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.
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
As a senior I didn't know what to expect. However, in the last two weeks I have noticed that my deep wrinkles look smoother and fuller. i realize it's important to persevere if one wants to make a change. So I'll continue using it morning and night. Thank you for a quality product!
This is the best cream for “mature” skin. I have tried many highly recommended expensive products but this is the only one that actually works, together with a couple of other GOW products as recommended by Jen, to give my skin that “youthful glow” as commented on by my friends. I especially appreciate the natural ingredients with no strange chemicals!
However, as good as this cream is, it is eclipsed by the amazing customer service and suggestions from Jen who tolerated my multiple questions and responded so quickly that I felt as if I was their only customer!
Thank you Jen and GOW for all your help and wonderful products.
PhytoEstrogen Cream - New Formula!
Alyssa
Magical for my whole body!
I love using this on my body. It's magical on knees and elbows. Definitely reviving for dry/rough skin and magical for the rest of my body. Hope this gets made into a body lotion.
Majik Coconut Revival Cream
Beverly Katzenberger
So far I like the PPSO and the way the oil quickly absorbs into the skin
So far I like the PPSO and the way the oil quickly absorbs into the skin. The only issue is that I keep forgetting that I have it in the refrigerator.
Prickly Pear Seed Oil - The Secret to Timeless Radiance
Andrea S
Banishes redness
Bought this for my husband to treat redness on his face. It's hard to get him to use products. Started with a sample. I worked, so he asked me to order more. He must really like it. Thanks Garden of Wisdom!
Cherry Fruit Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Andrea S
Great on my sensitive skin
I use this cleanser every evening. Love the scent and my skin feels so smooth afterwards. I will continue to keep this as part of my daily routine.
Soothing Cream Cleanser with Matcha Green Tea
Andrea S
Great for clogged pores
This product works well on my sensitive skin. It has helped clear clogged pores on my nose as well as reduce small bumps that frequently appear on my cheeks. I'll keep this one on hand at all times.
Sulfur Clearing Serum
Patricia Portis
So far, so good!
To be honest, I use Serum as a Scalp Oil Treatment....I mixed it in with another scalp treatment that I do weekly....I'm very sensitive to everything, but far. so good....Thank you!
Happy Scalp Detox My Itchy and Dry Scalp Serum
Peg
Best lotion ever!
This lotion is the best I’ve ever found! Sinks in beautifully, providing moisture to dry, cracked hands and itchy, flaky legs. After many years of searching for the perfect lotion, I’ve found the one! The aroma is subtly beautiful (sea of blue)- love everything about this product :). Thank you Garden of Wisdom!,
Creamy Hand and Body Lotion
Amelia Thome
This Is THE Lotion
All the things skin is supposed to do, (like holding in hydration and moisture, shedding naturally, and remaining intact to provide a barrier against the elements) my skin doesn't. What it does do, is react to everything (including my own sweat) as an enemy, and block and inflame random pores as revenge upon me for trying to moisturize so the itching doesn't drive me to madness.
This lotion has been genuinely miraculous. At best, others help one problem but cause another. This one interrupts the cycle, and has actually made my skin healthier. To echo another review, please never stop making this.
This serum is a lovely tool in fighting signs of aging cause by lifes little stressors :)
Thank you, Erika.
You are adorable. We are always happy to hear when a product shows the results
one is hoping for.
Thank you for the video!
Markey ˚⊱⊰˚
As a senior I didn't know what to expect. However, in the last two weeks I have noticed that my deep wrinkles look smoother and fuller. i realize it's important to persevere if one wants to make a change. So I'll continue using it morning and night. Thank you for a quality product!
⋆.˚✮ ✮˚.⋆ for taking the time to share this. Hearing that you’re noticing your skin look smoother and fuller with continued use means a great deal to us.
Skincare changes take patience, and your note about perseverance really resonates. As someone who is almost 70 myself, I understand how important it is to give the skin time and consistency, and to choose products that feel supportive rather than aggressive.
Thank you for your trust and for being part of Garden of Wisdom.
Markey and the Fabulous GoW Crew
This is the best cream for “mature” skin. I have tried many highly recommended expensive products but this is the only one that actually works, together with a couple of other GOW products as recommended by Jen, to give my skin that “youthful glow” as commented on by my friends. I especially appreciate the natural ingredients with no strange chemicals!
However, as good as this cream is, it is eclipsed by the amazing customer service and suggestions from Jen who tolerated my multiple questions and responded so quickly that I felt as if I was their only customer!
Thank you Jen and GOW for all your help and wonderful products.
Karen ˚⊱⊰˚
Thank you so much for taking the time to share this. Hearing that this cream has truly supported your skin and helped bring out that kind of glow means SO much to all of us.
Equally meaningful is your note about working with Jen. Thoughtful guidance and real conversations are just as important to us as the formulas themselves, and she puts so much care into helping each person feel supported and understood.
Thank you for your trust, your kindness, and for being part of Garden of Wisdom.
We’re grateful to be on this journey with you.
I love using this on my body. It's magical on knees and elbows. Definitely reviving for dry/rough skin and magical for the rest of my body. Hope this gets made into a body lotion.
Hi Alyssa
Oh, you have no idea how happy this makes us. This really is a beautiful cream, and it’s always so meaningful to hear when skin responds to it in such a positive way.
The formula holds a special place for us, and the name does too. It actually came from a little in-house naming contest years ago, and while it’s quirky, it ended up being the perfect fit.
Thank you for taking the time to share such a thoughtful review.
Wishing you the very best on your skincare journey.
Markey
This is a fantastic everyday facial cleanser, but I wanted to share another use—it’s the absolute best “feminine” cleanser ever! Hopefully most of us know not to use soaps with harsh pH that can cause problems down there, but sometimes I felt like a water-only wash wasn’t quite enough. Super sensitive cleansing oil to the rescue! I’ve never felt fresher since using this product. Cleanses without stripping or disrupting your most delicate skin’s balance. Perfect!
Hi, Emily ˚‧｡⋆⋆｡‧˚
Thank you for sharing this. We are always happy to here when a product such as the 'Super Sensitive Cleansing Oil' has felt gentle, balanced, and supportive for your skin.
Our goal is always to create formulas that cleanse effectively while respecting the skin’s natural balance, especially for those with sensitivities.
We appreciate you taking the time to leave such a thoughtful review.
Markey and her GoW Family
