others to do so. For this reason, none of their brands or products are sold in stores or conventional retailers in mainland China, since such sales require animal testing for registration purposes.
References:
1. J Am Acad Dermatol 1987 Dec;17(6):1033-41.
2. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2009 Jan; 2(1): 26–30.
