Great for acne, skin redness, and hyperpigmentation, azelaic acid is a powerful skincare ingredient worth adding to your routine. If you have decided to give it a try and enjoy the magical effects azelaic acid produces, here are the best azelaic acid products to add to your skincare routine! We have come up with a few recommendations for excellent azelaic acid skincare products, from creams to serums.
1. The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
Known for their formulation of affordable serums and emulsions, with actives that are proven to be effective and at exactly the right acidity level, it is no surprise that The Ordinary’s 10% azelaic acid is on the list of the best azelaic acid products. It comes in the form of a silky cream that is easy to use.
Just make sure to give this silicone-based formula a few moments to settle into the skin before applying anything else, since pilling can occur if it is mixed with other products. It is available for sale through Amazon.
2. DermaDoctor PhotoDynamic Therapy Age Spot Eraser & Skin Brightener
The focus with this azelaic acid cream was on brightening the skin, so it was paired with other phenomenal skin-brightening ingredients like licorice root extract and bearberry extract. It is a creamy formula that is ideal for dry skin, although for oily skin types, it could replace an evening moisturizer. You can purchase it from Amazon.
3. PCA Skin Acne Gel
This is a perfect azelaic acid formulation for acne-prone skin. It combines the antibacterial effects of azelaic acid with the exfoliating and pore-clarifying effects of salicylic acid to quickly and effectively eliminate and prevent breakouts. This gentle formula will also help lighten hyperpigmentation, and is great for most skin types (although those with sensitive skin should be cautious). It retails on Dermstore.
4. Murad Redness Therapy Recovery Gel
This gel treatment from Murad is specifically formulated for sensitive skin. It can be worn alone as a moisturizer (especially if you have oily skin) or layered under one. This product uses a gentler version of azelaic acid that is perfect for sensitive skin, and it is paired here with other skin-soothing ingredients like zinc oxide, pomegranate extract, and peppermint extract. It is available for sale at Walmart.
5. Curology
This is not so much a product as it is a very cool skincare service. Curology connects you with a dermatologist that, based on your skin type and needs, prescribes a custom blend of extremely active ingredients that very often include azelaic acid, exactly at the percentage that it’ll most help your skin. They might add other active ingredients like tretinoin, niacinamide, vitamin C, and more.
6. Jan Marini BioGlycolic Bioclear Lotion
This is a glycolic acid peel with azelaic acid and salicylic acid – a pretty cool way of exfoliating while also dealing with acne and redness. It is a heavy-duty product that is perfect for those with thicker skin, hyperpigmentation, and acne-prone skin. This lotion should be introduced into the skincare routine slowly, because it is powerful. You can pick up a bottle through Dermstore.
Photos via Sephora