Skin can look uneven for several reasons: dark spots, patches of redness, rough texture or fine lines that are becoming more noticeable. Pairing Azelaic Acid Serum with Encapsulated Retinol + B5 helps address these concerns together. Whether your skin is prone to pigmentation, breakouts or simply losing some of its smoothness, this duo brings complementary treatment to your routine.

Our Encapsulated Retinol + B5 supports skin renewal, helping improve rough texture, uneven tone and clogged pores. With continued use, retinol also supports collagen, the protein that gives skin its structure, and helps soften fine lines. Its encapsulated delivery system helps protect the retinol and control its release, making regular treatment more manageable.

The Azelaic Acid Serum adds targeted care for redness, blotchiness and pigmentation. It contains 10% potassium azeloyl diglycinate (PAD), a water-soluble azelaic acid derivative that helps improve uneven tone and balance excess oil. Its lightweight formula is particularly useful when dark spots come with redness or recurring blemishes, but you do not need acne-prone skin to benefit from it.

These treatments work towards clearer, more even skin from different directions. Retinol helps renew the skin and improve its texture over time, while PAD adds support for pigment control, redness and oil balance. Together, they address both the uneven colour and the uneven surface that can make skin look blotchy or dull. If you also get pimples, both serums contribute to breakout care.

Skin comfort is built into the pairing. The retinol formula contains 5% panthenol, niacinamide and squalane to support hydration and the skin barrier, while a vitamin C derivative adds antioxidant and brightening support. The azelaic serum contains glycerin, panthenol, hyaluronic acid, allantoin and cogon grass extract to help retain moisture and soothe skin without a heavy finish.

Introduce each serum gradually, then build a routine with azelaic in the morning and retinol on selected evenings as your skin becomes comfortable. Keep daily sunscreen alongside them to protect against UV damage and new dark spots. The aim is consistent treatment that improves tone, texture and fine lines while keeping your skin comfortable enough to stay with it.

Introduce one serum at a time. Start with Azelaic Acid Serum once daily, applying 2–3 drops to clean, dry skin before moisturiser. Use it in the morning and finish with sunscreen.

Once your skin is comfortable with azelaic, add Encapsulated Retinol + B5 on two nights a week. Apply a small amount to clean, completely dry skin before moisturiser. If your skin is sensitive, apply moisturiser first to soften the intensity of the treatment.

Increase retinol use gradually as your skin adjusts. Avoid adding other strong exfoliating treatments while introducing the duo. Use sunscreen every morning. 

For maximum benefit don’t forget that basics like your cleanser and moisturiser matter as well. Choose a gentle pH balanced cleanser like our Hydrating Gentle Daily Cleanser to cleanse without stripping your barrier. Choose a moisturiser like Crème B3-B5-E for normal to oily skin or AccuPair if your skin tends to be more on the dry, sensitive or barrier compromised side. 

Encapsulated Retinol + B5 Serum 

Actual Retinol — not a retinoid ester — that helps address breakouts, clogged pores, uneven texture, post-acne marks and early fine lines.

The Retinol is complexed with Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, forming part of a delivery system designed to make retinol use more controlled and manageable. With consistent use, Retinol also supports the longer-term processes involved in collagen maintenance and photoageing prevention.

5% Panthenol
A deliberately high level of Pro-Vitamin B5 included to support hydration, barrier function and skin comfort alongside Retinol.

This isn't just a token soothing ingredient — it is a central part of the formulation strategy because a retinoid is far more useful when the skin can tolerate it consistently.

Niacinamide
Supports oil balance, barrier function, more even tone and the appearance of pores, making it particularly complementary to Retinol for acne-prone skin dealing with both active breakouts and the marks they leave behind.

Squalane
A lightweight emollient that helps reduce moisture loss and supports a softer, more comfortable skin feel without turning the serum into a heavy traditional anti-ageing cream.

Its role is especially useful in a retinol formula, where dryness can otherwise become a barrier to consistent use.

3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
A stable Vitamin C derivative that adds antioxidant and tone-supporting benefits.

It complements Retinol and Niacinamide by helping address dullness and post-acne unevenness, broadening the formula beyond retinoid treatment alone.

Azelaic Acid Serum

10% Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate (PAD)
A highly water-soluble azelaic acid derivative and the main treatment active in the formula.

PAD is a true multi-tasker for acne-prone skin: it helps with mild acne, excess sebum, redness and post-acne marks, while its excellent water solubility allows us to formulate it into a lightweight serum rather than a heavy cream or suspension.

This makes it especially useful when acne isn't your only concern — you're also dealing with the redness and pigmentation it leaves behind.

Panthenol
Also known as Pro-Vitamin B5, Panthenol helps support hydration, skin comfort and barrier function.

Its role here is particularly useful because acne-prone skin is often already exposed to salicylic acid, retinoids or other treatments that can potentially be irritating.

Hyaluronic Acid
Sodium Hyaluronate is a humectant that helps attract and retain water in the upper layers of the skin.

It keeps the formula hydration-focused and helps give the serum its comfortable everyday feel without adding heaviness.

Allantoin
A soothing, skin-conditioning ingredient included to help calm and comfort easily irritated skin.

It complements PAD particularly well for people whose acne comes with sensitivity or redness.

Cogon Grass Extract
Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract is a humectant-rich botanical used to help support skin hydration and water retention.

Together with Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid and Panthenol, it rounds out the serum's hydration system so the formula isn't built around the treatment active alone.