Azelaic acid entered the scene thanks to chemistry’s push for useful molecules back in the nineteenth century. Researchers discovered it while breaking down fats, finding that some old grains and animal products made it naturally. In the late 1970s, dermatologists in Europe caught on, noticing its use for lightening dark spots, calming red skin, and helping people deal with acne and rosacea. Pharmaceutical companies in Germany started putting azelaic acid in creams for skin conditions, getting regulatory clearance for medical use in nearly every major region. As more people wanted skin care options that worked and steered clear of harsh side effects, curiosity about azelaic acid kept spreading. It’s a great story of a compound that started as a byproduct and worked its way up the cosmetic and medical chains without a lot of fanfare.
Most folks run across azelaic acid as a topical gel or cream in tubes at the pharmacy, often with a prescription. Over-the-counter versions have shown up in recent years as skincare companies noticed how people wanted alternatives to retinoids or benzoyl peroxide. On the shelf, you can find it at concentrations from 10% up to 20%, mixed into moisturizing bases. Pharmaceutical manufacturers focus on high purity, grinding down crystals until they dissolve easily into water or alcohol-based gels for smoother skin feel. Outside of skin creams, azelaic acid shows up in shampoos, oral capsules for agricultural use, and as an ingredient in certain plastics—the kind you’ll find in eco-friendly packaging or engineering materials. The chemical world relies on its simple backbone for branching out into different compounds for industry and medicine alike.
Azelaic acid looks like a white, sand-like powder at room temperature, mixing best with warm water or alcohol. It doesn’t smell much, which works well for sensitive noses. Its chemical name is nonanedioic acid—nine carbons strung together with carboxyl groups at each end. This structure makes it more water-friendly than most fat-based compounds and gives it the right balance of solubility and stability for use in skin gels and creams. As a solid, it starts to melt around 106°C to 109°C, so it holds up just fine in storage or standard manufacturing environments. You won’t see it fizzing, bubbling, or giving off gas under normal handling, which is important for workplace safety and ease of mixing. Azelaic acid breaks down slowly under light, but the energy needed to spark big chemical change is fairly high. That means products using it don’t have tricky storage requirements, keeping their shelf life long even in basic packaging.
Pharmacopeias in Europe, the US, and Asia lay down the specs for azelaic acid purity—usually calling for 99% minimum purity and tight controls on moisture content to prevent clumping and changes in weight during blending or shipping. Manufacturers test for trace metals, chlorides, sulfates, and common residual solvents. Labels on both medical and cosmetic products must show the concentration of azelaic acid, safe handling tips, batch numbers, and expiry dates. Health authorities require warnings about eye irritation and skin sensitivity, especially when packed above 10%. Allergen and impurity profiles need to go on the paperwork, with detailed traceability from batch to batch. The technical bar is higher for prescription-only azelaic acid, stricter on impurities and stability. In industry use, bulk containers list handling guidelines, hazard warnings, and proper disposal to keep workplace safety on track.
The main way to make azelaic acid at large scale uses oxidation, starting from oleic acid—a fatty acid found in olive oil, sunflower oil, and animal fats. Chemists run the reaction with ozone or air, often using strong oxidants and a little catalyst to speed things up. The mix gets filtered, purified with washing and crystallization, and then dried down to a free-flowing white powder. Some processes switch out the fatty acid source, using plant-based oils to meet sustainability goals, or swap in newer oxidizing reagents for cleaner yields. In the lab, the process stays the same: start with a long-chain fatty acid and break the double bond in the center to split it in half, add an oxygen atom to each end, and end up with a symmetric molecule ready for further reactions. Quality checks run after every big step—no mystery ingredients get through if the process sticks to good manufacturing practices.
Azelaic acid stands out because of its twin carboxyl ends and straight-chain structure. This setup lets chemists use it for a range of polycondensation reactions, making things like polyesters, polyamides, and biodegradable plastics. If you react the two carboxyl groups with alcohols, you get esters—these work as softeners or lubricants in plastics and personal care. Reaction with diamines gives tough nylon fibers or engineering polymers, which handle heat and wear better than some petroleum-based plastics. Azelaic acid can get reduced to form dialcohols, which open doors to further chemical tricks in the lab. In biological settings, certain skin enzymes can break azelaic acid into smaller fragments, which act on the bacteria and inflammation found in acne or rosacea. This balance between chemical stability and easy modification keeps azelaic acid in demand for industrial and medical innovation.
On chemical order sheets, azelaic acid may show up as nonanedioic acid, 1,7-heptanedicarboxylic acid, or by CAS number 123-99-9. Skin creams call it Azclear, Finacea, Skinoren, or custom blends with percentages clearly stated on the box. In industry, it cruises under generic codes or proprietary blend names made by different producers. Even some agricultural products use azelaic acid or its salts for plant treatments. Despite all the branding, the molecule underneath stays the same—a small but powerful chain with big value buyers look for by purity, not fancy sales language.
Azelaic acid gets high marks for safety at low concentrations, which is why regulatory agencies approve it for use in face creams and treatments. Skin reactions—mostly mild redness, burning, or tingling—show up sometimes, but life-threatening allergies or severe long-term effects rank as rare. Eye contact causes stinging and redness, so labels recommend rinsing right away and keeping it out of reach of kids who can mistake the plain white tube for toothpaste. Glove use, splash goggles, and basic dust control are standard in industrial plants, where large batches of powder can irritate workers’ eyes or noses if not kept in check. Waste azelaic acid needs to go in regular chemical disposal, with no special hazard for aquatic life or groundwater under regular discharge rules. Raw product keeps well if sealed and stored away from moisture, with safety data sheets laying out all standard first aid and emergency handling requirements.
Dermatologists lean on azelaic acid for acne, rosacea, and some patchy skin conditions like melasma because it addresses bacteria, skin oil, and inflammation in a single product. Prescription gels and foams let users target flare-ups without drying the skin the way old-school acne medications do. In the cosmetic world, it pops up in at-home face serums and creams for skin brightening, smoothing texture, and helping fade old acne marks. The plastics industry values it for building blocks used in greener materials, making bottles or fibers that break down easier in the environment than petrochemical plastics. Some niche uses include food packaging, lubricants, plasticizers, and even as a learning tool in schools for teaching chemical synthesis. This stretch across medicines, consumer goods, and technical materials means that demand stays steady whether from beauty counters or chemical factories.
Teams working in R&D keep chasing ways to boost how well azelaic acid delivers into the skin, since better absorption can mean stronger results with less redness or stinging. Nanotechnology firms experiment with micro-encapsulation, wrapping each tiny grain in fats or polymers so it soaks in and lasts longer after application. Researchers also check if azelaic acid fits into combinations with other drug molecules—hoping that the right blend will clear up redness or acne at lower doses. The plastics side explores using azelaic acid from renewable raw materials, cutting the carbon footprint of the final product. Some biotech groups engineer bacteria that naturally produce azelaic acid by fermentation, sidestepping harsh chemical oxidation. At each step, innovation aims to stretch the benefits while chopping cost and environmental toll, which bodes well for users who want cleaner products that deliver more with every application.
Animal and cell culture studies put azelaic acid in the low-toxicity group, showing almost no risk for long-term damage or organ toxicity at treatment doses. It doesn’t get absorbed into the bloodstream in high amounts through skin, so long-term users have low risk of buildup. Eye and respiratory irritation matter in factories, pushing employers to keep powders under control and require personal protective equipment for mixing or bagging. Rare allergic reactions—hives, swelling, or trouble breathing—prompt immediate discontinuation and medical review, especially among people with sensitive or broken skin. Environmental monitoring hasn’t flagged azelaic acid as a major hazard in water or soil, since it breaks down under regular conditions. Still, safe-by-design always means monitoring how the molecule moves through manufacturing and disposal, so new data can keep safety standards up-to-date.
Interest in azelaic acid keeps growing. As more people seek skincare with fewer side effects, demand rises for formulas that combine azelaic acid with other gentle actives, brighteners, or delivery systems. The shift towards plant-based manufacturing methods scales up, promising a greener route from lab to shelf. Within plastics and textiles, engineers aim for fibers and films made with azelaic acid that deliver strength, flexibility, and biodegradability—a win for both performance and environmental impact. Medical studies continue probing azelaic acid’s effects on new conditions, exploring its use in pigment disorders, wound healing, and niche infections. Each discovery hinges not just on chemical tweaks, but on how makers and regulators listen to feedback from doctors, patients, and industry. Azelaic acid’s steady march from humble roots into top-tier labs and treatment rooms shows what thoughtful innovation can accomplish.
Azelaic acid comes from grains such as wheat, barley, and rye. I first heard about it talking with a dermatologist friend who deals with tough cases of acne and rosacea. It’s not just hype—azelaic acid impacts how skin cells grow and controls bacteria that often make skin problems worse. There’s evidence showing it tackles clogged pores and redness without peeling the skin. Early studies dating back to the 1980s showed azelaic acid could clear moderate acne as well as topical antibiotics, without driving antibiotic resistance. In clinics, doctors still trust it for patients who can’t tolerate retinoids or benzoyl peroxide.
Take a walk down the drugstore aisle, and bottles with azelaic acid are easier to spot these days. For years, European doctors prescribed 20% azelaic acid cream for acne and rosacea. The FDA cleared a 15% gel for rosacea and a foam for broader skin coverage. I tried a 10% over-the-counter gel out of curiosity and noticed less redness within two weeks—a common result among people with mild rosacea flare-ups.
Doctors see it as a gentler tool against pimples, dark spots, and stubborn red bumps. Unlike harsh scrubs or peeling agents, folks with sensitive skin actually tolerate it. Several well-run studies report added benefits for people with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation—brown marks left after a pimple heals. Azelaic acid blocks tyrosinase, slowing pigment making inside skin cells. Over time, patches of discoloration fade.
Anyone who’s had acne as a kid or an adult knows the struggle—harsh treatments cause pain or leave marks. Patients using azelaic acid rarely drop out due to side effects, compared to patients on stronger drugs. In the age of antibiotic resistance, more dermatologists use azelaic acid as a first-line choice, sometimes alongside oral or topical treatments. People with skin of color benefit in particular; azelaic acid doesn’t bleach or irritate, so dermatologists recommend it for treating persistent melasma, too.
Many want skin care to be safe, effective, and free from unnecessary side effects. Azelaic acid doesn’t cause photosensitivity, unlike many prescription creams. That means fewer routine changes, like avoiding daylight or lathering on SPF 50 every morning just to use medication. For those on a budget, generic creams offer affordable options, though the price can sometimes fluctuate due to demand.
One problem is access. In some areas, only prescription azelaic acid is available, limiting its reach. Direct-to-consumer brands sometimes dilute formulas to meet regulations, which lowers their impact. More public education around azelaic acid—backed by patient groups and dermatologists—could push for more accessible concentrations that actually work.
Regulatory agencies could learn from countries allowing 15% or higher formulas as pharmacist-guided treatments. At the same time, more research with a wider range of skin tones would fine-tune advice for people who need it most. Azelaic acid isn’t a universal fix; it works best for targeted skin issues and not for wrinkles or scarring. Everyday users and doctors want clear, science-based information to guide them—personal stories help, but real-world studies matter more in the end.
Scrolling through social feeds, I spot azelaic acid in routines by dermatologists and everyday folks who know their way around a bathroom shelf. This ingredient works on acne, tackles redness, and even chips away at dark spots. It sticks around in many prescriptions but over-the-counter versions come in gels and creams at lower strengths. Azelaic acid doesn’t flash dramatic before-and-after selfies overnight. Patience pays off in real skin—especially for those who have battled adult acne or rosacea and bounced from product to product, hoping to avoid skin freakouts or that dreaded tingle.
Straight-up honesty: don’t squeeze a blob onto your face without checking if your skin gets cranky. Dab a small amount behind an ear or on your jawline for a couple nights. No weird reactions? You’re good to go. Next, simple is smart. Washing with lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser creates a clean canvas. No scrubbing or harsh towels. Skip exfoliating before azelaic acid—scratches and acid call for trouble. Dry your face but let it stay a bit damp. Damp skin helps spread the acid evenly, smoothing out applications and lowering your chances of irritation.
Using multiple serums and creams feels like working a shift at a skincare laboratory. In my own routine, azelaic acid gets applied after cleansing and before heavier moisturizers. Squeeze a pea-sized blob onto clean fingertips. Spread it over target areas or the full face, steering clear of eyes and lips—those zones can sting like crazy. Dab gently instead of rubbing or dragging skin. Let the acid settle; wait a couple of minutes before layering on moisturizer. That buffer cuts down on irritation, based on my own late-night mistakes.
Slathering acids and retinoids, just for "extra results," landed me with peeling patches. Dermatologists echo this lesson. Combining azelaic acid with other harsh actives—think glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or tretinoin—raises risk for raw skin. Space products out by a few hours or use them on different nights. If you're using a prescription, stick to the script. For DIY routines, less can do more. Always swipe on sunscreen in the daytime, and reapply as needed, since many skin-improving ingredients raise sun sensitivity.
Azelaic acid can tingle or make skin look pink, especially at the start. These reactions usually quiet down after a week or two. Hydrating creams come in handy—look for ones with ceramides or squalane, which feel soothing and keep flaking to a minimum. If redness or burning sets in, pause and check in with a dermatologist. No online advice matches what a real doctor can offer for stubborn skin problems. For plenty of people, azelaic acid feels gentle over time, making it a regular step, not a risky experiment.
Azelaic acid shows up in prescriptions and over-the-counter bottles, earning fans for treating acne, rosacea, and stubborn skin tone problems. Dermatologists recommend it for its antibacterial punch and gentle approach on sensitive skin. That reputation doesn’t mean it works the same for everyone. People with different skin types or conditions can have varying responses—even to ingredients marked “gentle.”
Certain skin products carry risks, and azelaic acid isn’t an exception. Skin irritation stands out as the most common issue. Many folks see redness, burning, or itching after starting a new routine with azelaic acid creams or gels. The reaction comes from the acid itself—it exfoliates the skin and affects bacteria. That action improves breakouts but can disrupt the delicate surface layer for some people, especially if they use strong cleansers, retinoids, or chemical exfoliants along with it.
Researchers noted up to 10% of people using prescription-strength azelaic acid report mild to moderate itching or stinging. Most get relief by spacing out the application, using a simple moisturizer, or choosing a lower concentration. More severe issues, such as rashes or swelling, can show up, but those stay rare and usually relate to an allergy or using too much too soon.
I owe my clearer skin to azelaic acid, but the road wasn’t smooth from the start. After the first few days, my cheeks tingled and burned—especially on colder, dry days. My dermatologist pointed out I’d been piling on other harsh products. The fix wasn’t high-tech. I used a plain moisturizer morning and night, washed gently, and gave my face time to adjust. The red, hot feeling faded in about two weeks. That irritation taught me to start slow and pay attention to what my skin was already dealing with.
Reading the ingredient label, knowing your skin's limits, and staying honest about what you put on your face matter. Using azelaic acid feels different for someone with tough, oily skin compared to someone who blushes and burns easily. Jumping in at full strength without testing first invites trouble. A pea-sized amount may be enough, and using it every other day works for many who react in the beginning.
If itching or burning turns into painful swelling, or if you see hives, that’s not something to brush off. Seeing a dermatologist or pharmacist can save your skin from worse problems and help you figure out the right approach. Medical providers know that most people adjust with time, adjustments in frequency, or a milder product, instead of quitting treatment altogether.
Well-formulated products with minimal added alcohols and fragrances reduce the risk of irritation. Applying azelaic acid on dry, clean skin (not damp) lowers the sting, based on dermatologist recommendations. Often a gentle routine—no scrubs, strong acids, or toners—makes it much easier for your skin to accept treatment.
Each skin journey ends up personal. Trusting evidence, shared experience, and a little patience gives better results than jumping from product to product chasing fast fixes. Listening to your skin and adjusting the routine sets the foundation for healthy results without unnecessary irritation.
Azelaic acid gets plenty of attention for its ability to clear up acne, fade pigmentation, and smooth out uneven texture. Dermatologists turn to it often, especially for sensitive skin that struggles with harsh actives. It comes from grains like barley and wheat, but nothing in your kitchen cabinet works the same way. Topical azelaic acid uses a specific strength that targets redness, breakouts, or dullness without making skin feel raw or tight. My own skin calmed down for the first time in years when I swapped heavy-duty acids for azelaic acid. Many dermatology clinics back up these results for folks with rosacea, melasma, and stubborn breakouts.
Putting together the right skincare routine takes some trial and error, especially if your skin reacts to every new product. People want smooth, clear skin, so layering multiple actives like vitamin C, retinoids, or exfoliating acids seems tempting. Azelaic acid usually works well with other ingredients, unlike harsher acids that can trigger peeling or stinging. It does not trigger the same intense irritation or peeling often seen with glycolic or salicylic acid.
Science backs this up. Studies in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment explain that azelaic acid rarely interacts negatively with tretinoin or antibiotics used for acne. Dermatologists in the American Academy of Dermatology agree that mixing azelaic acid with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and even mild vitamin C can target dark spots and redness faster. I learned this the hard way by tossing three products after watching my skin go haywire, eventually learning that combos with azelaic acid kept my skin balanced.
The temptation to try every trending acid or serum can backfire. Azelaic acid sits in the "middle mild" range, so doubling up with strong exfoliants like lactic acid, glycolic acid, or pure retinoids can test your skin’s limits. Using multiple exfoliants stacked on top of each other leaves skin looking angry and increases the chance of irritation. From personal experience (and a few rashy weeks), layering azelaic acid and retinol works well—just not at the exact same time. Many dermatologists suggest using one in the morning and the other at night to reduce any risk.
Sunscreen always comes into play here. Adding multiple actives, including azelaic acid, means skin grows more sensitive to sunlight, and skipping SPF reverses your progress. The American Academy of Dermatology spells this out for anyone treating hyperpigmentation or acne. Not wearing sunscreen not only leads to more spots but also magnifies irritation from nearly any acid or active ingredient.
Azelaic acid fits into routines built on gentle, hydrating support. Pair it with basics: moisturizers mixed with ceramides or hyaluronic acid, simple cleansers, and sunscreen in the day. Backed by research and the wisdom of dermatologists, azelaic acid helps when you want smoother, calmer, and less reactive skin. Its safety with most other ingredients makes it a steady favorite among those dealing with breakouts and pigmentation. Anyone new to azelaic acid—or to mixing actives in general—should start low and go slow, paying attention to what their skin says along the way.
Layer actives with intention instead of chasing every trend. Dermatologists encourage patch testing before making big changes to avoid nasty reactions. Be patient: skin changes do not happen overnight, and balancing irritation and results takes trial and error. Support healing with simple, fragrance-free moisturizers and always respect your skin’s limits. For the most stubborn cases, working with a professional remains the best way to keep skin clear, balanced, and healthy for the long haul.
Standing in front of the bathroom mirror, scanning your skin for any hint of improvement, gets old fast. Starting a new treatment like azelaic acid comes with hope and maybe a little impatience. I remember the frustration, expecting a tube of cream to quick-fix years of stubborn irritation and spots. Dermatologists, research, and patient stories have taught me one thing: expectations need a reality check.
Most folks start using azelaic acid for acne, rosacea, or hyperpigmentation. It's a solid choice, with strong evidence behind it. Still, no overnight miracles here. In the first two weeks, skin gets used to the new routine. Tingling or mild redness happens for some, but irritation tends to fade after a few days. For me, the first few applications left my cheeks a bit pink but not sore. Sticking it out made all the difference, because skin quickly settled down.
By the four-week mark, small changes usually appear. Studies published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology report that patients often see less redness and fewer bumps after a month of daily use. Personal experience lines up with that—spots shrank and skin tone evened out a bit, even if the biggest changes weren’t dramatic yet. Many dermatologists say it takes about eight to twelve weeks to really judge the results. For hyperpigmentation, patience is even more important. Fading dark marks proves slow for most, often taking up to six months for stubborn patches.
Response to azelaic acid isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal. Genetics play a part, as do hormones, product strength, and how consistent you stay with application. Doctor-prescribed gels (15% or 20%) typically outperform lower-dose versions sold at stores. Also, applying too much can irritate skin and backfire, causing breakouts or dryness. I always start with a small amount and layer moisturizer on top, which keeps skin calm.
Sticking with azelaic acid may seem slow, but the ingredient stands out for being gentle and multitasking. Unlike harsher treatments, it rarely triggers peeling or severe redness. The Cochrane Skin Group highlights its safety, especially compared to benzoyl peroxide or retinoids. It tackles both the bacteria behind acne and the root causes of redness in rosacea. Plus, it blocks pigment production, gradually reducing dark spots. I’ve never been one to gamble my face—sticking with a skin care solution that doesn’t compromise skin’s barrier is a win.
Good results from azelaic acid come from more than the tube. Diet, sleep, and sun protection all matter. Sunscreen keeps new marks from forming and prevents fading ones from darkening. Stress doesn’t do skin any favors either; high cortisol levels often trigger breakouts or flare-ups. I’ve found that gentle cleansers and a basic routine keep things on track. Not layering on too many active ingredients at once helps, too. If redness or burning lasts more than a few weeks, switching to a lower strength or spacing out application can make the process more tolerable.
Waiting a few weeks or even months for azelaic acid to show results challenges the instant-gratification mindset. Still, the ingredient earns its reputation for safety and steady progress. Paying attention to skin’s response and tweaking habits along the way goes a long way. Consulting a board-certified dermatologist ensures the approach fits individual needs and helps sidestep setbacks. In my case, steady use brought lasting improvements that quick fixes never matched.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | nonanedioic acid |
| Other names |
1,7-Heptanedicarboxylic acid
Nonanedioic acid Lepargylic acid Pentanedioic acid, 1,7 Azelaic acid |
| Pronunciation | /əˈzɛl.i.ɪk ˈæs.ɪd/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 123-99-9 |
| Beilstein Reference | 1720628 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:28941 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL1407 |
| ChemSpider | 7278 |
| DrugBank | DB00548 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 03a6af6e-737f-43b6-8868-cbb273f0c5ef |
| EC Number | 204-669-1 |
| Gmelin Reference | 77579 |
| KEGG | C08261 |
| MeSH | D000072279 |
| PubChem CID | 2266 |
| RTECS number | CV0700000 |
| UNII | X8W3G9V90B |
| UN number | UN1989 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C9H16O4 |
| Molar mass | 188.22 g/mol |
| Appearance | White to almost white, crystalline powder |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 1.315 g/cm3 |
| Solubility in water | Slightly soluble in water |
| log P | 1.7 |
| Vapor pressure | 1.05E-6 mmHg at 25°C |
| Acidity (pKa) | 4.55 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 13.1 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -11.0 × 10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.507 |
| Viscosity | Low to Medium |
| Dipole moment | 2.1732 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 389.06 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -1046.7 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -3607.8 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | D10AX03 |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | Causes serious eye irritation. May cause respiratory irritation. |
| GHS labelling | GHS07, GHS09 |
| Pictograms | GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H315, H319 |
| Precautionary statements | Keep out of reach of children. For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes, mouth, and other mucous membranes. If irritation occurs, discontinue use and consult a physician. Use sunscreen and limit sun exposure while using this product. |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1-1-0-0 |
| Flash point | 131°C |
| Autoignition temperature | 165 °C |
| Explosive limits | Not explosive |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 (oral, rat) > 5000 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (oral, rat): 5,000 mg/kg |
| NIOSH | Not established |
| PEL (Permissible) | PEL: Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | REL = "1% to 20% |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | No IDLH established. |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Pimelic acid
Suberic acid Sebacic acid |
