Azelaic acid | What is it, and the best products to try now -

We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.

Best for sensitive skin

SkinCeuticals Phyto A+ Brightening Treatment

Best for sensitive skin

SkinCeuticals Phyto A+ Brightening Treatment

Now 10% Off

Credit: Facethefuture

Skinceuticals' gel-like moisturiser is one worth paying attention to if you struggle to bring down redness and breakouts in the warmer months. It's extremely light, yet provides enough moisture to make dry, tight skin feel soothed and hydrated. With a modest 3 per cent azelaic acid and 2 per cent alpha arbutin (a brightening antioxidant that tackles melasma and sun spots) it's a gentle yet powerful option for easily upset skin.

Best for rosacea

Dr. Sam's Flawless Brightly Serum

Best for rosacea

Dr. Sam's Flawless Brightly Serum

Credit: Dr. Sam's

Dr. Bunting's own azelaic acid serum is a true favourite among the Bazaar beauty team – so much so, we gave it a Best of the Best award in the year that it launched.

Here, 10 per cent azelaic acid is combined with pore-clearing niacinamide and a gentle (read: acne-friendly) antioxidant to create a fast-absorbing serum that treats inflammatory flares, breakouts and uneven skin tone. Start with half a pump, every other day.

Best for brightening

Drunk Elephant Bouncy Brightfacial™

Best for brightening

Drunk Elephant Bouncy Brightfacial™

Credit: Space NK

Drunk Elephant's latest launch has really impressed us in its ability to fade post-acne scarring. With a significant dose of azelaic acid cocktailed with salicylic acid, it'll help keep breakout-prone skin clear while fading all forms of pigmentation too. Apply it to cleansed skin in the evening – if you're very sensitive, try mixing into a simple moisturiser.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Best for acne and rosacea

Skin + Me Azelaic Acid-Powered Night Cream

Best for acne and rosacea

Skin + Me Azelaic Acid-Powered Night Cream

Credit: Skin and Me

Online dermatology service Skin + Me now offers a small line-up of 'off the shelf' formulas, ready to purchase without a prescription. This one is targetted towards treating acne and rosacea, with an effective dose of azelaic acid in a simple cream base. Each vial is dose-controlled and designed to last a month.

Best for spot-treating breakouts

Medik8 Blemish SOS™

Best for spot-treating breakouts

Medik8 Blemish SOS™

Credit: Medik8

This fast-acting gel is best for treating unexpected blemishes. Formulated with azelaic acid alongside niacinamide and salicylic acid, it'll take the heat out of an angry spot and restore order without upsetting your skin barrier.

Best for pigmentation

Niod RE: Pigment

Best for pigmentation

Niod RE: Pigment

Credit: Space NK

This light and watery serum visibly brightens pigmentation – be it sun damage or post-acne markings – but you will need to use it consistently and patiently (miracles don't happen overnight).

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Best for pigmentation

Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster

Best for pigmentation

Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster

Credit: Space NK

Blending azelaic and salicylic acids, this concentrated serum is an especially good choice for blemishes. Liquorice extract, which helps to brighten lingering scars and redness, rounds out this brilliantly effective formula.

Best for breakouts

Dermalogica Breakout Clearing Liquid Peel

Best for breakouts

Dermalogica Breakout Clearing Liquid Peel

Credit: Space NK

This one is less of a sensitive skin-soother and more of a power clarifier, working to eliminate congestion and resurface lingering scars with major effectivity. The azelaic acid serves as a calming counter to the heft dose of oil-dissolving acids, meaning you get brighter, more even skin without the redness and irritation.

Best for all concerns

Dermatica Azelaic Acid 20% Cream

Best for all concerns

Dermatica Azelaic Acid 20% Cream

Credit: Dermatica

Bridging the gap between over-the-counter and prescription skincare, Dermatica allows you access to a dermatologist without an in-person appointment.

Simply send the team photos of your skin, and they'll perform an in-depth analysis before prescribing you the best prescription-strength formulas, including this 20 per cent azelaic acid cream.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Best for pigmentation and moderate breakouts

This Works Morning Expert Multi-Acid Pads

Best for pigmentation and moderate breakouts

This Works Morning Expert Multi-Acid Pads

Credit: Sephora

These swipe-on pads are soaked in a blend of AHAs and azelaic acid, so work especially well on dry, congested skin that needs a helping hand in the resurfacing stakes. Be sure to gradually increase your usage, and always wear a good facial SPF by day.

Best for soothing spots

Mantle The Treat

Best for soothing spots

Mantle The Treat

Blending 10% azelaic acid with CBD – the proprietary ingredient across Mantle skincare – this formula is strong yet soothing, tackling unbalanced skin, whether by way of breakouts or uneven tone. Apply a small amount to areas in need as the first step in your skincare routine after cleansing, or mix it with your serum/moisturiser to supercharge their formulas.

Watch Next

preview for Harper's Bazaar UK - Inside My Beauty Bag

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qa3RqZyrq5KWx6Kt0WeaqKVfqrhwrsSarK2xX5yBcXyTbW9yal%2BWx6a4wKKaZpmTnrFw