Azelaic acid, also known as dicarboxylic acid, is an organic ingredient that comes from grains like rye, wheat, and barley. It is enriched with antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties that may treat rosacea and acne and manage breakouts. In addition to reducing acne inflammation, these azelaic acid products can be used to lighten dark spots and even out hyperpigmented skin. You can get an over-the-counter product that contains a 10% concentration of this acid. If you are willing to give this acne managing ingredient a shot, scroll down. We have listed 11 effective azelaic acid products that can help you reduce acne breakouts and flare-ups. Keep reading to know more! Kazim Dhanji, MD, KHD Aesthetics, mentions, “Azelaic acid has many properties, all of which have many benefits for the skin. It is a great ingredient for reducing inflammation, improving skin tone and pigmentation. It also is a great antioxidant that can counter the free radicals in the environment around us.”

Top 11 Azelaic Acid Products To Get Rid of Acne

1. Best Preservative-Free Formula: Cos De BAHA Azelaic Acid 10 Serum

You no longer have to break the bank to have beautiful and glowing skin like K-pop idols. Get flawless skin with this best Korean product at a reasonable price. With the powerful combination of 10 percent azelaic acid, niacinamide, vitamin B5, and hyaluronic acid, this non-greasy and non-oily azelaic acid skincare product reduces the appearance of blemishes and acne. It clears your face of dark spots, breakouts, and marks to give you soft and silky skin. This product that contains azelaic acid for rosacea repairs damaged skin and also helps with hyperpigmentation. The lightweight product is free of harsh chemicals and hence is safe for daily use. You can use it twice every day on its own or as a part of your 5-step Korean skincare regime. Pros

Sulphate and paraben-free Alcohol and fragrance-free Free of artificial colors Reduces acne and blemishes Lightweight Fades brown spots Makes skin soft and silky

Cons

It may not be suitable for sensitive skin

2. Best For Hyperpigmentation: Urban Skin Rx Even Tone Cleansing Bar

This highly effective cleansing bar is a multi-action powerhouse as it combines the benefits of kojic acid, azelaic acid, niacinamide, coconut oil, safflower seed oil, and licorice root to give you healthier and brighter complexion. It is backed by an advanced technology where the 6 key ingredients work together to help treat signs of aging, dryness, blemishes, and reduce production of melanin. The azelaic acid cleanser enhances the uneven skin tone, appearance of dark spots, and overall complexion. The creamy lather with light tea tree and licorice scent of this over-the-counter azelaic acid product can also act as an exfoliator or a face mask in the morning and night. In this YouTube video, you will find a detailed review of the Urban Skin Rx Even Tone Cleansing Bar. Pros

Evens out skin tone Fights hyperpigmentation Boosts healthier and brighter skin Fights aging signs Controls melanin production Improves appearance of dark spots

Cons

It may not be suitable for extremely dry skin.

3. Best Lightweight Formula: Paula’s Choice BOOST 10% Azelaic Acid Booster

Make the right choice for your skin with this product containing azelaic acid for acne scars. Its multi-tasking formula created with a combination of azelaic acid and salicylic acid, licorice root extract, glycerin, and some emollients backed by extensive scientific research gives you beautiful skin, irrespective of its type— dry, sensitive, or combination. This lightweight and oil-free product fades the appearance of blemishes, acne breakouts, and scars. It can work as a gentle exfoliator and also help fade dark spots and redness. As it leaves the skin feeling soothed, you can include it in your morning and night skincare routine every day without having to think twice. Check out the review of the Paula’s Choice BOOST 10% Azelaic Acid Booster for more information. Pros

Lightweight and oil-free Paraben and fragrance-free Cruelty-free Soothes skin irritation Fades breakout scars Evens out tone and texture Reduces dark spots and redness Suitable for all skin types

Cons

Contains xanthan

4. Best For Skin Brightening: The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%

This azelaic acid product can be a one-stop-solution for all your major skin issues. The lightweight formula contains 10% pure azelaic acid sourced naturally from grains using yeast. The high concentration of acid helps improve complexion by brightening your skin tone and evening out its texture. It also helps reduce the appearance of blemishes and can works as an effecrive acne treatment. Its cream-gel formula also works as an effective antioxidant for all skin types, but ensures that you use it only on unbroken skin. Check this YouTube video for an honest review of The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%. If you want to know more about the benefits of theThe Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%, click on this video. Pros

Brightens complexion Lightweight formula Contains antioxidants Suitable for all skin types Improves texture

Cons

Contains phenoxyethanol

5. Best Cruelty-Free Formula: REN Clean Skincare Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic

If you are worried about skin irritation when switching to new skin care products, try this tonic. The naturally sourced ingredients ensure that you get a flawless skin without causing any irritation. This facial tonic contains azelaic acid for skin that is blended with lactic acid (AHA) and salicin (BHA). It rejuvenates your dull and tired skin, affected by pollution or city lifestyle, to reveal a brighter complexion. The tonic exfoliates gently by clearing dead skin cells and pores, and hence, prevents further breakouts. It shrinks enlarged pores and enhances the appearance of your skin. Suitable for all skin types, it can moisturize and improve elasticity to reveal a smoother and even skin tone and texture. Pros

Cruelty-free and vegan Shrinks enlarged pores Gently exfoliates Brightens complexion Moisturizes skin Evens out skin tone

Cons

Contains added fragrance

6. Best pH-Balanced Formula: Naturium Azelaic Topical Acid 10%

Let your new friends and acquaintances keep guessing your age as this azelaic acid serum provides anti-aging benefits with the unique formula containing high concentration of glycerinated azelaic acid for skin, niacinamide, vitamin C and coffee seed extract. Its recipe made with natural botanicals and marine-based ingredients helps minimise imperfections like redness, inflammation, dullness, and discoloration. It is gentle on all skin types, yet a powerful exfoliator with a non-irritating and non-toxic formula. The pH balanced serum fades dark spots, unclogs pores, and removes excess oil to give you radiant skin with an even and smooth texture and tone. Pros

pH balanced Lightweight Gets easily absorbed Non-irritating formula Offers anti-aging benefits Unclogs pores Paraben and gluten-free Cruelty-free and vegan Fragrance-free and non-toxic

Cons

Contains alcohol

7. Best For Exfoliation: Bliss Green Tea Wonder Clarifying Overnight Gel Mask With Azelaic Acid

You must be aware of the numerous benefits of green tea for your skin. Now imagine the impact it can have on your skin when it is combined with azelaic acid. The natural exfoliants in this azelaic acid product remove excess sebum, dead skin cells and clears your pores. The azelaic acid cleanser helps maintain its natural barrier and does not leave your skin feeling dry. You will also experience your pores tighten to reveal a fresh, smooth, and clear look. Packed with antioxidants, this lightweight gel de-stresses your skin by providing deep moisturization. All you need to do is just sleep on with this overnight mask and wake up to a rejuvenated and clear complexion. Pros

Cruelty-free and vegan Paraben and SLS-free Exfoliates dead skin cells Offers soft and supple skin Maintains skin’s natural barrier Shrinks pores Provides deep hydration

Cons

Some may find the consistency too sticky.

8. Best For Skin Discoloration: PCA Skin Pigment Bar

Try this azelaic acid skincare product and walk confidently like you are walking on a red carpet as your beautiful glowing skin wins over several hearts. This scientifically-developed serum is ideal for discolorations on the face and body. Formulated with active powerful ingredients like azelaic acid, kojic acid, and niacinamide, this azelaic acid moisturizer hydrates and restores healthy skin. It helps reduce redness and discoloration by preventing hyperpigmentation. It also reveals an evenly toned texture and brighter complexion with its non-irritating formula. Pros

Treats discolorations Reveals brighter complexion Evens out skin tone Non-irritating formula Soothes and calms skin Reduces redness and hyperpigmentation

Cons

Contains alcohol and fragrance It may not be suitable for sensitive skin.

9. Best Non-Irritating Formula: TULA Skin Care Probiotics & Superfoods Acne Clearing + Tone Correcting Gel

Boost your self-confidence as this gel combats acne, preventing future breakouts. This product with azelaic acid for acne can help clear your breakouts and brighten your complexion. It has also been clinically-proven to prevent future breakouts with its 2% salicylic acid formula. This azelaic acid moisturizer also contains probiotics and hyaluronic acid that promote healthy and balanced skin in a natural way. It prevents the skin from getting dry and flaky and fades the appearance of acne scars. The probiotic extracts and superfoods like willowherb moisturize and soothe your skin. Now, you will forget that you ever had acne. Pros

Paraben and sulphate-free Offers clear skin Non-irritating formula Prevents breakouts Helps fade scar

Cons

It may not help with cystic acne.

10. Best For Dark Spots: PCA Skin HQ-Free Pigment Gel

Be it any time of the day or no matter how stressed you are after a long day at work, always look refreshed with this wonder serum. Add this azelaic acid product to your morning or evening skin care routine for a rejuvenated and glowing skin. This serum helps treat acne, hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and delays the appearance of signs of aging. Compatible with dry, oily, combination, and mature skin, it gives that extra boost to your skin by promoting even skin tone and brighter complexion. This safe and effective product also contains kojic acid and is free of the many possible irritants. Pros

Cruelty-free Combats dark spots Fights hyperpigmentation Promotes even skin tone Hydroquinone-free Helps with acne Delays signs of aging

Cons

Contains alcohol

11. Best Non-Comedogenic Option: Glytone Enhance Brightening Complex

This azelaic acid cream is all you need to complement your daily skin care regimen. Let us tell you why. This hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic cream is extremely effective in preventing hyperpigmentation. The azelaic acid moisturizer offers deep hydration to reveal a soft and smooth skin. The lightweight formula contains organic acids like azelaic and glycolic acids that help improve the appearance of your skin with an even and smooth texture. This cream with azelaic acid exfoliates skin and helps fade dark spots. It helps your dream of a radiant and bright skin tone turn into reality. Pros

Lightweight Moisturizes Hypoallergenic Non-comedogenic Fragrance and paraben-free Improves appearance of dark spots

Cons

It may increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun.

Now that you have learned about azelaic acid products, here’s how you can choose one for your skin.

How To Choose Azelaic Acid Products

Ingredients

You can look for a product that contains skin soothing agents like licorice root extract, aloe, or allantoin as they help in maintaining smooth texture of the skin after exfoliation of dead skin cells. Experts suggest that it is better to pick products that don’t combine azelaic acid with Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) like salicylic acid for those with dry skin. This will increase the risk of dryness and skin irritation.

Hypoallergenic

Even though azelaic acid is well tolerated by people of all skin types, it is still better to choose one that is hypoallergenic as those with extremely sensitive skin may experience mild redness and irritation. It is also safer to do a patch test first.

Non-comedogenic

If the azelaic acid product you are eyeing on is non-comedogenic, it is even better as you can be assured that it won’t clog your pores and will keep breakouts at bay. Azelaic acid can be used in the form of a gel, serum, or cream. But the way you use an azelaic acid is more or less common for all forms of products. Here’s how you need to use it.

How To Use Azelaic Acid For Skin

Wash the area where you would like to apply the product with warm water. After washing thoroughly, pat it dry. Wash your hands too before applying the product. Apply the product on the affected area. Rub it in and allow it to dry completely. You may pair it with other soothing ingredients like niacinamide, hydroxy acids or antioxidants-rich products by adding them to your skincare routine.

Azelaic acid is an underrated ingredient when it comes to skincare. However, it is now gaining popularity for the numerous benefits that it provides. Let us sum it up for you.

What Are The Benefits Of Azelaic Acid?

Gentle exfoliation

It unclogs pores and removes dead skin cells. It is a gentler exfoliator than other alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acids. It refines the skin texture and tone.

Helps with hyperpigmentation

Azelaic acid can help treat dark spots or hyperpigmentation by destroying melanocytes— cells that produce melanin.

Treats acne and rosacea

It clears pores by killing bacteria. It reduces production of keratin that can lead to acne and gives you a clean and clear skin. It also reduces inflammation, swelling, and redness associated with rosacea.

Reduces blackhead formation

It helps with new skin turnover quickly to heal your skin and reduce scarring or pimple and blackhead formation.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

The author of this article, Kirtana Divakar, is a skin care enthusiast. She checked several online reviews and customer feedback to pick the best Azelaic acid products for hyperpigmented skin and dark spots. These products can reduce acne inflammation and breakouts and promote healthy skin. What are the side effects of azelaic acid? You may experience minor side effects from azelaic acid, usually at the beginning of treatment. You may experience temporary stinging, burning, itching, or tingling. These gradually reduce as your skin gets adjusted to the ingredient. Can you get azelaic acid over the counter? Yes, you will find plenty of over-the-counter azelaic acid products as well as those that can be bought through prescription from your doctor. Can I put moisturizer on top of azelaic acid? Yes, you can apply moisturizer after using azelaic acid, especially because many azelaic acid products are drying in nature. Should you use azelaic acid every day? It is safe to use azelaic acid twice every day. However, if you have sensitive skin, you may use it once every other day. Can I apply rosehip oil after azelaic acid ? It is generally advised to apply rosehip oil before azelaic acid suspension. How long does azelaic acid take to work? Azelaic acid starts showing results between 6- 10 weeks. Do dermatologists recommend azelaic acid? Yes, dermatologists recommend azelaic acid for its various pharmacological uses and benefits, like its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

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