I'm a pharmacist and I've just discovered the most underrated product at Chemist Warehouse
Australian TikTok users are no strangers to viral beauty hacks, but this one is coming straight from a qualified pharmacist and skincare enthusiast are calling it the best-kept secret on Chemist Warehouse shelves.
Betul Altun, a pharmacist based in Victoria, has sent skincare lovers into a frenzy with a now-viral video that has racked up over 453,000 views and hundreds of glowing comments.
In the video, Betul raves about one of the best under the radar skincare ingredients hiding in plain sight at Chemist Warehouse.
'I'm gonna show you the most underrated product that is clinically proven to treat acne, blackheads, pigmentation and rosacea - that you can get over the counter for less than $20,' she said in the clip that has now been saved by 14.5 thousand people.
The mystery ingredient? Azelaic Acid - an active that's enjoying a new wave of fame for being the one ingredient that can treat multiple concerns, without triggering a skin freak-out.
'As a pharmacist, we are trained to recommend clinical proven medicines that have scientific research backing any claims and therapeutic benefits,' Betul told FEMAIL.
'Azelaic acid has been proven to have multiple uses in dermatology given its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and mild exfoliant properties, hence works fantastically to treat a variety of skin conditions including acne and rosacea.'
She also added that the potent ingredient also inhibits tyrosinase which is an enzyme that produces melanin in the skin. For this reason it works wonders for those who supper from hyperpigmentation and melasma too.
The clip sparked a wave of interest from beauty lovers who couldn't believe a product this effective was both budget-friendly and available without a prescription.
'So good! This also fixes perioral dermatitis I get around my nose,' one use commented.
'I use it 2-3 times a week otherwise it's too drying for me but holy wow it works,' another added.
FEMAIL asked celebrity facialist and skincare founder James Vivian, on his opinion of the multi-tasking skincare essential that customers are rushing to buy - and although he's a fan, he did have some great advice for beginners.
'Azelaic acid is a dicarboxylic acid with natural anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties,' he told us.
'This active can be used once or twice a day, ideally in the morning and evening after cleansing. Start with a few applications per week and gradually increase frequency.'
He also warned that this type of active (especially the strong 20% concentration available at Chemist Warehouse) can increase sun sensitivity, so following with a moisturiser and SPF 50+ every day was important.
In even better news, James said Azelaic acid is good for every skin type and can be used alongside your favourite retinol and vitamin C too, however, it's crucial to introduce these ingredients gradually.
'Pay attention to how your skin reacts, especially if you have sensitive skin. You might find you use it more like a spot treatment to target specific areas of breakouts and redness when things flare up or to control ongoing issues.'
And for those new to the ingredient, he recommends patch testing first and keeping the rest of your routine simple while your skin adjusts.
Common side effects can include tingling, dryness, or mild redness, but these typically ease with consistent use.
Between its under $20 price tag, high concentration, and clinical backing, azelaic acid has officially risen from under-the-radar to over-the-top viral.
And while TikTok is no stranger to fleeting skincare trends, this is one product both a qualified pharmacist and a celebrity facialist agree is worth the hype.
'A very potent concentration of 20% is readily available for such a great cost is amazing and so convenient,' said Batul.
'[A] simple to use, versatile product that could be used even in sensitive skin types is why this is such a favourite of mine personally and one I feel very comfortable recommending to a variety of patients.'
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