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Medicube Azelaic Acid 16 Calming Serum
What it is: A high-strength calming serum formulated with 16% Azelaic Acid to reduce breakouts, fade redness, and refine uneven texture while restoring the skin barrier.
Who it's for: All skin types; especially acne-prone, sensitive, and redness-prone skin.
Key ingredients:
Azelaic Acid (16%): A multitasking acid that targets acne, fades post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and calms redness without over-drying
Niacinamide: Brightens dark spots, balances oil production, and supports an even skin tone
Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5): Supports skin barrier recovery and helps maintain hydration during treatment
How to use: After toning, apply a few drops and gently spread following the skin's texture, then pat lightly to absorb. Apply in thin layers and allow each layer to fully absorb before adding more.
Full ingredient list: Water (Aqua), Azelaic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Sodium Hydroxide, Propylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Citric Acid, C12-14 Pareth-12, Glyceryl Caprylate, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Linalool, Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract, Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Allantoin, Centella Asiatica Extract, Panthenol, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Pantothenic Acid, Alcohol Denat., Hydrolyzed Pea Protein, Phytosterols, Lecithin, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Squalane, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Ceramide NP.
Chemist's Notes:
Reviewed by April Basi, cosmetic chemist
16% is a high concentration of azelaic acid — most OTC products sit at 10% or below, so this formula is doing serious work for acne, redness, and post-inflammatory dark spots simultaneously. The slight residue or white cast the brand warns about is normal at this concentration and not a formulation flaw. Azelaic acid is a powder-based active that doesn't fully dissolve, which is why thin layers are key. The ceramide NP, squalane, and shea butter at the end of the list are a smart addition to offset any dryness from the high-acid load, keeping the formula effective without being harsh.
What it is: A high-strength calming serum formulated with 16% Azelaic Acid to reduce breakouts, fade redness, and refine uneven texture while restoring the skin barrier.
Who it's for: All skin types; especially acne-prone, sensitive, and redness-prone skin.
Key ingredients:
Azelaic Acid (16%): A multitasking acid that targets acne, fades post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and calms redness without over-drying
Niacinamide: Brightens dark spots, balances oil production, and supports an even skin tone
Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5): Supports skin barrier recovery and helps maintain hydration during treatment
How to use: After toning, apply a few drops and gently spread following the skin's texture, then pat lightly to absorb. Apply in thin layers and allow each layer to fully absorb before adding more.
Full ingredient list: Water (Aqua), Azelaic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Sodium Hydroxide, Propylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Citric Acid, C12-14 Pareth-12, Glyceryl Caprylate, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Linalool, Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract, Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Allantoin, Centella Asiatica Extract, Panthenol, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Pantothenic Acid, Alcohol Denat., Hydrolyzed Pea Protein, Phytosterols, Lecithin, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Squalane, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Ceramide NP.
Chemist's Notes:
Reviewed by April Basi, cosmetic chemist
16% is a high concentration of azelaic acid — most OTC products sit at 10% or below, so this formula is doing serious work for acne, redness, and post-inflammatory dark spots simultaneously. The slight residue or white cast the brand warns about is normal at this concentration and not a formulation flaw. Azelaic acid is a powder-based active that doesn't fully dissolve, which is why thin layers are key. The ceramide NP, squalane, and shea butter at the end of the list are a smart addition to offset any dryness from the high-acid load, keeping the formula effective without being harsh.