Azelaic Acid
RATING: EXCELLENT
- CAS number: 123-99-9
- INCI name: AZELAIC ACID
Who can use it?
Everyone, it can benefit every skin type from blemish prone and post breakout rosacea.
Quick Facts
- Also known as Carboxylic Acid
- Considered an acid superstar with the amounts of benefits it contains
- Often mistaken for a member of the AHA and BHA family, it is a carboxylic acid
- High effective at helping sooth rosacea-prone and acne-prone skin types
- It can also help treat signs of melasma and reduce the sign of dark spots and hyperpigmentation
What is Azelaic Acid?
Azelaic acid is a chemical exfoliant that is derived from wheat, barley and rye. Although Azelaic acid is not actually a member of the Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) family it does contain similar skin benefits as well as a great deal more. It is one of the very few acids that can be used by every skin type, with its abilities to unblock the pores of dirt and debris, making it a potent acne-fighting ingredient, but remains gentle enough to sooth and calm any flare-ups of rosacea and skin redness. Not to mention this acid’s skin lightening properties that are able to combat any hyperpigmentation by visibly reducing the appearance acne scars and dark spots that often occur after a breakout. This is not the only way it can treat the skin and reduce any acne flare-ups, it is one of the very few ingredients that can combat the acne-causing ingredient called Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) all in all, making it spots and blemishes worse nightmare!
Side effects of Azelaic Acid
This is a potent acid and if over-used or incorrectly applied can cause skin dryness and irritation. Always ensure you follow the instructions that are usually found on the packaging of the product.
SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE
- Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, Volume 3 (2) – Apr 1, 2004, Alpha‐hydroxyacids and carboxylic acids
- Cutaneous and ocular toxicology., 2011 Dec;30(4):286-91., Combination of azelaic acid 5% and clindamycin 2% for the treatment of acne vulgaris.
- Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, September 2015 | Volume 14 | Issue 9, Azelaic Acid: Evidence-based Update on Mechanism of Action and Clinical Application
