Azelaic Acid
AKA “NONANEDIOIC ACID, Anchoic acid, Finacea, Lepargylic acid, 7-Heptanedicarboxylic acid, Azelex, Skinoren, Heptanedicarboxylic acid”
Acid
Ingredient Facts
Azelaic acid
AKA: NONANEDIOIC ACID, Anchoic acid, Finacea, Lepargylic acid, 7-Heptanedicarboxylic acid, Azelex, Skinoren, Heptanedicarboxylic acid
Acid · Buffer · EWG: 5
Synthetic
Fragrance
Acid
Clean
A naturally derived ingredient that helps clarify skin by reducing bacteria and smoothing texture, while providing antioxidant protection.
Solubility 2400
Formula
C9H16O4
Mol. Weight
188.22
CAS #
123-99-9
Form
Liquid
State
Pellets or Large Crystals; Other Solid
See origin →
Functions
Buffer
Fragrance
Added for scent. Can be natural or synthetic. Common irritant and allergen — one of the top reasons people react to products.
Buffering
Maintains optimal pH
Traditional Use
Developed in the 20th century as a synthetic dicarboxylic acid, used in modern skincare formulations as a pH buffer and preservative booster. No traditional use; created specifically for cosmetic chemistry applications.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Uneven Texture
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Azelaic Acid
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Azelaic acid and its salts
Health Canada
Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist
Topical azelaic acid, salicylic acid, nicotinamide, sulph...
Haibo Liu, Haiyan Yu, Jun Xia, Ling Liu, Guan J Liu, Hong Sang + 1 more
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 2020
Topical azelaic acid, salicylic acid, nicotinamide, sulph...
Haibo Liu, Haiyan Yu, Jun Xia, Ling Liu, Guan J Liu, Hong Sang + 1 more
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 2020
Topical azelaic acid, salicylic acid, nicotinamide, sulph...
Haibo Liu, Haiyan Yu, Jun Xia, Ling Liu, Guan J Liu, Hong Sang + 1 more
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 2020
Topical azelaic acid, salicylic acid, nicotinamide, sulph...
Haibo Liu, Haiyan Yu, Jun Xia, Ling Liu, Guan J Liu, Hong Sang + 1 more
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 2020
Topical azelaic acid, salicylic acid, nicotinamide, sulphur, zinc and fruit acid (alpha-hydroxy acid) for acne.
Liu H, Yu H, Xia J, Liu L, Liu GJ et al.
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 2020
The versatility of azelaic acid in dermatology.
Tamara Searle, Faisal R Ali, Firas Al-Niaimi
The Journal of dermatological treatment, 2022
The versatility of azelaic acid in dermatology.
Tamara Searle, Faisal R Ali, Firas Al-Niaimi
The Journal of dermatological treatment, 2022
Verified Feb 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR