Compare Products: Azelaic Acid 10 Serum vs The Niacinamide 15 Serum

Anua

Azelaic Acid 10 Serum

Mid-range
$23 / 30ml — $0.77/ml
COSRX

The Niacinamide 15 Serum

Mid-range15%
$25 / 20ml — $1.25/ml

Who It's Designed For

Anua
  • Those dealing with redness or rosacea-prone skin
  • Users targeting post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
  • Acne-prone skin seeking antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits
  • People looking for a non-irritating alternative to AHA/BHA exfoliation
  • Those with fungal acne (formula is fungal acne safe)
  • Users wanting azelaic acid with added barrier support
COSRX
  • Oily and acne-prone skin seeking serious oil control
  • Post-acne marks and hyperpigmentation
  • Enlarged pores and textured skin
  • Users ready to step up from 10% to higher-strength niacinamide
  • Those who prefer minimal-ingredient formulas

Key Ingredients

Anua

10% Azelaic Acid, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Allantoin

COSRX

Niacinamide (15%), Acetyl Glucosamine (2%), Zinc PCA (1%), Allantoin (0.1%)

Product Composition

36% similarity (14 ingredients in common)

Shared Ingredients
waterglycerinbutylene glycolniacinamide12-hexanediolhydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerallantoinsodium hyaluronateethylhexylglycerindisodium edtatocopherolsodium lauroyl lactylatexanthan gum
Only in Anua (19)
azelaic aciddimethyl isosorbidepanthenoldipotassium glycyrrhizatebeta-glucanhouttuynia cordata extracttromethaminesorbitan isostearatepolysorbate 60caprylyl glycolcaprylic/capric triglyceridehydrogenated lecithincetearyl alcoholglyceryl stearatestearic acidceramide npcholesterolphytosphingosinecarbomer
Only in COSRX (6)
pentylene glycolacetyl glucosaminezinc pcatrehalosepullulancitric acid

User Feedback Patterns

Anua
Effective for redness reduction

Users with rosacea-prone skin report visible redness reduction within 2-4 weeks. This is the most consistently praised benefit.

Elegant texture compared to competitors

Multiple reviewers compare this favorably to The Ordinary's gritty suspension texture. The gel-cream formula absorbs smoothly.

Initial tingling is common

Many users report mild tingling or stinging during the first 1-2 weeks. This typically subsides as skin adjusts. The penetration enhancer likely contributes to this sensation.

Gradual hyperpigmentation improvement

Users targeting dark spots note gradual improvement over 4-8 weeks. Results are described as steady rather than dramatic.

COSRX
Oil control standout

Users consistently report significant reduction in daytime oil and shine. Many describe it as the best niacinamide serum they have tried for sebum control.

Lightweight texture praised

Unlike some high-concentration serums, this absorbs quickly without tackiness or residue. Layers well under other products.

Small bottle concern

The 20ml size (vs. 30ml standard) is a common gripe, especially given the price point.

Pore improvement takes time

Users report visible pore improvement around the 3-4 week mark with consistent twice-daily use.

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