10% Azelaic Acid Booster

This unique formula uses potent azelaic acid, plus other powerhouse ingredients to clarify uneven tone, target stubborn spots and soothe skin resulting in smoother, more radiant, younger-looking skin.

• Azelaic acid’s effectiveness is backed by over 20 years of research
• Lightweight, oil-free cream-gel texture
• Use alone or add to your moisturizer or serum

Powerful azelaic acid, salicylic acid (BHA) and soothing botanicals smooth & even skin. Ongoing use can visibly diminish bumps and blemishes.

After cleansing, toning & exfoliating, apply to face & neck.

Once or twice daily, apply to face and neck. May be used alone or added to your favorite moisturizer or serum. For daytime, always follow with sunscreen.

If you have a salicylate allergy, check with your physician before using any products that contain salicylic acid.

Azelaic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Adenosine, Allantoin, Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract

Can I use the 10% Azelaic Acid Booster if I have acne?

Yes, azelaic acid is suitable even for those with acne-prone skin when used in combination with our CLEAR anti-acne collection.

Is azelaic acid an exfoliant?

Azelaic acid isn’t strictly an exfoliant in the same way an AHA or BHA product is. While it does offer mild exfoliating effects, it’s not intended to take the place of your normal exfoliant step. Instead, azelaic acid’s robust benefits complement what an AHA or BHA exfoliant can do for clearer skin.

Is azelaic acid good for sensitive skin?

For sensitive skin, we recommend testing azelaic acid on a small area where you have sensitivity and seeing how your unique skin type responds.

What does azelaic acid do?

Azelaic acid is really good at keeping skin healthy because it blocks things that can cause aggravation. It’s a unique antioxidant, and its multi-pronged benefits include brightening, clearing and soothing skin.

How long does azelaic acid take to work?

Azelaic acid works from the first application, with full results visible after 4-12 weeks of consistent daily use. Immediately calmer skin may be noticeable even sooner.

Is azelaic acid an AHA?

Azelaic acid is not an AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) nor is it a BHA (beta hydroxy acid). Azelaic acid is classified as a dicarboxylic acid, which offers unique skin-calming properties.

Can azelaic acid cause purging?

While azelaic acid is generally well-tolerated due to its gentle, soothing nature, there are rare instances of skin purging, especially if someone is using it for the first time. This is only temporary, however, and clears quickly. Learn more about skin purging.

How should azelaic acid be used in a routine?

Azelaic acid can be used morning and/or night. Use your cleanser, toner and AHA or BHA exfoliant first, then layer your azelaic acid treatment in along with the rest of the products in your routine in order of thinnest to thickest texture. During the day, always finish with SPF 30+.

Can you apply moisturizer after azelaic acid?

Yes, you can apply moisturizer after azelaic acid. Another option is to mix azelaic acid directly into your non-SPF moisturizer. This ingredient plays nicely with others — there is no concern of it overpowering or deactivating other superstar actives.

Can you use azelaic acid every day?

Yes, you can use azelaic acid every day (up to twice daily). Consistent use is key for best/fastest results.

What does azelaic acid do for discoloration?

Azelaic acid visibly improves the look of discoloration by clarifying and evening skin tone. Additionally, by calming factors within skin, visible symptoms associated with discoloration become less noticeable.

Does the 10% Azelaic Acid Booster have a noticeable scent?

While Paula's Choice products are fragrance-free, each product may have a unique scent due to its ingredients. The scent of the 10% Azelaic Acid Booster that some may notice is from the combination of ingredients it contains. This scent dissipates quickly after application. The perception of smell can vary greatly between individuals, so what one person notices, another may not notice at all. Many customers find that they quickly get used to the unique scents of Paula's Choice products and that the benefits outweigh any potential drawbacks. Learn more about fragrance-free skin care. 

Does the 10% Azelaic Acid Booster work well under makeup?

This azelaic acid’s lightweight cream-gel texture generally works well under makeup. Applied in thin layer and allowed to absorb, this non-pilling, oil-free multitasker helps smooth skin’s texture and provides a comfortable base for foundations, skin tints, sunscreens, and other complexion products.