Pure Choice Azelaic Acid 10% Versus Skin401 5% Azelaic Acid Serum
Updated on March 20, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe serums. They have a total of 11 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain hyaluronic acid
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, 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, parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances
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
Pure Choice Azelaic Acid 10% 22 ingredients
Skin401 5% Azelaic Acid Serum 19 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Pure Choice Azelaic Acid 10% 22 ingredients
Skin401 5% Azelaic Acid Serum 19 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAzelaic Acid
Buffering
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Arnica Montana Flower Extract
Masking
Cinchona Succirubra Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningAnthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
Masking
Calendula Officinalis Extract
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Madecassoside
Antioxidant
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTetrasodium EDTA
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Water, Azelaic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Pentylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Niacinamide, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Cinchona Succirubra Bark Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Calendula Officinalis Extract, Allantoin, Phenoxyethanol, Madecassoside, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Polysorbate 20, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tetrasodium EDTA, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate
Water
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Azelaic Acid
Buffering
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingGlycerin
Humectant
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Tetrasodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Benzoic Acid
Masking
Dehydroacetic Acid
Preservative
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingWater, Propylene Glycol, Azelaic Acid, Panthenol, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Glycerin, Sodium Benzoate, Allantoin, Potassium Sorbate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Tetrasodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide
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 WaterAzelaic 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 AcidSodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateCamellia 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.
This ingredient has many skin benefits:
This ingredient contains polyphenols, a strong antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight off molecules that damage skin cells.
On top of that, the antioxidants in green tea neutralize free-radicals from the sun. This gives the skin some extra UV protection, but should not replace sunscreen.
Many components of tea have anti-inflammatory properties.
Polyphenols and L-theanine help soothe the skin and reduce irritation. The caffeine in Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract helps calm inflamed blood vessels.
Other compounds found in tea include: Vitamin Bs, linoleic acid, magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc.
Research has shown both drinking Camellia Sinensis Leaf Tea and applying it to the skin can help boost skin elasticity and hydration. Studies also show using tea extract may reduce sebum, or oil, production.
Learn more about Camellia Sinensis Leaf ExtractGlycyrrhiza 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.
One component, glabridin, has extra potent antioxidant and soothing properties. It has also been found to block pigmentation from UVB rays in guinea pigs.
Licorice Root also contains a flavonoid. Flavonoids are a natural substance from in plants. Flavonoids also have antioxidant properties.
Another component, glycyrrhizin, has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. This may make licorice root extract effective at treating acne. However, more research is needed to support this.
Liquiritin is one of the flavone compounds found in licorice. It has been found to help lighten skin by preventing tyrosinase from reacting with tyrosine. When the two react, protein is converted to melanin. Melanin is the substance in your body that gives your features pigmentation.
Learn more about Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root ExtractAllantoin plays a role in soothing and moisturizing the skin. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.
Some studies have shown this ingredient can promote wound healing with higher concentrations.
Allantoin is derived from the comfrey plant but produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Learn more about AllantoinPhenoxyethanol 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.
Hydroxyethylcellulose is used to improve the texture of products. It is created from a chemical reaction involving ethylene oxide and alkali-cellulose. Cellulose is a sugar found in plant cell walls and help give plants structure.
This ingredient helps stabilize products by preventing ingredients from separating. It can also help thicken the texture of a product.
This ingredient can also be found in pill medicines to help our bodies digest other ingredients.
Learn more about HydroxyethylcelluloseTetrasodium EDTA is the salt formed from neutralizing ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid with sodium hydroxide. It is a chelating agent and used to prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This helps keep the product and ingredients stable.
Tetrasodium EDTA comes as a white solid and is soluble in water.
Sodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoatePotassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateIngredient Ratings
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