# Sesderma Azelac RU Serum for dry skin

**Lovi Fit: Low fit for dry skin.**
Dry Skin Fit: Low · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: Concerning.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/sesderma/azelac-ru-serum/for/dry-skin

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

Brand: [Sesderma](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/brands/sesderma)
Category: [Serums and treatments](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/best/serums)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dry skin: flakiness, tightness, dehydration, fine lines, and wrinkles. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

A weak match for dry skin; the serums alongside fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate treatment for hyperpigmentation due to 4-butylresorcinol and azelaic acid, but the retinol and alcohol content may exacerbate your dry skin by increasing dryness and flakiness.
- While the product provides some exfoliation and cell turnover benefits for dry or flaky skin, the concentrations are not sufficient to address your primary concerns and may worsen them.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/sesderma/azelac-ru-serum/for/oily-skin): Average
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/sesderma/azelac-ru-serum/for/dry-skin): Low (this page)
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/sesderma/azelac-ru-serum/for/combination-skin): High
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/sesderma/azelac-ru-serum/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/sesderma/azelac-ru-serum/for/acne-prone-skin): High
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/sesderma/azelac-ru-serum/for/dark-spots): High
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/sesderma/azelac-ru-serum/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/sesderma/azelac-ru-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Low
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/sesderma/azelac-ru-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average

## Key ingredients

Liposomal Azelaic Acid, 4-Butylresorcinol, Tranexamic Acid, Niacinamide, Retinol

## What the research says

- Topical bakuchiol 0.5% applied twice daily compared with retinol 0.5% applied daily significantly decreased wrinkle surface area and hyperpigmentation with no statistical difference between the compounds in 44 patients over 12 weeks, while retinol users reported more facial skin scaling and stinging. ([The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33923739/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38734843/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36729399/))
- The 4-n-butylresorcinol dissolving microneedle patch demonstrated safety and was more than two times more effective than the control patch in skin depigmentation among 45 subjects over 8 weeks. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26341915/))
- 4-n-butylresorcinol inhibits human tyrosinase and melanin production more potently than hydroquinone, arbutin, and kojic acid, and visibly reduces age spots within 8 weeks. ([Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2013](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23205541/))
- Combined application of dissolving microneedle patches on serum-treated skin successfully delivered more 4-n-butylresorcinol and showed higher efficacy in reducing patients' melanin index and hyperpigmented regions compared to traditional DMN-only and serum-only applications. ([Molecular Pharmaceutics, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28447799/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33103316/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17882270/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16029679/))
- Topical 0.4% retinol significantly increased epidermal thickness, dermal vascularity, and extracellular matrix production by stimulating keratinocyte proliferation, endothelial cell proliferation, and fibroblast activation in naturally aged human skin compared to vehicle. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27261203/))
- Silicone particles encapsulating retinol increased its half-life by 9-fold and yielded 12-23% lower skin irritation in human subjects compared to Microsponge particles while maintaining biological activity. ([Journal of Controlled Release, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29604311/))
- Topical stabilized retinol treatment induced HAS gene expression and increased hyaluronic acid production in human skin in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo compared to vehicle. ([Archives of Dermatological Research, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28247017/))

## Why other serums fit dry skin better

- Topical bakuchiol 0.5% applied twice daily compared with retinol 0.5% applied daily significantly decreased wrinkle surface area and hyperpigmentation with no statistical difference between the compounds in 44 patients over 12 weeks, while retinol users reported more facial skin scaling and stinging. ([The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/))
- A topical serum containing vitamin C, vitamin E, and raspberry leaf cell culture extract improved skin color, elasticity, radiance, smoothness, scaliness, and wrinkles compared to the untreated contralateral side in fifty female volunteers. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31975502/))

## What reviewers say

Users report this serum effectively brightens the complexion and fades post-acne marks and sunspots, often showing visible results within a few weeks. It is praised for its lightweight texture and ability to control mild acne, though some users note it requires patience for older, deeper pigmentation and can be slightly drying.

- Liked: Fades dark spots (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Brightens skin tone (often mentioned)
- Liked: Lightweight texture (often mentioned)
- Disliked: High price (often mentioned)
- Liked: Controls acne (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Gentle on skin (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Slow results (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Drying effect (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Sticky finish (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Apply this serum PM, starting 3×/week and working up to daily use as your skin adjusts.
- Place the serum after cleansing and toner, but right before your moisturizer.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin and let it absorb for a minute.
- Apply the serum on slightly damp skin to help lock in extra moisture.
- Avoid the eye area and do a patch test before your first use.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/c879dda8655a61c19d3d8c9ebad6b06d.mp4

## Questions and answers

### Why is Sesderma Azelac RU Serum a weak match for dry skin?

This serum is a weak match for your dry skin because the retinol and alcohol content may increase dryness and flakiness. A treatment for dry skin needs to be exceptionally suitable with soothing ingredients that provide significant hydration and support skin barrier health without any risk of irritation.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/)

### Which ingredients make this serum a poor fit for dry skin?

The retinol and alcohol in this serum make it a poor fit for dry skin because they may increase dryness and flakiness. Dry skin needs soothing, highly effective hydrating ingredients, ceramides, and barrier-supporting components that provide nourishment and maintain skin health without any risk of irritation.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/)

### What does Azelaic Acid do for dry skin?

Azelaic Acid is a poor fit for dry skin because it does not provide the rich moisture and barrier-repairing oils this skin type needs. Dry skin requires nourishing ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and heavy butters to lock in hydration and stay smooth.

### What does 4-Butylresorcinol do for dry skin?

4-Butylresorcinol is used to fade dark spots and uneven tone rather than to add moisture, so it does not specifically treat dry skin. A product for dry skin needs extra ingredients like gentle oils and rich hydrators to keep the face soft and smooth while addressing dark spots.

### Where does this serum go in a skincare routine for dry skin?

This serum goes in the evening routine after cleansing and before moisturizing. However, it is a weak match for dry skin because its retinol and alcohol content may increase dryness and flakiness. Dry skin needs a treatment with gentle hydrating ingredients and soothing plant extracts that calm irritation while supporting the skin barrier.

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

You should avoid using this serum with AHAs on dry skin, because the retinol and alcohol inside may significantly increase dryness and flakiness. Instead, dry skin needs gentle, hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides along with rich moisturizers to keep the skin barrier smooth and calm.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38102855/), [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/)

### How often should I use this serum?

This treatment is applied in the evening. Because it contains alcohol and retinol, it may increase dryness and flakiness on dry skin, so a product of this type needs added hydrating ingredients and gentle moisturizers to keep skin soft and comfortable.

### Can this serum clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for dry skin?

This serum is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts on dry skin, but its retinol and alcohol content may increase dryness and flakiness. Dry skin needs gentle hydrating ingredients and soothing formulas that support the skin barrier without causing extra peeling.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/)

### Is this serum fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

It contains fragrance (parfum) and drying alcohol (alcohol).

## Alternatives for dry skin

- [Beauty of Joseon Propolis + Niacinamide Glow Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/beauty-of-joseon/propolis-niacinamide-glow-serum/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €9.99 at Amazon
- [Paula's Choice RESIST Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/paula-s-choice/resist-super-antioxidant-concentrate-serum/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €57.00 at Amazon
- [ma:nyo Bifida Biome Complex Ampoule](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/ma-nyo/bifida-biome-complex-ampoule/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €18.50 at Amazon

## Routine for dry skin

### AM

- Cleanser: [La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/la-roche-posay/toleriane-hydrating-gentle-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €19.75 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/dear-klairs/supple-preparation-unscented-toner/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €12.59 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [d'Alba First Spray Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/d-alba/first-spray-serum/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €16.99 at Amazon
- SPF: [Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen SPF 30](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/australian-gold/botanical-lotion-spf-30/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €21.04 at Amazon

### PM

- Pre-Cleanser: [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €10.97 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/la-roche-posay/toleriane-hydrating-gentle-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €19.75 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Beauty of Joseon Propolis + Niacinamide Glow Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/beauty-of-joseon/propolis-niacinamide-glow-serum/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €9.99 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [d'Alba First Spray Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/d-alba/first-spray-serum/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €16.99 at Amazon

### Weekly

- Pre-Cleanser: [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €10.97 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/la-roche-posay/toleriane-hydrating-gentle-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €19.75 at Amazon
- Nourishing Mask: [MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/mediheal/vita-essential-mask/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €19.00 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Beauty of Joseon Propolis + Niacinamide Glow Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/beauty-of-joseon/propolis-niacinamide-glow-serum/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €9.99 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [d'Alba First Spray Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/d-alba/first-spray-serum/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €16.99 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.de: €35.16 (https://www.amazon.de/dp/B00987RKWW?tag=lovi-care-web-product05-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- Notino: €46.00 (https://www.notino.de/sesderma/azelac-ru/p-514983/)
Prices checked 14 Oct – 5 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Water, Propylene Glycol, Alcohol, Peg Ppg-20 6 Dimethicone, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, 4-Butylresorcinol, Azelaic Acid, Retinol, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Niacin, Undecylenoyl Phenylalanine, Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Diacetyl Boldine, Citronellyl Methylcrotonate, Sodium Oxalate, Parfum, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Tocopheryl Acetate, Polysorbate 20, Bht, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Sodium Chloride, Bha, Hydrochloric Acid
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its 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. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/sesderma/azelac-ru-serum/for/dry-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/sesderma/azelac-ru-serum/for/dry-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/sesderma/azelac-ru-serum/for/dry-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/sesderma/azelac-ru-serum/for/dry-skin (this page)
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/sesderma/azelac-ru-serum/for/dry-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/sesderma/azelac-ru-serum/for/dry-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/sesderma/azelac-ru-serum/for/dry-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/sesderma/azelac-ru-serum/for/dry-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/sesderma/azelac-ru-serum/for/dry-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/sesderma/azelac-ru-serum/for/dry-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/sesderma/azelac-ru-serum/for/dry-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/sesderma/azelac-ru-serum/for/dry-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/sesderma/azelac-ru-serum/for/dry-skin