Here in the skin care world, we love our all-rounder ingredients.
If you’re looking for a jack-of-all-trades ingredient that tackles multiple skin concerns while still being gentle on skin, you don’t wanna be sleeping on azelaic acid.
Azelaic acid is a skin care ingredient known for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and blemish-fighting abilities. It’s found in many serums to address skin conditions like acne, rosacea and hyperpigmentation.
What are the benefits of azelaic acid?
- Combats acne: This powerhouse ingredient fights troubled skin with its antibacterial properties.
- Calms redness and irritation: Azelaic acid is rich in anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe irritation and calm redness commonly associated with skin conditions like rosacea.
- Evens out skin tone: By inhibiting tyrosinase (an enzyme involved in melanin production), azelaic acid helps fade hyperpigmentation such as dark spots and post-acne scars.
- Refines skin texture: Azelaic acid gently exfoliates dead skin cells and stimulates skin cell turnover to promote smooth skin.
How to use azelaic acid
If you’re new to azelaic acid, start slow by applying a pea-sized amount once a week and gradually increasing usage as your skin builds tolerance. Apply your azelaic acid product on clean, dry skin after the cleansing step in your skin care routine. During the day, be sure to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Bestselling Azelaic Acid Products on YesStyle:

Anua – Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum
This Anua azelaic acid serum needs no introduction as the K-Beauty fave has gained a cult following thanks to its soothing and blemish-fighting benefits. Azelaic acid in the formula keeps acne breakouts in check by balancing sebum levels and calming inflammation. With consistent use, uneven skin tone level out and post‑acne marks gradually fade for improved skin clarity. Hyaluronic acid and botanical extracts promote a gentle and hydrated finish.
NINELESS – A-Control 10% Azelaic Acid Serum
NINELESS’s bestselling serum is formulated with 10% azelaic acid plus niacinamide to fade dark spots and even out skin tone while being gentle on skin. Full of nourishing ingredients like centella asiatica, panthenol and snail secretion filtrate, this serum is great for skin that needs soothing and hydrating care.


Purito SEOUL – Azelaic Acid 10 Kojic Tea Tree Serum
If troubled skin and post-acne scars are your main skin concerns, Purito SEOUL’s soothing and brightening serum effectively tackles blemishes with a potent mix of azelaic acid, tea tree and kojic acid. Other skin‑friendly ingredients like niacinamide and soothing botanicals make the gentle serum perfect for sensitive and acne‑prone skin types. The dual-layer, oil-serum formula balances excess sebum production, calms redness and promotes improved skin clarity.
medicube – Azelaic Acid Exosome Shot 2000
medicube pairs azelaic acid with exosome technology to refine skin texture and promote healthy skin. This minty serum gives sensitive skin a breather, while reducing excess oil with actives like niacinamide. It’s also packed with moisturizing and barrier-loving ingredients like centella asiatica extract, ceramide NP, collagen and hyaluronic acid.

