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  2. Azelaic Acid

Azelaic Acid in Skin Care

Azelaic acid is one of the lesser known acids, yet it offers as many skin care benefits as its counterparts. It's produced naturally in barley, wheat and rye, and is known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties.

Despite not being as prominent as other acids, you've probably seen it occurring more frequently in recent times. Follow our guide below to discover its skin care benefits and how to use it in your routine.

See our azelaic acid guide to answer your questions like what is azelaic acid and what are the beauty benefits of azelaic acid.

Brands With Azelaic Acid Products

  • PCA SKIN
  • Jan Marini
  • Paula's Choice
  • Bioderma
  • Lierac
  • Medik8
  • PharmaClinix
  • HydroPeptide

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34 products found
Paula's Choice Breakout Fighting Bestsellers Kit
Paula's Choice Breakout Fighting Bestsellers Kit
£22.08
HydroPeptide Clarifying Toner Balance Control Pads
HydroPeptide Clarifying Toner Balance Control Pads
£41.00
Paula's Choice Clear Daily Skin Clearing Treatment
Paula's Choice Clear Daily Skin Clearing Treatment
£38.01
Bioderma Pigmentbio Brightening & Exfoliating Cleanser Anti-Dark Spot
Bioderma Pigmentbio Brightening & Exfoliating Cleanser Anti-Dark Spot
£16.00
PCA SKIN Body Treatments Pigment Bar
PCA SKIN Body Treatments Pigment Bar
£48.00
Bioderma Pigmentbio Brightening Night Face Cream
Bioderma Pigmentbio Brightening Night Face Cream
£24.00
PharmaClinix Lightenex Plus Cream
PharmaClinix Lightenex Plus Cream
£49.99
-11%
REN Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic
REN Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic
£27.00 £30.04
-10%
MZ Skin Radiance & Renewal
MZ Skin Radiance & Renewal
£108.00 £120.00
Medik8 Blemish Sos
Medik8 Blemish Sos
£21.00
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
£10.40
-22%
Dermalogica Breakout Clearing Liquid Peel
Dermalogica Breakout Clearing Liquid Peel
£22.70 £29.00
-3%
Q+A Azelaic Acid Balancing Serum
Q+A Azelaic Acid Balancing Serum
£8.81 £9.00
HydroPeptide Redefining Serum Ultra Sheer Clearing Treatment
HydroPeptide Redefining Serum Ultra Sheer Clearing Treatment
£112.00
PharmaClinix Lightenex Gold Serum
PharmaClinix Lightenex Gold Serum
£74.99
Paula's Choice Defence Antioxidant Pore Purifier
Paula's Choice Defence Antioxidant Pore Purifier
£33.58
Jan Marini ReNu Corrective Hand Complex
Jan Marini ReNu Corrective Hand Complex
£73.99
The Elements Skin Balancing Cream
The Elements Skin Balancing Cream
£9.00
Jan Marini 5-Step Skin Care Management System Normal/Combination Kit
Jan Marini 5-Step Skin Care Management System Normal/Combination Kit
£177.99
Eminence Organic Clear Skin Willow Bark Exfoliating Peel
Eminence Organic Clear Skin Willow Bark Exfoliating Peel
£81.00
Jan Marini RosaLieve Redness Reducing Complex
Jan Marini RosaLieve Redness Reducing Complex
£85.99
Eminence Organic Bright Skin Licorice Root Exfoliating Peel
Eminence Organic Bright Skin Licorice Root Exfoliating Peel
£81.00
PCA SKIN Blemish Control Bar
PCA SKIN Blemish Control Bar
£43.00
-26%
La Roche-Posay Rosaliac AR Intense Serum
La Roche-Posay Rosaliac AR Intense Serum
£18.50 £25.00
-16%
Réduit Clear Dew Skinpod
Réduit Clear Dew Skinpod
£32.00 £37.90
Paula's Choice Resist Advanced Smoothing Treatment 10% AHA
Paula's Choice Resist Advanced Smoothing Treatment 10% AHA
£38.01
Dr Sebagh Deep Exfoliating Mask Sensitive Skin
Dr Sebagh Deep Exfoliating Mask Sensitive Skin
£41.99
Lierac Sebologie Stop Spots Concentrate
Lierac Sebologie Stop Spots Concentrate
£11.25
BABOR Doctor Babor AHA BHA Toner
BABOR Doctor Babor AHA BHA Toner
£29.80
Azelaic Acid

Frequently Asked Questions about Azelaic Acid products

What is azelaic acid?

Azelaic acid is derived from barley, wheat and rye, and is also produced naturally by the yeast on your skin. It typically comes in the form of a gel, cream or foam, and there is generally around 15-20% in each formula.

In some cases, there is as little as 10% in a remedy, yet there are still numerous skin care benefits. It's a reliable, stable and effective ingredient, which is why it has become more popular in recent years.

What are the beauty benefits of azelaic acid?

Because of its anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial qualities, azelaic acid is generally used to treat acne. It reduces inflammation so acne becomes less visible and it cleanses the skin of bacteria which can create an unhealthy skin barrier.

It's also known to unclog pores, lessen sensitivity and even has antioxidant benefits. We recommend using it if you want to minimise the look of scars or breakouts, which it addresses by encouraging cell turnover so your skin heals faster.

Those who suffer with rosacea can also benefit from azelaic acid; it continually improves the appearance of swelling and reduces visibility of blood vessels.

Is it safe to use azelaic acid with vitamin C and retinol

For both ingredients, the answer is the same - yes, but not at the same time. Retinol and azelaic acid can both cause irritation on the skin, so it is best to avoid using them at the same time, especially if you have sensitive skin.

We recommend using azelaic acid in the morning and retinol in the evening. If you have sensitive skin, it may even be worth using each ingredient on alternate days.

In regards to azelaic acid and vitamin C, we suggest using vitamin C in the morning and azelaic acid in the evening. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that fights against sun exposure, so it's best applied in the morning.

Is azelaic acid an AHA?

Although it has similar components of an AHA, such as its exfoliating qualities, azelaic acid isn't part of the same group. It doesn't exfoliate with the same effectiveness as AHA's, such as glycolic and lactic acid, or BHA's such as salicylic acid.

However, it does have qualities that AHA's don't possess: it balances an unmarked skin tone, it discourages discoloured skin cells from appearing and it can treat rosacea by lessening the appearance of visible blood vessels.

Are there any side effects of using azelaic acid?

Unfortunately, there are some side effects, though they're rarely experienced. The most common side effects are peeling, burning and skin dryness, which are felt almost immediately after application. If you suffer from any of these side effects, stop using the treatment and consult a doctor.

There are a few other less-common side effects, such as irritation, hives and difficulty breathing. Again, see a doctor if you experience any of these.

Can you use azelaic acid on your skin every day?

Yes, azelaic acid can be used on the skin every day. It is a mild form of acid, therefore it rarely irritates or disrupts the skin. It can even be used twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening, especially if it only comes in less than 10% concentration.

Luke Chapman

Written by Luke Chapman, Beauty Editor

Azelaic Acid Features

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