Evidence supporting the use of: Azelaic acid
For the health condition: Acne
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 5
Azelaic acid is scientifically validated for the treatment of acne. It is a naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid found in grains such as wheat, rye, and barley. Multiple randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have established its efficacy in reducing both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions. Azelaic acid works through several mechanisms: it possesses antimicrobial properties (notably against Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis), reduces keratin production which can block pores, and exhibits anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, azelaic acid has been shown to normalize the differentiation of skin cells and reduce the formation of comedones (clogged pores).
Clinical guidelines, including those from the American Academy of Dermatology, recommend azelaic acid (usually in 15-20% topical formulations) as a treatment option, especially for patients who cannot tolerate topical retinoids or benzoyl peroxide. Its safety profile is favorable, with minimal systemic absorption and few side effects, making it suitable for long-term use and for individuals with sensitive skin or during pregnancy (category B medication). Overall, the use of azelaic acid for acne is strongly supported by high-quality scientific evidence, and its efficacy and safety are well recognized in dermatological practice.
Other ingredients used for Acne
15,16-Dihydrotanshinone IAbrus
Ajoene
Allantoin
Allicin
Aloe vera
Alpha hydroxy acids
alpha-pinene
alpha-terpineol
andrographolide
Anemarrhena
anemarrhena asphodeloides
apple cider vinegar
argan nut oil
ash
Asteraceae
azelaic acid
babchi
banyan
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bassia scoparia
bee products
bee propolis
berberine
Bidens pilosa
black cumin
black seed
blackboard tree
burdock
bасора
Calendula
cannabichromene
cannabigerol
Cannabis sativa oil
carvacrol
caryophyllene
castile soap
Centipeda
chamomile
chinatree
Chinese raisintree
chlorophyllin
chrysanthemum
Clerodendrum indicum
coconut
copaiba oil
cucumber
Curcuma
curcumen
curcumin
Curcuminoid
Dianthus
DIM (diindolylmethane)
Eclipta
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
essential oil blend
estrogen
ethyl linoleate
eugenol
evening primrose oil
evening primrose oil
fatty acids
fulvic acid
gallic acid
garlic bulb
Glabridin
glyceryl monolaurate
Glycolic acid
green tea
heal-all
hemp
hemp oil
henna
herbal blend (proprietary)
Himalaya berry
honey
honeysuckle
Hydrocolloid
Immortelle
Indian fagonia
indigo leaves
Isatis
jojoba oil
Kigelia africana
Kokilaksha
L-cystine
Labdanum
lactic acid
Lactobacillus
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Lactobacillus casei
Lactobacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus reuteri
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Lactoperoxidase
lauric acid
lavender
licorice root
Litsea
Mahonia
mangostin
Marking Nut Tree
melaleuca alternifolia
Melia
Momordica
Monolaurin
Monoterpenes
Morinda
Neem tree
Niacinamide (vitamin B3)
Nigella seed
omega-3 fatty acids
omega-6 fatty acids
oregon grape
oriental arborvitae
paederia foetida
Pansit-pansitan
pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
Pentacyclic triterpenoids
Peptides
phenolic compounds
phlorotannins
probiotics
Propolis
scrophularia root
seaweed
Self-Heal
Sesquiterpenes
shen-chu
Shikonin
Smoketree
Soapberry
Sophora
Sphaeranthus indicus
Stellaria dichotoma
Tagetes
Tea Tree Oil
Terpenoids
Terpinen-4-ol
thyme
Thymol
Thymoquinone
Tinospora cordifolia
trace minerals
Triterpenes
turmeric
Viola
Violet
vitamin A
vitamin B
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin E
White Tea
Witch Hazel
Wrightia tinctoria
Xanthorrhizol
Zinc
Other health conditions supported by azelaic acid
AcneAge Spots
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Dermatitis
Lesions
Rosacea
Seborrhea
Skin (infections)
Skin (oily)
Skin Care (general)