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.
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
Love this cleanser. Gentle and seems to hydrate and leave my skin with a little glow.
Majik Azulene Cleanser
Anonymous
Great
Great
Cellular Eye Complex - Age Defying Hydration for Delicate Skin
Anonymous
So clean and pure
So clean and pure. That’s all we need. No chemicals! Thank you GOW!
Clearly Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum (Leucidal SF)
Shannon Loe
COLLAGEN RENEWAL SERUM GOES ON SMOOTH AND I HAVE NOTICED A MORE EVEN SKIN TONE
COLLAGEN RENEWAL SERUM GOES ON SMOOTH AND I HAVE NOTICED A MORE EVEN SKIN TONE. SO FAR I AM LIKING THE SERUM
Collagen Renewal Serum
Anonymous
Never disappoints and good price
Never disappoints and good price. Thank you GOW!
Fruit Acid Exfo Pads 10% pH 2.85
Marie Donald
The Banana Healing Serum is wonderful for sensitive reactive skin
The Banana Healing Serum is wonderful for sensitive reactive skin. Whenever my skin gets red and inflamed, this along with the calendula cream are the only products that calm my skin.
Banana Healing Serum
Margie Levy
Even better!
Thank you for reformulating this already wonderful product! I’ve always loved it, but I really love that. It doesn’t separate now.
PhytoEstrogen Cream - New Formula!
Grace
Incredible
Waited until I used the whole bottle to review... My rosacea has improved so much using this emulsion!!! I'm in love with the fact that it's a moisturizer with no oils or butters, for I have very dry but easily clogged skin. The oat smell was not a problem for me and became comforting in a strange way LOL! Thank you for making such great products!! <3
Decadent Oat Enriched Emulsion (No Essential Oils)
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!!!
Azelaic Acid 8% Serum
Sheryl Paradis
Refreshing and calming
Refreshing and calming. So many skin benefits but even if there wasn’t any benefits I’d use it for the smell alone!
Love this cleanser. Gentle and seems to hydrate and leave my skin with a little glow.
Sara
Thank you! so much for sharing this. We love hearing that the Majik Azulene Cleanser feels gentle on your skin and leaves it looking fresh and glowing. Azulene is such a beautiful ingredient for calm, comfortable skin, and we're so happy it’s working well for you. This cleanser contains copious amounts of one of our favorite creams, and this is why it is so gentle.
Markey and the GoW Team
Garden of Wisdom
Hi there
Thank You ❣️ so much for this review.
I personally love this serum. It is full of beautiful and rich ingredients. I am very proud of this one. 😊
Enjoy every drop. It is very concentrated and will last a long time.
Markey
So clean and pure. That’s all we need. No chemicals! Thank you GOW!
Hi there
YES, YES, YES ⭐
This is exactly what we do and have always strived for. You said it perfectly.
Clean, pure, and no chemicals.
We all appreciate that you took the time to send this review in.
Markey and Your GoW Team
I tend to hate the feeling of greasy, heavy creams and was pleasantly surprised by how this is neither of those! The unscented version still has a very light, pleasant, and quickly dissipated smell.
Hi Andy, Thank You 😊
This makes us smile. We worked hard to create a cream (the Flirty Mango Butter Cream) that feels nourishing without ever feeling heavy or greasy, so we love hearing that it felt just right for you. Thank you for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful review.
Markey
Garden of Wisdom ͙֒
COLLAGEN RENEWAL SERUM GOES ON SMOOTH AND I HAVE NOTICED A MORE EVEN SKIN TONE
COLLAGEN RENEWAL SERUM GOES ON SMOOTH AND I HAVE NOTICED A MORE EVEN SKIN TONE. SO FAR I AM LIKING THE SERUM
Hi Shannon ❤️
Thank you for taking the time to leave this note. Hearing that it applies beautifully and is helping your skin look more even is wonderful feedback.
We truly appreciate you sharing your experience.
With gratitude,
Markey
