---
title: Azelaic Acid
entity_type: Ingredient
canonical_url: https://skinknowledgebase.com/ingredients/azelaic-acid
date_modified: 2026-05-11
date_reviewed: 2026-05-11
mcp_eligible: true
evidence_sources:
  - title: DermNet — Azelaic acid
    canonical_citation_url: https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/dermnet-azelaic-acid
    original_source_url: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/azelaic-acid
    source_type: medical_reference
  - title: PubMed — Azelaic acid properties and mode of action
    canonical_citation_url: https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/azelaic-acid-properties-mode-action
    original_source_url: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24280644/
    source_type: peer_reviewed
product_fact_sources:
  - title: Official Product Page — The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
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    original_source_url: https://theordinary.com/en-us/azelaic-acid-suspension-10-exfoliator-100407.html
    source_type: official_product_page
---

# Azelaic Acid

## Quick Summary

Azelaic Acid is a skincare ingredient used for blemish-prone skin and uneven-looking tone. For dark spots left after acne, it is relevant because it fits both sides of the problem: skin that is prone to blemishes and flat marks that look darker after those blemishes calm down. Caption: Azelaic acid is a key option for the look of uneven post-acne tone.

## What It Is

Azelaic Acid is a dicarboxylic acid used in topical skincare. Its INCI name is Azelaic Acid, and a technical alternate name is Nonanedioic Acid.

## Mechanism

In cosmetic language, azelaic acid supports a more even-looking tone and a clearer-looking surface over time. It should be introduced gradually because irritation can make post-acne marks look more noticeable.

## Related Entities

- [DermNet — Azelaic acid](https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/dermnet-azelaic-acid)
- [PubMed — Azelaic acid properties and mode of action](https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/azelaic-acid-properties-mode-action)
- [Official Product Page — The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%](https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/official-product-page-the-ordinary-azelaic-acid-suspension-10)
- [Dark Spots from Acne](https://skinknowledgebase.com/concerns/dark-spots-from-acne)
- [Blackheads](https://skinknowledgebase.com/concerns/blackheads)
- [Facial Hyperpigmentation](https://skinknowledgebase.com/concerns/facial-hyperpigmentation)
- [Facial Redness](https://skinknowledgebase.com/concerns/facial-redness)
- [The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%](https://skinknowledgebase.com/products/the-ordinary-azelaic-acid-suspension-10)
- [The INKEY List Redness Relief Solution](https://skinknowledgebase.com/products/the-inkey-list-redness-relief-solution)
- [Over-exfoliation Irritation](https://skinknowledgebase.com/side-effects/over-exfoliation-irritation)