The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% vs Skintific AHA BHA PHA Exfoliating Pads

The Ordinary

Skintific

A chemical exfoliant built around Azelaic acid and Vitamin E, for barrier repair and smoothing.

A chemical exfoliant built around AHA and Glycolic acid, for hydration and exfoliation.

Chemical exfoliant

17 ingredients

28 ingredients

Brand price

USD 10.98 · checked 25 Sept 2026 · brand's site

Brand price

AUD 40.90 · checked 5 Oct 2026 · brand's site

No retailer listed yet

Brand from Canada

Brand from Indonesia

At a Glance

They come out differently on Fragrance-free, Silicone-free and Pore-clogger-free; those rows are shaded. Tap any answer to see why.

Vitamin E1
Tocopherols — fat-soluble antioxidants.
Tocopherol
Polysorbates (Tween emulsifiers)1
Polysorbate (Tween) emulsifiers.
Polysorbate 60
Azelaic acid1
Works on acne, redness and pigmentation at once.
Azelaic Acid

PHA1
Polyhydroxy acids — larger and milder than AHAs.
Gluconolactone
AHA3
Alpha hydroxy acids — water-soluble chemical exfoliants.
Citric Acid, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid
BHA1
Beta hydroxy acid — oil-soluble, so it works inside the pore.
Salicylic Acid
Glycolic acid1
The smallest AHA, and so the most penetrating.
Glycolic Acid

Hydrating3
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Dimethicone, Ethoxydiglycol, Tocopherol
Barrier Repair5
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Bis-Isobutyl PPG-20 Crosspolymer, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Isohexadecane, Tocopherol
Redness Reducing1
Soothes visible redness and calms irritation.
Azelaic Acid
Smoothing4
Refines rough or uneven texture.
Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Bis-Isobutyl PPG-20 Crosspolymer, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Isohexadecane

Hydrating7
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Butylene Glycol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Gluconolactone, Glycerin, Lactic Acid, Polyglycerin-10, Sodium Hyaluronate
Barrier Repair2
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Glycerin, Niacinamide
Reduces Irritation1
Eases discomfort and supports skin resilience.
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Redness Reducing1
Soothes visible redness and calms irritation.
Niacinamide

May Trigger Acne2
Can clog pores or trigger breakouts.
Tocopherol, Triethanolamine
May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis2
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Isoceteth-20, Polysorbate 60
May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris2
May clog follicles or strip skin prone to keratosis pilaris.
Tocopherol, Triethanolamine
May Worsen Irritation1
May cause stinging, redness or sensitivity.
Tocopherol

May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis1
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
May Worsen Irritation1
May cause stinging, redness or sensitivity.
Aroma
May Worsen Eczema1
May worsen itching or irritation for eczema-prone skin.
Aroma
May Worsen Rosacea1
Can trigger flare-ups in rosacea-prone skin.
Aroma

Show highlights for:

Aqua (in both products)
Solvent
0 / —
Isodecyl Neopentanoate
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
1 / 0
- Silicones
- Barrier Repair
- Hydrating
- Smoothing
Azelaic Acid
Buffering
- Azelaic acid
- Acne Fighting
- Dark Spots
- Even Tone
- Redness Reducing
Dimethicone/Bis-Isobutyl PPG-20 Crosspolymer
Emollient
0-1 / —
- Silicones
Dimethyl Isosorbide
Viscosity Controlling
0 / —
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion Stabilising
Polysilicone-11
Film Forming
- Silicones
Isohexadecane
Emollient
Tocopherol
Occlusive
0-3 / 3
- Vitamin E
- Anti-Pollution
- Antioxidant
- May Trigger Acne
- May Worsen Irritation
- May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris