Azelaic acid is a multitasker that can benefit our skin in many ways. In addition, any skin type can benefit from using it, be it sensitive skin or oily skin.
Don’t let the acid word scare you, because azelaic acid is different from other exfoliating acids like alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic acid) or beta hydroxy acid (salicylic acid). You can read my detailed post on azelaic acid here.
Azelaic acid has helped me immensely in controlling rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis. I have tried many products with azelaic acid and below you will find some of the best ones.
1. The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% – Best for Rosacea
- Quick facts:
- Price: $ ($10 for 30ml)
- Azelaic acid concentration:10%
- Other key ingredients: Dimethicone
Read my full review on The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%.
This is a silicone-rich formula with 10% azelaic acid. It doesn’t have any other actives to irritate the skin. So, this can be a great option for someone with rosacea who wants to get the benefit of azelaic acid.
It gives a cooling sensation and quickly calms redness. The finish is matte and it can be a great makeup base.
It is a thick formula so I like to use it in the evening after moisturizing my face.
Pros
- Effective for redness.
- Matte finish.
- Affordable.
Cons
- Some may not like the silicone-rich formula.
Full ingredient list
Aqua (Water), Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Dimethicone, Azelaic Acid, Dimethicone/Bis-Isobutyl Ppg-20 Crosspolymer, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Polysilicone-11, Isohexadecane, Tocopherol, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Isoceteth-20, Polysorbate 60, Triethanolamine, Ethoxydiglycol, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.
2. Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster – Best for Acne
- Quick facts:
- Price: $$ ($39 for 30 ml)
- Azelaic acid concentration: 10%
- Other key ingredients: Salicylic acid, licorice extract, allantoin, bisabolol
This comes in tube packaging and has a light lotion-like texture. It has a 10% concentration of azelaic acid which can calm sensitivity, and decrease redness and acne breakouts.
In addition, it has 0.5 % salicylic acid which can further decrease redness and exfoliate deep inside the pores to decrease acne breakouts.
Skin-soothing ingredients like licorice root extract, allantoin, and bisabolol are also part of this formula.
This can be a great option for someone with acne. It can decrease acne, and redness and hyperpigmentation associated with it.
Pros
- Great combination for acne.
Cons
- Can be drying.
Full ingredient list
Water, Azelaic Acid, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Dimethicone, Salicylic Acid, Adenosine, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract, Allantoin, Bisabolol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Xanthan Gum, Sclerotium Gum, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol
3. Glytone Enhance Brightening Complex – Best for Brightening
- Quick facts:
- Price: $$$$ ($78 for 30 ml).
- Azelaic acid concentration: 12%.
- Other key ingredients: Glycolic acid.
Azelaic acid can be great for hyperpigmentation and when a formula has glycolic acid alongside, it can be a powerhouse for brightening skin.
This has a light creamy texture. It absorbs well into the skin leaving a natural finish.
This has 12% azelaic alongside glycolic acid, Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that can get rid of surface dead skin cells and can help ingredients penetrate better into the skin.
This makes it a great choice for someone with hyperpigmentation, melasma, or dark spots.
Pros
- Great combination for skin brightening.
Cons
- Pricey.
Full ingredient list
Water, Azelaic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dicaprylyl Ether, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycolic Acid, Cyclohexasiloxane, Glyceryl Stearate, Ceteareth-33, Sodium Hydroxide, Acetic Acid, Benzoic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Chloride, Tocopherol.
4. Dr. Sam’s Flawless Brightly Serum – Best for Anti-aging
- Quick facts:
- Price: $$$ ($59 for 30 ml).
- Azelaic acid concentration: 10%.
- Other key ingredients: Niacinamide – 5%, bakuchiol – 1%, ascorbyl glucoside – 2%.
Read my full review of Dr. Sam’s Flawless Brightly Serum.
This comes in pump packaging and comes out as a light lotion. The texture is light and spreads very nicely on the skin. However, sometimes it pills on the skin.
It has azelaic acid at an effective concentration of 10%. In addition, it has 3 more actives to benefit the skin.
- Bakuchiol at 1%: Bakuchiol is often referred to as natural retinol. It is not retinol but it can act like it. It has less data and research than retinol. It can benefit the skin by decreasing redness, fine lines, and wrinkles and by acting as an antioxidant.
- Ascorbyl glucoside at 2%. It is a stable form of vitamin C and can decrease oxidative stress in the skin
- Niacinamide at 5%: It can enhance the skin barrier, decrease redness, and also provide anti-aging benefits.
Overall, this can be great if you want to decrease redness along with getting anti-aging benefits.
Pros
- Multiple actives in one formula.
- Matte finish.
Cons
- Pricey.
- Not widely available.
- Pilling.
Full ingredient list
Aqua (Water), Azelaic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Niacinamide, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Cetearyl Olivate, Bakuchiol, Sorbitan Olivate, Benzyl Alcohol, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, Dehydroacetic Acid.
5. Cos de BAHA Azelaic Acid 10% Facial Serum with Niacinamide – Best for Redness
- Quick facts:
- Price: $ ($14.45 for 30 ml).
- Azelaic acid concentration: 10%.
- Other key ingredients: Panthenol, niacinamide, and sodium hyaluronate.
This is a very thin and lightweight formula. It spreads easily on the skin. It has azelaic acid at a concentration of 10%. In addition, it has:
- Panthenol: It can repair the skin barrier and soothe the skin.
- Niacinamide: It can decrease redness and enhance the skin barrier.
- Sodium hyaluronate: It can hydrate the skin.
It is a simple formula that can decrease skin inflammation and hence target redness.
Pros
- A powerful duo of niacinamide and azelaic acid for redness.
- Affordable.
Cons
- None!
Full ingredient list
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Propylene Glycol, Azelaic Acid (10%), Polysorbate 20, 1,2-Hexanediol, Propanediol, Panthenol, Niacinamide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Momordica Charantia Fruit Extract, Sambucus Nigra Flower Extract, Leontopodium Alpinum Extract.
6. Jan Marini Rosalieve – Best for Dry Skin
- Quick facts:
- Price: $$$$ ($95 for 30 ml).
- Azelaic acid concentration: Not specified.
- Other key ingredients: Green, white, and red tea extract, oat extract, and Boswellia extract.
This is the most moisturizing of all the formulas I have ever tried. In warm weather, it can be used alone without the need for an added moisturizer.
It has azelaic acid along with multiple other ingredients to benefit the skin.
It has green tea, white tea, red tea, and Boswellia serrata extract – all of which soothes skin and reduces redness.
Hydroxyphenyl propamidobenzoic acid, derived from oats, has anti-irritant, anti-itch, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Pros
- Very moisturizing formula.
- Multiple ingredients to target redness.
Cons
- Pricey.
Full ingredient list
Water/Aqua/Eau, Azelaic Acid, Ethoxydiglycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Isononyl Isononanoate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Steareth-21, Steareth-2, Cetyl Alcohol, Tetrapeptide-14, Ranunculus Ficaria Extract, Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid, Boswellia Serrata Extract, Epigallocatechin Gallate, Bisabolol, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice Powder, Camellia Sinensis (White Tea) Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Aspalathus Linearis (Rooibos) Leaf Extract, Allantoin Acetyl Methionine, Tocopheryl Acetate, Mel (Honey) Extract, Sodium PCA, Panthenol, Xanthan Gum, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Quartz, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol.
7. Typology Mattifying Serum 10% Azelaic Acid – Best for Oily Skin
- Quick facts:
- Price:$$ ( $35.5 for 30 ml)
- Azelaic acid concentration: 10%
- Other key ingredients: Bamboo extract, Zinc PCA
This has a thin light consistency. It leaves a matte finish on the skin. If you rub it too much, it may start pilling.
It has azelaic acid at 10% concentration. It also has bamboo extract which is rich in silica and can balance oil on the skin surface along with its antioxidant properties.
In addition, it has Zinc PCA which has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and skin-healing properties.
All these make it a perfect formula for oily skin.
Pros
- The bamboo extract can benefit oily skin.
- Matte finish.
Cons
- Not widely available.
- Pilling.
Full ingredient list
Aqua (Water), Azelaic Acid, Glycerin, Bambusa Arundinacea Juice, 1,2-Hexanediol, Xanthan Gum, Zinc Pca, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide.
8. Naturium Azelaic Acid Emulsion 10% – Best for Sensitive Skin
- Quick facts:
- Price: $$ ($22 for 30 ml)
- Azelaic acid concentration: 10%
- Other key ingredients: Niacinamide, plant oils, oat extract, allantoin, panthenyl triacetate, and Acetyl Rheum Rhaponticum root extract
This has a lotion-like texture and spreads nicely on the skin. It has several oils in the formula which makes it easier to tolerate for sensitive skin. It leaves a natural finish on the skin.
In addition, it has niacinamide, oat extract, and allantoin to address skin sensitivity.
It has a few brightening ingredients like a combination of panthenyl triacetate and Acetyl Rheum Rhaponticum root extract. This is also called Unilucent PA-13.
Pros
- Moisturizing formula.
- Additional brightening and skin-soothing ingredients.
Cons
- Sometimes, the pump doesn’t work well for me.
Full ingredient list
Aqua, Azelaic Acid, Butylene Glycol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Methylpropanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Isostearyl Alcohol, C13-15 Alkane, Ethylhexyl Olivate, Butylene Glycol Cocoate, Niacinamide, Allantoin, Sebacic Acid, Acetyl Rheum Rhaponticum Root Extract, Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter, Gossypium Herbaceum (Cotton) Seed Oil, Bidens Pilosa Extract, Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Carbomer, Hydroxyacetophenone, Silica, Benzyl Alcohol, Panthenyl Triacetate, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylcellulose, Squalane, Ethylhexylglycerin, Lactobacillus Ferment, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Tocopherol.
9. Peach Slices Redness Relief Azelaic Acid Serum – Best K-beauty
- Quick facts:
- Price: $ ($19.99 for 30ml)
- Azelaic acid concentration: 10%
- Other key ingredients: Panthenol, Centella, broccoli extract, algae extract, and mugwort
This has a light lotion texture with azelaic acid at 10% concentration. It applies smoothly on the skin and absorbs quickly.
It has several ingredients for soothing skin, moisturizing, and reducing redness. It includes algae extract, panthenol, mugwort extract, allantoin, Centella extract, and betaine.
Pros
- Multiple ingredients to soothe skin.
Cons
- Can sting sometimes.
Full ingredient list
Water, Azelaic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Propanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Panthenol, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Spirulina Platensis Extract, Rhodomyrtus Tomentosa Fruit Extract, Artemisia Vulgaris Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Spinacia Oleracea (Spinach) Leaf Extract, Brassica Oleracea Italica (Broccoli) Extract, Tapioca Starch, Allantoin, Betaine, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Arginine, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Dextrin, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Flower Extract, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Polyacrylate-13, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Caprylyl Glycol.
10. Garden of Wisdom Azelaic Acid 8% Serum – Best Hydrating
- Quick facts:
- Price: $ ($20 for 30ml)
- Azelaic acid concentration: 8%
- Other key ingredients: Allantoin, glycerin
This comes in pump packaging. It has a light gel-like texture and spreads nicely. Sometimes, the formula can feel grainy or gritty. It is very hydrating and leaves a natural finish.
It has azelaic acid at a concentration of 8%. In addition, it has glycerin which is a great humectant, and allantoin which can soothe skin and reduce redness.
The brand also has a newer formula with potassium azeloyl diglycinate so make sure you check the formula before buying.
Pros
- Hydrating base.
Cons
- Can feel grainy.
- Not widely available.
Full ingredient list
Spring Water, Azelaic Acid, Liposome Base (soy-based), Allantoin, Glycerin, Sclerotium Gum, Leucidal SF.
Comparison chart
FAQs
- What strength of azelaic acid is best? Most research studies used azelaic acid at a concentration of 15% in a gel formulation. This concentration is available through prescription in the USA. For maximum benefits, it is best to a choose formulation with a higher concentration. If you don’t see benefits from using it, you can consult a doctor to get a prescription strength formulation.
- Can you use azelaic acid every day? Yes! Azelaic acid can be used safely every day. In fact, if you can tolerate it, you can use it twice daily.
- Should I moisturize after azelaic acid? Some azelaic acid formulations have a thin serum or lotion-like texture. So, you can moisturize after using an azelaic acid product. However, if the formula is thicker, you can use it after moisturizing. To prevent pilling, it’s best to wait between skincare steps and give it some time to absorb into the skin.
Disclaimer: The ingredient list/ price is subject to change over time, so make sure you check them before buying any product.