Azelaic acid is an essential and underestimated cosmetic ingredient for simultaneously targeting redness, blemishes, pigment spots, and areas of dryness or flaking.

noli's read

Azelaic acid is indeed a very solid ingredient, supported by rigorous skincare research. A major meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published by Dr. Sarah King in 2023 in the *Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology* confirms that it outperforms neutral formulas in reducing skin blemishes and soothing diffuse redness. Regarding complexion radiance and the reduction of pigment spots, another systematic review from the same year indicates that an application of 20% azelaic acid offers results comparable to reference cosmetic solutions. Concerning areas with scales or localized skin discomfort, its efficacy is also documented, although the scientific evidence is more modest and comes from phase II pilot clinical studies. This advice is therefore perfectly well-founded, as this versatile ingredient amply deserves its place in a routine for achieving an even complexion.

the sources

No named source held this one up — that absence is part of the verdict.