Azelaic Acid (Ingredient Explained + Products)

Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring acid that is derived from grains. However, the lab-created form is typically used within cosmetic products as it has better shelf-stability.

It has been shown to be effective in the treatment of acne, rosacea, and other skin conditions. Azelaic acid helps reduce the growth of bacteria that cause acne and helps to reduce inflammation.

It also helps to improve the appearance of skin by reducing the production of sebum and unclogging pores.

Azelaic Acid also has antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.

One of the main benefits of azelaic acid is that it is gentle and well-tolerated by most people. It is also non-comedogenic, meaning that it will not clog pores.

Azelaic Acid is a rare cosmetic ingredient, with about 0.7% of the products in our database containing it.

Community Data

663 people from our community have liked or disliked this ingredient.

Users who like it 💖

Often have the following skin types:

Oily Sensitive

Usually have one or more of the following skin concerns:

Redness • Dark Spots • Texture • Acne

Users who dislike it 💔

Often have the following skin types:

Sensitive Oily

Usually have one or more of the following skin concerns:

Redness • Dark Spots • Sensitivity • Hormonal Acne

Where it's used

Azelaic Acid is most often found as ingredient number 7 within an ingredient list.

Of the 20 products in our database that have a known concentration of Azelaic Acid, we've seen concentrations from 0.01% to 20% specified within their ingredient lists.