Azelaic Acid
Topical Antibacterial
Reviews
3.8
506 Reviews
Azelaic Acid
Topical Antibacterial
Efficacy
68%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Azelaic Acid
Topical Antibacterial
Side Effects
Low-Medium
Azelaic Acid
Topical Antibacterial
Acne.org’s Real World Take
At prescription strengths (15 - 20%) studies show it should help reduce mild-to-moderate acne by a significant and noticeable amount after 3 months or so of treatment, so that’s not too shabby. However, it is unlikely to completely clear the skin on its own.
Azelaic Acid
Topical Antibacterial
How to Get It
Azelaic acid is available in 15% - 20% by prescription. Have a dermatologist? Make an appointment to get this medication. Don't have a dermatologist? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find one. Azelaic acid is also available over-the-counter in strengths 10% and lower. Here are some places you can find it online.
Read All About Azelaic Acid
Compare To Other Treatments
5
34.6%
4
30.8%
3
18.2%
2
8.9%
1
7.5%

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December 18, 2006
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)

Pros:

Worked for about one week

Cons:

Extremely dry skin, cysts, white heads, more sensitive skin

After using Poractiv for about 2 years. My dermotologist perscribed Finacea for me, about 3 months ago. At first my face cleared instantly, I thought I had finally found a product that works for my VERY oily skin and large pores and mild to moderate acne. But the more I used the Finacea the worse my skin got. I applied it morning and night all over my face. It made my face break out where it normally never breaks out, especially on my forehead! It made these horrible cysts on my chin that would be purple in color and nothing but blood would come out! It also caused a little scarring on my left cheek! My skin has never been so dry!!! It is so embarassing! My skin has never looked worse! I have been trying White distilled vinager as a astringent for about 3 days now, and my face looks ALOT better, maybe by Christmas I can look good!
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November 22, 2020
Product used: Skinoren (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)
rosacea

its a miracle! after years of trying this and that in desperation of treating my long term diagnosed rosacea,

my poor end of her tether doctor, unwittingly prescribed yet another combo erythromycin with a tube of skinoren!

as usual, on goes the cream first wondering how many times i,ll have to apply this! before its obvious that nothing is happening.

literally within seconds, i could feel the creams acid reaction on my face! this was very new.

i applied a good heavy layer over my entire face and rubbed it in well, the next morning at least 70% of my rosacea had gone! 

i repeated the application until i could no longer feel the acid reaction, 4 days, and the rosacea is completely gone!

i still had some lumps and bumps on the back of my neck, applied the cream, gone in 2 days!

the rosacea has now been gone for 8days, this is the tricky bit, keeping it away.

so far 8 days is a new record for me, im keeping my fingers crossed.

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February 6, 2019
Product used: Finacea (Azelaic Acid (15%) Gel)
Works, give it time

Finally a product that is working for my acne. After exhaustsing my dermatologists arsenal of topical medications, they gave this Finacea one last shot before putting me on Accutane. At first I wasn't pleased and didn't see much change, but kept using as prescribed (at night first for the first month, then morning and night since) and now at month 3, I have ZERO pimples. This is the first time my face has been clear in years. This cream has been a godsend. 

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KarenM
February 27, 2019

Hi. I just asked my dermatologist for a prescription.  It is very expensive unfortunately,  but I'm getting it anyway.  I hope I get good results...I'm at the end of my rope with my face. 

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December 22, 2018
Product used: Skinoren (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)
Life saver

I began laser treatment for acne after having a very bad breakout after going to France in August 2018. I tried everything! Creams, natural measures, diet (lost about 1stone in - month) cutting out everything including diary and bread. My journey was immense and my mental health at an all time low! Finally went to see the derm who prescribed skinoren. Within 2 weeks I saw massive changes in my skin. Much clearer and brighter. I have got a spots still appearing but I started it in November and my skin is the most clear it has been in over 6months! So happy! 

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July 4, 2018
Product used: Finacea (Azelaic Acid (15%) Gel)
pros and cons
good for closed comedones, bad for inflammatory acne
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April 2, 2018
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)
Not a fair overview of this treatment..it does say "prescription* treatments..the Rx is finacea 15%, just.saying.
I don't have MD behind my name, but! this info on azelic acid does not apply in my experience to the Rx finacea..now what you get from eBay or Amazon yeah I get that, but overall it's a disservice to the acne.org community *not* to cover azelic acid as finacea....
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February 15, 2018
Product used: Azclear (Azelaic Acid (20%) Lotion)
Would not use anything else
I am 35. I didn't have acne during my teen years but when i turned 34 for some reason, I developed cystic acne mostly around my mouth and lower cheeks. I used a lot of products(retinol, benzoyl peroxide, BHA, etc) to the point of taking antibiotics but nothing worked for a whole year. A friend recommended this to me and in two weeks time all my cystic acne have healed. The bonus to this product is that you will NOT experience tightening, peeling or dryness of the skin. I have not used anything that worked as fast or as efficient. I wash with Salicylic acid solution twice and apply Azclear AM and PM. I have not worn make up since I started using this so hopefully no break outs when I start using again. just so happy
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November 26, 2016
Product used: Bayer (Azelan)
Quick effect
Azelan is basically azelaic acid, a dicarboxylic acid derived from the fermentation of some cereals and has antioxidant, depigmenting and anti-acneic effect. I noticed (after a week of daily use twice a day) a reduction in inflammation and oiliness, bleaching of spots and thinner skin.
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February 2, 2009
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)

Pros:

good product. Rids of acne and hiperpigmentation.

Cons:

itching,stinging for 20-30 minutes in the first month or two.

Acne can came out but they are smaller, lesser and go away faster. I've been using it for 4 months now and it's a good product. It will dry your skin in the beggining but not as much as Retia A does.The red marks almost faded( i don't know if that is because i didn't had a brake out for 2 months or because it hepls them heal) and the skin looks good.
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December 27, 2008
Product used: Skinoren (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)

Pros:

Have High hopes for this stuff,nothing has ever worked only made my face worse(bp)...Anyway seems to be to doing something ..some cystic ane I had is gone..the skin just flaked away so a good start..I'll post again in a week with update

Cons:

Itchy..but aint scrathing..fades after a few minutes..
Pricey need prescription from the doc

Its on trial..but happy enough to keep using it
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Finding a Doctor

The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.
Find a Doctor Using The American Acacemy of Dermatology Website

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Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

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Red flags:

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Find a Doctor Using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Website