Who is this for?

Perfect for:

  • Acne
  • Enlarged Pores
  • Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)

Helps with:

  • Post-Inflammatory Erythema (PIE)
  • Enlarged Pores
  • Hyperpigmentation Prevention

Not great for:

  • Rosacea
  • Impaired Skin Barrier
  • Reactive Skin

What makes it special?

Azelaic acid is one of my favourite ingredients, not just for acne but also for more sensitive skin and rosacea. It has a really strong evidence-base and is used as a prescription medicine for both acne and rosacea. Having an effective, really easy to apply, well formulated serum that works with other skincare products whilst causing little-to-no sensitivity is rare and makes it worthy of The Curatory. From a price perspective, I appreciate that there are less expensive acne treatments out there but they tend to focus on single ingredients rather than the well balanced cocktail that SVR has formulated.

— Dr Max Greenfield

Key ingredients

Azelaic Acid is a naturally derived ingredient with good clinical evidence supporting its use for acne-prone and redness-prone skin. It helps to calm inflammation, reduce clogged pores and slow down excess pigment production, making it useful for both breakouts and dark spots. Prescription strengths tend to work more quickly, while cosmetic strengths offer gradual improvement with consistent use. It is generally well tolerated and suitable for sensitive or reactive skin types.

Salicylic acid is a betahydroxy acid (BHA) that has a number of benefits, particularly for acne-prone skin. Its most well studied benefit is as a chemical exfoliant, particularly when with a lower pH. This increases how quickly skin cells turnover, bringing healthy skin cells to the surface. It’s also a hydrophobic or oil-loving molecule so helps to break down excess sebum and unclog the oxidised sebum trapped in pores (black heads). If that weren’t enough, salicylic acid is also anti-inflammatory and helps to calm redness associated with acne.

Niacinamide is a jack of all trades ingredient. Most of its evidence base is for improving pigmentation but also acts as an anti-oxidant ingredient helping to reduce redness and inflammation as well as supporting skin barrier function.

Zinc Gluconate is a bioavailable form of zinc used in skincare for its soothing and sebum-regulating properties. There is moderate evidence, including small clinical studies, suggesting topical zinc may help reduce excess oil and support skin prone to breakouts. Laboratory research also supports its anti-inflammatory and mild antimicrobial activity. While it is not a standalone treatment for acne, it is generally well tolerated and commonly included in formulations designed to help balance and calm oily or reactive skin.

Aqua/Water/Eau, Azelaic Acid, Glycerin, Isopropyl Alcohol, Isopentyldiol, Niacinamide, Zinc Gluconate, Dicaprylyl Ether, Salicylic Acid, Parfum (Fragrance), Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Microcrystalline Cellulose, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sphingomonas Ferment Extract, Cellulose Gum, Tocopherol.

How to use

Cleanse your face and pat dry

Tone - optional step if you want to introduce additional actives into your routine

Vitamin C Serum - part of your core routine for its anti-oxidant benefits

SVR Sebiaclear Ampoule [AZ] Flash

Moisturise - only if you feel you need some extra hydration

Sun protection - SPF whatever the weather

Makeup (optional)

Application Instructions

As a serum this product is on the thinner side meaning that it should be applied early in your skincare routine usually after cleaning (and toning if this is in your routine). It can be applied in both the morning and evening every day but to start it’s worth just using once a day in the evening in case your skin feels a little sensitive with new ingredients.

Invert the bottle a few times before placing 5-6 drops with the pipette into the palm of your non-dominant hand. With your dominant index/middle finger gently massage into your skin. It does smell a little strong when first applied but improves very quickly.

Gently remove make up with a micellar water or oil/balm cleanser

Cleanse - this will be your second cleanse if wearing makeup 

Tone - optional step if you want to introduce additional actives into your routine

SVR Sebiaclear Ampoule [AZ] Flash

Retinoid - a retinoid should form part of your core routine

Moisturise 

Application Instructions

As a serum this product is on the thinner side meaning that it should be applied early in your skincare routine usually after cleaning (and toning if this is in your routine). It can be applied in both the morning and evening every day but to start it’s worth just using once a day in the evening in case your skin feels a little sensitive with new ingredients.

Invert the bottle a few times before placing 5-6 drops with the pipette into the palm of your non-dominant hand. With your dominant index/middle finger gently massage into your skin. It does smell a little strong when first applied but improves very quickly.