If You Haven’t Tried Azelaic Acid Yet… You Might Be Missing Out

I get it…skincare can feel overwhelming with all the “must-have” ingredients out there. But if there’s one ingredient I recommend over and over again (especially if you deal with sensitive skin, redness, or breakouts), it’s azelaic acid. What’s amazing about azelaic acid is that it is made for everyone!

This quiet achiever doesn’t get as much hype as retinol or vitamin C, but it delivers serious results. And the best part? It’s budget-friendly, gentle, and plays nicely with other ingredients.

Let’s break down the top five reasons you might want to give azelaic acid a permanent spot in your routine.

🎥 Prefer to watch? → Click here to view the full video on YouTube (under 10min)

1. It’s a Redness-Reducing Powerhouse

If you’re dealing with rosacea, irritation, or post-acne redness, azelaic acid is your new best friend. It’s an anti-inflammatory agent that helps calm the skin, reduce visible flushing, and quiet the immune response that leads to irritation.

✔️ Bonus: It’s even FDA-approved for rosacea.

I personally love this for my sensitive-skin days, it works quietly but effectively. Plus, it’s so affordable that if you see a pricey azelaic acid on the shelf… consider that your red flag.

Over-the-counter varieties typically range in strength around 10% or less, which is best for mild or post-acne or redness. Prescription strengths jump up to 15-20%, best for rosacea or inflamed acne or hyperpigmentation, which may deliver faster results. Starting with an over-the-counter 10% azelaic acid product is a great introduction to this agreeable additive to your routine! It is best to see how your skin tolerates a lower dose, if it works (which it usually does), and if there even is a need to go to the prescription level strengths. Here are some of my favorite azelaic acid products that are over-the-counter and will not break the bank. All of these can be found at our favorite stores like Target and Sephora.

Inkey List 10% Azelaic Acid – under $20

Naturium Azelaic Acid Emulsion 10% – under $25

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension – under $30

Paula’s Choice Azelaic Acid Booster – under $40

2. It Helps Control Excess Oil

Is your skin oily or combination? If your skin gets oily midday or you’ve noticed clogged pores and greasy shine, azelaic acid can help regulate sebum production. I often recommend pairing it with niacinamide for a one-two punch: niacinamide in the morning, azelaic acid at night.

Together, they help:

• Minimize pores
  
• Balance oil production
  
• Keep your skin looking fresh, not slick
  

I’ve seen this combo work wonders for combo and oily skin types. Just be patient, consistent use is key!

3. It Fades Dark Spots and Post-Acne Marks

Azelaic acid works to fade hyperpigmentation by slowing melanin production. Whether you’re dealing with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, sun spots, or even melasma, this ingredient can help even out your tone over time. Azelaic acid slows down melanin production (the pigment in your skin) by inhibiting the tyrosinase enzyme, which is essential in the process your skin uses to make pigment. By slowing this down, azelaic acid prevents excess melanin being formed in areas of inflammation or injury (like post-acne marks or melasma).

It’s not instant, but it’s gentle enough for long-term use—a huge win for those of us with reactive skin.

Pro tip: For mild spots, 10% over-the-counter products work great. For stubborn melasma or deeper marks, you may need to talk to your derm about a 15–20% prescription.

4. It Fights Acne Without the Harsh Side Effects

Azelaic acid checks three major acne-fighting boxes:

• Kills acne-causing bacteria
  
• Reduces inflammation
  
• Decreases oil production

It’s not usually a standalone acne treatment (especially for moderate to severe breakouts), but it’s an incredible supporting player, especially if other ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or retinoids are too irritating.

And here’s something many don’t know: azelaic acid is considered pregnancy-safe, making it a rare gem for hormonal breakouts during pregnancy.

5. It Layers Well With Other Skincare Ingredients

Unlike some actives that fight with everything else in your routine, azelaic acid is super easy to pair. It layers beautifully with:

• Niacinamide
  
• Hyaluronic acid
  
• Retinol (in most cases)
  
• Vitamin C (for most skin types)

It’s the “team player” of your skincare lineup—low drama, high performance.

How to Add Azelaic Acid into Your Skincare Routine

Azelaic acid goes in your treatment step — After cleanser, before moisturizer.

If you have seen my youtube videos, you know I talk about the perfect layered steps to a good skincare routine, if you like layering. These are: Cleanser, Treatment Product, Moisturizer, Sunscreen (if in the morning). Another good rule is thinnest to thickest consistency.

You can use it morning or night, depending on what else is in your routine. However, my preference is to alternate actives every other night to avoid potential irritation.

Start with a thin layer, and always follow with sunscreen in the morning. Trust me, consistency and SPF are your best friends when using brightening ingredients.

My Favorite Budget-Friendly Azelaic Acid Picks:

1. The Inkey List Azelaic Acid (10%)
   → Around $20 | Great for calming redness, includes soothing allantoin
   
2. The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension (10%)
   → Under $30 | Silky texture, great starter option
   
3. Naturium Azelaic Acid Emulsion (10%)
   → Around $22 | Includes niacinamide, a double whammy for redness and oil
   
4. Paula’s Choice Azelaic Acid Booster (10%)
   → Around $39 | Includes powerhouse ingredients to clarify uneven tone

Final Thoughts

Azelaic acid is one of those rare skincare ingredients that does a little bit of everything, without irritating your skin or wrecking your wallet. Whether you’re dealing with acne, uneven tone, redness, or just want a gentler active to round out your routine, this underrated hero deserves a second look.

💻 Still curious about how to use azelaic acid in your routine? Watch my full Youtube breakdown here (under 10min)

Have questions? Drop them in the comments or send me a DM on Instagram @thebudgetdermatologist. I’m always happy to help you build a routine that actually works.