facetheory Azeclear Azelaic Acid Serum A15 Review

facetheory Azeclear Azelaic Acid Serum A15
5.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
Ingredients

facetheory Azeclear Azelaic Acid Serum A15 Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Propanediol, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Azelaic Acid, Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate, Glycerin, Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour, Glyceryl Caprylate, Sodium Anisate, Sodium Levulinate, Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Phytate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Review

Does facetheory Azeclear Azelaic Acid Serum A15 Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what facetheory Azeclear Azelaic Acid Serum A15 has to offer:
 
✅ Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.
✅ Soothing: facetheory Azeclear Azelaic Acid Serum A15 contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.

  

Key Benefits of facetheory Azeclear Azelaic Acid Serum A15

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using facetheory Azeclear Azelaic Acid Serum A15:
 

🔵 Lightweight Purely Humectant Moisturizing, Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, facetheory Azeclear Azelaic Acid Serum A15 is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? It is purely humectant. It has zero occlusivity (we didn't find any occlusive ingredients on the ingredient list) and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Propanediol (est. ≈15.1%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, providing significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula without any occlusive ingredients.

📌 Certain studies suggest that humectants alone may not effectively moisturize the skin. If you use this product as your only moisturizer, we recommend following it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients.

💧 A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant boost will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

🔴 Skin Soothing and Calming Potential

Based on the ingredient list analysis, facetheory Azeclear Azelaic Acid Serum A15 is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Azelaic Acid (est. ≈15.0%).

When applied to the skin, compounds of soothing ingredients, such as triglycerides, phospholipids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants, work together to soothe the skin through various mechanisms: reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, repairing the skin barrier, and providing antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

📌 Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: facetheory Azeclear Azelaic Acid Serum A15

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding facetheory Azeclear Azelaic Acid Serum A15 to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ If It’s Your Only Moisturizer, It Needs to Be Paired with Some Occlusives

While humectants are highly effective at attracting water to the skin, studies (J. N. Kraft, C. W. Lynde) suggest they may not be efficient when used alone.

One major drawback of purely humectant moisturization is that the water attracted by humectants to the upper layers of the skin can evaporate completely into the environment through transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Adding occlusive ingredients helps seal this moisture into the skin and prevent further water loss.

If you’re using facetheory Azeclear Azelaic Acid Serum A15 as your only moisturizer, consider pairing it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients, such as oils, butters, or silicones. These work alongside humectants to create a protective barrier, locking in hydration and ensuring longer-lasting moisturization. The amount of occlusive needed depends on your skin type - the drier the skin, the more occlusives it requires.

If this product is used not as a standalone moisturizer but as part of your skincare routine, such as a toner or serum, it should be applied before your main moisturizer (unless it's a sunscreen), which will provide the necessary occlusivity on top of it.

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing facetheory Azeclear Azelaic Acid Serum A15 is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract may reduce wrinkles, its efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were available to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.

Therefore, this ingredient does not generate the anti-wrinkle rating.

📌 Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Pros & Cons of facetheory Azeclear Azelaic Acid Serum A15

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of facetheory Azeclear Azelaic Acid Serum A15 to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

✅ When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing ideal for oily skin
✅ As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing boost, beneficial for any skin type
✅ Lightweight texture
✅ Potentially soothing, as it contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, specifically Azelaic Acid
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ Only if used as a standalone moisturizer - it needs to be paired with occlusives to seal in humectants
⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy
   

Summary: facetheory Azeclear Azelaic Acid Serum A15

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that facetheory Azeclear Azelaic Acid Serum A15
, when used alone, delivers lightweight, humectant-rich moisturizing, making it ideal for oily skin. As part of a moisturizing routine, it provides a humectant boost, beneficial for all skin types.
 
With a high concentration of soothing ingredients, facetheory Azeclear Azelaic Acid Serum A15 has the potential to calm and comfort irritated skin. Whether you’re experiencing redness, irritation, or general sensitivity, its soothing properties may help restore balance and provide relief.
 
That said, there are some things about facetheory Azeclear Azelaic Acid Serum A15 worth noting.
 
Looking at its moisturizing profile, we found that it doesn’t contain any occlusive ingredients, potentially allowing the moisture attracted to the skin by humectants to evaporate. Therefore, if it’s used as the only moisturizer in a routine, it’s recommended to pair it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients, such as oils, butters, or silicones.
 
If one of your main reasons for considering facetheory Azeclear Azelaic Acid Serum A15 is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, its anti-wrinkle efficacy is questionable. None of the ingredients in this product provide substantial evidence of their anti-wrinkle efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
 
📌 Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of any product, as individual results may vary.

 

Ingredient Breakdown

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
45
15.1
15
15
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Function:
Origin:
Azelaic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate
Function:
Origin:
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Caprylate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Anisate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Levulinate
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate
Function:
Origin:
Rosa Canina Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Phytate
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
17.2
15.1
1.5
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 17.2 10
10.0
15.1
1.5
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
15.1
1.5
0.3
0.3
All humectants 17.2 10
10
All humectants
17.2
15.1
1.5
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
None
All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 1.9 3 No
All antioxidants
1.9
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour
1
Rosa Canina Fruit Extract
0.3
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
0.3
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
15
1
0.3
0.3
All soothing 16.6 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
16.6
15
1
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %45
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Propanediol
Est. %15.1
Function
Origin
PropanediolAn excellent solvent capable of mixing water with normally water-insoluble ingredients. It also functions as a humectant due to its water-loving alcohol groups. Propanediol can control the viscosity of a product by reducing its thickness.
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Est. %15
Function
Origin
Butyloctyl SalicylateA synthetic emollient and solvent. It is primarily used as a carrier oil to disperse minerals in, including pigments and sunscreen minerals. It can also absorb UV light, thus boosting the SPF of sunscreen products.
Azelaic Acid
Est. %15
Function
Origin
Azelaic AcidA powerful dermatological ingredient that helps to treat acne and various pigmentation issues. It appears both in medicated creams and regular skincare. It reduces redness and inflammation but can be irritating in high concentrations.
Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate
Glycerin
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel FlourA mild abrasive, finely milled oat kernel flour that is also used as a formula helper.
Glyceryl Caprylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl CaprylateA waxy solid derived from vegetable oils that has emollient and emulsifying properties. It is also known to boost the efficacy of organic acid preservatives by destabilizing the microbe's cell membrane.
Sodium Anisate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium AnisateA natural preservative with a sweet scent.
Sodium Levulinate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium LevulinateA sodium salt of levulinic acid that is used as an antimicrobial and preservative agent, inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria in a product.
Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate
Rosa Canina Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rosa Canina Fruit ExtractAn extract from the fruits of the Rosa canina, better known as rosehip. It contains carotenoids, which give it its bright, orange-red color, as well as high amounts of antioxidant vitamin C, flavonoids, tannins, and organic acids.
Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetyl HydroxyethylcelluloseA naturally-derived polymer that helps products feel buttery and bouncy and can reduce stringiness in a formula.
Xanthan Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Xanthan GumA natural multi-functional ingredient that originates from fermented sugars. Xanthan gum acts as a viscosity-building agent to thicken skincare products. It is also an excellent stabilizer and works well to hold other ingredients together.
Sodium Phytate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium PhytateSodium phytate is a chelating agent that serves to remove heavy metal ions from water. Removing metal ions helps other ingredients, such as antioxidants and preservatives, to perform better and keep products from separating.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceA gelatinous juice from Aloe vera leaves that acts as a powerful humectant, emollient, and antioxidant. It contains enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that soothe irritated skin and have wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

An antioxidant green tea extract. In the deeper layers, it slows down the destruction of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid – thus delaying the signs of aging. It also acts as an anti-acne, soothing, moisturizing, and emollient ingredient.