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Azelaic Acid (Topical)

Azelex, Finacea, Skinoren

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Meta Information

ID:azelaic-acid
Name:Azelaic Acid
Schema Version:1.5

Alternate Names

  • Azelex
  • Finacea
  • Skinoren

Active Compound

azelaic acid

Intervention Type

therapeutic_agent

Delivery

Route:
topical_skin
Scope:
  • local

Is Skin Health

True

Regulatory Status

  • us:rx_drug
  • us:otc_drug
  • eu:rx_drug

Indication

Focus:
  • disease_treatment
  • symptom_management
Description:
Primarily used to treat mild to moderate inflammatory acne vulgaris and rosacea.

Typical Protocol

  • Apply a thin layer of 15-20% cream, gel, or foam to affected areas once or twice daily after cleansing.

Expected Cost Mean

Low Cost:
25
High Cost:
150
Cost Type:
monthly
Description:
Cost per tube; prescription versions are often covered by insurance.

Summary

Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid that treats acne and rosacea by reducing inflammation, normalizing skin cell turnover, and inhibiting bacterial growth. While its primary use is therapeutic, these mechanisms may also offer secondary benefits for skin appearance by addressing issues like post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Its impact on systemic healthspan is negligible.

Purpose

Topical treatment for acne and rosacea with anti-inflammatory properties.

Card Summary

A topical dicarboxylic acid used to treat acne and rosacea by reducing inflammation and bacterial growth.

Drug Class

dicarboxylic_acid_agent

Drugs In Class

Empty Array

Impact

Score:
3
Justification:
Localized skin benefits for specific conditions; no systemic healthspan impact.

Evidence

Grade:
A
Score:
9
Justification:
Multiple high-quality RCTs and meta-analyses for treating acne and rosacea.

Safety

Score:
2.5
Justification:
Minimal systemic absorption; side effects are typically mild, local, and transient.

Flags

  • May cause temporary skin irritation, burning, stinging, or itching upon initial application.
  • Hypopigmentation (lightening of skin) has been reported; use with caution in individuals with dark complexions.
  • Avoid contact with eyes, mouth, and other mucous membranes.

Verdict

Excellent for treating acne and rosacea; minimal direct healthspan benefits.

Qualifier

topical

Created

2026-05-05T21:57:17.721554Z

Ai Model

Gemini 2.5 Pro (High)