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When it comes to azelaic acid, two names constantly come up: The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% and Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster. Both promise smoother, brighter skin — but they feel, look, and perform very differently. Our The Ordinary Azelaic Acid vs Paula’s Choice review will help you choice the right one.
Here’s the quick verdict: The Ordinary is the minimalist budget pick, effective but sometimes tricky to layer. Paula’s Choice is the silky, skin-cushioning booster that plays well with any routine — but it costs significantly more.
Why this matters: azelaic acid is a long-game active. If the texture annoys you, you won’t stick with it, and consistency is where the real magic happens.
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid vs Paula’s Choice: Comparison Table
| Feature | The Ordinary Azelaic Acid | Paula’s Choice Azelaic Acid Booster |
|---|---|---|
 |  | |
| Best for | Budget buyers, skincare minimalists | Skincare lovers who want elegance + extras |
| Formula | 10% azelaic acid suspension | 10% azelaic acid + salicylic acid + licorice extract |
| Texture | Thick, sometimes gritty | Lightweight, silky cream-gel |
| Irritation Risk | Moderate (barebones formula) | Lower (calming + soothing blend) |
| Daily Use Comfort | Functional but not indulgent | Smooth, elegant, easy layering |
| Price |  | |
Paula’s Choice vs The Ordinary Azelaic Acid: Design & Usability
The Ordinary:
A silicone-based suspension packaged in a simple tube. The texture can feel thick, even a little gritty. It’s fragrance-free and practical, but not exactly an indulgent experience.
Paula’s Choice:
A lightweight cream-gel in a sleek pump bottle. It feels silky, layers seamlessly under sunscreen or makeup, and the pump makes dosing easy. Paula’s Choice is all about texture refinement, and you can tell.
👉 Verdict: The Ordinary is utilitarian, Paula’s Choice is elegant. If texture matters to you, Paula’s wins hands-down.
Performance & Features
The Ordinary:
Delivers a straightforward 10% azelaic acid hit. Great for calming redness, fading dark spots, and improving texture. But it’s a solo act — no extras to buffer irritation or boost results. Some users complain about pilling when layering it with other products.
Paula’s Choice:
Also 10% azelaic acid, but blended with salicylic acid and licorice root extract. This makes it a triple-threat: exfoliating, brightening, and calming. It’s gentle enough for daily use yet powerful enough to target stubborn uneven tone.
👉 Verdict: Both tackle discoloration and redness, but Paula’s Choice delivers more multi-tasking benefits in one product.
Ease of Maintenance & Longevity
The Ordinary:
Affordable and easy to replace. But if the texture puts you off, it may end up sitting unused in your skincare drawer.
Paula’s Choice:
More expensive, but its smooth texture and added benefits make it a product you’ll actually want to use daily. And with actives, that consistency is everything.
👉 Verdict: The Ordinary is the smarter budget buy, Paula’s Choice is the one you’ll commit to.
Pros and Cons
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Potent 10% azelaic acid
- Fragrance-free and straightforward
Cons
- Thick, gritty texture
- Can pill under other products
- No additional soothing or brightening ingredients
Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster
Pros
- Smooth, elegant cream-gel texture
- Added salicylic acid + licorice root for extra benefits
- Layers easily with any routine
- Sleek pump packaging
Cons
- Higher price point
- More ingredients = higher chance of sensitivity in some skin types
- Smaller size compared to The Ordinary’s tube
| Feature | The Ordinary Azelaic Acid | Paula’s Choice Azelaic Acid Booster |
|---|---|---|
| | |
| Best for | Budget buyers, skincare minimalists | Skincare lovers who want elegance + extras |
| Formula | 10% azelaic acid suspension | 10% azelaic acid + salicylic acid + licorice extract |
| Texture | Thick, sometimes gritty | Lightweight, silky cream-gel |
| Irritation Risk | Moderate (barebones formula) | Lower (calming + soothing blend) |
| Daily Use Comfort | Functional but not indulgent | Smooth, elegant, easy layering |
| Price | | |
Major Differences
The real divide comes down to formula philosophy:
- The Ordinary is like a stripped-down toolkit — effective, inexpensive, but not always enjoyable to use.
- Paula’s Choice is like a multitasking luxury pen — it costs more, but it feels good in your hand and makes you want to write every day.
For sensitive or rosacea-prone skin, Paula’s soothing extras may be worth the splurge. For budget-conscious minimalists, The Ordinary still gets the job done.
FAQs
Is Paula’s Choice stronger than The Ordinary?
Not in concentration — both have 10% azelaic acid. But Paula’s includes salicylic acid and licorice root, which give it broader benefits.
Which is better for layering under makeup?
Paula’s Choice wins — the cream-gel disappears under sunscreen and foundation. The Ordinary can sometimes pill.
Can I use these if I have rosacea?
Yes, azelaic acid is often recommended for rosacea. Paula’s Choice may feel gentler thanks to its texture and calming extras.
Which fades hyperpigmentation faster?
Both are effective, but Paula’s Choice has the advantage of added brightening ingredients for potentially faster results.
Is Paula’s Choice worth the price?
If texture and multitasking matter to you, yes. If you just want a budget-friendly active, The Ordinary works fine.
Bottom Line
If you want a no-nonsense, budget-friendly active, go for The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%. But if you crave a silky formula with added brightening and soothing power, Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster is the indulgence that makes sticking with your routine effortless.
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About the Author
LuxuryShimmer delivers expert skincare comparisons with a beauty-magazine twist. From affordable staples to luxury heroes, we break down what’s hype and what’s holy grail — so your skin (and wallet) win every time.