Taking care of sensitive skin that is acne-prone and prone to melasma and rosacea is not easy. Luckily, these dermatologist-approved azelaic acid products can specifically target hyperpigmentation issues to help reduce your beauty burden. The board-certified dermatologists I interviewed agreed that azelaic acid is one of the best skin care ingredients for addressing these common skin care concerns without irritation. As the beauty editor for Best Products, you already know I have to tell you about the best dermatologist-approved azelaic acid products.
What is azelaic acid?
According to nationally board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michelle Henry, MD, founder of Manhattan Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery, azelaic acid can inhibit the melanin-producing enzyme tyrosinase, causing hyperpigmentation. “By blocking this enzyme, azelaic acid inhibits epidermal melanogenesis and prevents excessive accumulation of pigment cells in the skin,” Henry explains.
Benefits of Azelaic Acid
In addition to treating and preventing hyperpigmentation and melasma, azelaic acid has other skin benefits. I met with Henry and a board certified dermatologist. Anar Mikailov, MD, FAAD, founder of Skintitive, asked us about the many benefits of azelaic acid.
Azelaic acid is extremely gentle and safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, making it ideal for those suffering from melasma and acne during pregnancy, as well as new moms.
Azelaic acid promotes skin exfoliation, ensuring a beautiful and smooth complexion. Additionally, it does not increase sensitivity to sunlight. However, you still need to wear sunscreen to prevent the sun from destroying all the good benefits of azelaic acid skin care products.
Azelaic acid is suitable for all skin tones and types, including dark skin tones and sensitive skin. Azelaic acid is particularly suitable for oily and combination skin as it has antibacterial and keratolytic properties, thereby fighting acne and rough skin areas.
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, azelaic acid can also help relieve rosacea by reducing redness and reducing swelling.
Azelaic acid can even treat perioral dermatitis, which occurs when small inflammatory papules and pustules appear around the mouth.
what you should consider
Ingredient concentration
Henry and Mikaeloff say it’s important to pay attention to the amount of azelaic acid in each product when shopping. As dermatologists, they are interested in prescription strengths (20% or more) because they usually work within a month or two. However, they say you can easily find over-the-counter products containing up to 10% azelaic acid and still produce noticeable results for 3-4 months.
Even though it sounds like a long time, it’s worth the wait – we promise! Ultimately, it takes about the same amount of time to use salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide skin care products to combat acne. Plus, using just one of these azelaic acid products is much cheaper than a chemical peel and certainly not as painful as expensive laser treatments.
Other active ingredients
Good news: Azelaic acid is compatible with a wide range of ingredients. For example, vitamin C and niacinamide work together in TULA Clear It Up Acne + Complexion Correcting Gel, while alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) and beta hydroxy acids (BHA) work together in Paula’s Choice BOOST BOOST 10% Azelaic Acid Boosting Cream Synergy in glue. It can also be used in combination with typical irritating ingredients like retinol once a day or every Once every other day.
how we decide
Azelaic acid sounds amazing, right? ! To clear up your complexion before next summer vacation, be sure to use one of these experts’ favorite azelaic acid products. With careful use, experience clearer, younger-looking skin without foundation.
I asked several skin care experts, including a board-certified dermatologist, for their top azelaic acid products. These recommendations are based on the guidelines above and come from popular skincare brands we know and trust, like Paula’s Choice and Tula. The best part? Our overall recommendation is The Ordinary Azelain Acid 10% Suspension Brightening Cream, which sells for about $12 at Sephora. Don’t worry: The vast majority of azelaic acid products cost $48 or less. On a budget and have clean, smooth skin? BRB, I’ll add them all to my Amazon if you need me
There is now also a Sephora shopping cart.
Check out our favorite azelaic acid products below!
best overall score
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid 10% Suspension Whitening Cream
The one I recommend overall is the cheapest, but it doesn’t skimp on quality. Its impressive formula combines azelaic acid and dimethicone, a non-comedogenic moisturizing ingredient. Plus, it features a snapshot of the best azelaic acid products from every expert I interviewed for this guide.
Henry and nationally board-certified dermatologist Dr. Diane Madface, MD, FAAD, are fans of this over-the-counter azelaic acid skin care product. “The hydrating vitamin E matrix contains azelaic acid to help soothe inflamed skin,” says Madfes, assistant professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine.
PhD. Tiffany Libby, MD, FAAD, notes that the lightweight gel-cream formula also helps brighten dull skin while fighting rosacea, acne, and discoloration.
Nationally certified dermatologist Dr. Hadley King, MD, FAAD, appreciates its cruelty-free and vegan nature. Suspension Brightening Cream, in particular, has been a favorite among rosacea sufferers for years because it provides antioxidant protection, reduces hyperpigmentation, and improves skin texture.
“Ordinary Azelaic Acid 10% Suspension is an affordable topical azelaic acid that exfoliates, improves texture, and prevents breakouts by reducing inflammation and fighting acne-promoting bacteria. It is safe for use during pregnancy,” Dr. added. Blair Murphy Ross, MD, FAAD.
This skin lightening cream by Dr. Jodi LoGerfo (DNP) is praised for its versatility and incredible benefits for all skin types. Yes, even for those with the most sensitive skin. LoGerfo reckons it doesn’t contain nasty ingredients like parabens, formaldehyde, phthalates, oxybenzone, and sulfates like SLS and SLES.
Sounds great, doesn’t it? Nationally board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick, MDCS, New York City, calls this one of her favorite products because it brightens her skin while going out. This serum also helps improve skin texture.
“Affordable, it’s a good choice for someone looking to use azelaic acid for the first time. While the formula feels thicker, it’s oil-free and won’t clog pores,” she notes.
best budget
Peach slice azelaic acid redness removing essence
Those looking to spend $20 will love this azelaic acid product recommended by Taylor Worden, celebrity esthetician and founder of Taylor Worden Skin.
“This product is considered a clean, effective solution for stubborn skin problems such as perioral dermatitis, acne, and rosacea. The product is layerable and is so lightweight that it is virtually invisible under other products,” explains Worden.
Additionally, seaweed extract nourishes and softens skin, while panthenol combats itching, redness, and bloating. There is also Centella asiatica extract, commonly known as Centella asiatica. It is particularly popular in Korean beauty products due to its anti-aging and soothing properties.
Best Retinol Alternatives
Beauty Pie Happy Face 10% Azelaic Acid Skin Purifying Gel Cream
Garshick recommends incorporating this multi-tasking product into your skin care routine. She likes the high concentration of 10% azelaic acid paired with niacinamide, centella asiatica, rosehip pore minimizer, and cherry blossom complex to reduce redness, inflammation, blemishes, and acne scars.
“This is especially good for people with sensitive skin who may not be able to tolerate retinoids. I love that it soothes and soothes the skin without causing irritation or burning, and it absorbs quickly so it’s easy to apply,” this said a New York doctor.
King personally uses Beauty Pie’s azelaic acid products, which is why she recommends ordering one. “This new product is a brilliant formula that combines 10% azelaic acid with niacinamide and centella asiatica to provide immediate skin soothing effects and reduce redness and hyperpigmentation over time. I’ve been using it for a few months and love its lightweight, soothing texture. “I’ve noticed a reduction in redness on my skin,” she says.
Pro Tip: Treat yourself or a loved one to a Beauty Pie membership. In addition to the 60-day free trial, there are two levels available: a $10 monthly gift or a $59 annual gift. While it may seem annoying to spend money on a membership up front, this gel-cream will save you nearly $193 in the long run.
For example, this azelaic acid product sells for $70 without a membership, but with a membership it’s $28, a savings of $42 per jar! If you use one container every two months, you’ll spend $420 per year on six containers. With an annual membership, you only pay $59, plus $168 for 6 containers, for a total of $227.
Best Pregnancy Safe Azelaic Acid
Sodium azelate for topical use 10%
As mentioned, azelaic acid is safe in pregnancy, but even more reassuringly, Garshick calls it “a great option for those who are pregnant or cannot tolerate retinoids or retinoids “.
She appreciates that it contains niacinamide and vitamin C, which reduce hyperpigmentation, blemishes, and redness to improve overall texture and skin tone.
It is also a multi-purpose product. “I love that it can be used on the face, neck, or chest. It can be used once or twice a day, and I recommend applying moisturizer after use. “I love that it applies easily and isn’t too irritating to the skin,” she pointed out.
Best Exfoliating Toner
Glytone Intensive Whitening Serum
Rough, dull skin can be annoying, but luckily, Glytone’s Facial Toner is a great product that makes Libby, director of Mohs Micrographic and Dermatologic Surgery at Brown University, very happy.
She says: “I’m happy to recommend this exfoliating toner, which applies easily to the skin with a soft cotton swab. It contains glycolic acid, azelaic acid, and niacinamide to brighten skin, fade dark spots, and exfoliate dead skin cells, thereby improving skin texture and tone.”
Additionally, freshly exfoliated skin allows other ingredients like malachite extract to penetrate and work better. A bright green mineral that provides antioxidant protection against free radicals and oxidative stress.
Best lightweight formula
Paula’s Choice BOOST 10% Azelaic Acid Boosting Cream Gel
This impressive azelaic acid cream is also a hit with our skin care experts—four of them, including board-certified dermatologist Dr. Audrey Kunin, M.D., Ph.D. Brendan Camp, MD, FAAD, of MDCS Dermatology, considers them one of the best options money can buy.
Camp says, “Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster is a serum, which means it has a thin, water-like consistency. When used in a moisturizer or even added to a moisturizer, it helps Fights discoloration associated with acne and skin irritation. ”
Marmur Medical dermatology resident Jennifer Weiss also likes this lightweight, non-comedogenic cream-gel. “The azelaic acid in the product lightens hyperpigmentation for a brighter, smoother complexion. It also contains salicylic acid to help fight stubborn acne,” she says.
LoGerfo adds that it’s effective in treating patchy red skin and is a top choice for rosacea patients.
“It contains licorice root extract, which soothes even the most sensitive skin, helping to fade blemishes and curb redness,” she says.
Best for acne-prone skin
TULA Clear It Up Acne + Complexion Correcting Gel
While anyone with acne can use these azelaic acid products, I find this oil-free product to be very beneficial for acne-prone skin. First, you can help fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation caused by acne with the help of one of Camp’s most popular azelaic acid products. What impressed him most was that TULA’s Correcting Gel combines azelaic acid with skin-soothing and acne-fighting ingredients.
Additionally, Camp is impressed by the fact that it contains niacinamide, a form of vitamin B-3 known for its ability to calm redness and improve skin’s overall tone and texture.
He and King note that salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid with anti-comedogenic properties, meaning it can penetrate deep into pores to remove oil and debris from them. It’s also based on a blend of other moisturizing ingredients to balance the 10% azelaic acid concentration.
Specifically, it uses hyaluronic acid and weed to hydrate and soothe skin, wild mint and mushrooms to minimize the appearance of large pores, and prebiotics to maintain skin balance.
Best for sensitive, acne-prone skin
Proactiv Clean Azelaic Acid Pore Perfector
Nationally board-certified dermatologist Dr. Rachel Nazarian, MD, is a big fan of azelaic acid because it smoothes skin, improves skin texture, and is great for sensitive skin. What she recommends is Proactiv Clean Azelain Acid Pore Perfector.
“The texture is incredible because it’s so lightweight, and while it’s moisturizing like a lotion, it absorbs quickly like a serum. It also combines hyaluronic acid and glycerin, two deeply hydrating ingredients that improve the skin’s barrier. It doesn’t It’s comedogenic and not even suitable for acne-prone skin,” she explains. “I think it’s a real multi-tasker and a premium smart product. In the short term it improves texture and in the long term after a few weeks it can even Improves uneven skin tone and reduces redness.”
Nazarian, a practicing physician at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City, recommends using this azelaic acid product twice daily after a gentle face wash.
