The “suspension” in its name refers to how the insoluble azelaic acid particles are dispersed throughout a silicone-rich cream, giving it a silky, matte, almost primer-like finish that’s especially well suited to oily skin. (Though that texture can be polarizing: Apply too much or pair it with incompatible formulas and it may pill, turn chalky, or leave a white cast, so a pea-size amount is plenty.)
Another perk: Azelaic acid is one of the few acne-fighting actives generally considered compatible with pregnancy and nursing. However, it’s always best to clear new ingredients with your ob-gyn or dermatologist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Meet the experts
- Mona Foad, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of MONA Dermatology based in Cincinnati, OH
- Alessandra Haskin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Whitney Hovenic, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Reno, Nevada
- Dara Spearman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Fort Wayne, Indiana
- Maya Thosani, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Scottsdale, Arizona
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best The Ordinary products, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
