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.
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’ve been using this oil for years. As someone in their 40s and living in the desert, this oil gives a gentle hydration, supporting perimenopause skin, without being greasy or heavy on my sensitive skin type.
Hi Sharon
Thank you for such a thoughtful review and for sharing the results you experienced over time.
It’s the kind of feedback that genuinely helps others feel confident in trying this oil blend!
Markey and the GoW Crew
Hi Ashley
Hopefully, this means you liked the oil? I love the richness and complexity of this oil’s composition.
This being said, thank you!
Markey and the GOW Team
Wonderful Product for Blemishes and Irritation from Wearing Glasses!
I was searching for something to help reduce irritation on the sides of my nose from wearing glasses everyday. Even though I clean my glasses each day, I was still getting redness and blemishes wear they sit. I began using just a dab of this product wear they sit, and within a week- the marks disappeared. Amazing! This cream has also helped quickly treat small acne and blemishes on my face with no dryness or irritation. I am so happy and will order this forever. Due to my sensitive skin, I use the version with no essential oils. My other favorite Garden of Wisdom products are the decadent oat emulsion with no essential oils and the wound healing oil to keep my acne and rosacea at bay. Thank you so much to Jen who has recommended products for me that have transformed my skin!
Kim
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. Your words are an inspiration! We’re delighted to hear that the Neem Leaf Antibacterial Cream has brought relief from irritation caused by wearing glasses, and that it’s also helping with blemishes and sensitivity without causing dryness. That’s exactly what we hope for when creating our formulas.
We're especially glad you're loving the essential oil ~ free version ~ we know how critical gentle options are for sensitive skin. And we completely agree, the Decadent Oat Enriched Emulsion (essential oil-free) and the Wound Healing Oil are little skin saviors!
Jen will be deeply touched by your kind words. It means the world to us to know our care and recommendations have made a positive difference in your skin journey.
With heartfelt thanks,
Markey and the Garden of Wisdom team
Aside from sunscreen and retinol, this is the best anti-aging product you can use as white tea is an extremely potent inhibitor of most collagenase and elastase types. I LOVE the consistency of this serum and how it dries on the skin - not sticky or shiny at all. It was impossible to find a good product with a good percentage of white tea at a reasonable price elsewhere....will definitely repurchase! Please keep making this product GOW!
Jordan,
Thank you so much for the kind words! We're so glad you're loving the White Peony Tea Hyaluronic Acid Serum, especially its silky texture and how it absorbs beautifully. White Peony Tea truly is a powerhouse for supporting collagen and elastin, and we’re proud to offer it at a fair price. We’ll definitely keep offering this product! This makes me wonder how consuming the tea might positively affect our bodies as well. Hmmmm
Your GOW Team 😀
I have had dark under-eye circles (i.e. dark purple color) ever since I was a young child. Even with addressing underlying issues with my iron levels, I still had dark circles. Now, being on my 2nd bottle of this serum (first purchase being of the smallest bottle), the dark circles have cleared completely about ⅔ of the way underneath my eye. Purchased the large bottle this time and am looking forward to getting rid of the remaining darkness where the eye meets the bridge of the nose!
Frankie,
Thank you! Your review makes us giddy with joy as we all know and understand the frustrations with dark under eye circles.
Its wonderful to hear you are having success. So many aren't able to see this kind of result but your willingness to hang in there and
give it the best possible outcome is amazing.
Hopefully, others with this same concern will read your review.
Skin is like smooth glass... non-invasive... simple and easy.... affordable... great stuff
What can I say? Garden of Wisdom's products are always lovely. This is one of the light, exfoliating products that gives an immediate glow with a finish like smooth glass, without any over-drying (or even any drying) effects).
Even my dentist and hygienist complimented my skin a few weeks ago.
I've been a GoW customer since my late 20s and I'm now 57. My skincare needs have, obviously, changed. However, as my skincare (and haircare) needs change, GoW always gives me what i need, based on what my skin needs.
I cannot do without Markey and Garden of Wisdom. No one will give you the personalized and individualized treatment services, clean products, clean raw ingredients, and custom formulations... Especially at a very affordable cost and fast shipping.
Perfect Pumpkin Exfo 15% Serum
Federika Ten Hoopen
Love the progeline peptide repair serum
I love this serum! I’ve tried many things over the years but this takes the cake!
I am falling in love with the texture of GOW products. This is lightweight and GENTLE formula for mild acne and redness, I am still in the works of finalizing my routine but this is HERE to STAY! Honestly it's impossible to even find a similar product with this good of formulation without the excess ingrinets that can be sneaky and cause problems.
Azelaic Acid 8% Serum
Erika Davies
Great Overnight Jumpstart To Hairgrowth
I enjoy using this as an overnight scalp jumpstart to hair growth. It smells lovely and even though a little more heavy than other follicle stimulators, as it is intended to be rinsed out after overnight, it contains high end ingredients of competitor brands plus even better ingredients not found on the market. My scalp feels rejuvinated each use :)
Follicle Stimulator Serum (Peptides for Your Hair)
Anonymous
I’ve been using this oil for years
I’ve been using this oil for years. As someone in their 40s and living in the desert, this oil gives a gentle hydration, supporting perimenopause skin, without being greasy or heavy on my sensitive skin type.
