Peptide Skincare & BeautySkin science and ingredient guides

Skin science article

Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster Versus Garden of Wisdom Rosacea Serum

Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster Versus Garden of Wisdom Rosacea Serum This calming treatment is formulated around Azelaic Acid and Salicylic Acid to calm redness and fade the look of dark spots. This calming serum is formulated around Beta-Glucan and P

Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster Versus Garden of Wisdom Rosacea Serum

This calming treatment is formulated around Azelaic Acid and Salicylic Acid to calm redness and fade the look of dark spots.

This calming serum is formulated around Beta-Glucan and Panthenol to calm redness and strengthen the skin barrier.

What's inside

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

Water

Azelaic Acid

C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate

Glycerin

Cetearyl Alcohol

Glyceryl Stearate

Dimethicone

Salicylic Acid

Adenosine

Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract

Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract

Allantoin

Bisabolol

Cyclopentasiloxane

Xanthan Gum

Sclerotium Gum

Propanediol

Butylene Glycol

Phenoxyethanol

Water, Azelaic Acid, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Dimethicone, Salicylic Acid, Adenosine, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract, Allantoin, Bisabolol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Xanthan Gum, Sclerotium Gum, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol

Helichrysum Italicum Flower Water

Chondrus Crispus Extract

Calendula Officinalis Flower Oil

Beta-Glucan

Panthenol

Hippophae Rhamnoides Kernel Extract

Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract

Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract

Malachite

Mandelic Acid

Lysine

Lecithin

Polyaminopropyl Biguanide

Helichrysum Italicum Flower Water, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Oil, Beta-Glucan, Panthenol, Hippophae Rhamnoides Kernel Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract, Azelaic Acid, Malachite, Mandelic Acid, Lysine, Lecithin, Polyaminopropyl Biguanide

Reviews

Be the first to review

Alternatives

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Azelaic acid is a multitasker ingredient that helps treat acne, pigmentation, and irritation. It is a great option for sensitive skin.

What makes it special?

OTC Azelaic acid is usually available in concentrations from 10-15% and anything over requires a prescription.

Here's what each tier does best:

Unlike other acids, azelaic acid will not make your skin more photosensitive/sun sensitive.

Though this ingredient is naturally occurring in grains like wheat, rye, and barley, it is usually synthetically created for cosmetics to ensure stability and effectiveness.

Similar Comparisons

The reference edit

Ingredients, questions
& further reading.

Connected source records selected through this article’s public topic index.

01

Formula cabinet

Ingredients & structured notes

Ingredient index

Ingredients Explained

  1. 01These ingredients are found in both products.
  2. 02Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
  3. 03Alanine is an amino acid and is already found in the human body. Our skin uses alanine to build collagen, elastin, and keratin.
  4. 04Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid. This just means our bodies can product a bit on its own, but sometimes needs a little boost from food sources.
  5. 05It is a part of your skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF), or the water-loving molecules in your outermost layer of skin (stratum corneum) that keeps everything hydrated and happy.
  6. 06Here's an interesting thing about Arginine: your skin converts it into urea through the Krebs-Henseleit urea cycle. Urea is one of the most effective humectants your skin naturally produces.
  7. 07A clinical study showed applying 2.5% arginine hydrochloride to atopic dermatitis skin showed significant urea levels in the stratum corneum and improved moisture in just four weeks.
  8. 08Arginine is also a precursor to nitric oxide; nitric oxide improves microcirculation and supports wound healing and collagen synthesis.
  9. 09One study found that an amino acid complex containing Arginine reduced skin irritation, improved hydration, and accelerated skin repair in clinical / in-vivo studies.
  10. 10Arginine itself is an amino acid and not a fatty acid, oil, or ester. On its own, it's not a direct food source for Malassezia, or the yeast that causes fungal acne.
  11. 11Betaine is a humectant. Like hyaluronic acid, it helps attract and retain moisture in the skin. It’s known for being gentle and for helping the skin maintain balanced hydration.
  12. 12Betaine is mainly used to improve hydration and support calmer skin. It helps skin cells regulate water balance because it functions as an osmolyte.
  13. 13Some studies suggest betaine may support making skin tone more even.
  14. 14Fun fact: Betaine naturally exists in the skin and the body. In cosmetic products, it can be either plant-derived (most commonly from sugar beets) or synthetically produced for consistency and stability.
  15. 15Betaine is also known as trimethylglycine.
  16. 16Ethylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
  17. 17The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure …
  18. 18Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
  19. 19Glutamic Acid is an amino acid that is found in all living organisms. Our bodies use this to help nerve cells in the brain communicate with other cells.
  20. 20In cosmetics, glutamic acid is a famous humectant. It draws water from the air to your skin, keeping your skin hydrated (like hyaluronic acid).
Source · skinsort.com
02

Product index

Related product references

03

Comparison edit

Read side by side