If you spend any time in the skincare corners of TikTok or Reddit, you’ve probably come across azelaic acid. It’s a multitasking ingredient that’s technically a dicarboxylic acid, not the usual AHA or BHA. Because it can handle everything from breakouts and redness to dark spots, it’s no surprise that more and more brands are launching azelaic acid products. Many people see it as the unsung hero of exfoliants.
According to board-certified dermatologist Michele Green, MD, azelaic acid is approved to treat acne, rosacea, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It works thanks to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-melanogenic properties. It can help calm redness, clear breakouts, and fade discoloration, so you don’t need a separate product for each issue.
Vogue’s Favorite Azelaic Acid Products
Best Overall: Shani Darden Rescue Serum with 10% Azelaic Complex, $68
Best for Beginners: Anua Azelaic Acid 10 Serum, $22
Best for Uneven Texture and Tone: Anfisa Skin ÂN-DEW 10% Azelaic Acid + PHA Serum, $125
Best for Sensitive Skin: Medicube Azelaic Acid 10 Soothing Serum, $19
Best Booster: Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster, $40
Best for Dark Spots: Allies of Skin Azelaic and Kojic Advanced Clarifying Serum, $99
Best for Post-Breakout Marks: Lion Pose Unspotted 4X Acid Jelly Night Serum, $79
On top of that, azelaic acid is fairly gentle, which makes it a good choice for people who want to address clogged pores and uneven skin tone without the irritation that stronger acne treatments can cause. Esthetician Elizabeth Grace Hand adds, “It gives the skin such a great, even glow. It’s one of those ingredients that works for a really wide range of skin types, including tricky sensitive skin, which is probably why we’re seeing it everywhere right now.”
And going back to Dr. Henry’s point, azelaic acid is especially appealing for people with melanin-rich skin who want to treat hyperpigmentation. Some ingredients used for discoloration can be irritating, but azelaic acid is usually well tolerated. “It is gentle, and with repeated use, it can help to gradually even tone,” adds board-certified dermatologist Evan Rieder.
Ahead, we’ve rounded up our favorite azelaic acid products for every skin type and concern, plus expert tips on how to add them to your routine.
In This Story
What percentage of azelaic acid is best?
How to use azelaic acid
What products should you not pair with azelaic acid?
How We Tested
Meet the Experts
Best Overall: Shani Darden Rescue Serum with 10% Azelaic Complex
Shani Darden
Rescue Serum
$68 at Amazon
Why We Love It: This serum clears up discoloration, breakouts, fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scars while smoothing the skin. It’s packed with hydrating ingredients like aloe vera and panthenol, so your skin never feels stripped. “Formulated with oat-kernel extract, aloe vera, licorice-root extract, and panthenol, it offers superb anti-inflammatory and calming benefits,” adds Dr. Reszko.
Editor’s Experience: “I love that this serum tackles several concerns at once, from blemishes and discoloration to redness, without feeling overly aggressive. It’s easy to work into a daily routine, especially if you have acne-prone skin that’s also sensitive.” — Iman Balagam, Contributor
Key Ingredients: Azelaic acid, licorice-root extract, oat-kernel extract
Size: 1 oz.
Best for Beginners: Anua Azelaic Acid 10 Serum
Anua
Azelaic Acid 10 Serum
$22 at Amazon
Why We Love It: If you’re new to azelaic acid and want something gentle, Anua’s Korean formula uses a relatively low concentration. Dr. Green explains that the base is 10 percent azelaic acid, paired with three types of hyaluronic acid for hydration, plus the brand’s proprietary blend of blue tansy oil, ubiquinone, green tea leaf water, aloe leaf juice, and seven types of cica. What makes it stand out, she says, is the high amount of soothing ingredients alongside the azelaic acid, making it moreThis is more of an “azelaic acid plus barrier support” formula than a straightforward active serum. That said, it’s worth noting the formula also includes betaine salicylate, a mild BHA derivative, so there’s no need to layer it with another exfoliating acid.
Editor’s Experience: “I’m usually skeptical about trying new face serums because I’m worried about breaking out, but when a brand is as trusted in Korea as Anua, I’m willing to give it a shot. Dr. Green recommends starting with one to two drops in a thin layer once or twice a week, and if your skin handles it well, gradually increasing to five drops. The formula is very thin, so it spreads easily across the face and layers nicely with my other products without pilling.” —I.B.
Key Ingredients: Azelaic acid, hyaluronic acid, blue tansy oil, ubiquinone, green tea leaf water, aloe leaf juice, cica
Size: 30 mL
Best for Uneven Texture and Tone: ANFISA Skin ÂN-DEW 10% Azelaic Acid + PHA Serum
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Anfisa Skin ÂN-DEW 10% Azelaic Acid + PHA Serum
$125 REVOLVE
Why We Love It: According to Hand, this luxurious serum from Anfisa Skin is a great choice for anyone looking to improve skin texture and clarity without using stronger exfoliants. She especially likes that it combines 10 percent azelaic acid with PHAs, which gently remove dead skin cells while helping attract water to the skin for a smoother, brighter complexion without damaging the skin barrier. She recommends applying it after cleansing and before serum or moisturizer, starting with one to two nights a week and increasing as your skin tolerates it.
Key Ingredients: Azelaic acid, PHA gluconolactone
Size: 30 mL, 50 mL
Best for Sensitive Skin: Medicube Azelaic Acid 10 Soothing Serum
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Medicube Azelaic Acid 10 Soothing Serum
$19 AMAZON
Why We Love It: Designed for sensitive, oily, and acne-prone skin, this affordable serum from Medicube uses disodium azelate—a salt derivative of azelaic acid rather than the free acid—making it a gentler option for tackling redness and breakouts. According to Dr. Green, this formulation choice usually trades some strength for a lower risk of irritation, which may appeal to those who have found traditional azelaic acid too harsh in the past. The Korean formula also includes niacinamide, centella asiatica extract, panthenol, ceramide NP, squalane, and allantoin to help calm and support the skin barrier.
Editor’s Experience: “I like to keep my skin-care routine fairly simple, but there are definitely nights when I want to go all out with a full 10-step routine, and this one is easy to fit in. I apply it after toner, spread it over my skin, and pat until absorbed. It layers well with the rest of my routine and doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin. A little goes a long way, and it’s pretty affordable.” —I.B.
Key Ingredients: Azelaic acid, niacinamide, panthenol, squalane, allantoin
Size: 30 mL
Best for Redness: InnBeauty Project Calm the Red Down Redness Treatment Serum
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InnBeauty Project Calm the Red Down Dual Chamber Redness Treatment Serum
$56 AMAZON
Why We Love It: “This is a really smart formula for anyone dealing with redness or reactive skin,” says Hand. “I like that it combines azelaic acid with calming, barrier-supportive ingredients like snow mushroom and centella stem cells rather than relying on azelaic acid alone.” The dual-chamber packaging keeps the ingredients stable until you use them, and it’s a great option for anyone whose main goal is reducing visible redness while keeping skin comfortable. It also layers nicely under a simple moisturizer, so you can keep your routine streamlined.
Key Ingredients: Azelaic acid, annonasense, peptides, snow mushroom, centella stem cells
Size: 50 mL
Best for Experienced Users: Centellian 24 Madeca Azelaic Acid 10+ Calming Serum
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Centellian 24 Madeca Azelaic Acid 10+ Calming Serum
$35 $27 (23% off) AMAZON
Why We Love It: According to Dr. Green, “This product requires the most consideration before use,” as it contains foFour types of exfoliating acids plus azelaic acid in one formula is a lot of chemical exfoliation stacked together, even if each one is at a relatively gentle concentration. She says it might not be the best option for someone new to azelaic acid or for those with reactive or barrier-compromised skin. Unlike many other azelaic acid serums, this one has a particularly watery texture and a cooling sensation, which Dr. Green says some patients with heat-triggered, rosacea-type redness may find soothing.
Key Ingredients: Azelaic acid, niacinamide, zinc PCA
Size: 30 mL
Best Booster: Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster
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Paula’s Choice
Boost 10% Azelaic Acid Booster
$42 AMAZON
Why We Love It: Paula’s Choice’s clever gel-cream booster can be mixed into any of your favorite moisturizers or serums to give them an instant complexion-clarifying, skin-soothing upgrade. A blend of 10% azelaic and 0.5% salicylic acids helps gently exfoliate to combat blemishes, while a host of calming ingredients (including licorice-root extract, bisabolol, allantoin, and adenosine) work to quell redness, leaving the skin looking clearer, smoother, and glowier.
Editor’s Experience: “I love booster products because I feel like I’m supercharging the rest of my skincare routine. This one is quite gentle and also surprisingly hydrating, thanks to three different types of hyaluronic acid. A few mornings per week, I add a few drops directly to my skin, and it blends in really easily. It also contains a bit of BHA, so I’m careful not to use it too often and risk over-exfoliating my skin.” —I.B.
Key Ingredients: Azelaic acid, salicylic acid, licorice-root extract
Size: 1 oz.
Best for Dark Spots: Allies of Skin Azelaic and Kojic Advanced Clarifying Serum
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Allies of Skin
Azelaic & Kojic Clarifying Face Serum
$99 AMAZON
$99 REVOLVE
Why We Love It: Designed to halt breakouts and clear up the dark spots they leave behind, this serum evens out skin with an impressive list of potent yet gentle ingredients. In addition to exfoliating and decongesting skin with azelaic acid, it helps fade discoloration, redness, and fine lines with kojic acid, bakuchiol, and more antioxidants. It absorbs quickly without leaving any sticky residue, hydrating skin instantly and leaving it more luminous over time.
Editor’s Experience: “This serum is stronger than some of the other serums on this list and more focused on pigmentation, which is why I use it on targeted spots rather than all over my face. Since it’s more potent, I’d ease into it gradually and make sure you’re wearing SPF (which, obviously, you should be doing anyway).” —I.B.
Key Ingredients: Azelaic acid, kojic acid, licorice extract, bakuchiol
Size: 1 oz.
Best for Post-Breakout Marks: Lion Pose Unspotted 4X Acid Jelly Night Serum
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Lion Pose
UNSPOTTED 4X Acid Jelly Night Serum
$79 LION POSE
Why We Love It: Though it features a 15% blend of four different acids, those with sensitive skin can use this cushy serum with confidence; it has been tested and approved for addressing hyperpigmentation on sensitive skin. Lactic and glycolic acids work to slough away dead cells on the skin’s surface, while azelaic and tranexamic acids inhibit tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin production. In just two weeks, you may begin to notice the fading of stubborn discoloration and even melasma.
Editor’s Experience: “With its unique jelly texture, I like layering this serum into my nighttime routine. It’s on the more active side of things, but not overly aggressive, and I’ve found it especially nice for tackling marks while still being mindful of my skin barrier. Just make sure you’re not piling on too many other actives at the same time.” —I.B.
Key Ingredients: Azelaic acid, glycolic acid, tranexamic acid, glutathione
Size: 1 oz.
Everything You Need to Know
What percentage of azelaic acid is best?
According to Dr. Rieder, there’s very little data that compares different strengths ofAzelaic acid. “I usually recommend that people use the strongest version they can handle, knowing it may take time for their skin to get used to it,” he says. Most over-the-counter products contain 10% azelaic acid. Dr. Rieder notes that lower-strength formulas can still work well, especially when combined with other brightening ingredients. For more serious acne, rosacea, or dark spots, a prescription-strength option (15–20%) might be necessary.
How to use azelaic acid
Apply azelaic acid right after cleansing, while your skin is still slightly damp. Most people can use it morning and night, but if your skin is sensitive, just use it once in the morning. Always finish with sunscreen in your morning routine to avoid making dark spots worse.
What products should you avoid using with azelaic acid?
“It’s important to use azelaic acid correctly so you don’t damage your skin barrier or make it more sensitive,” says Dr. Reszko. Although azelaic acid is usually gentle, even for sensitive skin, our experts advise against layering it with irritating ingredients like retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, vitamin C, or benzoyl peroxide—especially if your skin barrier is already weakened by acne, rosacea, or eczema. To make it more comfortable, try mixing azelaic acid with hydrating, calming ingredients. “I like pairing it with niacinamide or hyaluronic acid to reduce irritation,” suggests Dr. Adisa.
How We Tested
When we test and review a product, we take a complete approach to give you well-rounded recommendations. First, we rely on Vogue’s wide network of experts—from board-certified dermatologists to celebrity estheticians—to get professional insight into the best products on the market, ones they would actually use on their clients. We combine their knowledge with our editorial standards to create the thoughtful lists you see on our site.
For azelaic acid serums, we picked the best based on these factors: ingredients, strength, texture, how easy they are to apply, the finish, and the skin issues they target. We did this by testing each formula ourselves, along with expert advice and customer reviews, to decide which ones we’d recommend to you. Learn more about our testing process here.
Meet the experts
Evan Rieder is a double board-certified dermatologist and psychiatrist in New York.
Morayo Adisa is a board-certified dermatologist at Chicago Dermatology Physicians in Chicago.
Anetta Reszko is a board-certified dermatologist in New York.
Elizabeth Grace Hand is an esthetician and founder of Ställe Studios, a facial studio in New York.
Dr. Michele Green, MD, is a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist based in New York City.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of frequently asked questions about azelaic acid covering everything from the basics to advanced tips
Beginner Questions
1 What exactly is azelaic acid
Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring compound found in grains like wheat and barley In skincare its a multitasking ingredient that gently exfoliates the skin clears pores and reduces inflammation
2 How does azelaic acid help with acne
It works by killing the bacteria that cause acne and by reducing inflammation which helps calm existing pimples It also helps prevent new breakouts by keeping pores clear
3 I have dark spots from old breakouts Will this help fade them
Yes its excellent for that Azelaic acid inhibits melanin production which helps fade postacne marks sun spots and melasma Its often recommended by dermatologists specifically for this purpose
4 Can it really help with redness
Absolutely It has antiinflammatory properties that soothe the skin and reduce the flushing and redness associated with conditions like rosacea Its one of the few ingredients clinically proven to treat rosacea
5 Is azelaic acid safe for sensitive skin
Yes its generally considered very gentle and is often recommended for sensitive skin Its less irritating than other acids like glycolic or salicylic acid making it a great starting point for those who react to harsher actives
6 How is it different from salicylic acid
Salicylic acid is a strong oilsoluble exfoliant that dives deep into pores to clear oil Azelaic acid is gentler fights bacteria and is much better at fading dark spots and reducing redness They can be used together but azelaic acid is often better for sensitive or rosaceaprone skin
Application Usage Questions
7 When should I use it morning or night
You can use it twice a day but if youre just starting once a day is best Its safe for morning use because its not photosensitizing but you must wear sunscreen during the day Many people prefer using it at night to avoid layering it under makeup