Best Azelaic Acid Serums: Korean Picks Compared
Shop the brands in this guide: Medicube Australia · Anua Australia · All brands A to Z
The best azelaic acid serum for you depends on what you want it to do. If redness and sensitivity are your main concern, a soothing 10% formula such as Anua's is the gentlest place to start; if you're dealing with blemishes, oiliness and post-breakout marks, a higher-strength option like Medicube's 16% serum is worth a look. Below we compare the Korean azelaic acid serums we stock, explain how to use them, and help you pick one for an Australian summer routine.
What is azelaic acid and why is everyone using it?
Azelaic acid is a skincare acid that occurs naturally in grains such as barley and wheat. It has become a favourite because it multitasks: it gently refines texture, helps skin look clearer and more even, and is generally well tolerated by skin that finds stronger exfoliating acids too much.
In everyday routines, people reach for azelaic acid to help with:
- Visible redness – it's popular with people whose skin flushes easily.
- Blemish-prone skin – it helps keep pores clear and skin looking calmer.
- Uneven tone and post-breakout marks – regular use helps skin look more even over time.
- Rough texture – it offers a soft, gentle resurfacing effect.
Over-the-counter serums typically sit around 10% or a little higher. Stronger azelaic acid products are also prescribed by doctors, so if you have persistent acne, rosacea or another skin condition, see your GP or dermatologist before building a routine around it.
The best Korean azelaic acid serums, compared
1. Anua Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum – best for redness and sensitive skin
The Anua Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum is the one we suggest to azelaic acid beginners. It pairs 10% azelaic acid with hyaluronic acid for lasting hydration and Anua's Gentle Calming Complex, which includes blue tansy oil and green tea leaf water. Aloe and seven types of cica give it its natural green colour and add extra soothing support. Anua notes it has been clinically tested for its ability to ease redness.
Best for: sensitive, dry or easily flushed skin; first-time azelaic acid users.
Texture: lightweight and calming.
2. Medicube Azelaic Acid 16 BB Soothing Serum – best for blemishes and oily skin
If breakouts, congestion and shine are your main frustrations, the Medicube Azelaic Acid 16 BB Soothing Serum is the stronger choice. It's built around 16% azelaic acid to gently exfoliate, refine texture, help regulate sebum and smooth uneven tone. To keep things comfortable, Medicube adds niacinamide, panthenol, ceramides and soothing extracts such as centella and allantoin to support the skin barrier.
Best for: oily, combination and blemish-prone skin; people who have used azelaic acid before and want something stronger.
Tip: because it's a higher percentage, introduce it slowly – every second or third evening to begin with.
3. NINELESS A-Control 10% Azelaic Acid Serum – best for post-breakout marks and pores
The NINELESS A-Control 10% Azelaic Acid Serum combines 10% azelaic acid with niacinamide and snail mucin. NINELESS designed it to reduce redness, soothe skin and build a better tone, with a focus on post-acne marks, brown spots, uneven tone and the look of enlarged pores.
Best for: anyone whose main goal is a more even-looking complexion after breakouts, plus pore care.
4. Medicube Azelaic Acid Exosome Shot 7500 – best for texture and overall clarity
The Medicube Azelaic Acid Exosome Shot 7500 is a treatment serum that teams azelaic acid with 7,500 ppm of exosomes and niacinamide. It targets blemishes, dark spots, redness and uneven texture while supporting a healthier-looking skin barrier. It's a good fit if you like the "booster" style of Korean treatment serums and want one product that covers clarity and brightness together.
Best for: skin that has a mix of concerns – some texture, some marks, some redness.
Supporting step: Medicube Azelaic Acid Niacinamide Clear Toner
Prefer to start with something even lighter? The Medicube Azelaic Acid Niacinamide Clear Toner is a watery daily toner with azelaic acid and niacinamide that gently exfoliates, refines the look of pores and helps even out tone. Use it on its own, or alongside a soothing serum – just don't stack several azelaic acid products straight away.
Quick comparison: which azelaic acid serum should you choose?
- Redness, sensitivity or new to acids: Anua Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum.
- Breakouts, oiliness and congestion: Medicube Azelaic Acid 16 BB Soothing Serum.
- Marks left after breakouts and visible pores: NINELESS A-Control 10% Azelaic Acid Serum.
- A mix of texture, tone and clarity concerns: Medicube Azelaic Acid Exosome Shot 7500.
You can browse more options in our Korean serums collection and our Korean acne care range.
How to use an azelaic acid serum
- Cleanse with a gentle, low-pH cleanser and pat skin dry.
- Tone with a hydrating toner if you use one.
- Apply a thin layer of your azelaic acid serum over the whole face or just the areas you want to focus on.
- Moisturise to lock in hydration and keep your barrier comfortable.
- In the morning, finish with SPF50+. In Australia's strong UV, daily sunscreen is essential if you're working on uneven tone or marks – otherwise sun exposure can undo your progress.
Anua suggests starting every other night if you're new to azelaic acid, then building up to daily use. That's a sensible approach for any of these serums. A little tingling at first can be normal, but if you notice stinging that doesn't settle, burning or a rash, stop using it. Read our guide Can You Use Azelaic Acid Every Day? for more on frequency.
What can you pair azelaic acid with?
- Good partners: niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, centella, panthenol and ceramides – which is why many of these formulas already include them.
- Go slowly with: retinoids and strong exfoliating acids (AHA/BHA). Use them on different nights rather than layering everything at once.
Azelaic acid in the Australian summer
As we head into the warmer months, azelaic acid is a handy swap for heavier or more stripping actives. Lightweight serums sit comfortably under sunscreen in humid weather, and the focus on redness, oil and clarity suits skin that's dealing with heat, sweat and sunscreen all day. Keep your moisturiser light (a gel cream is ideal in humid northern cities) and reapply sunscreen every two hours when you're outdoors.
If you'd like a full routine that combines azelaic acid with other brightening steps, see our Glow & Dark Spots AM/PM Routine.
FAQ
Is 10% or 16% azelaic acid better?
Neither is "better" – it depends on your skin. 10% is a comfortable starting point, especially for sensitive or redness-prone skin. A higher percentage such as 16% may suit oily or blemish-prone skin that already tolerates actives well.
Can I use azelaic acid in the morning?
Yes. Azelaic acid can be used morning or night. If you use it in the morning, always follow with a broad-spectrum SPF50+ sunscreen.
How long does azelaic acid take to work?
Results build gradually. Give a new serum several weeks of consistent use before judging it, and keep up daily sun protection throughout.
Can I use azelaic acid if I have rosacea?
Many people with redness-prone skin use gentle azelaic acid serums, but rosacea is a medical condition. Speak to your GP or dermatologist before starting, and patch test any new product first.