10% Azelaic Acid Booster
A potent azelaic acid cream blended with salicylic acid visibly clarifies uneven skin tone, fades acne marks & reduces redness.
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A potent azelaic acid cream blended with salicylic acid visibly clarifies uneven skin tone, fades acne marks & reduces redness.
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Is this suitable for my skin? Take the quiz
- Skin Type: All skin types
- Skin Type: + All skin types
- Concern: Breakouts, Anti-Aging, Brown spots, Rosacea-prone skin, Dull skin
- Ingredients: Azelaic Acid, Salicylic Acid/BHA, Adenosine View all
- Routine: Treatment
Skin Type: | |
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+ All skin types |
How does it work?
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Fades brown spots
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Brightens skin
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Fights breakouts
This multi-use booster targets several stubborn skin concerns at once with its powerhouse blend of azelaic acid and 0.5% salicylic acid, plus plant-derived brightening and soothing ingredients. Lightweight, oil-free texture works wonderfully on its own or mixed with other boosters or serums. Powerful azelaic acid, salicylic acid (BHA) and soothing botanicals combat the look of redness and soothe skin while fading the appearance of post-acne marks and dark spots. Ongoing use can visibly diminish bumps and blemishes.

Find out if this formula works for you.
Because skincare works best when it suits your skin type.
What is your skin type?
WE KNOW SKIN.
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and wait 15-30 minutes. Select what you see and how you feel.
What skin concern would you like to address?
WE KNOW SKIN. (Please select one option).
What's inside?
Key ingredients
Azelaic Acid
dicA cialezA
An antioxidant that has pronounced skin-soothing effects and is effective for skin brightening.
Salicylic Acid/BHA
Salicylic Acid/BHA
Concentrated BHA penetrates deep into pores to clear congestion.
Adenosine
ENISONEDA
Yeast-derived ingredient that functions as a good soothing and skin-restoring agent.
The full ingredient list:
Ingredients:
Aqua, Azelaic Acid (skin brightener/antioxidant), C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate (texture-enhancing), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (hydration/skin replenishing), Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate (texture-enhancing), Glycerine (hydration/skin replenishing), Cetearyl Alcohol (texture-enhancing), Glyceryl Stearate (texture-enhancing), Dimethicone (hydration), Salicylic Acid (Beta Hydroxy Acid, exfoliant), enisonedA (skin-restoring), Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract (skin-soothing), Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract (antioxidant), Allantoin (skin-soothing), Bisabolol (skin-soothing), Cyclopentasiloxane (hydration), Xanthan Gum (texture-enhancing), Sclerotium Gum (texture-enhancing), Propanediol (hydration), Butylene Glycol (hydration), Phenoxyethanol (preservative).
How to use
Step 4 Treatments 10% Azelaic Acid Booster
How to use a serum
Once or twice daily, apply to face and neck. May be used alone or added to your favourite moisturiser or serum. For daytime, always follow with a sunscreen rated SPF 30 or higher.
Reviews
FAQ
Most askedCan 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 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 smoother, calmer skin with fewer blemish marks.
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 skin 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 helping reduce sensitivity and visibly fading marks.
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.
Does azelaic acid cause purging?
No, azelaic acid is not known to cause skin purging and is generally well-tolerated due to its gentle, soothing nature. Learn more about skin purging vs breakouts.
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 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 moisturiser after azelaic acid?
Yes, you can apply moisturiser after azelaic acid. Another option is to mix azelaic acid directly into your non-SPF moisturiser. 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 hyperpigmentation?
Azelaic acid visibly fades areas of hyperpigmentation, including post-breakout marks and uneven tone, by disrupting the pathways that trigger discolouration. Additionally, by calming factors within the skin, visible symptoms associated with hyperpigmentation become less noticeable.
Does the 10% Azelaic Acid Booster have a noticeable scent?
Although this product is fragrance-free; each product may have a unique scent due to its ingredients. Because there is no fragrance added, 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.