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
I love the smell and the glow you have after using it.
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Can finally tolerate dry air.
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SV
Miracle
Beta glucans for the win! This really did wonders for my dry skin. I feel like it does more than HA alone. I have combination skin and eczema and I did not experience any issues regarding acne or irritation.
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Anonymous
TXA - the wonder drug
I just started using the TXA+Z Radiance Serum so it’s a little too soon to tell if it will help with my dark patches but I think it’s starting to help. As a surgical RN, I am very familiar with TXA (given IV) and find it an amazing and very useful drug in the OR so I have no doubt it will be beneficial on my skin.
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I've been using clean plant-based deodorant for a decade, and this seems to do the best job of controlling odors that develop because of hormones, stress, and exercise. When I saw the size of the bottle, I checked to make sure I hadn't ordered the trial size; however, this tiny bottle delivers a lot in a small dot applied to each armpit and will likely last several weeks.
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Absolutely Love this oil!!
I have quite a variety of carrier oils from GOW that I rotate depending on what my skin needs and love each and every one, but I absolutely love the way my skin looks and feels when I use the prickly pear, to me it feel light and smoothing, has the faintest natural smell which I love in the carrier oils, and just feels so great on the skin!! I love using it under my eyes especially!!!
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Anonymous
I love this hand cream!
I love this hand cream! I especially love that it has zero fragrance. It works great for me. Thank you!!!
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Evita
Love the size and scent
I'm researching on updating my cleanser routine as periodically skin needs change. I bought a sample and have used 2-3 times. This cleanser foams once applied on wet skin. The pumpkin scent is not overpowering and my face feels soft. The sample size gives one plenty to determine if its right for you. I'll use it to change up my routine over the winter months.
Fall Into My Pumpkin Cleanser
Meredith B.
Wonderful, gentle serum for acne
I absolutely love GoW's Salicylic Acid 2% (Alcohol Free) serum. On my skin, it prevents/reduces acne in the gentlest way possible - it's calming, moisturizing, and reduces redness, all while keeping my pores clearer.
Hi Jennifer!
This is actually very exciting to hear. The winter weather kills almost everyone's skin.
Thank you for taking the time to let everyone know.
Warmly,
Markey
Despite having dry eczema prone skin on my body, heavily occlusive oils are a huge no. This oil was THE best thing to happen to my sad winter skin. The "linoleic content" in sunflower seed and the other oils isn't just to sound fancy, it's actual science in action. And then the bit of avocado and cocoa butters add just enough luxurious nourishment and my skin is left feeling conditioned without feeling suffocated or like I need to itch off the product! Tried some other brand oils in between, but nothing compared. Thank you GoW for making these products that actually work. I could cry.
Hi S.
This was a beautiful note to read. Thank you for trusting us with your skin and for sharing such a thoughtful experience. We’re so glad this blend has supported you when your skin needed it most.
Thank you for being part of our community.
Warmly, Your GoW Crew
Beta glucans for the win! This really did wonders for my dry skin. I feel like it does more than HA alone. I have combination skin and eczema and I did not experience any issues regarding acne or irritation.
SV
Oh, this is wonderful to hear! Oat Beta Glucans are an ingredient that we are thankful for every single day!
Its powers are just incredible. We hit the sweet spot with this serum and feel very lucky to have it.
Warmly, Your GoW Team ️
