dicarboxylic acid
Reversible competitive inhibitor of tyrosinase; also reduces 5α-reductase activity (anti-androgenic in sebaceous glands), inhibits Cutibacterium acnes growth, and scavenges reactive oxygen species.
| Concern | Strength | Studies | What the research says |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acne & breakouts | Strong | 2 | 20% azelaic acid cream (Azelex, Finevin) is FDA-approved for mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris, based on clinical trial evidence from the late 1980s and early 1990s including Katsambas 1989 (Acta Derm Venereol Suppl… |
| Blackheads | Strong | — | 20% azelaic acid cream (Azelex, Finevin) is FDA-approved for mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris, based on clinical trial evidence from the late 1980s and early 1990s including Katsambas 1989 (Acta Derm Venereol Suppl… |
| Dark spots & hyperpigmentation | Strong | 1 | Review: Consolidated review of azelaic acne and hyperpigmentation evidence base. |
| Post-acne marks | Strong | — | Azelaic acid is particularly well-suited to PIH because its mechanism addresses both the inflammation that drives pigment production and the resulting pigmentation itself. Selective action against hyperactive… |
| Redness & sensitivity | Strong | 6 | Thiboutot 2003 (PMID 12789172) reported two identical multicenter, double-blind, randomized, vehicle-controlled Phase III RCTs of 15% azelaic acid gel for moderate papulopustular rosacea: n=329 (study 1) and n=335… |
| Uneven tone & radiance | Strong | — | Azelaic acid evens diffuse red-brown unevenness via selective melanocyte action + anti-inflammatory effect; complements its discrete-pigment action. |
| Oiliness & shine | Relevant | — | Azelaic acid has modest sebostatic and antimicrobial activity; oiliness-specific instrumental data limited. |
No known conflicts — Azelaic Acid isn’t flagged against any concern or skin condition.
Strength reflects the ingredient’s effect on each concern; study counts match research whose findings relate to that concern.
Azelaic Acid is a dicarboxylic acid backed by a large, consistent body of clinical evidence (evidence tier 1 of 4). We track 9 studies for it, 8 reporting a positive effect. It is typically effective at 10–20% in a formulation.
Acta Dermato-Venereologica. Supplementum · 1989 · rct · n=155
Azelaic acid 20% cream was superior to hydroquinone 2% cream for facial melasma in dark-skinned patients, with 73% achieving good-to-excellent results versus 19%. Both treatments caused transient mild-to-moderate irritation.
Archives of Dermatology · 2006 · systematic review
Systematic review: Consolidated rosacea evidence confirming efficacy.
Cutis · 2015 · rct
In this phase 3 trial, twice-daily azelaic acid foam 15% was significantly superior to vehicle in papulopustular rosacea, achieving higher investigator global assessment success rates and greater inflammatory lesion count reduction (both P<.001). Adverse events were mainly mild-to-moderate local cutaneous reactions.
International Journal of Dermatology · 2009 · rct
Randomized controlled trial: Dioic acid azelaic derivative vs hydroquinone PIH and melasma.
Acta Dermato-Venereologica Supplementum (Stockholm) · 1989 · rct
Randomized controlled trial: Acne evidence for 20% cream FDA approval basis.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology · 2003 · rct · n=664
Randomized controlled trial (n=664, 12 weeks): FDA approval pivotal evidence for Finacea 15% gel for papulopustular rosacea; 58 and 51% inflammatory lesion reduction vs 40 and 39% vehicle.
+ 3 more studies in our evidence base.
In 102 products — most often serums (58), moisturizers (20), exfoliants (8), from $3.76 to $154.78. Set up a profile to rank these for your skin. Click any product to learn more.
Nip + Fab
NIP+FAB Ceramide Fix Serum 12% 50ml
Serum
$37.0850ml · $0.74/ml
Ideal for
Nip + Fab
NIP+FAB Ceramide Fix Serum 12% 50ml
Serum
$37.0850ml · $0.74/ml
Ideal for
NIP+FAB Ceramide Fix Serum 12% 50ml is a brightening serum by Nip + Fab. Key ingredients include Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Glycerin.
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Set up your skin profileStriVectin
Serum
$49.00
Ideal for
Not recommended for
StriVectin
Serum
$49.00
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Daily Reveal Exfoliating Pads is a exfoliant by StriVectin. Key ingredients include Pentylene Glycol, Glycolic Acid, Azelaic Acid.
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Paula
Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster (1 fl. oz.)
Serum – for Acne & breakouts, Blackheads
$39.0029.6ml · $1.32/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Paula
Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster (1 fl. oz.)
Serum – for Acne & breakouts, Blackheads
$39.0029.6ml · $1.32/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster (1 fl. oz.) is a exfoliant by Paula. Key ingredients include Water, Azelaic Acid, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate.
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Set up your skin profilecocokind
Vitamin C Glow Brightening Serum
Serum
$21.9929.6ml · $0.74/ml
Ideal for
cocokind
Vitamin C Glow Brightening Serum
Serum
$21.9929.6ml · $0.74/ml
Ideal for
Vitamin C Glow Brightening Serum is a brightening serum by cocokind. Key ingredients include Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Azelaic Acid.
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Set up your skin profileUrban Skin Rx
Witch Hazel Brightening & pH Balancing Toner
Toner
$17.99133.1ml · $0.14/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Urban Skin Rx
Witch Hazel Brightening & pH Balancing Toner
Toner
$17.99133.1ml · $0.14/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Witch Hazel Brightening & pH Balancing Toner is a retinoid treatment by Urban Skin Rx. Key ingredients include Water, Alcohol Denat, Glycerin.
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Set up your skin profileBubble
Knock Out 1.8% Salicylic Acid Acne Spot Treatment
Serum
$12.009.8ml · $1.22/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Bubble
Knock Out 1.8% Salicylic Acid Acne Spot Treatment
Serum
$12.009.8ml · $1.22/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Knock Out 1.8% Salicylic Acid Acne Spot Treatment is a exfoliant by Bubble. Key ingredients include Salicylic Acid, Water, Pentylene Glycol.
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Set up your skin profileUrban Skin Rx
Even Tone Cleansing Bar 3-in-1 Treatment - 2.0 oz
Cleanser
$15.9959.1ml · $0.27/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Urban Skin Rx
Even Tone Cleansing Bar 3-in-1 Treatment - 2.0 oz
Cleanser
$15.9959.1ml · $0.27/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Even Tone Cleansing Bar 3-in-1 Treatment - 2.0 oz is a water cleanser by Urban Skin Rx. Key ingredients include Coconut Oil, Glycerin, Sodium Hydroxide.
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Set up your skin profileBubble
Mask
$19.0044.4ml · $0.43/ml
Ideal for
Bubble
Mask
$19.0044.4ml · $0.43/ml
Ideal for
Come Clean Detox Clay Mask is a mask by Bubble. Key ingredients include Water, Glycerin, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate.
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Set up your skin profileBubble
Serum
$18.0044.4ml · $0.41/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Bubble
Serum
$18.0044.4ml · $0.41/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Deep Dive Exfoliating Mask is a exfoliant by Bubble. Key ingredients include Water, Glycolic Acid, Glycerin.
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Set up your skin profileJack Black
Dual Defense Face Moisturizer SPF 30
Sunscreen
$35.0059.1ml · $0.59/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Jack Black
Dual Defense Face Moisturizer SPF 30
Sunscreen
$35.0059.1ml · $0.59/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Dual Defense Face Moisturizer SPF 30 is a sunscreen by Jack Black. Key ingredients include Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Water.
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Set up your skin profileEducational information, not medical advice. Study findings summarise the cited research and may not reflect every formulation.