Head to head
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% vs The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Same comparison whichever way you searched it: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% vs The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%.
The bottom lineThe Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% does more across the board (it leads on hydration, barrier repair, anti-aging), while The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% is the simpler, more pared-back pick.
Reach for The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% if you want the actives; The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% if you want fewer ingredients doing less, gently.
Which should you pick?
Pick Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% if
- it is the one you can get most easily or already trust
Pick Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% if
- plump, lasting hydration is what you want
- your barrier feels stressed and needs the support
- you want the more affordable option
What each delivers
Side by side
| Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% | Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Serum | Serum |
| Key actives | Azelaic Acid, Isohexadecane, Vitamin E | Vitamin B3 10%, Zinc PCA, Pentylene Glycol |
| Texture | A light, fast-absorbing texture that layers cleanly under the rest of your routine, with no greasy film. | A light, fast-absorbing texture that layers cleanly under the rest of your routine, with no greasy film. |
| Fragrance | None detected | None detected |
| Fungal-acne safe | Not likely | Likely |
| Pregnancy | No flagged actives | No flagged actives |
| Ingredients | 17 listed | 11 listed |
| Price | ~€23 | ~€6 |
What's in one but not the other
Only in Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
Both share
No active in common.
Only in Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
The molecule doing the work
Better for…
- Dark spots & uneven toneEither works
- Fine lines & firmnessNiacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
- Breakouts & congestionEither works
- Dryness & dehydrationNiacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is the cheaper of the two (~€6 vs ~€23).
Ready to pick one?
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Common questions
Is The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% or The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% better for fine lines & firmness?
For fine lines & firmness, The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is the stronger pick by our read of the two formulas. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% does more across the board (it leads on hydration, barrier repair, anti-aging), while The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% is the simpler, more pared-back pick. Reach for The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% if you want the actives; The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% if you want fewer ingredients doing less, gently.
Which is cheaper, The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% or The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%?
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is the cheaper of the two (~€6 vs ~€23).
Can I use The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% and The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% together?
They are both serums, so you would normally pick one rather than layer both in the same step. You can keep both and alternate them (morning and night, or on different days) if you like variety, but you do not need two.