Azelaic Acid is a versatile active used to support clearer-looking skin, smoother texture, and a more even appearance of tone.
It is popular in routines for breakouts, post-breakout marks, and redness-prone skin, because it delivers results without feeling like a harsh acid system when formulated well.
Azelaic acid has limited water solubility, so it performs best when you use the right delivery approach and focus on good sensory and comfort.
FEATURES
- Blemish routine support – helps improve the look of congestion and post-breakout marks.
- Even tone support – targets the appearance of uneven tone and discolouration.
- Texture refining – supports smoother-looking skin over time.
- Comfort focused – works well in gentle, barrier-aware formulas when properly delivered.
BEST FOR
- Leave-on creams
- Gel creams
- Serums
- Spot treatments
- Blemish support moisturisers
FORMULATION GUIDELINES
| INCI | Azelaic Acid |
|---|---|
| Type | Multi-benefit active (tone + blemish + texture support) |
| Solubility | Low water solubility. Best handled as a fine dispersion or with a suitable solvent system. |
| Use Rate | 5–10% common for leave-on skincare. Lower levels can be used for sensitive positioning with a supportive brightening stack. |
| pH Compatibility | We recommend finished product pH 4.5–6.5 for leave-on skincare comfort and stability. |
| Temperature Tolerance | Stable under normal processing. We recommend adding with controlled mixing and avoiding unnecessary high-heat holding. |
| Pro Tip | For smoother feel, use finely milled azelaic acid and build a suspension system that prevents settling and grittiness. If you are formulating a gel cream, hydrate your thickener system first, then add azelaic acid as a uniform dispersion. Pair with calming support (example: beta glucan, allantoin, panthenol) to improve comfort, especially at higher doses. If the product stings, lower the percentage, improve barrier support, and re-check pH. |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Stability Notes | Main risks are settling, grittiness, and uneven skin feel. Build a strong suspension strategy and test across temperature cycles. |
| Storage | Keep sealed, cool and dry. Protect from humidity. |
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