If you’re interested in skincare, you’ve probably heard of and tried a few acids, like glycolic, hyaluronic, or salicylic acid.
However, azelaic acid is the latest to take the skincare world by storm. But don’t just rely on us.
Azadeh Shirazi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in La Jolla, California, describes this popular acid as a “dermatologist favorite,” a “cure-all,” and “one of the most underrated skincare ingredients.”
In simple terms, Dr. Shirazi tells Allure that azelaic acid works by inhibiting tyrosinase, also known as the enzyme involved in pigment production, thereby “reducing hyperpigmentation.”
Michele Green, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, agrees with Dr. Shirazi.
Both experts also highlight azelaic acid’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which make it perfect for treating skin conditions like acne and rosacea because it kills foul bacteria and reduces inflammation.
This versatile acid is also considered a gentle exfoliant that also stimulates cell turnover. As a result, Dr. Green tells Allure, azelaic acid “can reduce the appearance of acne scars.”
You also don’t have to worry too much about tweaking your entire skincare routine to add azelaic acid. Fortunately, Dr. Green and Dr. Shirazi agree that azelaic acid is generally gentle enough to be safely combined with other ingredients like vitamin C, AHAs, BHAs, and retinoids.
However, Dr. Green advises, “If you’re taking prescription azelaic acid, tretinoin, or other topical creams, you should consult your dermatologist.”
While azelaic acid is safe for all skin types, Dr. Green recommends that those with sensitive skin use it once daily initially, then increase to twice daily after a few weeks. If irritation occurs, it’s best to consult your doctor before continuing use.
The concentration of azelaic acid in over-the-counter products varies, from as low as 1% to as high as 12% or even 15%. According to Dr. Shirazi, the highest available concentration of azelaic acid is 20%, which is the prescription concentration.
But that doesn’t mean lower concentrations aren’t effective. According to Dr. Green, skincare products with low concentrations of azelaic acid can help open pores, prevent acne, and reduce skin inflammation.
These lower concentrations of azelaic acid are often combined with other active ingredients, such as AHAs and BHAs. Dr. Green explains that in these combination formulas, “the lower concentrations of azelaic acid may help prevent skin irritation.”
Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best azelaic acid creams, serums, and cleansers on the market, including some dermatologist-recommended products.
SkinCeuticals Phyto A+ Brightening Treatment
Glytone Enhance Brightening Complex
According to Dr. Green, this product contains Skinceuticals’ Phyto A+ Brightening Treatment, which contains 3% azelaic acid (which helps open pores) and a soothing botanical blend of cucumber, thyme, and olive leaf extracts.
“This lightweight, oil- and silicone-free, non-comedogenic formula is suitable for acne-prone and sensitive skin,” Dr. Shirazi tells Allure. Glytone Enhance Brightening Complex is an especially good choice for those with hyperpigmentation, as it combines 12% azelaic acid with 3% glycolic acid, a powerful chemical exfoliant.
She also highlights that the cream “brightens and smoothes the skin’s texture.” The dermatologist also highlights its lightweight formula, which is also non-comedogenic (i.e., won’t clog pores). pores).
Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster combines azelaic acid with exfoliating salicylic acid, along with other ingredients like brightening licorice root extract and hydrating glycerin.
Dr. Green also highlights that “the cream-gel formula is lightweight and exfoliates the skin for a smoother, brighter, more youthful complexion.”
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid 10% Suspension Brightening Cream is one of the best azelaic acid creams on the market, and what’s even better is that it costs less than $28 for an 85 ml bottle.
According to Dr. Green, the high concentration of azelaic acid in the cream helps treat acne, rosacea, and sun damage. Dermatologists also highlight the thin formula of this cream, which can be layered under your favorite moisturizer for extra hydration without being greasy.
Drunk Elephant Bouncy Brightfacial Brightening Mask
The Inkey List SuperSolutions 10% Azelaic Acid Serum for Redness Relief
Drunk Elephant makes some of our favorite skincare products, including the Bouncy Brightfacial Brightening Mask. In addition to azelaic and salicylic acids, the leave-on mask contains hydrating glycerin and squalane as well as antibacterial pumpkin seed oil, nourishing niacinamide, and barrier-strengthening ceramides.
Fight redness with The Inkey List’s SuperSolutions 10% Azelaic Acid Anti-Redness Serum. Enriched with azelaic acid, the serum is light green in color to cover redness and has a lightweight, gel-like texture that absorbs quickly into the skin. Other ingredients include nourishing glycerin and hydrating allantoin.
SkinFix Acne+ 2% BHA Cleanser
Peach Slices Redness Reducing Azelaic Acid Serum
Skinfix Akne+ 2% BHA + Azelaic Acid + Niacinamide + AHA Cleanser fights all forms of acne (including fungal acne). Its creamy-gel formula contains a gentle yet effective combination of azelaic acid, salicylic acid, and glycolic acid. The addition of niacinamide helps refine pores.
Peach Slices is known for its affordable Korean beauty skincare products. A particular favorite is the company’s Redness Reducing Azelaic Acid Serum, which combines 10% azelaic acid with skin-smoothing allantoin, hydrating panthenol, and botanical extracts like spinach and broccoli.
This green serum reduces redness while also gently exfoliating, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin.
Naturium Azelaic Acid Topical 10%
Topical Fading Serum
Easy Brightening Targeted Pigment Serum
Naturium is an Asian cosmetics brand known for its science-backed, results-focused, and affordable skincare products. Azelaic Acid Topical 10% is particularly noteworthy because it combines with vitamin C to improve skin tone and contains multifunctional ingredients like niacinamide and glycerin. The result?A bright, balanced, even complexion.
Topicals Concentrated Fading Serum fights stubborn dark spots, discoloration, and scars. Despite its lightweight texture, Azelaic Acid Cream packs a powerful punch, thanks to a blend of tranexamic acid (which reduces pigmentation spots) and moisturizing ingredients like shea butter and jojoba oil.
The formula is packed with skincare essentials like niacinamide, glycerin, and antioxidant-rich licorice root extract.
Jihan Forbes, a writer for Allure magazine, was pleased with the results after testing the serum, but did mention the sulfur smell, which she didn’t mind. “I think this product really works, and it’s not just about looking pretty (although it is that),” she noted.
For brighter, smoother, more even-toned skin, we recommend the Facile Brighten Pigment Serum. Azelaic acid and tranexamic acid even out skin tone, while niacinamide strengthens the skin barrier to fight discoloration and redness.
Aloe vera is a natural source of salicylic acid, which also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
