Garden of Wisdom's Azelaic Acid 8% Serum (Original Formula) Azelaic Acid is a naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid that works topically by gently exfoliating the skin, reducing inflammation, and normalizing the shedding of dead skin cells to prevent clogged pores. It has antibacterial properties, particularly effective against Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis, making it beneficial for acne-prone skin. Azelaic acid also inhibits tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in melanin production, helping to fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and melasma over time. It’s well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive skin, and is often used as a multi-tasking treatment for acne, rosacea, and uneven skin tone.
This version may have a grainy texture, but this is common and does not affect its efficacy. Many companies deal with this.
**Please Note: If you've never tried this before, try a sample size first. We don't want you to waste your hard-earned money. Ensuring your skin is not reactive with these (or any) serums is essential.
Method of Application Apply as needed during the treatment phase of your routine.
Shelf Life and Storage Information for Our Products and Ingredients
Finished Products - generally don't need to be refrigerated as they are preserved, but you can refrigerate them to extend their shelf life. The shelf life for most products is 9-12 months. Vitamin C Serum(s) and VitaResurface products should continually be refrigerated to extend their shelf life. Sample Sizes - do have a shorter shelf life (generally 3-6 months), and items in jars can dry up quicker than this if the lid is not tightened well enough (Vitamin C Serums - use within 90 days).
Please Keep Your Products Out of Humidity, Heat, Direct Light and in a Dark Cabinet When Possible
Exfoliating Acid - products have a shelf life of 9-12 months. The only things we don't suggest refrigerating are the Mandelic Acid Serums or Salicylic Acid Serums, as they can crystallize in the refrigerator. If this happens, you can set the product into a hot water bath to see if the crystals will dissolve.
Additional Items That Require Refrigeration and/or Kept in the Dark
Hydrosols and Distillates - remove 1 ounce of hydrosol and add it to a separate, sterilized spray bottle and spritzer. Keep the larger bottle in the refrigerator. Carrier and Exotic Oils - generally refrigerate all carrier oils, although some very rich oils will solidify. This is fine. All you have to do is take the oil out, warm it up at room temperature, and it should liquefy. If not, set the bottle in a hot water bath and occasionally shake the bottle, which will hopefully turn into a liquid. Some oils, like coconut cream and jojoba oil, have a super long shelf life.
Refrigeration of The Following Ingredients is Not Necessary, But it Won't hurt
Essential Oils - essential oils are best stored in a cool, dark place. Co2 Extracts - these should continually be refrigerated. Butters - we suggest refrigerating our "skincare" butters. You can remove what you need and keep the rest in the fridge. Clays - keep in a dry, dark place. Shelf life is at least 2 years. Herbs All herbs <i>(whole or ground)</i> should be kept in a dark, cool, and dry location. Herbal (liquid) Extracts are created using grain alcohol. The alcohol pulls the constituents (properties) from each herb, root, trunk, leaf, and flower. They have a shelf life of 3-5 years. They can be stored in the refrigerator or a dark, dry place. Other Raw Ingredients - such as Sodium PCA, Honeyquat, Oat Beta Glucan, etc., will all have different shelf lives.
Got a full size! I need limited ingredient products due to my skin's Mystery Sensitivities. This serum doesn't aggravate my skin,yippee!
*ੈ✩༺༻*ੈ✩
Mystery sensitivities are no joke… I’m so glad this one didn’t stir anything up That’s always the goal.
Markey and the Crew at GoW
N
Nicole B
The BEST Azelaic Acid Product I've Tried
I've been using azelaic acid for a couple of years for my pustular rosacea. It is the one thing that helps my skin stay clear the most. I've tried so many different brands, and most contain ingredients that clog my pores or my skin can't tolerate (like silicones, glycols, and other acids). This product has been AMAZING--it smooths my skin and bumps, it isn't harsh, and gives me a nice glow without being oily or sticky. Also I've noticed azelaic acid works better for me than other derivatives. The slightly grainy texture of this product doesn't bother me and doesn't linger on my skin. Please don't stop making this version!!!
Nicole ❤️ and WOW WOW WOW, thank you so much!
Azelaic acid can be a lifeline for some skin types, and we’re very intentional about keeping this formula simple, focused, and free from common troublemakers that can overwhelm sensitive or reactive skin. We’re especially glad to hear that this version works well for you without feeling harsh, sticky, or pore-clogging. 😲
Your note about preferring azelaic acid itself, rather than derivatives, is exactly why this product exists in its current form. The texture is a deliberate trade-off to keep the formula gentle and effective, and it’s reassuring to know it hasn’t affected our experience.
We appreciate your being a part of the GoW family.
M
Mike
Finally a Azelic acid product with the perfect ingredients
I have extremely reactive rosacea + POD + seb derm and have never been able to tolerate other azelaic products (Finacea, The Ordinary, Cos De Baha, etc.). They all left me flushed, burning, slick-oily and “raw” the next morning – even at low %.
Wisdom’s azelaic serum is the complete opposite. The base is incredibly gentle: no sting, no burn, no delayed flare. I can apply it at night after just a water rinse, my skin might flush for a minute (vascular rosacea doing its thing), then it calms right down. I wake up with skin that looks calm, not cooked – still a bit oily (normal for me), but far less than before and without that angry, inflamed look.
It’s the first azelaic that actually works with my barrier instead of fighting it. If you have super sensitive, rosacea-prone, seb-derm-ish skin and thought azelaic just “isn’t for you,” this formula is honestly worth a try.
Please can you consult with your customers if you ever want to discontinue this product? will happily stock up if that ever happens.
Hi Mike 😉
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a positive review for our Azelaic Acid 8% Serum. We are thrilled to hear that our product has worked well for your sensitive skin and has been able to address your concerns with rosacea, POD, and seb derm.
We understand how difficult it can be to find the right product that works for your skin type, and we are happy to hear that our serum has been gentle and effective for you. We will definitely take your request into consideration if there is any discussion to eliminate this product in the future. We don't see this happening though.
Thank you for choosing our brand, and we hope to continue providing you with products that meet your skincare needs.
Best regards,
Your GoW Customer Service Team
V
Victoria Jones
Gow azelaic acid 10% serum
I am 5 stars to the original formula that had 10% azelaic acid. I am prone to rosacea. I had tried everything the seem suggested and didn’t work. Then I saw an influencer from the UK describe how she only uses this with vitamin c. For the past 5 years my skin has been clear. I’m disappointed they changed the new formula to only 8% and it lacks a hyaluronic acid and a jojoba protein like the original. Why switch it was perfect? So I am given 5 stars to original and will test the new formula to see if it works.
Victoria ♡
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review of our Azelaic Acid 8% Serum. We are happy to hear that you had great results with our previous 10% formula (this was when we were formulating for VH). Our team is constantly working to improve our products, and we appreciate your feedback regarding the change in formula. We understand how you feel, and please don't hesitate to contact us to discuss how we can offer you the original formula.
We hope you continue to see good results with our new formula, and we are here to assist you if you have any further questions or concerns.
Thank you for choosing Garden of Wisdom,
Markey ˚‧｡⋆⋆｡‧˚
S
Sam
Grainy texture
Just started using this serum it is grainy in texture and unpleasant smell. Need more time to see the results.
Hi Sam
Thank you for sharing your initial impressions. We really appreciate you taking the time to leave feedback. We're sorry to hear the texture and scent didn’t meet your expectations. Some of our serums contain naturally derived ingredients that can sometimes have a subtle grain or earthy scent, but we’re always here to help troubleshoot or offer suggestions based on your skin goals. The Azeloyl Glycine option is a smooth and light serum which you may prefer. Please feel free to reach out if you'd like personalized guidance as you continue using the product.
We’re happy to support you along the way!
Markey
I love this schampoo!! I was a little skeptical if an all natural shampoo would work, especially since I have fine, straight hair that tends to get greasy after only a couple of days with regular high quality shampoos, but this really works. I can go for 3 full days without washing it and I immediately noticed how powder soft my hair felt after the first wash. I think it even washes out the hard water. I will definitely be buying this again!
Interesting new product. I prefer the beautiful eye serum but this has some great ingredients
Thank you so much for this review. We really appreciate you giving Blue Lotus Veil a try and sharing your thoughts with us.
The Beautiful Eye Serum will always have a special place in our hearts too 😊 but we’re so happy you noticed the thoughtful ingredient profile in Blue Lotus Veil. We wanted it to feel like a beautiful extension of that same peptide-loving philosophy while offering a slightly different experience for the skin.
Thank you again for your honesty, support, and for spending time exploring our creations with us.
It truly means a lot to our small team
I love this serum so much I had to write another review! This is my number one anti-aging go to every night because it’s packed with all of the top anti-aging ingredients! It’s the first thing I put on my face after washing. It has completely changed the texture of my skin! I have large pores so I am not fortunate enough to have skin like porcelain, but the clarity and softening of lines and wrinkles has been amazing! The scent…not heavy or perfumey, but simply real rose petals in a bottle, LOVE!!!
Kerrie Thank you so incredibly much for not only this beautiful review, but for coming back to write another one.
That is so cool and greatly appreciated.
We always love seeing you in the shop, and hearing how much Rose Stem Cell & Peptide Serum has become part of your nightly ritual just makes our hearts happy. Your description of the scent being like “real rose petals in a bottle” honestly could not have been more perfect.
And, thank you for sharing your experience so openly. So many people feel self-conscious about texture and pores, so hearing that you’ve noticed clarity, smoother texture, and softened lines will be incredibly encouraging for others too. We formulated this serum to feel nurturing, active, and beautifully supportive to the skin, so hearing feedback like this reminds us why we do what we do.
We adore you and appreciate your kindness and support!
Your Team @ GoW
I really like this stuff! I have super sensitive, fungal acne-prone skin. This takes off makeup and sunscreen right away, and it doesn't feel stripping or irritating. If I use it on the skin near my eyes it stings just a bit, hence the 4 stars, but it's not to stop using it. In the morning I use it as my sole cleanser, and at night I follow it with a GoW cleanser in the shower.
Thank you so much, Caroline. We really appreciate you taking the time to leave such a thoughtful and detailed review.
Hearing that Micellar Cleansing Dew has worked well for your super sensitive, fungal acne-prone skin means a lot to us, especially since skin like yours can be incredibly difficult to please without irritation. We’re so happy it’s helping remove makeup and sunscreen gently without leaving your skin feeling stripped.
We also sincerely appreciate you mentioning the slight stinging around the eye area. That kind of feedback is genuinely helpful for both us and other customers. The eye area can be especially delicate, so we completely understand your caution there.
And, we love hearing that it has become part of both your morning and evening routine alongside another 😊GoW cleanser.
Thank you again for your support, trust, and kindness toward our small company.
It means a great deal to us.
Markey
This clay is a wonderful ingredient I add to my tallow soaps I make
This clay is a wonderful ingredient I add to my tallow soaps I make. Extra creamy lather, plus all the benefits from Rhassoul clay.
Hi Helen :-D
This is wonderful to hear. Rhassoul Clay has some pretty spectacular properties and to know how it helped enhance
your soap sounds lovely.
Tallow soaps must be very conditioning and gentle to the skin. ;-)
Markey and the GoW Family 😊
I love this schampoo!! I was a little skeptical if an all natural shampoo would work, especially since I have fine, straight hair that tends to get greasy after only a couple of days with regular high quality shampoos, but this really works. I can go for 3 full days without washing it and I immediately noticed how powder soft my hair felt after the first wash. I think it even washes out the hard water. I will definitely be buying this again!
Locks of Lovely Shampoo (Unscented): Pure, Nourishing, and Gentle Care for Your Hair
Anonymous
Interesting new product
Interesting new product. I prefer the beautiful eye serum but this has some great ingredients
Blue Lotus Veil Peptide Infusion: Eye & Facial Renewal Serum
Teal Schinkel
ONLY MOISTURIZER THAT DOESNT CAUSE ACNE
Literally the only one I've ever used and I've searched for 30 yrs. Just the best!
Decadent Oat Enriched Emulsion
Teal Schinkel
Works on Melasma!
Nothing has worked so far on my Melasma as well as this. My skin has a glow that it doesn't have when I'm not using. And it's keeping acne at bay. There's a noticeable difference when I don't use this. Don't want to go without.
Clear, Brighten, and Prevent Serum
Rebekah Eustis
great for removing thick sunscreen
This micellar water is the best! I am in the ocean a lot and so wear thick mineral waterproof sunscreen. In the past, trying to get it all off so that my skin didn't break out was always a challenge because the foaming cleansers would dry out my skin. That is why this is a life saver. As another review mentioned, I shake the bottle, pour about a teaspoon or so in my palm and smooth over my face and neck. You can literally see the sunscreen (or make up) melt off. I rinse and then cleanse one more time with the gentle cleansing gel (another winner IMO). My skin is clean but not dry! I love the sensitive formula. Thank you GOW for making such amazing products!
Micellar Cleansing Dew | Sensitive Profile
CT
If I could only use one skincare brand for the rest of my life.
It would truly be garden of wisdom. I started using GOW about 8 or 9 years ago and have never looked back. I haven’t been disappointed by a single product, and I have tried soo many and would bathe in them all daily if I could. several have become staples in my routine, which is about 75% gow products now. The education they provide is genuinely game changing. You not only understand what you’re using and why, but the results are noticeably better than any other store brand skincare I’ve tried.
The company itself is lovely. It’s built on education, research, and experience, not marketing, trends, fake reviews, or the deceptive tactics most skincare brands rely on. Their success comes from a real commitment to honestly informing and educating their community while making truly amazing skincare. Thank you🤍
Garden Of Wisdom Skincare
Margie
Shrinks those bags!
I use this when I’m going out for something special I want to look my best. It really does shrink those puffy tissues around the eyes. It’s a great quick fix item.
Anti-Puffy Eye Serum
Margie
Lovely, soft skin!
Do you know the expression, “If I could bathe in this stuff, I would.”? Well, I do! I know this is an expensive option, but I use this as my body wash for my dry and sensitive body skin. Luckily, a little goes a long way. It’s so gentle and leaves my skin nice and clean, but also super soft at the same time. I use the Honey Butter cleanser on my face and this duo works really well for me.
Oats Milk and Honey Facial Cleanser
Anonymous
C3 Lipid Elixer
I tried this on a whim & I am so happy that I did! My skin is a bit sensitive, as well as very moody. This elixir works with my skin. My skin actually looks better.
Thank you!
C³ Lipid Elixir
Harmony Jensen
Perfect level of moisture.
I use this at night with a few drops of an oil and it’s the perfect level of moisture for my skin, even during winter. Heavy creams cause issue for me and this is perfect.
Decadent Oat Enriched Emulsion (No Essential Oils)
