Geek & Gorgeous Apad 20% Azelaic Serum Versus Ellana Mineral Cosmetics Clear Skin+ Clarifying Serum With 10% Azelaic Acid
Updated on January 14, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, fungal acne (malassezia) safe, and reef safe serums. They have a total of 5 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin, sensitive skin, oily skin and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils, parabens, silicones 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
Geek & Gorgeous Apad 20% Azelaic Serum 13 ingredients
Ellana Mineral Cosmetics Clear Skin+ Clarifying Serum With 10% Azelaic Acid 11 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Geek & Gorgeous Apad 20% Azelaic Serum 13 ingredients
Ellana Mineral Cosmetics Clear Skin+ Clarifying Serum With 10% Azelaic Acid 11 ingredients
Benefits
Benefits
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterPotassium Azeloyl Diglycinate (PAD) comes from the condensation of azelaic acid mixed with glycine.
This ingredient has similar properties to azelaic acid; it can help reduce sebum production and soothe skin. PAD also inhibits tyrosinase activity to help brighten skin. Tyrosinase is an enzyme that controls melanin production.
A study from 2023 found 5% PAD combined with nicotinamide (a form of niacin) effectively reduced melanin production after 6 weeks.
Several studies from the 2010's also show PAD to be effective in alleviating symptoms of Rosacea.
Though this ingredient is considered a gentle active, higher amounts may result in irritation.
Unlike azelaic acid, this ingredient is water-soluble. This property makes it easier to formulate into skincare products.
Learn more about Potassium Azeloyl DiglycinateXanthan 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.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan GumEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
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.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Geek & Gorgeous Apad 20% Azelaic Serum 13 ingredients
Ellana Mineral Cosmetics Clear Skin+ Clarifying Serum With 10% Azelaic Acid 11 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Geek & Gorgeous Apad 20% Azelaic Serum 13 ingredients
Beware, this is not 20% azelic acid but only 20% azeclair serum. That’s equal to like 3-5% azelic acid. It doesn’t do much at all actually. I used it only as a starter product for azelic acid (10%). So don’t expect it to magically cure whatever real issues you might have (acne, roscea etc.), cause it won’t. It helps to reduce the purging though. So yes, if you purge it should be some small white Show more
i was so excited to try this as potassium azeloyl diglycinate is a great ingredient and this formula is so simple and unlikely to cause issues for acne etc. i was hoping it could help with sebum production along with blemishes/redness but it broke me out, not even in just the small whiteheads and small red spots i usually get but quite big whiteheads in areas i dont usually get them, it was also Show more
Ellana Mineral Cosmetics Clear Skin+ Clarifying Serum With 10% Azelaic Acid 11 ingredients
Rating this product a 3/5 bcs its irritating in my skin idk bcs im a first time user of this product my skin always itchy when im using it i only use 2 drops (first timer) but i will continue using it bcs its very effective but the side affects are just irritating in my skin
it didn’t irritate my skin that much, and i can barely see any difference in my skin (like the red marks faded by 1%)
