Ingredient 101: How to Use Azelaic Acid for Acne, Rosacea & Hyperpigmentation?

Azelaic acid might sound like a harsh, scary ingredient that'll melt your face off (don't worry, it doesn't) BUT—once you get to know more about it—it actually turns out to be one of the most gentle, mildest acids that can only do good and wonders for your skin. Hailed for its gentleness and versatility, azelaic acid is a favorite among dermatologists as it helps with way more than just acne breakouts. That's why it's time we gave this underrated skincare ingredient a little shout-out and some well-deserved recognition for the work it does for rosacea and hyperpigemention! If you are struggling with mind-boggling and have nowhere else to turn to, keep scrolling to see how azelaic acid might just become your next game-changer!


What is azelaic acid?

Azelaic acid is a natural material produced by a yeast that lives on normal skin. Labelled as a tyrosinase inhibitor and a gentle exfoliant, azelaic acid helps prevent and treat hyperpigmentation on the skin, which is found to be particularly useful for darker skinned patients with persistent acne scars or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation as well as melasma.

azelaic acid

Azelaic acid is also a powerful antibacterial antioxidant that works to unclog pores and is more mild than other acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid and adapalene, making it more suitable for those sensitive skin, acne and rosacea. This explains why azelaic acid is often used as a topical treatment for mild to moderate acne, and may be combined with oral antibiotics or hormonal therapy. It is useful for both comedonal acne and inflammatory acne.

What does azelaic acid do?

1. Evens out skin tone: Azelaic acid helps lighten skin that’s discolored by melanin.

2. Treats hyperpigmentation: Azelaic acid stops discolored skin cells from populating and minimizes acne scarring.

3. Prevents acne breakouts: Azelaic acid has great antibacterial properties which help clear your pores of bacteria that may be causing irritation or acne breakouts.

4. Reduces inflammation: Azelaic acid soothes irritation and helps to improve red bumps caused by inflammation.

5. Heals damaged skin: Azelaic acid encourages cell turnover so the skin heals more quickly and scarring is minimized.

6. Treats rosacea skin: Azelaic acid is effective in treating pore-clogging, inflammation, and secondary infections caused by rosacea.


How to use azelaic acid?

Under most circumstances, azelaic acid can be applied topically to your skin in gel, foam, serum, and cream form. In general, anyone with acne-prone, rosacea-prone skin, and hyperpigmentation should consider using azelaic acid in their daily skincare routine to help improve their skin conditions. Thanks to its mild nature, dermatologists say that azelaic acid is suitable for all skin types and is even safe for those who are pregnant. You can also pair azelaic acid with alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA), beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), and retinol. With all these azelaic acid benefits in mind, scroll down to see how you can use this powerhouse ingredient in your daily regimen with the best azelaic acid products!

Azelaic Acid for Acne

- Best Azelaic Acid Cream -

The Ordinary - Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%

Courtesy of Skincare Brand - The Ordinary

STYLEVANA K-Beauty Review: Adding The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% to your daily skincare routine is pretty much a no-brainer. Designed specifically to even out skin tone and clear blemishes on acne-prone skin, this The Ordinary Azelaic Acid cream is packed with high concentration of azelaic acid to help brighten skin tone and visibly improves skin texture. Coupled with its soothing craem-like texture, this fan-favorite azelaic acid suspension 10 formula does not cause any irritation which means it’s gentle enough for daily use as part of your skincare regimen.

Azelaic Acid for Hyperpigmentation

- Best Azelaic Acid Serum -

Cos De BAHA - Azelaic Acid 10% Serum (AZ)

Cos De BAHA Azelaic Acid 10% Serum

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Cos De BAHA

STYLEVANA K-Beauty Review: Infused with 10% azaelaic acid, the Cos De BAHA Azelaic Acid 10% Serum is hailed as a wonder-working serum for fading acne scars, getting rid of blackheads and improving hyperpigmentation. This potent yet lightweight serum is also formulated with organically-derived skin-soothers such as aloe vera leaf extract, witch hazel extract + rosemary extract so you can have the extra calming treatment for your easily irritated skin.

Azelaic Acid for Rosacea

- Best Essence with Azelaic Acid -

Benton - Snail Bee High Content Essence

Benton Snail Bee High Content Essence

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Benton

STYLEVANA K-Beauty Review: For sensitive rosacea skin, the best all-in-one solution your skin could ask for will come from the Benton Snail Bee High Content Essence. This Benton holy grail is hailed as one of the most popular Korean essences and for all the right reasons! It is enriched with a rich mix of 90% snail mucin, bee venom, niacinamide and azelaic acid to deliver powerful hydration and soothing support to calm any irritation. Its gel-like texture turns into a watery liquid with is extra comforting to the skin, not to mention it absorbs very quickly into the skin. This fragrance free essence is also safe for acne-prone and sensitive skin so if you're looking for a niacinamide serum that checks all the boxes for your sensitive skin, this would be perfect for you!


Want to test it out and see if azelaic acid is your next MVP ingredient? Browse our best azelaic acid products to refine your Korean skincare routine starting today! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to get more instant product updates and skincare tips!

Disclaimer: We strongly recommend anyone with problematic skin conditions seek professional advice from dermatologists and sort out what ingredient works best for your skin type to get the result you want.