9 Best Azelaic Acid Serums for Acne, Redness, and Uneven Skin Tone

FAQ

What is azelaic acid?

When most people hear the word “acid,” they think of harsh chemicals, but azelaic acid is actually a sensitive skin-friendly molecule derived from barley, rye, and wheat (depending on concentration, more on that later). It is part of the dicarboxylic acid family and has antibacterial, keratolytic, comedolytic, and antioxidant properties. Azadeh Shirazi, MDsays the board-certified dermatologist based in La Jolla, California. allure Azelaic acid works by inhibiting tyrosinase (a.k.a. the enzyme involved in pigment production), thereby “reducing hyperpigmentation,” describing this buzzy acid as “dermatologists’ favorite, jack-of-all-trades, and one of the most underrated skin care ingredients.” Yes, it’s officially sold.

Dr. Green echoes Dr. Shirazi’s sentiments. Both experts also point out that azelaic acid’s benefits include antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it excellent for treating skin conditions like acne and rosacea because it kills breakout-causing bacteria and reduces inflammation. This versatile acid is also considered a gentle exfoliant and also stimulates cell turnover. As such, Dr. Green says azelaic acid “helps reduce the appearance of acne scars.”

Who can use azelaic acid?

The good news is that azelaic acid is safe for all skin types, but Dr. Green advises those with sensitive skin to “start using this ingredient once a day and increase the frequency to twice a day after a few weeks.” Also, if you experience irritation, we recommend consulting your doctor before proceeding.

You also don’t have to worry too much about adjusting your entire skincare regimen to incorporate azelaic acid. Fortunately, Dr. Green and Dr. Shirazi agree that azelaic acid is generally mild enough to be safe to use with other ingredients such as vitamin C, AHAs, BHAs, and retinoids. However, Dr. Green says, “If you have prescription-strength azelaic acid, Retin A, or other topical creams, you should talk to your dermatologist.”

According to Dr. Shirazi, depending on your skin type and concern, azelaic acid can be found in commercial products in all sorts of concentrations, from as low as 1% to as high as 15%, with the highest prescription concentration being 20%. But lower concentrations are just as effective, and for people with reactive and sensitive skin, Dr. Green says, “may help prevent skin irritation.” “Skincare products containing low concentrations of azelaic acid are beneficial in unclogging pores, preventing acne breakouts, and calming skin inflammation,” he added. For people with acne-prone skin, low concentrations of azelaic acid are often combined with other active ingredients such as AHAs and BHAs for a multi-pronged approach.

meet an expert

• Marisa GarshickMD, board-certified dermatologist in New York City
• Michelle Green, Marylanda board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
• Corey L. HartmanMD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology, based in Birmingham, Alabama
• Jenna CuellarMD, board-certified dermatologist based in Boca Raton, Florida.
• nazanin saidiMD, board-certified dermatologist at Plymouth Meeting Dermatology based in East Norriton, Pennsylvania
• Dr. Eva Shambana board-certified dermatologist based in Beverly Hills
• Azadeh Shirazi, MDa board-certified dermatologist based in La Jolla, California.

How to test and review products

when allure Once we test a product, our editors look at it from all angles to ensure we can best serve you. We check ingredients, scrutinize brand claims and, when appropriate, research peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing every product included in each review, we rely on experts in fields such as dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine to help vet ingredients and formulations.

For our list of the best azelaic acid products, we considered each product’s performance across five main categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product experience. All products have been determined to be outstanding in each category by our editorial team of in-house writers, editors, and contributors, with special consideration by board-certified dermatologists. For more information about our reporting and testing process, please visit our complete review process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

Beautiful items are purchased individually. You might be looking for a face cream to combat stubborn dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine. You may simply be looking around for the latest products to hit the hair market. No matter what you are looking for or your personal needs and concerns, allure We want you to love whatever we recommend in our stories. To achieve that goal, we believe it is essential to have a diverse team of writers and editors, as well as a wide range of external testers and industry experts that we engage on a regular basis.

After all, can it be done? Really Can you say that a skin care product is “best” for people over 50 if the testers only asked for opinions from people who haven’t yet reached 30? Can you honestly think that a high-end diffuser that has never been tested on curls is worth your hard-earned money? We are proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin colors, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds. That means you can get a fair review of every beauty product in your beauty closet.