PoreWise Ingredient
Azelaic acid
Public databaseAZELAIC ACID
Azelaic acid is a dicarboxylic acid used in skincare for redness, blemishes and uneven tone. The strongest evidence comes from a 2024 human trial: In 72 people with mild-to-moderate acne, a 15% azelaic acid gel reduced post-inflammatory erythema (PAHPI) significantly more than placebo at weeks 8 and 12, and lowered melanin content in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation lesions at week 12. 2024 · 72 people · patients with mild-to-moderate acne (60 completed) · PMID 38734843 · PIH lesion counts improved from baseline in both groups; the significant between-group difference was in PAHPI and melanin content. 2 products contain Azelaic acid; the highest it appears is number 2 of 21.
- INCI name:
- AZELAIC ACID
- Source:
- PubChem
Functions
Products with this ingredient
Azelaic acid appears on 2 product ingredient lists, most often around number 2; its highest position is number 2 of 21.
| Product | Brand | Where it sits on the list |
|---|---|---|
| 10% Azelaic Acid Booster | Paula's Choice | 2 of 21 |
| Azelaic Acid 10% + Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum | Anua | 2 of 35 |
Studies and results
- 1 Skin effectEffects of 15% Azelaic Acid Gel in the Management of Post-Inflammatory Erythema and Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation in Acne Vulgaris
In 72 people with mild-to-moderate acne, a 15% azelaic acid gel reduced post-inflammatory erythema (PAHPI) significantly more than placebo at weeks 8 and 12, and lowered melanin content in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation lesions at week 12.
Human trial · 2024 · 72 people · patients with mild-to-moderate acne (60 completed) · People with mild-to-moderate acne and acne-induced post-inflammatory erythema or hyperpigmentation, applying the gel twice daily for 12 weeks. · PIH lesion counts improved from baseline in both groups; the significant between-group difference was in PAHPI and melanin content.
- 2 Skin effectEfficacy and safety of a novel anhydrous 0.1% retinal and 10% azelaic acid concentrate for blemish-prone skin: an eight-week randomized prospective split-face, vehicle-controlled study
In an 8-week randomized, vehicle-controlled split-face study of 23 people with blemish-prone skin, an anhydrous 0.1% retinal / 10% azelaic acid concentrate improved the pore parameter by 22.3% versus vehicle (p=0.015) and skin texture by 5.6% versus vehicle (p=0.0016), and reduced surface irregularities by 12.7% versus vehicle (p=0.0053).
Human trial · 2026 · 23 people · participants aged 16-49 (mean 28), Fitzpatrick I-IV, blemish-prone skin · Pore appearance, skin texture and surface irregularities on the face over 8 weeks. · The pore improvement versus baseline was borderline (15.9%, p=0.051); the small sample completed 23 participants; the product is a six-ingredient concentrate; 10% azelaic acid is regulated as an OTC drug in some markets.
Skin concerns this ingredient has been studied for
The people in each study had that concern.
Common questions
- What does Azelaic acid do in skincare?
- Azelaic acid is a dicarboxylic acid used in skincare for redness, blemishes and uneven tone.
- Where does Azelaic acid sit in these formulas?
- Azelaic acid appears in 2 products; highest on the list is number 2 of 21, in 10% Azelaic Acid Booster.
- Which products contain Azelaic acid?
- Products that contain Azelaic acid: 10% Azelaic Acid Booster, Azelaic Acid 10% + Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum.
- How strong is the evidence behind Azelaic acid?
- 2 findings on Azelaic acid; the strongest is a 2024 human trial of 72 patients with mild-to-moderate acne (60 completed).
- What did the study on Azelaic acid measure?
- 2024 · 72 people · patients with mild-to-moderate acne (60 completed) · PMID 38734843 · PIH lesion counts improved from baseline in both groups; the significant between-group difference was in PAHPI and melanin content.