The skincare industry can often be a confusing and overwhelming place for consumers. With a plethora of products available, each boasting a myriad of health claims, it can be difficult to discern which products are genuinely beneficial and which are simply marketing ploys. Manufacturers often make grandiose claims about their skincare products, promising miraculous results. However, these claims can sometimes be greatly exaggerated or even entirely false.

It is therefore of utmost importance for consumers to exercise due diligence when shopping for skincare products. Blindly accepting the claims made about a product can often leave consumers out-of-pocket and underwhelmed with the results. It is crucial to critically analyze the ingredients used in a product and compare them with the claims made about the product. This can provide a more accurate assessment of whether the product will truly live up to its claims.

In this article, we will be critically analyzing the Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% by The Ordinary. This skin brightening cream has been lauded for its supposed benefits, but do these claims hold up when scrutinized? We will be examining the ingredients used in this product and comparing them with the claims made about the product to establish a truth assessment.

So, let’s delve into the main claims being made about this product and break them down:

Claim #1: The Product Brightens Skin Tone

The Ordinary’s Website States: “Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% is a cream-like formula that brightens skin tone…”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: Azelaic acid, the key ingredient in this product, is known for its ability to brighten the skin. It works by inhibiting the production of an enzyme called tyrosinase, which is necessary for melanin production. By doing so, it helps to reduce hyperpigmentation and even out skin tone, leading to a brighter complexion.

Claim #2: The Product Visibly Improves Skin Texture

The Ordinary’s Website States: “…and visibly improves skin texture due to a high concentration of azelaic acid…”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: Azelaic acid is also known for its exfoliating properties. It helps to remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, which can improve the skin’s texture. Additionally, it has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce redness and swelling, further improving the skin’s appearance.

Claim #3: The Product Contains a Natural and Effective Antioxidant

The Ordinary’s Website States: “…a natural and effective antioxidant found in grains.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: Azelaic acid is indeed a natural compound that can be found in grains like wheat, rye, and barley. It has antioxidant properties, meaning it can help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause damage to cells, leading to premature aging and other skin issues.

Claim #4: The Product Has a Lower Irritation Potential than Other Direct Acids

The Ordinary’s Website States: “It has a lower irritation potential than other direct acids…”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: Azelaic acid is known to be less irritating than other acids commonly used in skincare, such as glycolic acid or salicylic acid. This is because it has a larger molecular size, which means it doesn’t penetrate the skin as deeply and is therefore less likely to cause irritation.

Claim #5: The Product is Gentle Enough for Daily Use

The Ordinary’s Website States: “…which means it’s gentle enough for daily use as part of your skincare regimen.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: Due to its lower irritation potential, azelaic acid is generally considered safe for daily use. However, as with any skincare product, it’s always best to patch test first and start with a lower frequency of use to see how your skin reacts.

Assessment Verdict:

Truth Rating: 9/10

Overall likelihood for product to make good on its claims: Highly Likely

The Ordinary’s Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% appears to be a highly truthful product, with all claims made on the website being backed by scientific evidence. Azelaic acid is indeed known for its skin-brightening, texture-improving, and antioxidant properties, and it is generally less irritating than other direct acids, making it suitable for daily use.

However, it’s important to note that individual skin reactions can vary, and what works well for one person may not work as well for another. While azelaic acid is generally considered safe for daily use, it’s always a good idea to patch test new skincare products and start with a lower frequency of use to see how your skin reacts.

Also, while this assessment assumes that all ingredients are used in effective quantities, it’s worth noting that skincare formulas often list ingredients in weight order, but this doesn’t necessarily tell us everything about the concentrations of each ingredient. For example, a product might list a beneficial ingredient near the top of the list, but if it’s followed by a long list of fillers, the actual concentration of that ingredient could be quite low.

Remember, when evaluating skincare products, it’s important to look beyond the marketing claims and do your own research. Look for products that contain scientifically-backed ingredients in effective concentrations, and be skeptical of products that make too-good-to-be-true claims or that don’t disclose their full ingredient lists.

This product review has been commissioned by Truth In Skincare (TiS), an independent industry regulator. The review is conducted by a TiS-appointed industry consultant, who utilizes a variety of reliable sources to ensure the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the information provided. These sources include CosIng (Cosmetic Ingredient Database – by the European Commission), the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), and The US Food & Drug Administration (FDA). Additionally, various publicly available sources are also consulted to provide a well-rounded perspective on the product under review.