Everything you need to know about azelaic acid
Do you know the feeling when redness won't go away and little blemishes keep appearing? Then you may have heard of azelaic acid. But what can this mild acid do for your skin? And what's the difference between skincare with azelaic acid and a cream prescribed by your doctor?
In short
- Azelaic acid is a mild acid found naturally in grains.
- In skincare, it cares for skin prone to redness and blemishes.
- It also cares for skin with an uneven skin tone.
- It is neither an AHA nor a BHA acid.
What is azelaic acid?
Azelaic acid (azelaic acid) is a mild acid found naturally in grains such as wheat, barley and rye. In skincare, it cares for skin prone to redness, blemishes and an uneven skin tone.
The azelaic acid you find in skincare is made in a laboratory. You'll find it on the ingredient list under the name Azelaic Acid.
Is azelaic acid an exfoliating acid?
Only mildly. Azelaic acid makes it easier for dead skin cells in the pores to come away.2 But it doesn't exfoliate in the same way as AHA and BHA acids. If you're looking for an actual peel, read our guide to AHA, BHA and PHA.
What is azelaic acid good for?
Azelaic acid is good for skin that easily becomes red or develops blemishes. It is known for its soothing effect and is also used to care for skin with an uneven skin tone.
Most research concerns azelaic acid as a medicine, including its use for redness, blemishes and skin pigmentation.1 The difference you see depends on both the product and your skin. Give your skincare a few weeks before looking to see whether it makes a difference.
Azelaic acid and rosacea
Many people associate azelaic acid with rosacea. Rosacea is a skin condition that is assessed and treated by a doctor. Skincare with azelaic acid can be part of daily care for skin prone to redness, but it does not treat rosacea.
To learn more, read our guide to rosacea, or see our care for skin with redness.
Ask your doctor
If you think you have rosacea or acne, let your doctor assess it. If you already use a cream or gel prescribed by your doctor, ask your doctor before adding a new product.
Prescription azelaic acid or azelaic acid in skincare?
Azelaic acid creams and gels prescribed by a doctor are prescription medicines for acne and rosacea.5 Skincare with azelaic acid is for daily use and does not replace your doctor's treatment.
Although the ingredient is the same, there is a difference between skincare and medicines. Your doctor chooses which cream or gel you should use for your treatment.
Can you use azelaic acid every day?
It depends on the product, so always follow the instructions. Start gently and try the product on a small area first, for example along your jaw. Never use it more often than the instructions recommend.
Use azelaic acid on clean skin and keep it away from your eyes. If it gets into your eyes, rinse thoroughly with water.
- Cleanse your skin with a mild cleanser and pat it dry.
- Follow the instructions when using the product with azelaic acid.
- Finish with a mild moisturiser.
- Apply sunscreen every morning as a regular part of your routine.
A tip from us
Skin that easily becomes red does best with a simple routine using a few fragrance-free products and sunscreen every day. See our care for skin with redness.
Pregnant or breastfeeding?
If your doctor determines that it is right for you, azelaic acid can be used as a skin treatment during pregnancy and breastfeeding.4 This does not automatically apply to all skincare products with azelaic acid, so ask your doctor or midwife whether you can use your product. Read more in our guide to pregnancy and skincare.
Can azelaic acid sting?
Yes, it can, especially the first few times. Azelaic acid can cause tingling, stinging or itching on the skin.3
If your skin becomes irritated, take a break for a few days. If the symptoms persist or your skin swells, stop and ask your doctor.
Can you use azelaic acid with niacinamide and retinol?
Azelaic acid fits into most skincare routines and works well with moisturising care and niacinamide. If your skin is sensitive, it's best to use retinol and acids on other evenings.
- Works well with azelaic acid: niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and a mild moisturiser.
- On other evenings: retinol and acids, especially if your skin is sensitive.
- Products prescribed by your doctor: ask your doctor before using other skincare alongside them.
Myth or fact?
Skincare with azelaic acid is the same as a gel prescribed by your doctor.
Myth. The gel prescribed by your doctor is a medicine. Skincare with azelaic acid is for your daily care and does not replace your doctor's treatment.
Azelaic acid is a strong peel.
Myth. It is mild and only helps a little with loosening dead skin cells.
Azelaic acid and niacinamide can be used together.
Fact. They work well together in a simple routine for skin that easily becomes red.
Is your skincare with azelaic acid the same as a gel prescribed by your doctor?
- Yes, it is the same ingredient
- No, the gel prescribed by your doctor is a medicine
- Yes, if you use a lot of it
The ingredient is the same, but the gel prescribed by your doctor is a medicine. Skincare with azelaic acid is for your daily care.
Your skin tingles and becomes red. What do you do?
- Use more so your skin gets used to it
- Take a break for a few days
- Use another product with acid
Give your skin a rest. If the symptoms persist, stop and ask your doctor.
What works well with azelaic acid?
- Niacinamide and a mild moisturiser
- A strong peel on the same evening
- Retinol on the same evening if your skin is sensitive
Keep it simple. It's best to use retinol and other acids on other evenings.
Our care with azelaic acid
At ECOOKING, you'll find azelaic acid in a light, fragrance-free facial spray that you use after cleansing. It cares for skin that easily becomes red, and a couple of sprays in the evening are all it takes.
And if you're not happy with your care, you have our 100 % satisfaction guarantee.
See products with azelaic acid
Frequently asked questions
What is azelaic acid in Danish?
In Danish, azelaic acid is called azelainsyre. It is a mild acid found naturally in grains. On the ingredient list, it appears under its English name.
What is azelaic acid good for?
It cares for skin that easily becomes red, develops blemishes or has an uneven skin tone. It is mild and known for its soothing effect.
Can you use azelaic acid every day?
It depends on the product, so follow the instructions. Start gently and take a break if your skin becomes irritated.
What side effects can azelaic acid cause?
The most common effects are mild tingling, stinging or itching when you first start using the product. If your skin swells or the symptoms don't go away, stop and talk to your doctor.
Can you get azelaic acid without a prescription?
Yes, in skincare. Creams and gels with azelaic acid for treating acne and rosacea, however, are only available with a prescription from your doctor.
Is azelaic acid an exfoliating acid?
Only a little. It is mild and does not work like an actual peel. If you're looking for a peel, you can choose AHA or BHA acids.
Can you use azelaic acid when you're pregnant?
Your doctor may choose azelaic acid as a treatment during pregnancy. Ask your doctor or midwife whether a particular skincare product is suitable for you while you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Sources
- Searle T, Ali FR, Al-Niaimi F. The versatility of azelaic acid in dermatology. Journal of Dermatological Treatment. 2022. PubMed
- Sieber MA, Hegel JK. Azelaic acid: Properties and mode of action. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology. 2014. PubMed
- Petrovici AG et al. A Comprehensive Review of Azelaic Acid Pharmacological Properties, Clinical Applications, and Innovative Topical Formulations. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2025. PubMed
- Ly S et al. Treatment of Acne Vulgaris During Pregnancy and Lactation: A Narrative Review. Dermatology and Therapy. 2023. PubMed
- Medicin.dk. Finacea® (azelaic acid): information for healthcare professionals. Dansk Lægemiddel Information. Medicin.dk
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