Azelaic Acid: Uses, Benefits and Best Skincare Products
- Kavya Goswami
- Jul 27
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 7
Azelaic Acid—does it sound familiar now?
The cosmetic industry is finally giving this underrated ingredient the credit it truly deserves. But why is Azelaic Acid such an important part of skincare?
Azelaic Acid is a super-ingredient—and one of my personal favorites. It’s truly a jack of all trades: from treating acne and fading hyperpigmentation to calming redness and improving skin texture, it does it all.
The best part? It’s one of the few active ingredients that’s considered safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding—a time when most products are off-limits. It’s gentle, well-tolerated by most skin types, and highly effective when used consistently.
So why haven’t we talked more about it until now?
Maybe because the cosmetic industry overlooked it in favor of trendier (and often less effective) ingredients. But whatever the reason, it’s finally getting the spotlight it deserves—and we’re here for it!
That’s why it’s the perfect time to take a deep dive into Azelaic Acid:
What it is
How it works on different skin concerns
And the best Azelaic Acid products available in India right now
What is Azelaic Acid?
First things first, what exactly is Azelaic Acid?
Azelaic Acid is a naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid found in grains like wheat, rye, and barley. Interestingly, it’s also produced naturally by a yeast called Malassezia furfur (also known as Pityrosporum ovale) that lives on our skin.
In skincare, the synthetic form of Azelaic Acid is typically used to ensure better stability and enhanced effectiveness.
Why Use Azelaic Acid in Skincare?
Azelaic Acid is a multitasking ingredient—it helps treat multiple skin concerns without causing irritation, making it suitable even for sensitive skin. While it’s not a fast-acting treatment, it works gradually and delivers highly effective results over time.
It is commonly available in different concentrations, including 10%, 15%, and 20%.
10% Azelaic Acid is available over the counter and is typically formulated by cosmetic brands.
15% and 20% Azelaic Acid are prescription-based and must be recommended by a dermatologist.
Azelaic Acid is a powerful addition to your skincare routine and helps in treating:
Acne:
Kills acne-causing bacteria - It helps reduce the growth like Cutibacterium acne (formerly known as Propionibacterium acne), which causes acne.
Unclogs pores - It has very mild exfoliating (Keratolytic) properties that helps normalize skin cell turnover, preventing dead cells from accumulating and clogging pores, thus reducing blackheads and whiteheads.
Reduces inflammation - It has anti-inflammatory properties that helps calm redness and swelling associated with acne.
Rosacea:
It effectively reduces the redness, bumps, and visible blood vessels associated with Rosacea due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial actions. It helps calm the skin and reduce irritation.
Hyperpigmentation:
Azelaic Acid is a tyrosinase inhibitor. Tyrosinase is an enzyme crucial for melanin, which in turn fades various forms of hyperpigmentation, including post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) from acne scars, and melasma. It's often recommended as an alternative to hydroquinone, especially for long-term use.
Antioxidant Properties:
It acts as an antioxidant, helping to neutralize free radicals that can damage skin cells and contribute to inflammation and signs of aging.
Improves skin tone and texture:
Azelaic Acid helps in reducing hyperpigmentation and gently exfoliating, creating a more uniform and radiant skin tone. Its keratolytic properties also contribute to smoother skin texture.
When Can You Use Azelaic Acid?
You can easily incorporate Azelaic Acid into your skincare routine twice a day—in both your morning and evening skincare regimen.
Start by cleansing your face with a gentle cleanser, or one that targets your specific skin concern (for example, a Salicylic Acid cleanser for oily or acne-prone skin).
Next, apply Azelaic Acid in serum form.
The best part? Azelaic Acid plays can be used in combination with most skincare actives, you can consider including skincare ingredients like Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Alpha Arbutin, and Tranexamic Acid, or go for a product that already has these actives (cocktail products)—making it great for layering and enhancing the effectiveness of your overall skincare routine.
Finish with a barrier-repairing, hydrating moisturizer to lock in moisture and support overall skin health.
Best Azelaic Acid Skincare Products in India
It’s often tough to find skincare products with the right percentage of Azelaic Acid.
The effective over-the-counter concentration is 10%, but many products on the market contain lower percentages like 5%, 2%, or even just 1%—which are not ideal and unlikely to deliver noticeable benefits.
When purchasing products that highlight Azelaic Acid as the key ingredient, it’s essential to check the concentration on the label. There’s no point in spending money on a product that makes bold claims but doesn’t contain a potent enough dose to give you the results it promises.
Always remember—Azelaic Acid is a slow-acting treatment.
You need to use it consistently in your skincare routine for at least 3 to 4 months to see effective and visible results.
Find best Azelaic Acid skincare products available in India:
The Derma Co Tran-Zelaic Pigmentation Corrector Serum is an effective treatment for acne-prone skin — not only does it target active breakouts, but it also helps fade post-acne red and brown marks. It contains the right blend of Azelaic Acid and Tranexamic Acid to gently correct pigmentation and support clearer skin.
Skincare Actives:
Azelaic Acid
Tranexamic Acid
Alpha Arbutin (acts on hyperpigmentation)
Betaine (skin protectant)
Panthenol (skin soothing, anti-inflammatory)
Ferulic Acid (antioxidant)
Glycerin
Anua Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum is a good option for acne-prone skin because it is anti-inflammatory serum.
Skincare Actives:
Azelaic Acid
Panthenol
Betaine Salicylate (Betaine + Salicylic Acid)
Glycerin
Green Tea
Conscious Chemist Azicalm Gel Cream is a good 10% Azelaic Acid serum for treating acne and inflammation, azelaic acid does act slowly on skin but it is a promising acne treatment.
Skincare Active:
Azelaic Acid
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Moisturizer, this is 10% Azelaic Acid Suspension. It is lightweight and non-sticky on skin and helps to treat acne and reduces inflammation.
Skincare Actives:
Azelaic Acid
Dimethicone
10% Azelaic Acid Booster by Paula's Choice is an ideal hyperpigmentation and acne serum.
Skincare Actives:
Azelaic Acid
Dimethicone
Salicylic Acid
Licorice Root Extract
Allantoin
Bisabolol [anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing]
Acne Defence Daily Serum by Hyphen is a good serum to include in your skincare routine as it includes numerous promising skincare actives and helps to treat acne. It includes:
Skincare Actives:
Azelaic Acid
Centella Asiatica
Niacinamide
Salicylic Acid
Tea Tree Extract (although it's antibacterial ingredient but it a potential irritant, so be careful while using especially if you have sensitive skin)
Acne Spot Corrector Gel by Foxtale is a good spot corrector treatment and I'm so glad it's fragrance-free and contains effective skincare actives to treat acne and dark spots. Although, it has a low concentration of Azelaic Acid, because over the counter, recommended form of Azelaic Acid is 10%. But it is a good Salicylic Acid spot corrector.
Skincare Actives:
Azelaic Acid
Betaine
Salicylic Acid
Glycolic Acid
Niacinamide [present in low concentration]
Panthenol [present in low concentration]
In conclusion, Azelaic Acid is a powerful, multi-tasking ingredient that deserves a spot in your skincare routine—especially if you’re dealing with acne, hyperpigmentation, or rosacea. From reducing inflammation to evening out skin tone, its benefits are well worth the commitment.
Just remember—the effectiveness of Azelaic Acid depends greatly on its concentration. So always check the percentage before purchasing a product to ensure it aligns with your specific skin concern.
Ready to give your skin the care it truly deserves?
Start with the right Azelaic Acid product—and stay consistent!
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