Evidence supporting the use of: Azelaic acid
For the health condition: Antibiotics (alternatives to)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Azelaic acid is primarily used as a topical treatment for conditions such as acne vulgaris and rosacea, both of which are often treated with antibiotics. The rationale for using azelaic acid as an alternative to antibiotics is supported by scientific evidence. Azelaic acid possesses antimicrobial properties, particularly against Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes) and Staphylococcus epidermidis, which are implicated in acne pathogenesis. In addition to its antimicrobial activity, azelaic acid exhibits anti-inflammatory effects, further contributing to its efficacy in acne and rosacea treatment.

Several randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have shown that topical azelaic acid (usually in 15-20% formulations) is comparable in efficacy to topical antibiotics such as clindamycin and erythromycin for mild to moderate acne. Azelaic acid is also effective in rosacea, where it reduces papules, pustules, and erythema. Importantly, azelaic acid does not appear to induce bacterial resistance, making it a valuable alternative to antibiotics, especially amid growing concerns about antibiotic resistance. For these reasons, dermatological guidelines often recommend azelaic acid as either a first-line or adjunctive therapy for acne and rosacea, particularly in cases where antibiotic stewardship is a concern.

Overall, the use of azelaic acid as an alternative to antibiotics in dermatology is justified by moderate scientific evidence (rated 3 out of 5), with support from clinical trials, mechanistic studies, and clinical practice guidelines.

More about azelaic acid
More about Antibiotics (alternatives to)

Other ingredients used for Antibiotics (alternatives to)

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2'-Fucosyllactose
3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoic acid
3-Phenyllactic Acid
Acemannan
Ajoene
Alantolactone
Alchornea
Algae
Algal protein
Allicin
Alliin
Allyl sulfide
alpha-terpineol
Alstonia scholaris
anamu
Andrographis
andrographolide
Asteraceae
astragalus
aucubin
azelaic acid
Bacillus
bacillus clausii
Bacillus indicus
Bacillus licheniformis
bacillus subtilis
bacteria
baicalin
Baphicacanthus cusia
Basidiomycota
bee hive
bee products
bee propolis
benzyl isothiocyanate
berberine
betulinic acid
Bidens pilosa
black cumin
black walnut
Blue-Green Alage
Bombax
Borassus aethiopum
Brazilian peppertree
Brevibacillus laterosporus
Butea monosperma
butyric acid
Calotropis gigantea
capric acid
caprylic acid
carvacrol
caterpillar mushroom
Centipeda
chalcone
Chinese raisintree
cinnamaldehyde
cinnamic acid
citral
Clerodendrum indicum
Clostridium butyricum
clove
coconut
coconut oil
colostrum
copaiba oil
Coptis chinensis
curcumin
Dichrostachys glomerata
Embelia
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
eugenol
European Elder
flavonoids
Fomes fomentarius
fungus
gallic acid
garlic
garlic bulb
geranium
ginger
glyceryl monolaurate
golden shower tree
goldenseal
gooseberry
green tea
Guava
heal-all
Helicteres isora
Herb Robert
honey
honeysuckle
horseradish
Houttuynia
Indian coraltree
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Indian tinospora
Isatis
isoquinoline alkaloids
Kefir
L. lactis
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus
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Lactobacillus fermentum
Lactobacillus johnsonii
Lactobacillus paracasei
Lactobacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus reuteri
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Lactoferrin
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Lantana camara
lauric acid
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lichen
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lysozyme
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melaleuca alternifolia
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oregano
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oriental arborvitae
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Osha
oyster mushroom
paederia foetida
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pagoda tree
papaya
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pau d'arco
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phenolic compounds
phlorotannins
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pistacia integerrima gall
plantain
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Pleurotus eryngii
polylysine
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turmeric
vitamin C
Wasabi
Wrightia tinctoria
Xanthorrhizol
Yellow root
Zinc

Products containing azelaic acid

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