Versus

Dermatica Azelaic Acid 20% Cream Versus Bayer Finacea 15% Azelaic Acid Gel

Facial Treatment
Prescription
British Brand United Kingdom
German Brand Germany

Updated on April 01, 2025

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 3 ingredients in common

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, dry skin, sensitive skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils, parabens or sulfates

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

About this product

About this product

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.

You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water
Buffering, Masking

Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring acid derived from grains. This ingredient is effective in treating acne, rosacea, and other skin conditions.

It has been shown to reduce the growth of acne-causing bacteria and helps reduce inflammation. On top of that, it helps reduce the production of sebum and unclog pores.

Azelaic Acid also has antioxidant properties. Antioxidants protect our skin cells from free-radical damage.

One of the main benefits of azelaic acid is that it is gentle and well-tolerated by most people.

Fun fact: The lab-created form of azelaic acid is typically used within cosmetic products for its shelf-stability.

Learn more about Azelaic Acid
Buffering

Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.

In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.

Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.

"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.

Learn more about Sodium Hydroxide

When to use

229 Routines
52% use in am
48% use in pm
93% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
98 Routines
45% use in am
55% use in pm
89% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Dermatica Azelaic Acid 20% Cream 21 ingredients

5.0 /5
from 4 ratings
Absorbs Well (3) Light (3) Works Well (3)
John1's avatar

John1

1 year ago
Review

20% AA OTC with amazing ingredients. Best AA in the the market, imo.

#light
#absorbs well
#works well
Facewasher's avatar

Facewasher

1 year ago
Review

Absorbs well, feels nice and light on the skin.

#light
#absorbs well
#no scent

Bayer Finacea 15% Azelaic Acid Gel 10 ingredients

3.0 /5
from 2 ratings
yallmad's avatar
Review

i couldnt tolerate it...
this made my skin itch so bad each time I tried applying it... i applied it on both damp and dry skin and it still itched and stung like crazy. never again, gunna try 10% even tho there isn't much research for that :/

leonsah's avatar

leonsah

1 year ago
Review

helped with my dermatitis instantly