Azelaic acid at 10% works on several levels at once. It normalizes how skin cells shed inside the pore, reducing the congestion that leads to breakouts, while also inhibiting tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for excess melanin production, which makes it effective for fading post-acne marks and uneven tone. It also carries well-documented anti-inflammatory properties, making it particularly useful for skin that is both breakout-prone and prone to redness at the same time.

PHAs, or polyhydroxy acids, are a newer generation of chemical exfoliants with a larger molecular size than AHAs like glycolic acid. Because gluconolactone cannot penetrate as deeply or as quickly, it exfoliates the surface more gradually, causing significantly less irritation and making it well-suited for sensitive and reactive skin types. You still get improved texture, smoothness, and clarity, just with a much lower risk of redness or stinging.

Yes, the formulation is built with sensitive and redness-prone skin in mind. The choice of gluconolactone over a stronger AHA significantly reduces the likelihood of irritation, and ingredients like pichia/resveratrol ferment extract, cucumis sativus extract, and camellia sinensis leaf extract provide additional calming and antioxidant support to keep the skin barrier comfortable while the actives work.

The serum addresses discoloration through multiple pathways simultaneously. Azelaic acid inhibits overproduction of melanin at the source, while hexylresorcinol, a potent brightening ingredient shown in some comparative studies to outperform kojic acid in reducing the appearance of dark spots, adds another targeted layer. Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract and phyllanthus emblica extract contribute further brightening and antioxidant support to help even out tone consistently over time.

It is formulated for daily evening use. The combination of 10% azelaic acid with gluconolactone, rather than a harsher exfoliant like glycolic or lactic acid, makes it suitable for consistent nightly application across most skin types. Because azelaic acid does increase photosensitivity, applying broad-spectrum SPF every morning is an important part of the routine.

Beyond the 10% azelaic acid and gluconolactone, the serum includes pichia/resveratrol ferment extract, a fermented form of resveratrol that delivers antioxidant and skin-calming benefits, alongside ferulic acid and tocopherol for additional antioxidant reinforcement. Simmondsia chinensis seed oil and rubus idaeus seed oil contribute fatty acids that support the skin barrier, and terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extract, one of the most concentrated natural sources of vitamin C, adds further brightening support. The entire formula is fragrance-free.

Apply the serum after cleansing and toning on dry skin, then follow with a moisturizer. Because it already contains both an exfoliating acid and azelaic acid, it works best as the sole active in your evening routine rather than layered with other strong exfoliants. If you want to incorporate a retinol or retinoid, consider alternating nights until your skin has comfortably adjusted to both.

Art of Skin Care is an authorized retailer of ANFISA, so every product you receive is 100% authentic, sourced directly through official brand channels and never from third-party resellers. Our team is made up of licensed, acne-certified estheticians who hand-select the products we carry based on real skin science and professional results. We don't just sell skincare; we understand it. Not sure if ANFISA ÂN-DEW 10% Azelaic Acid + PHA Serum is right for your skin? Get a free skincare consultation and one of our estheticians will personally guide you.