🇦🇪United Arab Emirates

Cos De BAHA Azelaic Acid 10% Serum for skin with dark spots

High

  • HighNormal Skin Fit
  • HighEffectiveness
  • HighSafety

A great choice for skin with dark spots; a few serums fit it even better.

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dark spots: hyperpigmentation, sun spots, and uneven skin tone. For scores and recommendations based on your full skin profile, including your 12D face scan results and any goals or preferences you have, please use the Lovi app.

Page built Nov 8, 2026How the Fit score works

Lovi Assistant explains

  • This serum is highly suitable for your normal skin, with azelaic acid and niacinamide effectively targeting pigmentation concerns and reducing acne lesions. Panthenol and Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract provide essential hydration and soothing benefits, supporting your skin's barrier function.
  • Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract offers antioxidant protection, further complementing the serum's tone-evening and blemish-reducing capabilities for your skin.
  • The product has a favorable safety profile, with no reported irritation risks due to its gentle formulation and the inclusion of soothing ingredients.

How to apply

  • Apply this serum as part of your PM routine starting 3x/week and build up to daily use if your skin likes it.
  • Place the serum after cleansing and toning, but before your moisturizer.
  • Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin and wait a minute for it to absorb.
  • Apply the serum on dry skin to help fade pigmentation effectively.
  • Avoid the eye area and always use SPF 30+ during the day.

People Say

★4.5Overall rating based on 4.5k+ reviews

It is highly effective for acne-prone and sensitive skin, though some users note a tacky finish and occasional crystallization.

Highlights

  • Reduces redness Mostly Mentioned
    • “redness vanished in weeks”
    • “soothes inflamed skin”
    • “best for facial erythema”
  • Affordable price Often Mentioned
    • “unbeatable value”
    • “cheap but effective”
    • “lasts a long time”
    • “budget-friendly skincare”
  • Fades scars Often Mentioned
    • “lightened dark spots”
    • “helped with PIE/PIH”
    • “acne marks fading faster”
    • “brightened overall complexion”
  • Gentle/non-irritating Often Mentioned
    • “no stinging or burning”
    • “great for sensitive skin”
    • “didn't damage barrier”
    • “gentler than prescription”
  • Sticky/tacky finish Often Mentioned
    • “feels sticky after applying”
    • “takes time to dry”
    • “slightly tacky texture”
    • “leaves a film”
  • Controls acne Sometimes Noted
    • “keeps pimples at bay”
    • “reduced cystic acne”
    • “cleared up blackheads”
    • “skin has been pimple-free”
  • Crystallization/grittiness Sometimes Noted
    • “white powder residue”
    • “grainy texture on skin”
    • “crystallized around the rim”
    • “feels sandy sometimes”
  • Causes breakouts Rarely Noted
    • “broke me out in cysts”
    • “caused small whiteheads”
    • “bad reaction/purging”
    • “clogged my pores”
  • Drying/tightness Rarely Noted
    • “dried out my skin”
    • “need heavy moisturizer after”
    • “felt tight upon drying”
    • “caused some peeling”

Sources: lovi.care, iherb.com, skinsort.com, stylekorean.com, reddit.com, yesstyle.com, and more

Questions and answers

What makes Cos De BAHA Azelaic Acid 10% Serum a great fit for skin with dark spots?

This serum is a great fit for skin with dark spots because it features azelaic acid and niacinamide, which effectively target pigmentation concerns and help fade dark spots while evening out skin tone. Additionally, panthenol and aloe extract provide essential moisture and calming benefits to keep your skin soft and comfortable.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Dermatology and Therapy, 2024

Which ingredients make this serum a good fit for skin with dark spots?

Azelaic acid and niacinamide make this serum a great fit for skin with dark spots because they effectively target dark spots and even out your skin tone. Aloe and panthenol also help keep your skin calm and hydrated while you treat discoloration.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Dermatology and Therapy, 2024

What does Azelaic Acid do for skin with dark spots?

Azelaic acid helps fade dark spots and uneven skin tone by slowing down the overactive pigment production in your skin cells. It is unlikely to cause irritation and may gradually clear up stubborn marks left behind by breakouts or sun exposure.

Dermatology and Therapy, 2024Archives of Dermatological Research, 1990

What does Hyaluronic Acid do for skin with dark spots?

Hyaluronic acid is unlikely to directly fade dark spots, but it helps keep dry and uneven skin plump and deeply hydrated. To effectively target dark spots, this type of skin needs brightening ingredients like vitamin C or niacinamide alongside your hydrator.

Where does this serum go in a skincare routine for skin with dark spots?

This treatment serum goes in your evening routine, applied after cleansing and before your moisturizer. Putting it on at night keeps things simple and provides extra safety around sun exposure.

Can I use this serum with retinol, and in what order?

You can use this serum with retinol by applying the serum first and following with your retinol, or by using them on alternating nights to keep your skin calm. Because both ingredients work actively on your skin, spacing them out or introducing them slowly helps prevent any dryness or irritation.

How often should I use this serum?

This serum is used in the evening as part of your routine for skin with dark spots. It is a great fit for your skin, featuring ingredients like azelaic acid and niacinamide that target dark spots and help make your skin tone more even.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Dermatology and Therapy, 2024

Can this serum clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for skin with dark spots?

This serum is unlikely to cause breakouts for skin with dark spots, as it has a low risk of causing breakouts based on reviewer feedback and a gentle formulation. Its ingredients help target pigmentation while soothing the skin to maintain a clear, calm complexion.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Dermatology and Therapy, 2024

Is this serum fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

What the research says

  • Niacinamide significantly decreased hyperpigmentation and increased skin lightness compared with vehicle alone after 4 weeks of use in women by inhibiting melanosome transfer.

    The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002
  • Application of 15% azelaic acid gel significantly reduced post-inflammatory erythema and hyperpigmentation, decreased hemoglobin and melanin content, improved quality of life, and contributed to acne improvement in patients with mild to moderate acne compared to placebo.

    Dermatology and Therapy, 2024
  • Topical dexpanthenol acts as a moisturizer, improves stratum corneum hydration, accelerates wound healing and epidermal regeneration, reduces erythema, and improves symptoms of skin irritation compared to vehicle or no pretreatment.

    American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002
  • Enzymatic alpha glucosylation of EGCG yielded EGCG-G1, which enhanced epidermal penetration, decreased melanogenesis through down-regulation of 13 genes including MITF, stimulated skin Lactobacillus growth, and decreased hyperpigmented spots while increasing skin brightness and homogeneity compared to EGCG and vitamin C across a large panel of phototypes.

    Molecules, 2024
  • Topical treatment of nicotinamide, alone or in combination with other active ingredients, reduces the progression of skin aging and hyperpigmentation in clinical trials while being well tolerated.

    Antioxidants, 2021
  • Azelaic acid nanocrystal hydrogel 10% achieved a higher success rate and greater lesion reduction than azelaic acid cream 20% in patients with mild to moderate facial acne.

    Pharmaceutics, 2021
  • Topical application of a dermocosmetic containing Myrtus communis extract and azelaic acid reduced acne relapses and helped maintain remission compared to a light moisturizing cream in adult females in the acne maintenance phase over 16 weeks.

    Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2023
  • Topical administration of 20% azelaic acid cream and 5% tranexamic acid solution comparably improved acne-related postinflammatory hyperpigmentation in patients with acne vulgaris, while tranexamic acid demonstrated a significantly better safety profile at week 4.

    Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, 2023
  • Topical application of 0.1% hyaluronic acid formulations of different molecular weights led to significant improvements in skin hydration and elasticity, with low-molecular-weight formulations also significantly reducing wrinkle depth in seventy-six female subjects compared to a vehicle control.

    Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2011
  • Topical application of hyaluronic acid in conjunction with free gingival graft significantly reduced donor site postoperative pain until day 7 compared to normal saline, with no significant differences in graft dimensions or patient satisfaction.

    Clinical Oral Investigations, 2022
  • Treatment with a hyaluronic acid-containing mouth rinse or topical gel led to significant lesion reduction, pain relief, and normalization of lesion color in adult patients with minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis, with the gel formulation showing an earlier healing onset at 3 days.

    BMC Oral Health, 2019
  • Topical post-laser application of human adipocyte-derived mesenchymal stem cell media combined with niacinamide significantly improved wrinkle index, melanin index, patient satisfaction, and investigator esthetic improvement scores compared to vehicle cream in patients with aging skin.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021
  • Topical nicotinamide prevented solar-simulated UV-induced immunosuppression in healthy volunteers, and men experienced immunosuppression at solar-simulated UV doses three times lower than those required for women.

    The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2008
  • Topical 5% niacinamide applied twice daily for 12 weeks reduced fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmented spots, red blotchiness, and skin sallowness, and improved skin elasticity compared to vehicle control in 50 female white subjects with facial photoaging.

    Dermatologic Surgery, 2005
  • Moisturizer containing 5% panthenol, madecassoside, and copper-zinc-manganese decreased adverse reactions and downtime after ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing with comparable efficacy to 0.02% triamcinolone acetonide cream in 20 subjects.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019
  • Topical dexpanthenol formulated in lipophilic vehicles improved stratum corneum hydration and reduced transepidermal water loss compared to vehicle control in humans.

    Arzneimittel-Forschung, 2000
  • Hyaluronic acid, hyaluronic acid plus dexpanthenol, and isotonic saline nasal sprays all significantly improved dry nose symptoms over four weeks in 240 patients, with hyaluronic acid plus dexpanthenol providing superior nasal moisturisation compared to the other two.

    Auris, Nasus, Larynx, 2020
  • A cream combining propolis, tea tree oil, and Aloe vera reduced erythema scars, acne severity index, and total lesion count better than erythromycin cream in sixty patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris compared to placebo.

    Clinical Pharmacology, 2018
  • Topical aloe vera gel significantly accelerated split-thickness skin graft donor-site healing compared to placebo in 12 patients, but showed no significant difference in pain relief.

    Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2018
  • Topical application of Aloe vera cream reduced postoperative pain at rest and during defecation, accelerated wound healing at two weeks, and decreased analgesic requirements in patients after open hemorrhoidectomy compared to placebo.

    Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2010

Ingredients

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Propylene Glycol, Azelaic Acid, Polysorbate 20, 1,2-Hexanediol, Propanediol, Panthenol, Niacinamide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Momordica Charantia Fruit Extract, Sambucus Nigra Flower Extract, Leontopodium Alpinum Extract, Witch Hazel Leaf Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract Rosemary Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Thymus Vulgaris Extract, Aspalathus Linearis Extract

Behind this fit score

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.

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Prices checked 6 Nov 2026

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for the United Arab Emirates.

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