Azelaic acid is a highly versatile and dermatologist approved skincare ingredient, offering numerous benefits. It's particularly effective for acne and blemish-prone skin, as it targets bacteria that causes breakouts and gently unclogs pores. Its anti-inflammatory properties soothe redness and irritation, making it suitable for sensitive skin and those with rosacea. Furthermore, azelaic acid helps to even skin tone and fade hyperpigmentation by reducing excess melanin production. Regular use can lead to clearer, smoother, and visibly brighter skin, without the harsh side effects often associated with stronger acids.

In this blog, you’ll learn what azelaic acid does, why it’s so popular, and how to include it safely in your daily skincare.

What is Azelaic Acid?

Azelaic acid is an acid that naturally occurs in yeast living on normal skin. In skincare, it’s synthetically formulated for stability and efficacy. Unlike stronger exfoliating acids such as glycolic or salicylic acid, azelaic acid works more gently, making it suitable for even sensitive or reactive skin types. It targets excess bacteria on the skin, helping to unclog pores, smooth texture and brighten overall tone without causing irritation or dryness.

What does Azelaic Acid do?

Azelaic acid works in multiple ways, benefiting many different skin types. It calms inflammation, clears out congested pores and gently encourages skin renewal to effectively prevent blemishes. Beneath the surface, it targets an enzyme called tyrosinase, which controls how much melanin your skin produces. By slowing this process, azelaic acid helps fade dark marks, acne scars and areas of pigmentation for a more even tone. Over time, it can leave your complexion clearer, smoother and visibly brighter, while soothing the redness often linked with rosacea and sensitive skin.

Benefits of Azelaic Acid

Azelaic acid effectively promotes a clearer, smoother, and more balanced complexion. This gentle ingredient soothes and calms redness, evens skin tone, and keeps pores clear. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, without causing irritation with regular use. 

1. Helps reduce blemishes and visible congestion: Azelaic acid supports the natural shedding of dead skin cells, helping to keep pores clear and the skin looking smoother. It’s often chosen by those who are prone to acne.
2. Calms redness and soothes irritation: Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, azelaic acid is often recommended for people with reactive or redness prone skin. It helps calm visible irritation, leaving the skin looking more even and comfortable.
3. Helps even out skin tone: Azelaic acid works by limiting excess melanin production, which helps diminish the appearance of dark marks and post-blemish discoloration. With consistent use, it contributes to a brighter and more radiant complexion over time.
4. Smoothes and refines skin texture: Its mild exfoliating action encourages skin renewal, improving surface texture and leaving the skin feeling softer and more refined.
5. Well tolerated by all skin types: Unlike many active ingredients, azelaic acid is generally well tolerated by all skin types and unlikely to cause stinging or peeling. This makes it a great option for those who want visible results with minimal irritation
6. Calms and reduces inflammation: Azelaic acid helps to soothe the skin by reducing visible redness and irritation. It works by calming inflammation beneath the surface, making it especially helpful for sensitive or redness-prone skin, including rosacea.

How to Use Azelaic Acid

How often you use azelaic acid depends on your skin type and the form you choose. Creams and gels with higher strengths are usually applied once or twice daily, while lighter serums or lower concentrations can be used more frequently or layered with other products. Always apply it to clean, dry skin before moisturiser, and start slowly if you’re new to active ingredients. As your skin builds tolerance, you can increase how often you use it to get the best results.

Forms of Azeliac Acid: Cream, Gel or Serum

Azelaic acid comes in a range of products and strengths:

• Creams (10–20%) – Great for dry or sensitive skin, offering hydration alongside treatment.
• Gels (15–20%) – Lightweight and easily absorbed, often chosen by those with oilier complexions.
• Serums (5–15%) – Suitable for beginners or as a layering product with other ingredients.

Prescription strengths (E.g. Skinoren) may be recommended for specific skin conditions, while over-the-counter formulas are ideal for daily maintenance.

Tips on Using Azelaic Acid for the First Time

• Apply a small, even amount across the desired area.
• Always moisturise afterward to prevent dryness or flaking.
• Daily SPF use is important, as many acids heighten sun sensitivity.
• For sensitive skin, conduct a patch test before full application.

Landys Chemist Recommendation 

At Landys Chemist, we recommend La Roche-Posay Azelaic Acid A.Z. Cream for anyone looking to introduce azelaic acid into their routine.

This gentle yet effective formula helps calm redness, smooth uneven texture and brighten the complexion, making it a great choice for sensitive or redness-prone skin. 

Considerations When Using Azelaic Acid

Most people tolerate azelaic acid well, though mild dryness or tingling may occur at first. These effects usually settle within a few days as the skin adjusts. Always avoid applying to broken or irritated skin.Those with ongoing skin conditions should consult a pharmacist or dermatologist for tailored advice.

Summary

Azelaic acid is a gentle acid that supports clearer, smoother and more even looking skin. It helps to reduce visible redness, calm irritation, and refine texture while being suitable for all skin types. Regular use can improve the appearance of uneven tone and support a balanced, healthy complexion without harsh side effects. At Landys Chemist, we recommend the La Roche-Posay Azelaic Acid A.Z. Cream, a dermatologist-tested formula that offers the perfect balance between effectiveness and gentleness for everyday use.

FAQ

Can I use azelaic acid every day?

Yes, most people can use azelaic acid once or twice daily depending on their skin type and the product strength. Start slowly to allow your skin to adjust, then increase frequency as tolerated.

Is azelaic acid safe to use during pregnancy?

Azelaic acid is generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but it’s best to confirm with your doctor or pharmacist before starting a new product.

Can I use azelaic acid with retinol?

Yes, but it’s best not to apply them at the same time. Both ingredients can be active on the skin, so alternate them, for example by using azelaic acid in the morning and retinol at night, to reduce irritation.

How long does azelaic acid take to work?

 Most people start to notice smoother, more even skin within 6 to 8 weeks of consistent use, though results can vary depending on the product strength and skin concern.

Reviewed & Authored By

This article was reviewed by Girish Desai, Chief Pharmacist at Landys Chemist since 1982 (GPhC Reg. No. 2019217).
Written and compiled by Wiktoria Suder, Digital Marketing Coordinator at Landys Chemist.

Disclaimer: This content is grounded in research and expert pharmacy and dermatological knowledge to ensure accuracy and relevance.

Sources 

1. The versatility of azelaic acid in dermatology 
2. Efficacy of topical azelaic acid gel in the treatment of mild-moderate acne vulgaris - Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology 
3. Efficacy and safety of azelaic acid (15%) gel as a new treatment for papulopustular rosacea: results from two vehicle-controlled, randomized phase III studies - PubMed 
4. A novel azelaic acid formulation for the topical treatment of inflammatory rosacea: A multicentre, prospective clinical trial - PubMed