Niacinamide [1] has been picking up steam as the do-it-all skin-care ingredient in the last few years, and rightfully so. However, there is another fairly underrated ingredient that is just as versatile and deserves as much of the hype. Meet azelaic acid, the game-changing skin-care ingredient [2] that also does it all. It is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial [3], and a tyrosinase inhibitor (in other words, it helps fade hyperpigmentation). Traditionally, azelaic acid is used to treat those with rosacea, but it can be beneficial for anyone.
This ingredient is a must-have for those who have acne-prone, sensitive, or generally reactive skin. If you have dark spots or scars, it is as powerful as the controversial ingredient hydroquinone but without the side effects. It's pregnancy-safe, plays well with a lot of other ingredients including niacinamide, and can be used by all skin types. Whether you use products with this ingredient day or night, sunscreen [4] is a must. From serums to masks, we curated the best skin-care products that contain azelaic acid.
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
The Ordinary's Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% [6] ($8) is a purse-friendly option for those wanting to try azelaic acid. Apply quickly onto skin as the texture is slightly trickier to spread, but it's cost-effective and delivers gentle results.
Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster
Combining azelaic acid with pore-refining salicylic acid, the Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster [7] ($36) is a great option for those with persistent breakouts who also want to brighten pesky scarring. Just add a drop into any serum or moisturizer for an extra boost.
PCA Skin Pigment Gel HQ Free
The PCA Skin Pigment Gel HQ Free [8] ($64) is a powerful spot treatment that can diminish acne and dark spots.
Ren Clean Skincare Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Toner
The Ren Clean Skincare Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Toner [9] ($38) is a gentle yet effective toner loaded with exfoliating acids.
Tula Clear It Up Acne Clearing and Tone Correcting Gel
The Tula Clear It Up Acne Clearing and Tone Correcting Gel [10] ($36) is perfect for those who have reactive and acne-prone skin.
Allies of Skin Promise Keeper Blemish Sleeping Facial
The Rolls-Royce of azelaic acid products, Allies of Skin Promise Keeper Blemish Sleeping Facial [11] ($109) is as close to a professional treatment as you'll get. The formula is packed with pore-refiners and skin hydrators to simultaneously deep-clean and hydrate the skin.
HoliFrog Galilee Antioxidant Dewy Drop
The HoliFrog Galilee Antioxidant Dewy Drop [12] ($52) is a great way to treat your skin with azelaic acid and antioxidants.
Glytone Enhance Brightening Serum
The Glytone Enhance Brightening Serum [13] ($74) has glycolic acid in it as well.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Clinical Grade IPL Dark Spot Correcting Serum
The Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Clinical Grade IPL Dark Spot Correcting Serum [14] ($92) is a facial in a bottle, containing skin-brightening ingredients like vitamin C, kojic acid, and lactic acid.
Versed Weekend Glow Daily Brightening Solution
The Versed Weekend Glow Daily Brightening Solution [15] ($18) is an affordable exfoliating toner that is powerful yet gentle enough for daily use.
Bliss Green Tea Wonder
The Bliss Green Tea Wonder [16] ($15) is a clarifying and calming overnight mask that can help reduce inflammation in the skin.
Lancer Skincare Clarifying Detox Mask with Green Tea + 3% Sulfur
The Lancer Skincare Clarifying Detox Mask with Green Tea + 3% Sulfur [17] ($75) is perfect for acne-prone, textured skin.
Paula's Choice Resist Advanced Smoothing Treatment 10% AHA
The Paula's Choice Resist Advanced Smoothing Treatment 10% AHA [18] ($37) is a powerful serum filled with skin-renewing acids perfect for acne-prone skin.
Urban Skin Rx Retinol Rapid Repair & Dark Spot Treatment
The Urban Skin Rx Retinol Rapid Repair & Dark Spot Treatment [19] ($25) also contains kojic acid, perfect for diminishing hyperpigmentation.
Arcona Brightening Drops
The Arcona Brightening Drops [20] ($44) is an amazing serum that is loaded with other skin-brightening ingredients like alpha arbutin and kojic acid.
Naturium Azelaic Topical Acid 10%
The Naturium Azelaic Topical Acid 10% [21] ($20) also contains niacinamide and vitamin C.
Cos de Baha Azelaic Acid 10% Serum With Niacinamide
The Cos de Baha Azelaic Acid 10% Serum With Niacinamide [22] ($13) is an affordable choice with superstar ingredients such as niacinamide and hyaluronic acid.