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
AjoeneAloe vera
alpha-pinene
berberine
bisabolol
black cumin
burdock
bасора
Cannabis sativa oil
chamomile
cucumber
turmeric
curcumin
DIM (diindolylmethane)
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
evening primrose oil
garlic bulb
green tea
hemp oil
honeysuckle
L-cystine
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Lactobacillus casei
Lactobacillus reuteri
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Lactoperoxidase
lauric acid
lavender
licorice root
Monolaurin
Niacinamide (vitamin B3)
omega-3 fatty acids
omega-6 fatty acids
oregon grape
pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
phenolic compounds
scrophularia root
Sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vitamin A
vitamin B
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin E
seaweed
Zinc
shen-chu
Neem tree
paederia foetida
Tinospora cordifolia
blackboard tree
chrysanthemum
Morinda
oriental arborvitae
trace minerals
anemarrhena asphodeloides
fulvic acid
herbal blend (proprietary)
melaleuca alternifolia
indigo leaves
15,16-Dihydrotanshinone I
ash
apple cider vinegar
alpha-terpineol
azelaic acid
Allicin
Abrus
andrographolide
Alpha hydroxy acids
Allantoin
Asteraceae
argan nut oil
Anemarrhena
bee propolis
black seed
babchi
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
banyan
bee products
Bassia scoparia
coconut
caryophyllene
Calendula
chlorophyllin
carvacrol
Curcuminoid
Chinese raisintree
curcumen
Centipeda
Curcuma
chinatree
castile soap
copaiba oil
Clerodendrum indicum
cannabichromene
cannabigerol
Dianthus
Eclipta
essential oil blend
evening primrose oil
ethyl linoleate
eugenol
estrogen
fatty acids
gallic acid
Glycolic acid
glyceryl monolaurate
Glabridin
honey
heal-all
Hydrocolloid
henna
Himalaya berry
hemp
Isatis
Immortelle
Indian fagonia
jojoba oil
Kigelia africana
Kokilaksha
Lactobacillus plantarum
Litsea
lactic acid
Lactobacillus
Labdanum
Melia
Monoterpenes
mangostin
Momordica
Mahonia
Marking Nut Tree
Nigella seed
Propolis
Pentacyclic triterpenoids
phlorotannins
probiotics
Pansit-pansitan
Peptides
Sophora
Sesquiterpenes
Shikonin
Self-Heal
Soapberry
Stellaria dichotoma
Smoketree
Terpenoids
Thymoquinone
Terpinen-4-ol
Triterpenes
Thymol
Tea Tree Oil
Tagetes
Violet
Viola
White Tea
Wrightia tinctoria
Witch Hazel
Xanthorrhizol
Other health conditions supported by azelaic acid
AcneAge Spots
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Dermatitis
Lesions
Rosacea
Seborrhea
Skin (infections)
Skin (oily)
Skin Care (general)