When The Inkey List released their Super Solutions 10% Azelaic Acid Serum last year, I just had to get my hands on it. I saw excellent results from the FaceTheory Lumizela serum and I wanted to see if this would work just as well. Azelaic Acid has become one of my favourite skincare ingredients over the past year or so.
What is it?
A serum that markets itself as a redness relief/reducing and skin calming serum. It targets, unsurprisingly, skin redness and irritation.
What Do I Think?
As an ingredient Azelaic Acid does a lot. It’s a mild exfoliant, making it a good choice if you’ve got sensitive skin. Its main benefit is its antibacterial properties which makes it an excellent choice when combatting redness caused by rosacea or acne. Azelaic Acid is also fantastic at reducing and preventing breakouts. I used to be someone who used Salicylic Acid a lot to cure any breakouts I was having. Salicylic Acid can be quite drying, so it’s not always the best option for someone like me who has dry skin.
The Inkey List has formulated theirs with 10% Azelaic Acid to reduce the appearance of redness and calm the skin for an even complexion. They’ve also added 0.3% Allantoin which is good for soothing the skin, counteracting any irritation you may get from the acid.
The cream-based serum has green coloured particles which help to mask redness. Green counteracts red, which is why it’s often used in products aimed at correcting redness. It soaks into the skin nicely and I’m pleased to report that it layers really well with other products, so there is no pilling. It spreads incredibly well, meaning I found a small pea sized amount was enough to cover my face and neck.
Undeniably smooth skin awaits anyone who uses this. It works exceptionally well as an exfoliant, riding any uneven texture and leaving you with baby soft skin. There is a mild tingling sensation when first applied, but this subsides after a few seconds. I really like the fact that it’s quite a gentle exfoliant. Sometimes it’s nice to use something a bit gentler than something that’s quite intense like an overnight Glycolic peel.
I have also found that I’m less inclined to breakout when using this, thanks to the antibacterial properties. In the event I do get the odd breakout, this really helps minimise any dark spots left by the spot.
In terms of redness reducing, I have to be honest when I say the Lumizela serum by FaceTheory did a better job for me. Whilst The Inkey List Super Solutions 10% Azelaic Acid Serum did reduce my redness a little bit, it wasn’t a patch on the results I saw from the FaceTheory serum, which were pretty remarkable. It’s still a nice serum for its exfoliating properties, but for treating redness, I personally would opt for the FaceTheory serum.
Would I Recommend?
I personally saw better results from the FaceTheory serum. Everyone’s skin reacts differently to different products. You may see excellent results from this and nothing from the FaceTheory. I feel The Inkey List really do make some excellent products, so it’s always worth giving this a try if you concerns are redness, texture issues or mild breakouts. I wouldn’t not recommend it, but I think personally I’d suggest the FaceTheory serum over this one.
Brands Product Description
A fast-absorbing, non-pilling serum formulated with 10% Azelaic Acid to help reduce the appearance of redness, giving the skin a more even complexion. Instantly soothes and calms skin that feels irritated.
Created in partnership with dermatologists, this formula contains micro-fine green colour particles to help mask redness and Allantoin 0.3% which helps to soothe the skin. It can be easily layered with other products and leaves no white-cast or ‘crunchy’ layer when paired with other products.
Also suitable for people who may be prone to Rosacea.
Key Ingredients
- 10% Azelaic Acid – reduces redness of the skin. Provides antibacterial properties making it good for preventing and treating breakouts. Mildy exfoliating too, so good for texture issues.
- 0.3% Allantoin – a skin soother added to counteract any irritation or treat inflamed skin.
How I Use It
This is an evening serum for me. I would cleanse my face, and then use this on dry skin. After half-an-hour or so I would then pop on a moisturiser.
Would I Repurchase/Buy?
Only for its exfoliating and breakout reducing properties. To target my redness, I would buy the FaceTheory instead.
How Much?
£15.99 for 30ml
