10 Top Azelaic Acid Products for Healthy, Glowing Skin
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When it comes to achieving youthful and radiant skin, retinol and vitamin C are essential.
However, there is a lesser-known active that is just as effective in treating hyperpigmentation, acne, and other skin concerns. Introducing azelaic acid.
Derived from natural sources, it has gained recognition for its exceptional benefits for the skin, making it a sought-after addition to skincare routines.
So if you’re looking for the top azelaic acid products to boost your beauty regimen and unlock the secret to radiant skin, we have the perfect skincare game-changers.
- Matte finish
- Lightweight formula
- Treats acne and blemishes
- Brightens skin
- Soothes and treats inflammation
- Boosts hydration
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Blocks melanin production
- Fades blemishes
- Combats sun damage
Table of Contents
10 Top Skincare Products With Azelaic Acid
Ready to embark on a journey toward healthy and glowing skin? We present the top azelaic acid products to add to your beauty regimen.
Top Azelaic Acid Product for Hyperpigmentation
A multitasking bestseller, Urban Skin Rx Even Tone Cleansing Bar cleanses, masks, and exfoliates the skin, targeting stubborn dark spots and blemishes to reveal a brighter, smoother complexion.
Primary benefits: Evens out skin tone; lightens hyperpigmentation; improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Features:
- With kojic acid to exfoliate dead skin cells
- Niacinamide to boost hydration
- Infused with licorice root to soothe and brighten skin
With regular use, you'll notice a significant improvement in your complexion's overall clarity and smoothness.
Infused with potent ingredients, including azelaic acid and kojic acid, Even Tone Cleansing Bar goes beyond traditional cleansers to deliver powerful results.
Its remarkable skin-brightening properties work tirelessly to fade dark spots, discoloration, and hyperpigmentation.
This gem effortlessly also removes impurities, excess oil, and debris, unclogging pores while targeting uneven skin tone.
The best thing about this cleansing bar is it preps your skin so other ingredients in your serums and moisturizers can penetrate deeper to achieve a flawless, radiant glow.
Top Exfoliating Toner
Glytone Enhance Brightening Solution is formulated to lighten unwanted dark spots and brighten the skin, improving its overall radiance, tone, and texture.
Primary benefits: Brightens and lightens dark spots; exfoliates dead skin cells; fights photoaging and tightens pores
Features:
- Azelaic acid derivative + niacinamide to visibly brighten skin
- Glycolic acid to exfoliate dead skin cells
- Malachite extract to protect from free radicals
This solution features a potent blend of active acids while minimizing irritations to target and treat multiple skin imperfections.
When it comes to a brightening toner, Glytone Enhance Brightening Solution offers a potent duo comprising azelaic acid and niacinamide. Both work synergistically to benefit the skin.
In addition to enhancing skin complexion, these actives inhibit acne-causing bacteria, calm breakouts, and shrink pores.
Also infused with malachite extract, a potent antioxidant, the trio neutralizes harmful free radicals, preventing premature aging while supporting the skin’s overall health and vitality.
So if you’re looking for a powerful toner that delivers, Glytone Enhance Brightening Solution is a great option.
Top Azelaic Acid Product for All Skin Types
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension is a cult favorite azelaic cream. It's a straightforward, no-nonsense solution that targets acne and dull skin.
Primary benefits: Brightens dull skin; improves uneven skin tone and texture; calms skin irritations; treats acne and prevents future breakouts
Features:
- Lightweight formula with a matte finish
- 10% over-the-counter azelaic acid
- Suitable for acne-prone skin
Containing 10% pure azelaic acid, The Ordinary Suspension is effective in improving skin imperfections yet gentle enough for daily use, even for pregnant or lactating moms.
Beyond its brightening effects, this 10% azelaic acid cream boasts powerful anti-inflammatory properties, beneficial for redness-prone or sensitive skin and those with rosacea.
Because of its thin formula, you can layer it under your favorite moisturizer for an extra boost of hydration.
Plus, with such a wide range of skin concerns it can target, The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension is one of the top favorite azelaic acid products today.
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% has a lower irritation potential than other direct acids and is a viable option for all skin types. It’s also the top azaleic product for pregnancy and other sensitive skin concerns.
Top Azelaic Acid Product for Sensitive Skin
Clinically proven to calm breakouts and reduce the appearance of blemishes, Mario Badescu Clarifying Serum With Azelaic Acid delivers on its promise of a healthy, clearer complexion.
Primary benefits: Reduces hyperpigmentation; clarifies skin tone; soothes sensitive skin
Features:
- 10% azelaic acid
- Enriched with postbiotics and prebiotics
- Suitable for all skin types but is formulated for sensitive skin
Combined with prebiotics and postbiotics, this serum packs a powerful punch of skin brightening and soothing properties that your skin will love.
Known as redness relief azelaic acid serum, Mario Badescu Clarifying Serum With Azelaic Acid calms redness and irritations, reducing breakouts and pimples.
Infused with prebiotics (inulin, alpha-glucan oligosaccharide) and postbiotics (lactobacillus ferment lysate), this serum calms acne and promotes healthy skin.
With consistent use, you’ll notice visibly smoother, clearer skin. Dark spots will fade, and pores will shrink, resulting in skin with a more radiant, healthy glow.
Top Preservative-Free Azelaic Acid Serum
Cos De BAHA Azelaic Acid 10% Facial Serum targets red, swollen, and rough skin caused by acne to visibly improve skin texture and appearance.
Primary benefits: Reduces blemishes and acne; lightens acne scars; treats and reduces rosacea redness; helps repair damaged tissue
Features:
- With niacinamide to soothe and treat inflammation
- Infused with aloe vera, witch hazel, and rosemary extracts for added extra calming effects
- Sodium hyaluronate to boost hydration
In addition to azelaic acid, this face serum hydrates your skin while it lightens stubborn blemishes!
If you’re looking for a serum that can do it all, Cos De BAHA Azelaic Acid 10% Facial Serum is the top azelaic acid serum.
With 10% azelaic acid, this serum effectively transforms dull, blemished skin. It evens your skin tone and tackles pesky hyperpigmentation and acne scars, revealing a radiant, smoother complexion.
Because of its lightweight formula, it is easily absorbed, ensuring maximum efficacy without any greasy residue.
Top Azelaic Acid Product for Hyperpigmentation and Discoloration
True to its name, Topicals Faded Serum for Dark Spots and Discoloration is highly effective at lightening hyperpigmentation, acne marks, and discoloration within two weeks of consistent use!
Primary benefit: Lightens stubborn post-blemish marks, scars, dark spots, and discoloration; shrinks pores; revives tired-looking skin
Features:
- Niacinamide to support skin barrier and brighten skin
- Centella asiatica leaf extract and licorice root to soothe and comfort irritated skin
- Tranexamic and kojic acids to improve hyperpigmentation
The combination of azelaic acid with other active acids creates a skincare powerhouse that effectively targets even the most stubborn skin discoloration.
Say goodbye to stubborn dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone with Topicals Faded Serum.
This powerhouse formula harnesses the power of hero ingredients like azelaic acid, tranexamic acid, kojic acid, and niacinamide.
Together, they form an unbeatable quartet that tackles hyperpigmentation at its root, leaving you with radiant, clearer skin.
But it doesn’t stop there; Topicals Faded Serum also delivers hydration and nourishment, thanks to Centella asiatica leaf extract.
Top of all, antioxidant-laden licorice root extract completes the potent Fade Serum formula, ensuring you get these skin-loving benefits with every drop.
Top Cream With Azelaic Acid
Experience the transformative power of Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster as it effortlessly smoothens, brightens, and perfects your skin.
Primary benefits: Reduces dark spots and redness; soothes and calms skin irritation; evens out skin tone and texture
Features:
- Azelaic acid for smooth, bright, and perfect skin
- With 0.5% salicylic acid to unclog pores
- Licorice root to calm redness
With a powerful blend of azelaic and salicylic acids, this cream-gel booster can transform troubled skin into a more youthful glow.
Harness the power of the remarkable 10% concentration of azelaic acid with this booster cream gel.
With a combination of azelaic and salicylic acid, this formula not only diminishes the appearance of pesky blemishes but also fades acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and dark spots.
You will also love the refreshing and non-irritating feel as the cream gel melts into your skin, instantly providing hydration and nourishment.
As it calms redness and inflammation, Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster is an absolute lifesaver for sensitive skin.
Top Azelaic Acid Products for Deep Cleansing
Wake up to smoother, clearer skin with Bliss Green Tea Wonder Clarifying Overnight Mask, which deeply cleanses your pores and moisturizes your skin while you sleep.
Primary benefits: Exfoliates skin surface; unclogs and tightens pores; rejuvenates the skin; moisturizes and nourishes
Features:
- Azelaic acid gently exfoliates old skin cells
- Green tea extract protects the skin from free radicals
- Aloe leaf juice soothes and calms the skin
This mask is enriched with azelaic acid and green tea extract, creating a gentle yet effective cleansing veil to reset your skin's natural balance and visibly tighten pores.
Get ready to experience the ultimate overnight skincare miracle with Bliss Green Tea Wonder Clarifying Overnight Mask.
This game-changing wonder transforms your beauty sleep into a rejuvenating journey and provides the care and attention your skin deserves.
With azelaic acid and green tea extract working together, this overnight mask gently exfoliates dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and banishes blemishes, revealing skin that’s smoother and more radiant.
Top Azelaic Acid Product for Soothing Skin
TULA offers an effective correcting gel that fights breakouts and brightens acne marks.
Primary benefits: Fades marks; fights and prevents future breakouts; brightens and smoothens skin
Features:
- 2% salicylic acid to unclog pores
- Niacinamide to brighten acne marks
- Prebiotics to promote healthy skin barrier
Formulated with acne-clearing and tone-clearing natural ingredients, TULA Skin Care improves skin texture and promotes skin's natural barrier for supple, more radiant skin.
This gel is formulated with a blend of potent ingredients, including azelaic acid, salicylic acid, and niacinamide) to provide the ultimate solution for tackling acne and correcting your skin tone.
It targets blemishes at their source, tightens pores, reduces pimples, and prevents future breakouts, all in one application!
The gel also fades post-acne marks and hyperpigmentation while hydrating and nourishing your skin.
It’s like having your own personal skin expert working around the clock to perfect your complexion.
Top Azelaic Acid Product for Photoaging
Sesderma Azelac Ru Facial Serum is formulated to treat sun damage and signs of photoaging, leaving you with blemish-free, smoother, and younger-looking skin.
Primary benefits: Blocks melanin production; fades blemishes; combats sun damage and signs of aging; brightens and evens out skin tone
Features:
- Tranexamic acid and vitamin C to treat hyperpigmentation
- Retinol and white mulberry root for anti-aging
- 4-butylresorcinol and azelaic acid to inhibit melanin production and treat acne
Its potent blend of active acids and natural ingredients reaches the deepest layers of your skin, treating dark spots and signs of aging at their source.
Discover the secret to luminous, even-toned skin with Sesderma Azelac Ru Facial Serum.
Formulated with a powerhouse combination of ingredients (azelaic acid, tranexamic acid, and vitamin C), this serum targets skin imperfections and fades sun spots, hyperpigmentation, and acne scars.
It’s infused with potent antioxidants like retinol and mulberry extract to help you say goodbye to fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging.
What Is Azelaic Acid?
Now that we’ve seen the top azelaic acid skincare products, let’s discover more about this powerhouse.
Origin
Azelaic acid is naturally derived from grains like barley, wheat, and rye.
It’s an organic compound that belongs to the family of dicarboxylic acids. It can also be produced synthetically.
Concentrations
The most common over-the-counter products that contain azelaic acid come in a 10% concentration.
But you can also buy 15% or 20% concentrations of azelaic acid with a doctor’s prescription.
Benefits
It works wonders by targeting common skin issues such as acne, hyperpigmentation, and uneven texture.
To know more about the benefits of azelaic acid, let’s explore a range of common skin concerns and discover how azelaic acid effectively addresses them.
| Skin Concern | How Azelaic Acid Works |
|---|---|
| Acne | Inhibits the growth of acne-causing bacteria to reduce inflammation and redness associated with acne breakouts, promoting a clearer complexion. |
| Hyperpigmentation | Regulates hyperpigmentation by inhibiting the enzyme responsible for melanin production. This helps fade dark spots, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation for a more even skin tone. |
| Rosacea | Alleviates redness associated with rosacea through anti-inflammatory properties by reducing the visibility of dilated blood vessels and calming the skin. |
| Texture and skin smoothness | Promotes cell turnover and exfoliation, aiding in the removal of dead skin cells to improve skin texture, smooth rough patches, and refine the skin. |
| Mild exfoliation | Gently exfoliates to unclog pores and remove dirt buildup, reducing blackheads and whiteheads for a clearer complexion. |
| Skin irritations | Reduces redness, inflammation, and skin sensitivity through anti-inflammatory properties, providing relief for acne and rosacea. |
| Aging | Neutralizes free radicals with antioxidant properties and contributes to the overall protection and health of the skin. |
| Oiliness | Normalizes sebum production to prevent clogged pores and breakouts. |
Unlocking the Power of Azelaic Acid: Perfect Pairings
While azelaic acid is a potent active ingredient, it also works better when paired with the right ingredients.
Let’s look at the perfect partnerships and potential pitfalls of incorporating azelaic acid into your skincare routine.
Active Ingredients That Go Well With Azelaic Acid
Combining azelaic acid with these complementary ingredients can result in a more comprehensive and targeted approach to skincare, helping you achieve your desired skin goals.
| Active Ingredients | Why It Works Well With Azelaic Acid |
|---|---|
| Niacinamide | Enhances brightening effects, reduces inflammation, regulates sebum production, and improves skin texture |
| Salicylic acid | Unclogs pores, reduces blackheads and whiteheads, clarifies the skin |
| Hyaluronic acid | Hydrates and plumps the skin, enhances moisture retention, improves skin texture |
| Vitamin C | Boosts brightening effects, provides antioxidant protection, evens out skin tone |
| Retinoids | Increases cell turnover, fades dark spots, improves skin texture |
| AHA | Exfoliates dead skin cells, improves skin texture and tone |
| Peptides | Supports collagen production, helps with skin firmness and elasticity |
| Ceramides | Strengthens the skin barrier, enhances hydration and moisture retention |
| Green tea extract | Provides antioxidant protection, soothes the skin |
| Centella asiatica | Calms inflammation, supports skin healing and repair |
| Aloe vera | Soothes and hydrates the skin, reduces redness and irritation |
| Allantoin | Provides soothing and healing properties, helps with skin regeneration |
| Probiotics | Supports a healthy skin microbiome, improves skin barrier function |
Ingredients To Avoid When Using Products With Azelaic Acid
Understanding what ingredients to avoid is just as crucial as knowing what to embrace.
That being said, here are actives that should be avoided or used with caution when incorporating products containing azelaic acid into your regimen.
| Active Ingredients | Why To Avoid or Use With Caution |
|---|---|
| Benzoyl peroxide | Can cause excessive dryness and irritation when used with azelaic acid |
| Hydroquinone | Can potentially increase skin sensitivity and lead to irritation |
| Exfoliating scrubs | May lead to over-exfoliation and increased sensitivity |
| Harsh chemical facial peels | Can cause excessive skin irritation and sensitivity when combined with azelaic acid |
| Fragrance or essential oils | May cause skin irritation and sensitization |
| Alcohol | Can lead to dryness and potential irritation |
| Strong acids (pH < 3) | May disrupt the skin’s pH balance and cause irritation |
While these ingredients may have their own individual benefits, it’s important to exercise caution and avoid combining them with azelaic acid to prevent potential adverse reactions.
If you wish to incorporate any of these actives into your beauty routine, seek guidance from a skincare professional to ensure safe and effective use of these ingredients alongside azelaic acid.
Choosing the Top Azelaic Acid Product To Achieve Smoother, Clearer, More Radiant Skin
Azelaic acid is a true game changer in the realm of skincare.
From serums to creams and masks, each product harnesses the power of azelaic acid to address a range of skin concerns, such as acne, hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, and texture issues.
Whether you’re struggling with stubborn acne and dark spots or simply seeking a radiant complexion, adding azelaic acid to your daily routine can yield impressive results.
But remember, consistency is key. Be patient as your skin adjusts to the product. Results may vary from person to person, but with regular use and proper skincare habits, you’ll soon notice its transformative effects.
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