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Ingredient Receipt · Tone & dark spots

Azelaic acid

INCI: Azelaic Acid

A dicarboxylic acid used for acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation. One of the better-studied options.

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Illustrative image

01 · In plain English

Often recommended for post-acne marks. Is the evidence there?

02 · What it does

Azelaic acid has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects and inhibits tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in melanin production.

Prescription strengths are commonly 15–20%; cosmetic products often use lower amounts or derivatives.

03 · What the evidence says

  • Acne and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.well-supported
  • Uneven tone in pigment-prone skin.limited evidence

04 · Insufficient evidence

  • Low-percentage cosmetic versions and “azelaic derivatives”, which are less studied than prescription strengths.

05 · Compatibility

  • Can tingle at first. Usually fine alongside niacinamide and sunscreen.
  • Introduce slowly if you already use retinoids or exfoliating acids.

The Receipt

  1. 01Strong paper trail, especially when breakouts and marks show up together.

Education, not a diagnosis. If something changes quickly, hurts, bleeds, or worries you, see a dermatologist.

Sources (2)
  1. Fitton A, Goa KL. Azelaic acid: a review of its pharmacological properties and therapeutic efficacy in acne and hyperpigmentary skin disorders. Drugs. 1991.
  2. Davis EC, Callender VD. Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation: a review of the epidemiology, clinical features, and treatment options in skin of color. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2010.

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