I’ve dealt with pesky back acne and ingrown hairs for years, so when I heard about Sesderma’s Azelac Lotion, I was curious. A spray that tackles acne, redness, and folliculitis on large areas like the back and scalp? Sounded like it could be a game-changer.
Here’s how it worked for me after four weeks of use.
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What’s Sesderma Azelac Lotion All About?
Sesderma, a Spanish skincare brand founded by Dr. Gabriel Serrano, is known for its science-backed formulas using nanotechnology to deliver actives deep into the skin.
The Azelac Lotion is a 3.4 fl. oz spray designed for oily or acne-prone skin, especially on tricky areas like the face, neck, back, scalp, arms, or legs.
It’s marketed for acne, ingrown hairs (folliculitis), inflammatory rosacea, and excess sebum, promising to calm redness, fight bacteria, and clear up spots.
The spray format makes it easy to apply to hard-to-reach spots, and it’s packed with azelaic acid and salicylic acid—two heavy-hitters for acne and inflammation.
Sesderma claims it soothes, regulates oil, and reduces blemishes, making it a versatile fix for body and scalp issues.
My Skin and Needs
I’ve got oily, acne-prone skin, especially on my back and upper arms, where I get breakouts from sweat and tight clothes.
Ingrown hairs are also a problem after shaving my legs—those red, bumpy spots drive me nuts.
My face is less acne-prone but gets occasional hormonal zits. I wanted something to tackle my body acne and folliculitis without drying out my skin.
My routine is basic: cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF for the day; cleanser and a targeted treatment at night.
I added the Azelac Lotion at night, focusing on my back, arms, and legs.
First Impressions: Spray and Scent
The lotion comes in a sleek, plastic spray bottle—compact at 46 x 157 x 46 mm, perfect for travel.
The spray is fine and even, but you gotta hold it close to your skin, or it mists everywhere and stings your eyes (learned that the hard way). It’s a clear liquid, not greasy, with a slight alcohol smell that fades fast.
I tried it two ways: spraying onto a cotton pad for my back and arms, and directly onto ingrown hairs on my legs. The pad method feels more controlled, especially for larger areas.
It dries in seconds, leaving no residue, which I love—no sticky mess on my PJs.
Key Ingredients: What’s Making It Work?
The star players here are azelaic acid and salicylic acid, backed by a few supporting ingredients. I checked Sesderma’s site and some dermatology sources to break it down:
- Azelaic Acid: Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, it kills acne-causing bacteria and fades post-acne marks. It’s also great for rosacea and redness.
- Salicylic Acid: A beta-hydroxy acid that unclogs pores and exfoliates, perfect for blackheads and folliculitis.
- Alcohol: Helps the spray format and acts as a solvent, but it can be drying for some (more on that later).
- Niacinamide (listed in some Sesderma formulations): Soothes and strengthens the skin barrier, though it’s not highlighted in the product info.
The full ingredient list isn’t in the provided details, but based on Sesderma’s site, it likely includes water, alcohol, and stabilizers. If you’re sensitive to alcohol, do a patch test—some users found it harsh.
How It Performs
I used the lotion nightly for a month, focusing on my back (acne and red spots), arms (keratosis pilaris-like bumps), and legs (ingrown hairs). Here’s what went down:
Acne and Red Spots
My back acne—mostly small, red pimples from sweat—improved a lot. After two weeks, I noticed fewer new breakouts, and older spots were less inflamed. By week four, some post-acne marks on my upper back were fading, though not gone. It’s not a miracle for deep cystic acne, but for surface-level zits, it’s solid.
Ingrown Hairs and Folliculitis
This is where the lotion shines. I sprayed it directly on ingrown hairs on my legs after shaving, and within a few days, the red, bumpy spots were calmer. One stubborn ingrown hair on my shin cleared up completely after a week of twice-daily use. It’s now my pre- and post-shaving must-have.
Redness and Soothing
The lotion does calm redness, especially on my arms, where I get irritation from friction. My skin felt smoother and less angry after a shower. That said, the alcohol in the formula made my skin a bit red for a few minutes post-application, but it settled quickly.
Sebum Regulation
My back and arms feel less oily since using this, especially in sweaty summer weather. It’s not a total oil zapper (my T-zone still shines), but it keeps things in check on my body.
Scalp Use
I didn’t try it on my scalp (no issues there), but I can see the spray being handy for folliculitis or oily scalps. The cotton pad method would probably work best to avoid drips.
The Downsides
Not everything’s perfect, and I hit a few bumps:
- Alcohol Sting: The alcohol can sting if you apply it to freshly shaved or irritated skin. It’s not unbearable, but sensitive skin types might struggle. A customer mentioned it was too harsh for their mom, and I get why.
- Eye and Mouth Irritation: Spray too far from your skin, and the mist can drift to your face, burning your eyes or mouth. Hold it 2–3 inches away and aim carefully.
- Price and Availability: It’s around $30–$40 (based on online retailers like Dermstore), which isn’t bad for 3.4 fl. oz, but it’s hard to find in some places (like Mexico, per a customer). Stock up online if you’re not in Europe.
- Slow for Pigmentation: While it’s fading my acne marks, it’s not as fast as I’d hoped. If hyperpigmentation is your main issue, you might need a stronger azelaic acid product.
How It Compares to Other Acne Treatments
I’ve used a few acne products, so here’s how Azelac Lotion stacks up:
- Vs. Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid: Paula’s is great for face acne but too thick for body use. Sesderma’s spray is better for large areas.
- Vs. The Ordinary Azelaic Acid 10%: The Ordinary’s is a cream, harder to apply on the back, and less focused on folliculitis. Sesderma wins for versatility.
- Vs. CeraVe SA Body Wash: CeraVe’s wash is gentler but less targeted for spots. Azelac Lotion is stronger for active breakouts.
The spray format and dual azelaic-salicylic combo make this unique for body acne and ingrown hairs. It’s not a face-focused product like most competitors.
My Application Tips
To make this lotion work best, I figured out a few tricks:
- Cotton Pad for Control: Spray onto a pad for your back or arms to avoid waste and eye sting. Wipe gently, don’t rub.
- Post-Shower Timing: Apply after a shower when your skin’s clean but not raw. It stings less on calm skin.
- Layer Lightly: If your skin’s dry, follow with a light moisturizer to counter the alcohol. I use a fragrance-free lotion on my legs.
- Shaving Prep: Spray it on a few hours before shaving to reduce irritation, or right after to prevent ingrowns.
Who’s This For?
This lotion’s a great pick if:
- You’ve got body acne (back, chest, arms) or ingrown hairs.
- You deal with folliculitis or inflammatory rosacea with pustules.
- You want a quick, no-fuss spray for large areas.
- You’re okay with a bit of alcohol in your skincare.
It might not be for you if:
- Your skin’s super sensitive or hates alcohol.
- You’re mainly treating facial acne (better options exist).
- You need fast results for deep pigmentation.
Final Verdict: A Keeper for Body Breakouts
I’m hooked on the Sesderma Azelac Lotion for my back acne and ingrown hairs. It’s cut down my breakouts, calmed my bumpy legs, and made my skin feel smoother in just a month. The spray’s a lifesaver for reaching my back, and the azelaic-salicylic combo delivers.
The alcohol sting and slow pigmentation fading are minor gripes, but they don’t outweigh the good.
Will I buy it again? Yup, it’s staying in my routine unless something cheaper works just as well. If you’ve got body acne or folliculitis, give it a shot—just patch-test first.
Got thoughts or questions? Drop ‘em below!
Quick Checklist
- Acne Reduction: Noticeable in 2–3 weeks.
- Ingrown Hairs: Clears up fast, especially post-shaving.
- Redness: Calms irritation but may cause temporary redness.
- Ease of Use: Spray’s convenient but needs careful aim.
- Irritation: Mild sting from alcohol, patch-test if sensitive.
