Conditions Acne (Acne Vulgaris) Azelaic Acid
Az
Moderate evidence

Azelaic Acid for Acne (Acne Vulgaris)

Calms redness, fades acne marks, and clears bumps, all without aggravating sensitive skin. Pregnancy-safe.

Why it works for Acne (Acne Vulgaris)

Unclogs pores, kills acne bacteria, and calms inflammation, all at once. At 15-20%, trials show it works as well as 5% benzoyl peroxide and as well as the oral antibiotic tetracycline for mild to moderate inflamed acne. It also fades the dark marks acne leaves behind by targeting only the over-active pigment cells, so it does not lighten the rest of your skin or make you sun-sensitive. It is considered safe in pregnancy (category B). AAD and European guidelines list it as a good alternative when benzoyl peroxide or retinoids are too harsh for you.

How Azelaic Acid works

Dicarboxylic acid that inhibits tyrosinase and is antimicrobial against C. acnes.