Dicarboxylic acid
Azelaic Acid
White to off-white cream with a smooth, matte finish
Typical Strength
10%–20%
Formulations
5 compounds
Formula
C₉H₁₆O₄
Mol. Weight
188.22 g/mol
How It Works
Mechanism of action
Selectively cytotoxic to hyperactive melanocytes while sparing normal ones. Anti-keratinizing, antibacterial against P. acnes, and inhibits reactive oxygen species — addressing acne, rosacea, and pigment simultaneously.
Did you know?
Azelaic acid is naturally produced by a yeast (Malassezia furfur) that lives on healthy human skin. Prescribers often consider it during pregnancy; ask yours.
What compounding can change
When Azelaic Acid is compounded for one patient, your prescriber can choose the concentration, combine it with other ingredients, and pick the base. Commercial products come in fixed strengths and bases.
Safety Considerations
Available In
Formulations with Azelaic Acid
Tretinoin / Azelaic Acid / Niacinamide Cream
Tiered-strength all-in-one renewal cream pairing retinoid turnover with azelaic tone correction.
Hydroquinone / Tretinoin / Azelaic Acid / Hydrocortisone Cream
Kligman's triple with azelaic acid added, for prescribers who want a fourth pathway during the hydroquinone cycle.
Azelaic Acid / Tranexamic Acid / Niacinamide Cream
High-strength azelaic acid with tranexamic acid for melasma and dark spots when hydroquinone is not wanted.
Tretinoin / Clindamycin / Azelaic Acid / Niacinamide Cream
The retinoid-antibiotic-azelaic acne combination without benzoyl peroxide, for patients who cannot tolerate bleaching or dryness.
Azelaic Acid / Ivermectin / Metronidazole / Niacinamide Cream
Comprehensive single-jar rosacea program targeting papules, redness, and barrier in one step.
Commonly paired with
These ingredients frequently appear alongside Azelaic Acid in our formulations.
Please note: Compounded medications require a prescription from a licensed prescriber for an individual patient. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved. The FDA does not review them for safety, effectiveness or quality. A compounded medication is not the same as, or a generic version of, any FDA-approved drug. This page is general information, not medical advice. Your prescriber decides whether a treatment is right for you and sets the final ingredients, strength and dosage form.