Versus

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% Versus Bayer Skinoren 20% Cream - UK

Serum
Prescription
Canadian Brand Canada
German Brand Germany

Updated on April 28, 2025

Overview

What they are

These products are both 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, 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

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

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

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.

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 Water
Buffering, Masking

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

When to use

2,976 Routines
41% use in am
58% use in pm
85% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
340 Routines
38% use in am
62% use in pm
78% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% 17 ingredients

2.9 /5
from 38 ratings
Pilling (18) Great Value (14) Works Well (12)
Elapidae's avatar

Ela

3 months ago
Review

It’s a great starter product with azelic acid.
The price is relatively cheap, the tube will last you long time and it delivers what it should - azelic acid.
However, despite people’s suggestions here I personally would not use it as last step. It does not say it on their homepage but azelic acid has usually low ph. Thus adding it as last step might cause damaged skin barrier on a long run! Show more

#great value
#drying
#works well
anniec's avatar

anniec

1 year ago
Review

Hate
I have rosacea and perioral dermatitis so I thought this would heal my skin but I HATE it. It’s silicone based so it dries matte and you can’t apply sunscreen or any makeup on top. You also can’t reapply because it’ll start pilling. Don’t even think about touching your face after putting this on because it’ll pill. It also stings really bad which is the opposite of what you need for rosacea Show more

#irritating
#heavy
#pilling

Bayer Skinoren 20% Cream 11 ingredients

3.3 /5
from 12 ratings
Works Well (5) Broke Me Out (4) Irritating (4)
sujikim's avatar

Suji Kim

5 months ago
Review

first picture the day i started using it
second picture today, my skin has healed sm
(Nov. 20th 2024 vs Dec 29th 2024)
(I know it might not seem like a lot, but i dont have any active pimples & my skin is not at all bumpy anymore)

this has helped me so so much with my acne journey so far, i was super sceptical at first but i am so grateful this product exists 🙏

(even tho it says its Show more

#great value
#no scent
#works well
laila.21's avatar

Laila

1 year ago
Review

I loveee this so much.💓
Used since Feb 27th, every other day at night after toner and hydrating serum.

I've been using it for around a month now and I can finally say that I found something that does remove my old acne marks and hyperpigmentation!
this paired with alpha-arbutin serum worked soo fast as I saw improvements 15 days in.
not only does it help to even out the skin tone, but it Show more

#great value
#absorbs well
#no scent
#works well