Azelaic Acid ®
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15% gel
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Reviewed on August 13, 2025. by
Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell
Writer & Clinical Content Reviewer
Next review due on
August 13, 2028.
Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell

Last updated on Sep 05, 2025.

Organic compound that eases rosacea and treats it at the source.

  • Azelaic acid is an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant compound that’s used to treat acne and rosacea.

  • You’ll apply it to the affected area once or twice a day after cleansing your skin. It helps to improve the appearance of bumps and pimples, and reduce the redness and inflammation associated with Rosacea.

Price checker
15% gel
$174.95
  • Prices include:
    Express shipping

    2-5 day shipping by secure courier

  • Consultation + Access to our clinicians

    Ask our experts anything you like, any time you want.

  • Total
    $174.95
    Save $0.00 each order
Azelaic Acid Azelaic acid

What is azelaic acid?

Azelaic acid is a type of dicarboxylic acid that’s licensed as a topical treatment for Rosacea. It’s used to treat mild and moderate cases of papulopustular rosacea, where you get inflamed skin lesions that may be filled with pus.

Its anti-inflammatory properties help to ease redness and swelling caused by rosacea, and it can also help to unclog your pores to treat rosacea at the source.

How does azelaic acid work?

Azelaic acid works in a couple of different ways to keep rosacea under control.

Rosacea is often caused by chronic inflammation, or by blood vessels forming irregularly. In rosacea, these vessels are often exposed and widened, which is what causes the redness associated with rosacea.

 

Azelaic acid has anti-inflammatory effects to reduce the bumps, spots, and redness caused by rosacea. This can also help acne scars and other discolourations fade faster.

Azelaic acid should help to reduce how sensitive your skin is, and contribute to it looking healthier.[1]

How do azelaic acid doses work?

Azelaic acid 15% is usually the dose that’s prescribed to treat rosacea. This means in 1g of medicine, 15% is azelaic acid. If 15% azelaic acid isn’t effective enough to keep your rosacea in check, speak to your physician about whether 20% azelaic acid may be a more effective option.

What is azelaic acid’s active ingredient?

Azelaic acid is a generic medication that’s named after its active ingredient: Azelaic acid. It’s a type of dicarboxylic acid that has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and exfoliating properties.

Treated trusted source:

  1. Feng, X. et al. (2024). Azelaic Acid: Mechanisms of Action and Clinical Applications. Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology. 17. pp. 2359-2371.
Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell on August 13, 2025. Next review due on August 13, 2028.

How we source info.

When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.

Azelaic Acid Azelaic acid

How to use azelaic acid

Before you apply azelaic acid, it’s really important that you clean and dry the affected area thoroughly. Gently rub azelaic acid into the affected area twice a day (once in the morning and once in the evening). About 0.5 g (one fingertip) of gel is enough for your whole face. Make sure you wash your hands after applying azelaic acid.

Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell on August 13, 2025. Next review due on August 13, 2028.

How we source info.

When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.

Azelaic Acid Azelaic acid

Azelaic acid isn’t suitable for everyone, and there are some things that you need to be aware of when taking it.

Here’s all the official info on it. If anything is unclear, let our clinician know, and they can talk with you about it.

Azelaic Acid Azelaic acid

Azelaic Acid: FAQ

Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.

Are there any azelaic acid alternatives?

Answer:
Yes, you’ve got options when it comes to rosacea treatment. If azelaic acid hasn’t been effective, an antibiotic like doxycycline might be more suitable for you. Doxycycline fights off the bacteria responsible for rosacea symptoms – so if your rosacea is caused by bacteria, it could be a really effective treatment. Lower doses of doxycycline can also be used to treat rosacea because they can help reduce inflammation, which is another factor that may contribute to the condition.

There are other non-antibiotic options available, too. A meta-analysis comparing azelaic acid 20%, ivermectin 1%, minocycline 1.5%, and metronidazole 0.75% found that while azelaic was more effective at treating rosacea, it had the most side effects. Ivermectin was the second most effective, but also had fewer side effects than azelaic acid.[1] So if you’re looking for an alternative because you’re experiencing side effects, ivermectin might be a good choice.

How effective is azelaic acid?

Answer:
Azelaic acid is a clinically proven treatment for rosacea. A study compared the efficacy of 15% azelaic acid with placebo in 961 people with rosacea over 12 weeks. The study found that the 15% azelaic acid group had significant improvements to their Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA) scores compared to placebo. The IGA group showed 32% improvement in IGA scores compared to 23.5% in the placebo group, and there was a 61.6% reduction in inflammatory lesions (compared to 50.8% in placebo).[2]

Do I need a prescription for azelaic acid?

Answer:
Yes. Azelaic acid is a prescription-only treatment, which means a clinician needs to make sure it’s suitable for you before you use it. For example, there’s some evidence that azelaic acid could make asthma symptoms worse in those with pre-existing asthma.[3]

How long does it take azelaic acid to work?

Answer:
Azelaic acid is a long-term treatment for rosacea that’s used over several months. You’ll typically notice your symptoms improving after around four weeks of azelaic acid. If your symptoms haven’t improved after a month, or your condition worsens, speak to your doctor.[3]

What should I do if I make a mistake when taking azelaic acid?

Answer:
If you’ve accidentally used more azelaic acid than you should, it’s unlikely you’ll experience any adverse effects. But if you have any concerns or you’re unsure about anything, speak to your doctor.

If you miss applying a dose of azelaic acid, simply skip the missed dose. Don’t use twice as much to make up for a forgotten treatment.

Can I get azelaic acid through private health insurance?

Answer:
Some health insurance providers may offer plans that cover all or part of the cost of rosacea treatment. But usually, they’ll only cover specific drugs. For example, metronidazole (another treatment for rosacea) is covered by many commercial health insurance and medicare – but other treatments like azelaic acid or the brand-name MetroGel may not be.[4]

It’s always best to check your insurance plan, and speak to your provider if you have any questions about whether your treatment is covered. If azelaic acid isn’t covered by your health insurance, you should still be able to get it online from a private pharmacy service.

Are there any azelaic acid side effects?

Answer:
Azelaic acid can cause some side effects, like any drug you may take.

It’s rare (affecting up to one in 1,000 people), but if you get any of the following side effects, get urgent medical attention right away:

  • Rapid swelling beneath your skin

  • Eye swelling

  • Swelling in your face

  • Shortness of breath


The following are the most common side effects of azelaic acid, affecting more than one in 10 people:

  • Burning

  • Itching

  • Pain


Other common side effects (affecting up to one in 10 people) include:

  • Rash

  • Tingling or numbness

  • Dry skin


This isn’t a comprehensive list of all of azelaic acid’s possible side effects. If you have any questions or concerns, check out the patient information leaflet, or speak to your doctor.

Treated trusted source:

  1. Shaheen, E.A. et al. (2024). The efficacy and safety of minocycline, metronidazole, ivermectin, and azelaic acid in moderate-to-severe papulopustular rosacea: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. JAAD International. 20. pp. 23-30.
  2. Feng, X. et al. (2024). Azelaic Acid: Mechanisms of Action and Clinical Applications. Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology. 17. pp. 2359-2371.
  3. LEO Laboratories Limited. (2023). Package leaflet: Information for the user. Finacea 15% Gel. Azelaic acid.
  4. Caroline Helwick. (2021). Payer Perspective: Reimbursement Obstacles Prevent Effective Treatment of Rosacea. American Health & Drug Benefits. August 30.

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