10% Azelaic Acid Booster
Ingredients
aqua, azelaic acid, c12-15 alkyl benzoate, caprylic/capric triglyceride, methyl glucose sesquistearate, glycerin, cetearyl alcohol, glyceryl stearate, dimethicone, salicylic acid, adenosine, glycyrrhiza glabra root extract, boerhavia diffusa root extract, allantoin, bisabolol, cyclopentasiloxane, xanthan gum, sclerotium gum, propanediol, butylene glycol, phenoxyethanol
This is one of those products where I noticed the results most clearly when I realised I wasn't having any skin problems to complain about.
I don't struggle severely with acne, but my commitment to using sunscreen all day every day (and keep trying new ones) does mean my skin gets clogged pores more often than not. After 3 weeks of using this booster consistently, I realised I had no acne at all. I didn't realise exactly when my skin cleared up, but it stayed that way the entire time I used this product. And the pores around my nose actually looked smaller.
The texture is a smooth paste, but it's not thick or difficult to spread. Paula's Choice describes it as a booster that can be used on its own or mixed with a serum or moisturizer, but I use it on its own as a serum. It layers easily with everything else in my routine and doesn't require any particular strategy.
The formula combines 10% azelaic acid with salicylic acid, which makes sense for the results I've seen. Azelaic acid is useful for acne and redness, while salicylic acid is particularly good at getting into pores and helping prevent the buildup that leads to congestion. There's also licorice root extract and Boerhavia diffusa extract, both ingredients that target uneven pigmentation and, along with adenosine, allantoin and bisabolol, have soothing properties.
What I appreciate most, however, is that this doesn't have that typical anti-acne product behaviour of stripping the skin of moisture and making it feel tight. It's actually the other way around, my skin feels well moisturised after using it. The texture still feels light and comfortable rather than oily, so I think people with oily skin that might be more sensitive to very emollient textures won't feel uncomfortable with this product. It's moisturising but does not feel like another layer of grease.
There's nothing complicated about this cream. It works, it layers, it keeps my skin clear, and I don't have to put up with dryness to get those results. Fully recommend.