Azelaic Acid Best Antioxidant Anti-Blemish Dark Spot Fading Smooths Bumpy Skin Azelaic Acid at a glance Famous for reducing sensitivity-induced redness Aides in diminishing blemishes and post-blemish marks Offers gentle exfoliating properties to refine skin’s texture Also delivers antioxidant benefits Can be derived from grains but the lab-engineered form is more stable/effective Azelaic Acid description Azelaic acid is famous for its ability to lessen reddened skin and bumps. It is backed by research for significantly diminishing blemishes, while simultaneously helping fade the appearance of post-blemish marks and other discolorations. It is a type of acid known as a dicarboxylic acid derived from grains that offers gentle exfoliating properties to help unclog pores and refine skin texture. Azelaic acid is also an antioxidant. Although azelaic acid can be derived from grains like barley, wheat, and rye, its lab-engineered form is typically used in skin care products because of its stability and effectiveness. This is a clear case where the synthetic version outperforms the natural version. Azelaic acid is available in strengths of 10% or less. In 2012 the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel concluded azelaic acid was a safe skin care ingredient. Related ingredients: Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate