Yes, azelaic acid really can improve acne, rosacea and pigmentation

Azelaic acid side effects

“Of all the acids, azelaic acid is usually well tolerated with minimal side effects,” Dr Ejikeme notes. However, like any exfoliating ingredient, there is the chance that skin could flare up and become red.

“When starting an acid, I usually recommend you go slow and only start one active at a time to prevent irritation to the skin,” she adds.

And finally, while SPF should already be an integral part of our everyday skincare regime, Dr Ejikeme explains that it’s even more important to diligently apply it when using azelaic acid. “All acids can make skin more sensitive to the sun,” she says.

13 Best azelaic acid products for calmer, brighter skin

Prepare for skin that boasts clearer pores and a more radiant gleam with this supercharged blend of salicylic acid, azelaic acid and barrier-boosting ceramides.

Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster

Salicylic acid and liquorice join forces with azelaic acid to unclog pores and boost its skin-brightening prowess.

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%

With a high percentage of azelaic acid at a low price, this gel-cream is a good entry point product. It does, however, contain silicone so if blocked pores and congestion are an issue, this may not be the right formula for you.

REN Clean Skincare Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic

This watery exfoliant leans on azelaic acid, lactic acid and BHAs to tackle an uneven tone and make dull skin look lit.

SkinCeuticals Phyto A+ Brightening Treatment

Yes, this moisturiser is pricey, but the formula, which boasts 3% azelaic acid, arbutin, niacinamide and hydrating squalane, is good at dealing with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, especially in dark skin tones.

Applied overnight, acne-fighting azelaic and salicylic acids ensure that even the angriest looking chin-hugger has shrunk by morning. And all without leaving skin crispy and raw.

The Inkey List Super Solutions 10% Azelaic Acid Serum

Created with rosacea in mind, this fast-absorbing serum delivers a double whammy of anti-inflammatory azelaic acid to dial down redness and a green-tinted formula to help mask flushed skin.

Q+A Azelaic Acid Facial Serum

A double threat of azelaic acid and zinc PCA protects against spot-forming bacteria and balances oil levels – all for under £10.

Algenist Blue Algae Vitamin C Dark Spot Correcting Peel

Algenist’s team of scientists has harnessed the power of a 100% pure, algae-derived vitamin C to join azelaic acid in creating a more even skin tone.

Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth BHA+AHA Salicylic Serum

A hit with social media’s skin-fluencers, use this blend of salicylic, mandelic and azelaic acids to decongest your skin after a big night out. Also good: hyaluronic acid swoops in to replace lost moisture and plump up fine lines.

This Works Morning Expert Multi-Acid Pads

If you’re time poor, these pads will do all the heavy lifting. Fruit-derived AHAs exfoliate, while skin-soothing azelaic acid and liquorice root step in to reduce the size of spots.

Beauty Pie Happy Face 10% Azelaic Acid Skin-Clearing Gel-Cream

If you’re a Beauty Pie member you can walk away with this instant soother for a purse-friendly £22. Made in Japan, clinical ingredients including azelaic acid and niacinamide meet traditional calming ingredients such as sakura and centella asiatica for less redness in just one week.

Boots Ingredients Azelaic Acid Gel Cream

A Swiss army knife of creams, this Boots version can be dabbed onto spots, red cheeks and patches of pigmentation while its cooling gel/cream formula feels deliciously refreshing.

For more from Fiona Embleton, GLAMOUR’s Associate Beauty Director, follow her on @fiembleton.