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Skincare, simply explained
When a blemish leaves a mark behind, azelaic acid is an ingredient worth getting to know. It can help with uneven-looking tone and post-blemish redness as part of a steady, comfortable routine.
May help soften the appearance of flat dark marks left after blemishes, supporting a more even-looking tone.
Can help reduce the look of the lingering red marks that sometimes remain after a breakout.
May help improve the uneven look and feel of blemish-prone skin over time.
Azelaic acid is an ingredient that occurs naturally in grains such as wheat, rye and barley. In skincare, it is used as a separate ingredient for uneven-looking tone and blemish-prone skin, particularly when breakouts leave flat marks behind. Its name identifies the ingredient, rather than a grain extract.
You will find it in cosmetic serums and creams, as well as prescription gels, creams and foams. The cosmetic formulas focus on the appearance of skin; prescription products have their own uses and directions for diagnosed skin conditions.
Azelaic Acid is the name for the ingredient itself. Names containing azeloyl, such as Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, identify derivatives with a different chemical structure. Recognizing that difference makes it easier to tell which ingredient a serum actually contains.
On the ingredient list: Azelaic Acid
Introduce one azelaic acid product at a time. Start less often and work toward the schedule on your product’s label.
Apply as directed after cleansing, then use moisturizer. Keep it away from eyes, lips and broken skin.
Use morning or evening according to the label. Keep other exfoliating acids or retinoids on separate occasions at first.
Make broad-spectrum sunscreen part of your morning routine when caring for uneven tone and post-blemish marks.
Pair azelaic acid with comfortable hydration and a simple moisturizer, especially while you get used to it.
Complements a routine for more even-looking tone and barrier support.
Adds moisturizing, skin-conditioning care.
A helpful ingredient family in your everyday moisturizer.
A 12-week study of 15% azelaic acid gel measured improvements in both red and dark marks after acne. Researchers compared it with a gel that did not contain azelaic acid.
A study in people with darker skin tones found that a 20% azelaic acid cream improved facial pigmentation over 24 weeks. Participants also reported smoother-feeling skin.
Think several weeks to a few months. Studies of post-blemish marks assessed changes around eight to 12 weeks, while a pigmentation study followed use for 24 weeks. Daily sunscreen belongs beside that patience.
Yes. They can share a routine, and some products combine them. Introduce one new formula at a time so you can tell how your skin feels.
They can belong to the same routine, but start on different evenings to keep things comfortable. If either is prescribed, follow your clinician’s instructions about combining them.
The strongest human evidence comes from 15% to 20% therapeutic formulas studied for acne-related marks, pigmentation and specific skin conditions. Research on ordinary 10% cosmetic formulas is more limited.
The concentrations and study populations are listed below so you can see what was tested. A cosmetic ingredient guide does not make a retail serum interchangeable with a prescription treatment.
Accessed 2026-09-18
Chemical identity and dicarboxylic-acid classification. The ingredient record does not identify a particular cosmetic product's source or manufacturing process.
2024-05
A 12-week controlled study of 15% gel enrolled 72 people, with 60 completing. Improvements in post-acne marks were measured over eight to 12 weeks. This was a therapeutic-strength formula.
1998-09
A 24-week controlled study of 20% cream in skin phototypes IV to VI found improved pigmentation and reported skin smoothness. This does not establish equal results from a 10% serum.
No. A 10% cosmetic serum is a different product from a prescription gel or cream. If you want to treat acne or rosacea, ask a dermatologist which treatment fits your skin.
Flat red or dark marks are different from indented or raised scars. Azelaic acid may help the look of the marks, but it does not remove changes in the skin’s shape.
Azelaic acid is among the topical options ACOG lists for pregnancy. Have your pregnancy care clinician check the complete formula, especially if it combines several active ingredients.
2020-12
Official prescribing information for a specific rosacea medicine. Included to explain the distinction between a prescription treatment and a cosmetic serum.
2026-09-17
Explains the roles of salicylic acid and prescription azelaic acid in acne care. Treatment advice applies to products intended for that use. Accessed September 17, 2026.
2026-09-17
Lists topical azelaic acid and salicylic acid among options that may be used during pregnancy. Discuss the complete product with your pregnancy care clinician. Accessed September 17, 2026.
2021-08-10
Practical advice on testing a new formula on a small area and stopping if it causes a reaction.
Find your next routine favourite
Start with one product that fits your routine.
Use at your serum step, before moisturizer. Choose this step when you want to keep the cream you already love, and follow the product's directions for how often to apply it.
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