Ingredient guide
Azelaic acid
INCI name · azelaic acid
In short
Azelaic acid is a skincare active generally associated with visible redness, tone and pigmentation and skin texture and smoothness. It is often chosen for oily, combination and sensitive skin. MIRU describes it by what is visible on skin, never as a treatment or cure.
Skin type
Oily · Combination · Sensitive
Best used
Anytime
What it is
Multi-functional acid. Addresses redness, uneven tone, and texture. Pregnancy-safe.
Evidence receipt
StrongAzelaic acid · applied to skin
Based on 1 source
Open the citable recordWell studied in relation to calmer, clearer, more even-looking skin. And tends to be gentle.
Studied as Azelaic acid: 15–20% azelaic acid.
See the source
15–20% azelaic acid gave meaningful improvement across acne, rosacea and melasma; 20% comparable to hydroquinone for melasma.
acne, rosacea, melasma · 15–20% azelaic acid
J Cosmet Dermatol (43-trial review), 2023
Affiliation note. Publication links report the study authors and their affiliations. MIRU does not infer independence from an affiliation alone.
When to use it
Either. Morning or evening; it is not light-sensitive.
Comfortable daily for most once skin has met it.
On the label
10% in over-the-counter products
15–20% versions are prescription in many markets.
Pairs well with
Where it sits
Serums sit after toner and before moisturiser. Thinnest to thickest, water before oil.
- Cleanse
- Tone
- Azelaic acid
- Moisturise
- SPF
Related
Compare products
Browse product comparisonsWhere to find it
Examples, not a ranking. A product lookup can confirm identity and background; a verdict still needs the full ingredient list.
Anua Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Soothing Serum
Azelaic acid serum for the focus you actually named, applied before moisturiser.
10% azelaic acid
This is this cosmetic product’s declared strength, not a universal non-prescription ceiling.
US · Finacea 15% is a prescription azelaic-acid medicine in the US. Source
US · Azelex 20% is a prescription azelaic-acid medicine in the US. Source
UK · Finacea 15% is a prescription-only medicine in the UK. Source
UK · Skinoren 20% is a prescription-only medicine in the UK. Source
Product discovery is not efficacy proof. These examples are not ranked by commission.
Common questions
What does Azelaic acid do for skin?
Azelaic acid is associated in published research with visible redness, tone and pigmentation and skin texture and smoothness. Multi-functional acid. Addresses redness, uneven tone, and texture. Pregnancy-safe. MIRU frames ingredients by what is visible, not by medical claims.
When should I use Azelaic acid?
Azelaic acid is typically used daily, morning or evening. Introduce any new active on its own first and add one product at a time so you can see how your skin responds.
Is Azelaic acid suitable for my skin type?
Azelaic acid is often chosen for oily, combination and sensitive skin. It is generally considered well tolerated. If your skin is reactive, patch-test first and watch for any irritation.
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Personal guidance, not medical advice.