The 7 best azelaic acid products for redness and dark spots

Key takeaways

• Azelaic acid is a gentle acid that dermatologists use for acne, rosacea and dark spots. Over-the-counter products usually contain 10%, while prescription versions contain 15% or 20%.

• Our top pick is The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%: a cream-like formula with 10% azelaic acid for $12.20.

• For redness, The INKEY List 10% Azelaic Acid Serum adds allantoin and reports less visible redness in four days.

• The AAD says azelaic acid is thought to be safe to use during pregnancy, while most experts recommend stopping retinoids such as tretinoin and adapalene.

• Results take time: DermNet says acne tends to improve in about four weeks, and rosacea can take up to 12 weeks.

What azelaic acid does

Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring acid that works on several skin concerns at once. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says it “opens clogged pores and helps keep them open, works on the bacteria that cause acne, and reduces inflammation,” and that it can also treat the dark spots left behind after acne clears. The AAD also lists prescription azelaic acid among treatments for rosacea and melasma.

Strength matters. DermNet notes that a 15% azelaic acid gel is approved in the US for rosacea, and that a 20% cream is sold in a number of countries. The products on this list are over-the-counter formulas, most at 10%, so they’re lower strength than the prescription versions. DermNet adds that azelaic acid doesn’t cause sun sensitivity and is especially useful for darker skin tones with brown marks after acne or melasma, though it can also lighten skin, which is more noticeable on darker skin.

Unlike retinoids, it’s generally considered compatible with pregnancy. The AAD’s guide to acne treatment during pregnancy says azelaic acid “is thought to be safe to use during pregnancy.” Check with your doctor first either way.

We compared each product on its published ingredient list, not on hands-on testing. We looked at the stated azelaic acid strength, supporting ingredients, whether fragrance is listed, and the price.

1. The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%: best overall

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% is a cream-like suspension with 10% azelaic acid in a silicone-rich base. The Ordinary says it improves the look of uneven skin tone and visibly improves skin texture, and describes it as gentle enough for daily use and non-comedogenic.

Key features:

• 10% azelaic acid. It’s the standard over-the-counter strength.

• No fragrance on the ingredient list. The formula is also alcohol-free and oil-free.

• Morning and evening. The Ordinary’s directions call for a small amount twice a day.

Tradeoff: The Ordinary advises against using it in the same routine as strong acids, retinoids or peptides, which takes some planning.

Best for: anyone trying azelaic acid for the first time on a small budget.

Price: $12.20 for 30 ml, or $28.80 for 100 ml.

2. Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster: best for blemish-prone skin

Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster pairs 10% azelaic acid with salicylic acid, licorice root extract, bisabolol and allantoin in an oil-free cream-gel. Paula’s Choice says it visibly clarifies uneven tone, fades acne marks and reduces redness.

Key features:

• Azelaic acid plus salicylic acid. It’s the only 10% formula here that lists salicylic acid itself, at 0.5%.

• Mixes into other products. Paula’s Choice says you can blend it into a moisturizer without SPF.

• Up to twice a day. Paula’s Choice suggests morning and/or night.

Tradeoff: at $42 it costs more than three times our top pick for the same azelaic acid strength.

Best for: blemish-prone skin with leftover marks.

Price: $42 for 1 fl oz.

3. The INKEY List 10% Azelaic Acid Serum for Redness Relief: best for redness

The INKEY List 10% Azelaic Acid Serum for Redness Relief combines 10% azelaic acid with 0.3% allantoin in a green-tinted serum. The INKEY List says it’s clinically proven to minimize the look of redness in four days, based on a study of 22 people, and labels it fragrance-free.

Key features:

• Made for redness. The green tint from gardenia extract helps offset the look of red skin.

• Fragrance-free. The INKEY List also says it’s pregnancy and breastfeeding safe.

• Light serum texture. The INKEY List says it absorbs quickly without pilling.

Tradeoff: The INKEY List advises against using it in the same routine as AHAs, BHAs, PHAs, retinol or vitamin C.

Best for: rosacea-prone or easily flushed skin.

Price: $20 for 30 ml.

4. Naturium Azelaic Acid Emulsion 10%: best multi-ingredient formula

Naturium Azelaic Acid Emulsion 10% combines azelaic acid with niacinamide, a plant-based retinol alternative (bidens pilosa extract), allantoin and oat. Naturium labels it fragrance-free and says it’s appropriate for sensitive skin.

Key features:

• Azelaic acid plus niacinamide. The two are a common pairing for redness and uneven-looking tone.

• Fragrance-free. Naturium labels it fragrance-free.

• Gentle start. Naturium suggests using it a few times a week at first, then building up.

Tradeoff: with several added ingredients, it’s harder to pinpoint the cause if your skin reacts.

Best for: people who want azelaic acid and niacinamide in one step.

Price: $22 for 30 ml.

5. Anua Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum: best hydrating pick

Anua Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum combines 10% azelaic acid with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, centella, zinc PCA, panthenol and ceramide NP. Anua describes it as non-comedogenic and low-irritation.

Key features:

• Hydrating extras. Hyaluronic acid, panthenol and ceramide NP help offset dryness.

• Centella compounds. It lists several centella extracts, including madecassoside.

• Easy ramp-up. Anua suggests starting once or twice a week and building to twice a day.

Tradeoff: Anua says it has no artificial fragrance rather than calling it fragrance-free, though no fragrance is listed.

Best for: oily or sensitive skin that wants azelaic acid in a light, hydrating serum.

Price: $24.

6. Good Molecules 10% Azelaic Acid Treatment: best budget pick

Good Molecules 10% Azelaic Acid Treatment is a cream with 10% azelaic acid, centella and passion fruit seed oil. It’s sold as fragrance-free and is marketed to reduce the appearance of post-acne spots and soothe the look of facial redness.

Key features:

• Very low price. At $12, it has the lowest sticker price here, though The Ordinary’s 100 ml size costs less per ml.

• Centella included. Centella leaf vesicles sit alongside the azelaic acid.

• Suitable for daily use. It’s made to be massaged in and left to absorb before other products.

Tradeoff: beyond centella and passion fruit seed oil, it doesn’t add much to support dry or sensitive skin, so it does one job.

Best for: trying azelaic acid for as little as possible.

Price: $12 for 1 oz.

7. La Roche-Posay Effaclar A.Z. Gel: best acne treatment

La Roche-Posay Effaclar A.Z. Gel Azelaic Acid Acne Treatment is an over-the-counter acne gel. Its active ingredient is 1.2% salicylic acid, and azelaic acid is listed among the other ingredients, without a stated percentage. La Roche-Posay reports that blemishes looked reduced from one week in a study of 81 people.

Key features:

• An acne treatment, not a serum. Salicylic acid is the regulated active ingredient.

• Flexible use. La Roche-Posay suggests a thin layer one to three times a day, starting with once daily.

• Easy to find. It’s sold at major retailers including CVS, Target and Walmart.

Tradeoff: it contains fragrance, and the azelaic acid strength isn’t disclosed, so it isn’t comparable to the 10% formulas above.

Best for: breakouts, when you want salicylic acid and azelaic acid together.

Price: $42.99.

How to use azelaic acid

• Apply it after cleansing and before moisturizer. Thinner formulas go first, as our guide to skincare routine order explains.

• Start slowly. A few times a week is a sensible start. Tingling is common at first.

• Don’t stack it with other strong acids at first. The Ordinary and The INKEY List both suggest keeping it out of the same routine as strong acids and retinoids. Our guide to how often to exfoliate covers how to avoid overdoing it.

• Pair it with niacinamide if you like. The two are often combined, though The INKEY List suggests using them at different times of day, and our list of the best niacinamide serums covers options.

• Wear sunscreen every day. Azelaic acid doesn’t cause sun sensitivity, according to DermNet, but daily SPF helps keep dark spots from coming back.

Frequently asked questions

What does azelaic acid do for your skin?

It helps unclog pores, calm the look of redness and fade dark spots. The AAD says it works on acne bacteria and reduces inflammation, and it’s also prescribed for rosacea and melasma.

Is 10% azelaic acid strong enough?

For many people, yes, as a gentle daily option. Prescription versions are 15% or 20%, so if a 10% product isn’t helping after a few months, a dermatologist can prescribe a stronger one.

Can you use azelaic acid with niacinamide?

Yes. They’re often paired, and Naturium and Anua both combine them in one formula.

Can you use azelaic acid every day?

Yes, once your skin is used to it. Most products on this list are made for once- or twice-daily use, but it’s best to start a few times a week.

How long does azelaic acid take to work?

DermNet says acne tends to improve in about four weeks, rosacea can take up to 12 weeks, and the full effect on acne takes about six months.