Paula's Choice BOOST Azelaic Acid 10% Booster Gel-Serum, Fragrance-Free 1 fl oz — Oil-Free, Clarifying with Salicylic & Licorice

Paula's Choice BOOST 10% Azelaic Acid Booster is a lightweight, oil-free gel-serum that targets uneven skin tone, post-blemish marks and congestion while calming irritation.

This concentrated booster blends azelaic acid with salicylic acid and licorice extract in a fragrance-free, fast-absorbing base designed to help skin look clearer and more even. It can be used alone as a treatment serum or mixed into your moisturizer to enhance daily routines. The formula is crafted to layer under sunscreen for daytime use and to work alongside other targeted treatments without adding excess oil.

How does this booster address dark spots and post-blemish marks?

The core active, 10% azelaic acid, helps reduce the visible appearance of discoloration and brown marks left by previous breakouts. It works with supporting ingredients to even skin tone while calming visible redness for a more uniform complexion.

• 10% azelaic acid targets pigment irregularities and residual marks.
• Licorice extract brightens and helps soothe sensitive areas.
• Fragrance-free formula minimizes irritation risk on reactive skin.

Will this product help with clogged pores and breakouts?

Yes—this booster includes salicylic acid (a BHA) to gently exfoliate inside pores and promote clearer texture. The oil-free, lightweight gel helps reduce pore congestion without leaving a heavy residue, making it a useful step for acne-prone routines.

• Salicylic acid supports gentle pore exfoliation and smoother skin feel.
• Non-comedogenic texture pairs well with acne treatments like benzoyl peroxide.
• Quick absorption lowers risk of layering heaviness under other products.

How should I use this booster in my daily skincare routine?

Apply a few drops to clean skin morning and evening or mix a few drops into your moisturizer to boost its clarifying benefits. When used during the day, pair with a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect areas being treated for discoloration.

• Use alone as a treatment serum on problem areas or all over the face.
• Blend 2–3 drops into moisturizer for gentler, everyday use.
• Always follow with sunscreen in daytime routines to maintain results.

Is this gentle enough for sensitive or combination skin?

The formula is fragrance-free and oil-free, designed to reduce irritation while delivering active ingredients. Because it contains exfoliating acids, start gradually to gauge tolerance and adjust frequency as needed.

• Fragrance-free to limit potential irritants for sensitive skin types.
• Lightweight gel texture suits combination and oily skin without clogging pores.
• Begin with every-other-day use if you have reactive skin, then increase as tolerated.

Who is this product for? Paula's Choice BOOST 10% Azelaic Acid Booster is suited for anyone seeking to fade post-acne marks, reduce redness, and refine skin texture—particularly those with combination, oily, or acne-prone skin. It’s also a practical option for people who want a customizable treatment: use it directly as a spot or all-over serum, or blend it into your favorite moisturizer to gently strengthen daily brightening and exfoliation. As with any active treatment, introduce it gradually, combine it with sunscreen during the day, and consult product instructions if you use multiple acid-based products.

Ingredients

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