In the crowded world of Korean skincare, very few serums have achieved instant cult status like the Anua Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum. Launched in 2024, this lightweight purple-pink bottle has taken over TikTok, Reddit, and Olive Young bestseller lists as the go-to gentle-yet-effective treatment for redness, breakouts, textured skin, and post-inflammatory marks — all without the irritation of traditional 15–20% azelaic acid prescriptions.
If you’re searching for the best azelaic acid serum for sensitive skin, a redness-calming Korean serum, or a non-drying acne treatment, this is the one dermatologists and estheticians are now recommending alongside The Ordinary, Paula’s Choice, and Naturium.
What Is Anua Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum?
This 30 ml (1.01 fl oz) serum combines 10% azelaic acid with eight types of hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, tranexamic acid, panthenol, and calming botanicals in a hydrating, non-sticky base. The gorgeous lavender-pink color comes naturally from purple sweet potato and calamine-like ingredients — no artificial dyes.
Key Benefits (Clinically & User-Proven)
- Visibly reduces redness in as little as 3 days
- Controls breakouts and prevents new pimples
- Fades post-acne red and brown marks
- Intensely hydrates without feeling heavy
- Soothes sensitivity and rosacea flare-ups
- Smooths bumpy texture and closed comedones
- Strengthens skin barrier in 1 week
- 97% of users reported less irritation vs. 20% prescription azelaic acid
Complete Ingredient List & Star Actives Explained
10% Azelaic Acid
Potent yet gentle concentration that fights acne bacteria, unclogs pores, brightens hyperpigmentation, and calms inflammation.
8 Types of Hyaluronic Acid (low to high molecular weight)
Pulls moisture into every layer of the skin for plump, dewy hydration that lasts all day.
Niacinamide (strength not disclosed, estimated 4–5%)
Regulates oil, shrinks pores, strengthens barrier, and boosts brightness.
Tranexamic Acid
Gold-standard ingredient for fading melasma and stubborn red marks.
Panthenol + Allantoin + Beta-Glucan
Deeply soothe and repair damaged skin.
Centella Asiatica Complex (Madecassoside, Asiaticoside, etc.)
The famous “cica” that speeds healing and reduces redness.
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract & Eggplant Fruit Extract
Antioxidant-rich Korean botanicals that calm and protect.
Purple Sweet Potato Extract
Gives the natural purple-pink tint and adds extra antioxidants.
Free from fragrance, essential oils, alcohol denat., and silicones. pH 5.5–6.0. Non-comedogenic. Vegan & cruelty-free.
Who Is This Serum Made For?
Perfect for:
- Acne-prone but sensitive skin
- Rosacea and constant facial redness
- Hormonal breakouts and cystic acne
- Post-inflammatory erythema (PIE) and hyperpigmentation (PIH)
- Textured “strawberry skin” or closed comedones
- People who found The Ordinary 10% Azelaic Acid too drying
- Anyone using tretinoin or high-percentage actives who needs a soothing partner
- Beginners scared of strong acids
Even oily skin loves it — it mattifies slightly while staying hydrated.
How to Use Anua Azelaic Acid 10 Serum in Your Routine
Morning Routine (Redness + Glow Focus)
- Gentle cleanser (Anua Heartleaf Cleanser recommended)
- Anua Azelaic Acid 10 Serum (2–3 pumps)
- Vitamin C or niacinamide serum (optional)
- Lightweight moisturizer
- Mineral sunscreen (pairs beautifully with Anua Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream)
Night Routine (Acne + Texture Focus)
- Double cleanse
- Anua Heartleaf 77% Toner Pad (optional)
- Anua Azelaic Acid 10 Serum as first treatment layer
- Wait 2–3 minutes
- Retinoid, peptide, or additional actives
- Rich moisturizer or sleeping mask
Pro tip: Apply on slightly damp skin after toner for maximum absorption and glass-skin effect.
Real Before & After Results (2024–2025)
Across TikTok (#AnuaAzelaicAcid has 150M+ views), r/AsianBeauty, and YesStyle reviews:
- Cystic acne calmed in 5–10 days
- Red marks faded 40–70% in 4 weeks
- Rosacea flushing reduced dramatically
- Closed comedones and bumpy forehead smoothed in 2–3 weeks
- “My skin looks airbrushed” is the most common comment
One viral user with severe PIE said: “This replaced my $120 SkinCeuticals Phyto Correcting Gel and works faster.”
Comparison Table: Anua vs. Top Azelaic Acid Serums (2025)
| Product | Price (USD) | Azelaic Acid % | Texture | Best For | Irritation Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anua Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Serum | $24–28 | 10% | Lightweight gel-serum | Sensitive, redness, acne+hydration | Very Low |
| The Ordinary Azelaic Acid 10% Suspension | $12 | 10% | Thick cream | Budget, textured skin | Medium |
| Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Booster | $39 | 10% + Salicylic | Creamy | Oily skin, large pores | Low–Medium |
| Naturium Azelaic Topical Acid 10% | $32 | 10% + Glycine | Gel-cream | All-rounder | Low |
| Facetheory Azecalm 15% Azelaic Acid | $35 | 15% | Serum | Stubborn pigmentation | Medium–High |
Anua wins for sensitive skin tolerance + hydration + aesthetics.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does it help with fungal acne?
Yes — azelaic acid is anti-Malassezia and safe for fungal acne.
Can I use it while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Yes. Azelaic acid is Category B and considered safe.
Will it bleach pillows or clothes?
No. The purple color is stable and doesn’t stain.
How long until I see results for redness?
Most users notice calmer skin in 3–7 days; full redness reduction in 2–4 weeks.
Can I use it with retinol/tretinoin?
Yes — apply Anua first as a soothing buffer.
Does it have a scent?
Very faint natural herbal scent that disappears instantly.
How long does one 30 ml bottle last?
6–10 weeks with twice-daily use.
Where to Buy & Best Price (November 2025)
- YesStyle — $23–26 (frequent 15–20% off codes)
- StyleKorean / Stylevana — $22–25
- Amazon (official Anua store) — $27–29
- Olive Young Global — $28
- Jolse, BeautynetKorea — often $21 during sales
Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?
If you have sensitive, troubled, or redness-prone skin and want one serum that calms, hydrates, fights breakouts, and fades marks — the Anua Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum is currently the best all-in-one option in K-beauty.
At under $30, it outperforms many $50–$100 Western counterparts in both gentleness and visible results. This purple bottle has earned its permanent spot in thousands of routines worldwide.
