Ingredient glossary
Azelaic Acid
On your shelf ✓What Azelaic Acid does for your skin, who it suits, and what to watch for.
INCI: Azelaic Acid
In short: Azelaic Acid delivers anti acne and brightening, suits most skin types, and the evidence behind it is strong. One thing to know: introduce it gently.
- What it does
- Anti acne, brightening
- Best for
- Combination, Oily, Sensitive skin
- Watch out
- Introduce it gently
- Evidence
- Strong
The molecule
The Glow take
One of the ingredients I trust most.
When your goal is calming breakouts and congestion, Azelaic Acid delivers, and the research properly backs it up. Introduce it gently, and pair it with something soothing if your skin runs sensitive.
— Maya
What it does
- anti acne
- brightening
- anti redness
strong evidenceDermatology literature supports topical 10–20% azelaic acid as effective and safe for acne, rosacea and various hyperpigmentation conditions, including skin of color.
On a label: works best above 10%.
Who it's for, and who should skip it
Tends to suit
- acne prone
- rosacea
- pigmentation
- oily
- combo
- sensitive
Approach with care
- very sensitive initial
- Clogs poresLow
- Irritation riskModerate
How it fits each skin type
- DryNeutral
- CombinationSuits
- OilySuits
- SensitiveSuits
Often chosen for acne prone, rosacea, pigmentation. Take extra care if any of these apply to you: very sensitive (when first starting).
Where it fits in your routine
Plays well with
- niacinamide
- humectants
Azelaic Acid, answered
Is Azelaic Acid safe during pregnancy?
Yes. Azelaic Acid is considered safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As with anything, if you are unsure it is worth a quick word with your doctor or midwife.
Who should avoid Azelaic Acid?
Approach Azelaic Acid with care if any of these apply to you: very sensitive (when first starting). Its irritation risk is moderate, so introduce it slowly and patch test first.
What concentration of Azelaic Acid actually works?
Research tends to show Azelaic Acid starts pulling its weight above 10%. If a brand prints the percentage, that is the number to look for.
Compare Azelaic Acid with
Can you mix Azelaic Acid with
This, for every label you own
One ingredient is easy. A full label is where it gets confusing. The Ingredient Decoder reads any product and tells you the honest truth, ingredient by ingredient.