12 Reviews
- 귀찮구나Dec 17, 2021 (UTC)Combination SkinAcne Skin
Review under verification
The content is currently being reviewed by the Hwahae operations team, and the verification will be completed by the next business day (excluding weekends and holidays) from the date the review was written.Reviewed by The Hwahae Testers
This review was written by The Hwahae Testers who received the product for free and evaluated it with a sense of representing Hwahae. The review is completely unbiased and honest, with no guidelines or restrictions. Reviews by The Hwahae Testers undergo the same strict verification process as regular reviews, and if they don't meet our standards, revisions will be requested.ProsFor those with oily skin, large pores, and thick dead skin cells that lead to acne-prone skin, azelaic acid can be incredibly beneficial. It's fantastic at removing excess dead skin cells, inhibiting their formation, and reducing inflammation - making it a godsend for those pesky blackheads. It also helps fade discoloration, quickly improving acne scars and was widely used for brightening, though it's now banned in cosmetic formulations in Korea. The Ordinary's gel-cream formula is easy to dose visually and applies smoothly. I prefer this cream form over essence-type products. I keep a stock of various acne treatments, but since azelaic acid became harder to obtain after changing hands from Bayer to Leo Pharma, I finally resorted to buying it overseas. It's frustrating that even large pharmacies in my area don't stock it anymore - what's the deal, Leo Pharma? Pressure from the FDA? I'm particularly annoyed because I'm allergic to isotretinoin and can't take it orally. My go-to products weren't cutting it (even had to buy salicylic acid overseas due to low concentrations here), and there's only so much physical treatments at dermatology clinics can do. Despite following a rigorous skincare routine, without completely destroying my sebaceous glands, I'm left with just extractions and peeling. So, I waited a week, fuming, for this to arrive. Tretinoin is more hassle than it's worth, so this direct purchase was much cheaper than prescription fees. To my delight, the inflammation was reduced by half the very next day after application, leaving me both thrilled and doubly annoyed at the hassle.
ConsThe downside is having to buy it from overseas. It's fine when it's in stock on Coupang Global, but if you're trying to buy just this from the official site, the shipping costs can be a pain. Seems like I'm not the only one with this issue - it keeps selling out quickly after restocking. Might need to stock up whenever it's available. If this annoys you too, Leo Pharma should at least make Azelex more accessible, those jerks.
TipIf you can't control the amount, you might experience stinging similar to tretinoin. Gradually increase usage and consider application methods similar to tretinoin - mix with a moisturizer, apply after thorough hydration, or use it locally. If you don't have severe blemishes or are using it purely for brightening, don't use it too frequently. It inhibits dead skin cell formation, which can backfire for those with thin skin. While its mechanism differs, the visible effects are similar to tretinoin, so moisturize well after use to avoid dryness the next day. It doesn't cause photosensitivity, so morning use is fine, and it can be combined with other antioxidant products (except retinol!). However, it can be irritating, so know your skin's limits. Some mention concerns about potentially harmful ingredients, but if your skin tolerates it well, you shouldn't worry too much. Phenoxyethanol is a stable preservative. Without emulsifiers like dimethicone or triethanolamine, azelaic acid creams can be very dry. If you dislike small amounts of emulsifiers but are okay with preservatives in medications, that's a bit contradictory, isn't it?
- 지구표Jun 13, 2021 (UTC)Combination SkinSensitive Skin
Review under verification
The content is currently being reviewed by the Hwahae operations team, and the verification will be completed by the next business day (excluding weekends and holidays) from the date the review was written.Reviewed by The Hwahae Testers
This review was written by The Hwahae Testers who received the product for free and evaluated it with a sense of representing Hwahae. The review is completely unbiased and honest, with no guidelines or restrictions. Reviews by The Hwahae Testers undergo the same strict verification process as regular reviews, and if they don't meet our standards, revisions will be requested.Pros○ It works wonders for blemishes. Personally, I found it more effective than other brands' 0.5% salicylic acid products. After applying it morning and night on my forehead acne, the blemishes subsided completely in just 3-4 days. ○ It's less irritating than salicylic acid. I didn't experience any burning or tingling sensations. ○ When applied to oily areas, it leaves the skin feeling matte.
Cons○ The absorption isn't great. It feels more like it's coating the skin rather than being absorbed. I haven't tried applying makeup over it, but I suspect foundation might pill when applied on top. ○ It's difficult to purchase. The major drawback is that you need to buy it through international shipping or a purchasing service.
- kimmythefoodApr 16, 2021 (UTC)Combination SkinAcne Skin
Review under verification
The content is currently being reviewed by the Hwahae operations team, and the verification will be completed by the next business day (excluding weekends and holidays) from the date the review was written.Reviewed by The Hwahae Testers
This review was written by The Hwahae Testers who received the product for free and evaluated it with a sense of representing Hwahae. The review is completely unbiased and honest, with no guidelines or restrictions. Reviews by The Hwahae Testers undergo the same strict verification process as regular reviews, and if they don't meet our standards, revisions will be requested.ProsIt's effective for blemishes and acne scars! The texture is creamy but lightweight, so it doesn't pill when layered with other skincare products.
ConsIf you apply too much, it can pill and potentially irritate your skin!
TipI recommend applying a thin layer on blemish-prone areas or acne scars, or using it as a spot treatment directly on pimples. Highly recommended!
- jleebeanOct 2, 2020 (UTC)Combination SkinSensitive SkinAcne Skin
Review under verification
The content is currently being reviewed by the Hwahae operations team, and the verification will be completed by the next business day (excluding weekends and holidays) from the date the review was written.Reviewed by The Hwahae Testers
This review was written by The Hwahae Testers who received the product for free and evaluated it with a sense of representing Hwahae. The review is completely unbiased and honest, with no guidelines or restrictions. Reviews by The Hwahae Testers undergo the same strict verification process as regular reviews, and if they don't meet our standards, revisions will be requested.ProsIt seems to calm down my blemishes. While it's not an instant miracle, I feel like it helps reduce them over time.
ConsIncredibly drying and the smell is unbearable. I used to apply it all over my face, but now I can't stand it and only use it on problem areas when necessary. Honestly, I don't see much reason to use this product at all.
TipFor blemishes, I think other The Ordinary products might work better for me.
- ejeong513Apr 21, 2020 (UTC)Combination Skin
Review under verification
The content is currently being reviewed by the Hwahae operations team, and the verification will be completed by the next business day (excluding weekends and holidays) from the date the review was written.Reviewed by The Hwahae Testers
This review was written by The Hwahae Testers who received the product for free and evaluated it with a sense of representing Hwahae. The review is completely unbiased and honest, with no guidelines or restrictions. Reviews by The Hwahae Testers undergo the same strict verification process as regular reviews, and if they don't meet our standards, revisions will be requested.ProsFirst off, my skin type is combination with frequent acne breakouts, but now that I've found products that work well for me, it's almost normal with occasional blemishes. Effectiveness: Using it once a day, I noticed a reduction in dark spots within a week, and my skin texture became smoother and more refined. With continued use, the brightening effect exceeded my expectations. Acne care: Surprisingly, it seems to work well on acne too. When I feel a pimple coming on, I apply this, and it usually calms down within a day or two. Ingredients: While everyone has different standards for ingredients, I'm satisfied with this formulation. It's quite a simple formula, and I feel reassured by the absence of fragrances, colorants, and essential oils. Value for money: Although the quantity isn't huge, the price is reasonable, making it affordable for regular use. It's a shame that it needs to be shipped from overseas to Korea.
ConsTexture: The texture is quite unique. It looks like a regular cream, but when applied, it feels like solidified oil with poor spreadability, and strangely lacks both oiliness and hydration. To exaggerate a bit, it's almost like applying glue. It absorbs quickly, but it feels more like it's drying on top of the skin rather than being absorbed. Fortunately, mixing it with other serums makes it easy to use without issues.
TipPersonally, I didn't experience any irritation, but if you have super sensitive skin, it might be better to mix it with another cream. Mixing also improves its spreadability. In conclusion, while I'm not a fan of the texture, the value for money, ingredients, and effectiveness are all excellent. I recommend it for all skin types, especially for those concerned with dark spots and blemishes.
- 햇님봐햇님Mar 31, 2020 (UTC)Combination SkinAcne Skin
Review under verification
The content is currently being reviewed by the Hwahae operations team, and the verification will be completed by the next business day (excluding weekends and holidays) from the date the review was written.Reviewed by The Hwahae Testers
This review was written by The Hwahae Testers who received the product for free and evaluated it with a sense of representing Hwahae. The review is completely unbiased and honest, with no guidelines or restrictions. Reviews by The Hwahae Testers undergo the same strict verification process as regular reviews, and if they don't meet our standards, revisions will be requested.ProsHoly grail discovered!! After suffering from adult acne around my chin for nearly 5 years, I've finally found my holy grail ㅜㅜ Everyone kept saying they got better by applying this or eating that, but nothing seemed to work for me no matter what I tried to prevent or apply. Until now! After finishing one bottle, all my tiny bumps completely disappeared. I had both small bumps and inflamed pimples, and the ones that used to pop up relentlessly have all vanished except for a couple. The frequency of inflamed acne has significantly decreased too. I used to pop two or three pimples a day, but now I only have one active breakout. I bought this for acne, but my skin texture has improved tremendously as well. When washing my face, it felt strangely slippery as if there was leftover cream no matter how long I rinsed. Why? Because that smoothness was actually my own skin!
ConsIt can cause itching and tingling sensations. This varies from person to person - I experienced some symptoms, but they weren't bothersome enough to worry about, and I didn't have any side effects. Major pilling issues. Since I tend to apply generously, I only use it on days when I'm not wearing makeup. Even without makeup, if you apply too much, it can leave visible residue on your neck. It's best to stay at home when possible if you're using this product.
- esther1616Feb 19, 2020 (UTC)Combination SkinAcne Skin
Review under verification
The content is currently being reviewed by the Hwahae operations team, and the verification will be completed by the next business day (excluding weekends and holidays) from the date the review was written.Reviewed by The Hwahae Testers
This review was written by The Hwahae Testers who received the product for free and evaluated it with a sense of representing Hwahae. The review is completely unbiased and honest, with no guidelines or restrictions. Reviews by The Hwahae Testers undergo the same strict verification process as regular reviews, and if they don't meet our standards, revisions will be requested.ProsMy blemishes have cleared up and my skin texture has improved. I also feel like my complexion has become brighter.
ConsThere's a tingling sensation for about 5 minutes after application, but it subsides if you can bear it. It can be a bit challenging to apply due to its dryness, and it might leave your skin feeling dry. I personally apply it right over my moisturizer.
- 나야nayaSep 14, 2019 (UTC)Combination SkinSensitive SkinAcne Skinproduct.Atopy Skin
Review under verification
The content is currently being reviewed by the Hwahae operations team, and the verification will be completed by the next business day (excluding weekends and holidays) from the date the review was written.Reviewed by The Hwahae Testers
This review was written by The Hwahae Testers who received the product for free and evaluated it with a sense of representing Hwahae. The review is completely unbiased and honest, with no guidelines or restrictions. Reviews by The Hwahae Testers undergo the same strict verification process as regular reviews, and if they don't meet our standards, revisions will be requested.ProsThis is fantastic for blemishes. I feel like my skin will improve so much if I apply it every night. I'll definitely be repurchasing!
ConsThose with super sensitive skin should be extremely cautious when using this product. I recommend not applying it all over your face. It might be best to use it only on areas with blemishes.
- MingjunyJul 22, 2019 (UTC)Combination Skin
Review under verification
The content is currently being reviewed by the Hwahae operations team, and the verification will be completed by the next business day (excluding weekends and holidays) from the date the review was written.Reviewed by The Hwahae Testers
This review was written by The Hwahae Testers who received the product for free and evaluated it with a sense of representing Hwahae. The review is completely unbiased and honest, with no guidelines or restrictions. Reviews by The Hwahae Testers undergo the same strict verification process as regular reviews, and if they don't meet our standards, revisions will be requested.ProsWhen I mixed it with my moisturizer, I noticed my small blemishes gradually disappearing. It definitely showed results. I love that it's so affordable too!
ConsUsing it alone might be irritating and could potentially cause some side effects.
TipTry mixing it with your favorite nighttime moisturizer for best results.
- meepmeepApr 25, 2019 (UTC)Oily SkinSensitive SkinAcne Skin
Review under verification
The content is currently being reviewed by the Hwahae operations team, and the verification will be completed by the next business day (excluding weekends and holidays) from the date the review was written.Reviewed by The Hwahae Testers
This review was written by The Hwahae Testers who received the product for free and evaluated it with a sense of representing Hwahae. The review is completely unbiased and honest, with no guidelines or restrictions. Reviews by The Hwahae Testers undergo the same strict verification process as regular reviews, and if they don't meet our standards, revisions will be requested.ProsI highly recommend this. It's an amazing product. For the first time ever, I felt an immediate change as soon as I applied a skincare product. When I put it on at night, it seemed to instantly refine my skin texture. I have slight redness and some red blemish marks on my face, but using this seems to be gradually improving those issues. I strongly suggest you buy and try it for yourself.
ConsI was worried it might be disappointing, but it wasn't at all. However, I still recommend testing it to see if it suits your skin.
TipIt's a rather matte cream. So I apply an emulsion first, then use about a fingernail-sized amount of this on top. That way it spreads better. Since it's a direct acid, it seems better to use a small amount.