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Cos De BAHA Azelaic Acid 10% Serum with Niacinamide Versus Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster

Serum
Facial Treatment
Korean Brand South Korea
American Brand United States

Updated on October 10, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 2 ingredients in common

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils, parabens or sulfates

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

Free from

Safety & Ethics

Korean Brand

Brand country of origin

Free from

Safety & Ethics

American Brand

Brand country of origin

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Ingredients, at a glance

What's in this product, and how it might affect your skin.

Notable Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients, at a glance

What's in this product, and how it might affect your skin.

Notable Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Azelaic Acid 10% Serum with Niacinamide
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Helps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract is an extract of the leaves of the aloe, Aloe barbadensis, Liliaceae.

Liked by users
2 Benefits
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Propylene Glycol Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Propylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very disliked
Helps hydrate Dry SkinHelps hydrate Dry Skin Icon2 Concerns
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Azelaic Acid 10% Buffering, Masking
Helps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps fight Acne Icon

Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring acid derived from grains. This ingredient is effective in treating acne, rosacea, and other skin conditions.

Loved by users
7 Benefits
Learn more
Polysorbate 20 Emulsifying
0 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Polysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very disliked
Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
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1,2-Hexanediol Skin Conditioning, Solvent

1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.

Mixed reviews
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Propanediol Solvent

Propanediol helps absorb ingredients into your skin, boosting their benefits. It can act as an emollient, making your skin softer. Propanediol can help products last longer by boosting the properties of preservatives within the formulation.

Liked by users
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Panthenol Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Panthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Loved by users
3 Benefits
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Niacinamide Smoothing
Niacinamide IconGood for Oily Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps fight Acne IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Niacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.

Loved by users
NiacinamideNiacinamide Icon9 Benefits
Learn more
Sodium Hyaluronate Humectant, Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Hyaluronic Acid Icon

Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Loved by users
Hyaluronic AcidHyaluronic Acid Icon
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Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Astringent
Antioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract is derived from the leaves of the tea plant. Black tea, green tea, and oolong tea are all harvested from this plant.

Loved by users
AntioxidantAntioxidant Icon4 Benefits
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Momordica Charantia Fruit Extract Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Momordica Charantia Fruit Extract yet.

Not enough ratings
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Sambucus Nigra Flower Extract Refreshing, Skin Conditioning, Soothing

We don't have a description for Sambucus Nigra Flower Extract yet.

Not enough ratings
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Leontopodium Alpinum Extract Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Leontopodium Alpinum Extract yet.

Not enough ratings
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10% Azelaic Acid Booster
Water Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

Loved by users
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Azelaic Acid Buffering, Masking
Helps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps fight Acne Icon

Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring acid derived from grains. This ingredient is effective in treating acne, rosacea, and other skin conditions.

Loved by users
7 Benefits
Learn more
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate Antimicrobial, Emollient, Skin Conditioning

C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is made up of Benzoic Acid and long chain alcohols. It has a low molecular weight.

Disliked by users
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Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride Masking, Skin Conditioning

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.

Mixed reviews
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Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate Emollient, Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate isn't fungal acne safe.

Very disliked
Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Learn more
Glycerin Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Loved by users
2 Benefits
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Cetearyl Alcohol Emollient, Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising
2 / 1 Fatty Alcohol IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.

2 Com. / 1 Irr.
Very disliked
Fatty AlcoholFatty Alcohol Icon3 Concerns
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Glyceryl Stearate Emollient, Emulsifying
1 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Glyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Disliked by users
Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Learn more
Dimethicone Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
1 / 0 Silicon Icon

Dimethicone is a silicone used for making products smooth and silky. It also has the added benefit of sealing in hydration.

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very disliked
SiliconSilicon Icon
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Salicylic Acid Masking, Preservative, Skin Conditioning
BHA IconPreservative IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps fight Acne IconHelps brighten skin IconCan worsen Dry Skin IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Salicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is one of the most well-known ingredients for treating skin that struggles with blackheads and acne. It helps to exfoliate both the skin's surface and pores, and also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Loved by users
BHABHA IconPreservativePreservative Icon4 Benefits3 Concerns
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Adenosine Skin Conditioning
Good for Minimizing Pores IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.

Loved by users
2 Benefits
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Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract Bleaching, Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Good for Dark Spots Icon

Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract is an extract of the roots of Licorice. It has been found to have several benefits such as skin hydrating, conditioning, and soothing.

Liked by users
Good for Dark SpotsGood for Dark Spots Icon
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Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract Skin Protecting
Helps reduce irritation Icon

Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract comes from the Boerhavia Diffusa tree, or more commonly known as punarnava, red spiderling, spreading hogweed, or tarvine.

Loved by users
Helps reduce irritationHelps reduce irritation Icon
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Allantoin Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Soothing
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Allantoin plays a role in soothing and moisturizing the skin. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Loved by users
4 Benefits
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Bisabolol Masking, Skin Conditioning, Soothing
Helps reduce irritation Icon

Bisabolol is famous for its skin soothing properties. It does this by blocking inflammatory signals, helping to reduce your body's reaction to irritation.

Loved by users
Helps reduce irritationHelps reduce irritation Icon
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Cyclopentasiloxane Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Silicon Icon

Cyclopentasiloxane is a silicone used to improve texture and trap moisture. An easier name for this is D5.

Disliked by users
SiliconSilicon Icon
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Xanthan Gum Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming

Xanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.

Disliked by users
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Sclerotium Gum Emulsion Stabilising, Skin Conditioning

Sclerotium Gum is a polysaccharide gum made by the fungus, Sclerotium rolfssii. It is similar to xanthan gum.

Mixed reviews
Learn more
Propanediol Solvent

Propanediol helps absorb ingredients into your skin, boosting their benefits. It can act as an emollient, making your skin softer. Propanediol can help products last longer by boosting the properties of preservatives within the formulation.

Liked by users
Learn more
Butylene Glycol Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Mixed reviews
Helps hydrate Dry SkinHelps hydrate Dry Skin Icon
Learn more
Phenoxyethanol Preservative
Preservative Icon

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.

Very disliked
PreservativePreservative Icon
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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Buffering, Masking
Loved

Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring acid derived from grains. This ingredient is effective in treating acne, rosacea, and other skin conditions.

It has been shown to reduce the growth of acne-causing bacteria and helps reduce inflammation. On top of that, it helps reduce the production of sebum and unclog pores.

Azelaic Acid also has antioxidant properties. Antioxidants protect our skin cells from free-radical damage.

One of the main benefits of azelaic acid is that it is gentle and well-tolerated by most people.

Fun fact: The lab-created form of azelaic acid is typically used within cosmetic products for its shelf-stability.

Learn more about Azelaic Acid
Solvent
Liked

Propanediol helps absorb ingredients into your skin, boosting their benefits. It can act as an emollient, making your skin softer. Propanediol can help products last longer by boosting the properties of preservatives within the formulation.

Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use.

It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.

Learn more about Propanediol

When to use

514 Routines
42% use in am
58% use in pm
85% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
623 Routines
43% use in am
57% use in pm
83% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Cos De BAHA Azelaic Acid 10% Serum with Niacinamide 13 ingredients

4.0 /5
from 6 ratings
Great Value (3) No Scent (2) Works Well (2)
BubbIes's avatar

BubbIes

9 months ago · Combination Skin
Review

I was so excited to try a product with what seemed like no comedogenic ingredients, but I suspect all the extracts broke me out pretty badly. I’m...

I was so excited to try a product with what seemed like no comedogenic ingredients, but I suspect all the extracts broke me out pretty badly. I’m talking deep, painful cysts. I think I saw a nice effect on skin brightness, but that’s the only upside unfortunately. This also left a chalky white residue at times.

Clover's avatar

Clover

1 year ago · Dry Skin
Review

I’m on my third bottle
Want a simple, hydrating, scentless, and affordable azelaic acid serum? Look no further! Azelaic acid is well tolerated by...

I’m on my third bottle
Want a simple, hydrating, scentless, and affordable azelaic acid serum? Look no further! Azelaic acid is well tolerated by many and for me I’ve noticed great improvements regarding redness. There was a short period of time when I cut this out of my routine, and that’s when I noticed how much it had been doing to reduce redness in my skin. This serum also contains aloe extract, panthenol, and niacinamide so it feels very soothing. Keep in mind however that there are a few different plant extracts in this as well, so if you are super extra sensitive you might react poorly to them. But personally I’ve never found them to be an issue.

Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster 21 ingredients

3.4 /5
from 8 ratings
Broke Me Out (2) Doesn't Work (1) Expensive (1)
thesunrising's avatar

Mia

9 months ago · Normal Skin
Review

Did nothing for my fungal acne. Actually did nothing at all.
(Compared to my cheap no-name Russian brand Azelaic acid cream which worked wonders).

BubbIes's avatar

BubbIes

10 months ago · Combination Skin
Review

Paula's Choice at it again with cetearyl alcohol high up on the ingredient list. I'm disappointed by their ingredients fairly consistently now.