The Basics On Azelaic Acid
What is Azelaic Acid?
A type of acid known as a dicarboxylic acid derived from grains that offers numerous benefits when applied to skin.
What are other names for Azelaic Acid?
1,7-DICARBOXYHEPTANE, 1,7-HEPTANEDICARBOXYLIC ACID, ANCHOIC ACID, AZELAIC ACID, LEPARGYLIC ACID, and NONANEDIOIC ACID
What is Azelaic Acid used for?
Azelaic acid is a saturated dicarboxylic acid found naturally in wheat, rye, and barley. It is a natural substance that is produced by Malassezia furfur (also known as Pityrosporum ovale), a yeast that lives on normal skin1. Azelaic acid possesses antibacterial, keratolytic, comedolytic, and anti-oxidant activity. Azelaic acid is bactericidal against Proprionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis due to its inhibitory effect on the synthesis of microbial cellular proteins1. Azelaic acid exerts its keratolytic and comedolytic effects by reducing the thickness of the stratum corneum and decreasing the number of keratohyalin granules by reducing the amount and distribution of filaggrin in epidermal layers. Azelaic acid also possesses a direct anti-inflammatory effect due to its scavenger activity of free oxygen radical1. Azaelic acid has an excellent profile but may cause some stinging2.
How Azelaic Acid is classified
Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants, Exfoliant
Recommendations for using Azelaic Acid during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Limited data suggests no known risk
Azelaic Acid During Pregnancy
What we know about using Azelaic Acid while pregnant or breastfeeding
Considered safe for use during pregnancy
N/A
General safety info about Azelaic Acid from CIR
No report found.
Use this, not that!
Products where you might find Azelaic Acid
Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster (1 fl. oz.); The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%; Dr. Brandt Skincare Dark Spots No More Triple Acid Spot Minimizing Concentrate; philosophy The Microdelivery Triple-Acid Brightening Peel; REN Clean Skincare Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Toner; alpyn beauty PlantGenius Brightening Survival Serum
List of References
General sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/
1. Azaelic acid ‚Äì Pharmacology and Biochemistry. PubChem- Open Chemistry Database. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/azelaic_acid#section=Pharmacology-and-Biochemistry. Published 2018. Accessed September 2018. 2. Draelos Z. Skin lightening preparations and the hydroquinone controversy. Dermatologic Therapy. 2007;20(5):308-313. 3. Breathnach A. Melanin hyperpigmentation of skin: melasma, topical treatment with azelaic acid, and other therapies. Cutis. 1996;57(1 Suppl):36-45. [PubMed] 4. Sarkar R, Bhalla M, Kanwar A. A comparative study of 20% azelaic acid cream monotherapy versus a sequential therapy in the treatment of melasma in dark-skinned patients. Dermatology. 2002;205(3):249-254. [PubMed] 5. Dayal S, Sahu P, Dua R. Combination of glycolic acid peel and topical 20% azelaic acid cream in melasma patients: efficacy and improvement in quality of life. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2017;16(1):35-42. [PubMed] 6. Worret W, Fluhr J. [Acne therapy with topical benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics and azelaic acid]. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2006;4(4):293-300. [PubMed] 7. Azaelic acid. EWG’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Database. https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/700603/AZELAIC_ACID/#.W7BzfGgzZhE. Published 2018. Accessed October 2018.
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
