Head to head
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% vs The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%
Same comparison whichever way you searched it: The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% vs The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%.
The bottom lineThe Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% does more across the board (it leads on hydration, brightening / tone, anti-aging), while The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% is the simpler, more pared-back pick.
Reach for The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% 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
- you are dealing with breakouts and oiliness
- you prefer a simpler, more minimal formula
Pick Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% if
- plump, lasting hydration is what you want
- fine lines and firmness are the goal
- you want the more affordable option
What each delivers
Side by side
| Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% | Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Serum | Serum |
| Key actives | Azelaic Acid, Isohexadecane, Vitamin E | Vitamin C (LAA), Squalane, Isononyl Isononanoate |
| 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 | Not likely |
| Pregnancy | No flagged actives | No flagged actives |
| Ingredients | 17 listed | 15 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 Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%
The molecule doing the work
Better for…
- Dark spots & uneven toneVitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%
- Fine lines & firmnessVitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%
- Breakouts & congestionAzelaic Acid Suspension 10%
- Dryness & dehydrationVitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%
The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% 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 Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% better for dark spots & uneven tone?
For dark spots & uneven tone, The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% is the stronger pick by our read of the two formulas. The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% does more across the board (it leads on hydration, brightening / tone, anti-aging), while The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% is the simpler, more pared-back pick. Reach for The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% 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 Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%?
The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% is the cheaper of the two (~€6 vs ~€23).
Can I use The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% and The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% 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.